Holy Family University: A Legacy of Achievement and Service
Selecting the best university involves identifying a community that fosters academic and personal growth. Holy Family University, a private Catholic university founded in 1954 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is known for its close-knit campus, career-focused programs, and emphasis on integrity and service. With a main campus in the Torresdale section of Northeast Philadelphia and a satellite location in Newtown, Bucks County, Holy Family University enrolls approximately 3,600 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university's location provides students with a quiet, suburban-like environment and access to the cultural, professional, and social amenities of a major city. Holy Family University strives to strike a balance between affordability, a values-based education, and practical learning.
A History of Growth and Transformation
Holy Family University's journey began in 1952 with Sister M. Neomisia Rutkowska, CSFN, Provincial Superior of the Immaculate Conception Province of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who sought approval to found a women's college. In 1954, Holy Family College was established as a four-year college for women, empowered to award bachelor's degrees in arts and sciences.
The university's early years saw rapid development. The first academic year commenced on September 2, 1954, with seventeen young women attending classes in the mezzanine of Nazareth Academy High School. By November, the first student government was established, and in December, the first Christmas Rose program premiered. In 1955, the first Holy Family Symposium was established, and the cornerstone for Holy Family Hall was laid. The first issue of Tri-Lite, the student publication, was released in May 1955.
Throughout the following decades, Holy Family continued to expand its programs and facilities. In 1955, John Cardinal O’Hara, CSC, dedicated Holy Family Hall. The Pennsylvania Council of Education approved the secondary education program in April 1956. The university commenced its non-credit program for adults in October 1956, and the first intercollegiate sport was organized in the spring of 1957. The parents association and alumni association were established in 1957, along with the science club, Albertans. In 1958, Holy Family held its first Commencement.
The 1960s saw an enrollment boom, with the 1960 enrollment almost fifteen times the original enrollment in 1954. In December 1961, Holy Family achieved accreditation status from The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The university launched a five-year expansion fund with plans for a library, science building, new dorm, and auditorium. In June 1964, Holy Family launched the Mexican Project, sending a student to Mexico for social work. Holy Family celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1964. The school year of 1967-68 saw the creation of the Counseling Center. In June 1967, Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology, was chartered.
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In 1970, Holy Family’s charter was revised to permit conferral of the baccalaureate degree on male graduates as well as female. In 1971, the athletic teams adopted the name “Tigers.” The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools reaffirmed Holy Family’s accreditation status in April 1971. Male students were accepted to full-time status, and the Nursing Department commenced its program in September 1971. In 1973, the baccalaureate degree was conferred on males and nursing students for the first time.
The University Archives was established in September 1973. In 1976, the National League for Nursing granted full accreditation status to the baccalaureate program in nursing at Holy Family. In September 1977, the Green mansion became a student union building.
The 1980s saw continued growth and development. In 1981, Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, was inaugurated as the fourth president of Holy Family University. The university implemented a computer system for administrative and educational purposes with a gift from The Pew Memorial Trust. In 1987, Holy Family instituted its first annual “Awards for Teaching Excellence.” In 1989, Holy Family held its first annual golf tournament.
In September 1990, Holy Family launched its graduate studies program. On December 12, 2002, Holy Family College received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for a change of status to University.
Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs
Holy Family University is organized into four schools: Arts & Sciences, Business & Technology, Education, and Nursing & Health Sciences. The university offers over 40 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, combining professional training with a liberal arts education.
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The School of Arts & Sciences offers programs in psychology, criminal justice, biology, and liberal studies. The School of Business Administration provides programs in marketing, finance, accounting, and business administration. The School of Education offers programs in early childhood education and special education. The School of Nursing & Health Sciences provides programs in nursing (BSN, MSN), radiologic science, and health promotion. Graduate and Professional Studies include programs in counseling psychology and education leadership. Online degree programs include RN-to-BSN, MBA, criminal justice, and education. These online programs offer flexible schedules, hybrid formats, and reasonably priced tuition, making them perfect for working adults. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on ethics, practical experience, and a dedication to lifelong learning in all programs.
Holy Family University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Admissions and Affordability
Holy Family University's admissions process aims to be transparent and welcoming. The Holy Family University acceptance rate reflects the commitment of the university to accessibility and opportunity, making higher education more accessible to all students.
Undergraduate applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum GPA of 2.5 (3.0+ for competitive programs like Nursing), and a completed application form. SAT/ACT scores are optional but encouraged for merit scholarships. A personal statement or essay and one letter of recommendation are also required, along with official transcripts. Graduate applicants must submit a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0 (varies by program), GRE or GMAT scores (only for select programs), an updated resume or CV, letters of recommendation (usually two), a statement of purpose, and official undergraduate transcripts. International students are required to provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores and additional documentation, including financial affidavits and evaluated transcripts.
Holy Family University is committed to affordability and provides a range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Tuition varies depending on the program and degree level. For full-time students, undergraduate tuition is approximately $33,000 annually, graduate programs range from $12,000 to $18,000, and doctoral programs range from $25,000 to $30,000. Online programs range from $640 to $890 per credit.
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The university offers merit-based and need-based scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. The Presidential Scholarship offers up to full tuition for outstanding academic achievement in high school. The Achievement Award provides $5,000-$10,000/year based on GPA and standardized test scores. Transfer Student Scholarships offer up to $15,000/year for students transferring with a strong GPA. A Catholic High School Grant provides $1,500/year for graduates of Catholic high schools. Graduate Merit Scholarships are available for students with a GPA of 3.5+ and a strong academic record.
Holy Family University participates in federal and state financial aid programs. Students are advised to submit the FAFSA early to ascertain their eligibility for Federal Pell Grants, State Grants (e.g., Pennsylvania State Grant), Federal Work-Study, Subsidized/Unsubsidized Student Loans, and Graduate PLUS Loans. Nearly 95% of undergraduates receive financial aid of some kind.
Campus Life and Location
The main campus supports learning and community life by combining modern academic buildings and student facilities with green, open spaces. The university offers students in the area easily accessible educational options through its additional satellite campuses in Newtown and Bensalem. The Holy Family University campus creates an environment where students can flourish academically and socially, whether they are meeting peers in collaborative spaces, taking advantage of digital labs, or attending classes in a traditional lecture hall. Its closeness to Philadelphia's downtown also makes networking, cultural events, and internships more accessible.
Convenient on-campus housing is available at Holy Family University to accommodate the needs of both undergraduate and graduate students. The university makes sure on-campus options are still available for those who prefer a full campus experience, even though many students opt to live off-campus for independence. Undergraduate residence halls offer shared or private rooms, often including dining and residence-life support, with an average cost of $6,000-$8,500 per semester. Graduate/Professional Housing offers apartment-style units or private suites for grad students, with an average cost of $8,000-$10,000 per semester.
Off-campus housing is a popular option for students looking for more independence, flexible schedules, and reasonable lease terms. Shared apartments offer private rooms with shared kitchen/living areas, with an average cost of $5,500-$7,500 per semester. Studio apartments offer furnished units with private bath and kitchenette, with an average cost of $7,500-$9,500 per semester. 1-3 bedroom apartments offer fully furnished options for groups or solo living, with an average cost of $9,000-$12,000+ per semester.
Notable Alumni: Exemplars of Achievement and Service
Holy Family University has a proud history of developing graduates who make their mark on their communities and professions. These alumni exemplify the attributes of service, leadership, and lifelong learning. The Alumni Achievement Award honors distinguished graduates who have displayed great accomplishments in professional achievement, community volunteer service, and humanitarian efforts. Through these accomplishments, these alumni bring recognition to themselves and to Holy Family University.
Here are some notable Holy Family University alumni:
Lieutenant Commander Ellie (Hopkins) Bracken ’80, BSN: Joined the Navy as a Nurse Corps officer shortly after graduating from Holy Family. She served for 26 years, with 20 years of active duty and 6 years of reserve duty. She received many awards throughout her career, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. In the summer of 1990, while stationed at the Emergency Department at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Ellie and her ER colleagues were deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm. During this 7-month deployment, Ellie provided full resuscitation and emergency services for acutely wounded patients as well as combat care for multinational forces, ex-patriots, refugees, and enemy prisoners of war. In 2006, she retired at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego where she ran Recruit Processing, overseeing the administration of hundreds of vaccines each day.
Ted Qualli ’00: Has worked to improve the lives of others through leadership positions within city government, statewide trade associations, and nonprofit organizations for the past 20 years. Before launching his own business, T. Qualli & Associates LLC, Ted served as the first civilian Executive Director in the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia’s (PAL). During Ted’s tenure, PAL secured the three largest gifts in organizational history, opened five new PAL Centers, modernized PAL’s headquarters, and implemented an organizational-wide metrics and outcomes program which quantified a measurable impact on juvenile crime. Before joining PAL, Ted spent seven years with Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania, most recently as Vice President, External Affairs & Marketing. He also served as President of the Big Brothers Big Sisters State Association of Pennsylvania. Before that, Ted spent five years working in various communications positions for the City of Philadelphia during the Mayoral Administration of John F. Street, serving as both Deputy Director of Communications in the Office of the Mayor, and as Director of Communications for the City’s Department of Human Services.
Lieutenant Colonel Barbara McCormick ’03, M’07 DNP, RN, CEN: Serves in the United States Air Force Reserves Nurse Corps. She is currently the Chief Nurse of the 514 Aerospace Medicine Squadron at the Joint Base McGuire/Dix, Lakehurst, New Jersey. While a student at Holy Family, Barbara, then a young wife and new mother, was deployed to Afghanistan where she served as a critical care air transport nurse. Barbara was named “Nurse of the Year Award for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware” in 2003 by Nursing Spectrum magazine and she also received the American Legion Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Performance of Duty, and Holy Family’s American Service Award that same year. A true leader of service, Barbara has served her community as a Cub Scout leader with the Boy Scouts of America (2007-2012), as American Legion Post 521 Commander (2015-2019), and she was selected as the 2020 President-elect for New Jersey State Region 5.
Rita (Seeger) Jablonski ’86, Ph.D., CRNP, FAAN, FGSA: Began her journey in nursing as a first-generation student at Holy Family. Today, Rita works as the Director of Research and Scholarship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition to assisting others at her institution, she has received grants for her own research, including a $1.7 million grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide oral hygiene training to caregivers in local nursing homes to improve the quality of care for residents with dementia. Earlier this year, Rita was honored as a Leader and Innovator by Geriatric Nursing, a peer-reviewed healthcare journal. She has also been named a Fellow of both the Gerontological Society of America and the American Academy of Nursing, among other awards and honors.
Jerry Wydro ’90, M.D.: Is the Chair of the Emergency Medicine Department at Jefferson Health Northeast in Philadelphia. In this role, he oversees a clinical enterprise of 3 emergency departments, staffed by over 50 emergency medicine clinicians who treat over 120,000 patients annually. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), having served as an EMS provider for over 35 years. He also serves as the regional EMS medical director for Bucks County, PA, and is the Advanced Life Support services medical director for both 9-1-1 and inter-facility transport services in the region.
Roger Falloon ’97: Is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Chickie’s and Pete’s and is responsible for the daily operation of the organization. He has initiated, led, promoted, and supported multiple local charities during his career that have benefited organizations such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand, City Year Philadelphia, Ronald McDonald House, and the Fraternal Order of Police Survivors Fund.
Dennis Kilfeather ’05, M’11: Is a Partner at Lear & Pannepacker, LLP, a public accounting firm with offices in Princeton, NJ, and Newtown, PA. Dennis spent seven years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County. Dennis also volunteered with a local food pantry and church in Wrightstown, PA, collecting canned goods, delivering holiday food packages to those in need, and helping the pastor host monthly dinner cabernets for terminally ill neighbors and parishioners.
Christine Tartaglione: Pennsylvania State Senator and long-time labor and disability activist.
Ann Marie DiNardo: Distinguished educator and Past President of the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Employers.
Rev. Kevin J. Gallagher: Community organizer and impactful faith-based leader in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
These individuals continue to engage with Holy Family University by sharing their personal and professional experiences, providing mentoring, giving guest speaker engagements, and philanthropy.
A Thriving Community
With more than 23,000 proud graduates, Holy Family University remains deeply rooted as an anchor institution in Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County, PA. The university fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging alumni to connect and engage with their alma mater. Alumni are invited to give to Holy Family, helping to create transformative opportunities for students, faculty, and the university community. The Alumni Association’s signature events, such as TigerFest Homecoming, Career Circles, Reunion, and Night at the Phillies, provide opportunities to reconnect, celebrate, and grow.
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