Reasons Why Students Choose University of Scranton Graduate Programs

Choosing a graduate program is one of the most important steps you can take for your career and your future. It’s a decision that goes beyond finding the right degree. It’s about choosing an institution that will support your goals, challenge you to grow, and prepare you to make an impact in your field.

At The University of Scranton, that kind of personal attention defines the experience.

“You are not just a number — you’re an individual,” says Melissa Afshari, Director of Graduate and International Admissions. “Faculty get to know each student’s background, strengths, and goals, guiding them toward success with genuine care and high expectations.”

That commitment to the whole person — paired with accredited programs, expert faculty, and flexible online formats — has made Scranton a nationally recognized leader in graduate education. Here’s why so many students choose Scranton to take the next step in their careers.

5 Ways Scranton Graduate Programs Stand Out

Credibility, quality, and tangible outcomes are often top priorities for aspiring graduate students. Scranton graduate programs deliver on all three, offering a combination of strengths that consistently attract students from diverse fields and career stages.

 

1. Academic Excellence With Recognized Accreditation

One of the top reasons students choose Scranton is the quality of its academic programs. The institution holds program-specific accreditations that signal excellence to both students and employers. Some examples include:

• Business: The MBA and Master of Accountancy programs are AACSB-accredited, a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
• Health Administration: The Master of Health Administration (MHA) is CAHME-accredited and aligned with the American College of Healthcare Executives, reflecting the highest standards in the field.
• Nursing: The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring rigorous preparation for advanced practice.
• Cybersecurity: The M.S. in Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity (CIC) is built on industry standards like the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, aligning curriculum with real-world employer needs.

Beyond accreditation, Scranton faculty bring a wealth of real-world expertise to the classroom. Students learn from scholar-practitioners who are not only experts in their fields but also dedicated mentors.

Courses incorporate emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, business analytics, and sustainable practices, ensuring graduates are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

2. Flexible, Accessible Learning Formats

For many graduate students (especially working professionals), flexibility is just as important as quality. The following features help Scranton programs fit into students’ lives:

• 100% online formats are available across graduate programs, many with asynchronous coursework so students can balance work, family, and study.
• Part-time options allow students to move at their own pace, while accelerated tracks help motivated learners finish sooner.
• Multiple start dates per year give students more opportunities to begin their studies without waiting on traditional academic calendars.
• Streamlined admissions with no GRE/GMAT requirements and no application fees remove common barriers to enrollment.

These factors make it possible for busy professionals and career changers to pursue graduate study without putting their lives on hold.

3. Career Advancement and Strong Outcomes

Scranton graduate programs are designed with career growth in mind. Students don’t just gain knowledge, they acquire the skills, credentials and experiences employers demand. Consider the following examples from just some of the 40+ programs offered:

• MBA students can choose from nine specializations in high-demand areas such as accounting, supply chain management, and business analytics, positioning themselves for leadership roles.
• MAcc students prepare for the CPA exam while developing advanced expertise in auditing, taxation, and analytics, opening doors to roles at top firms.
• MHA graduates are equipped to step into healthcare leadership positions, filling a talent gap in a field projected to grow significantly in the next decade.
• CIC students strengthen their resumes by earning industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ alongside their degree.
• FNP graduates enter the workforce “day one ready,” with a 100% first-time pass rate on certification exams and strong employment outcomes.

These are just a few of the highlights, but regardless of program, Scranton students will find the same combination of academic rigor, practical preparation, and meaningful career outcomes. Its alumni network also helps graduates make meaningful professional connections, opening doors to internships, career opportunities, and mentorship.

4. Affordability and Value

Graduate education is an investment, and Scranton ensures that investment is both accessible and worthwhile. Here’s how:

• Scranton’s tuition is competitively priced regionally across most programs while offering the prestige of a nationally recognized university.
• Programs maintain a transparent cost structure, with one flat tuition rate regardless of residency.
• Options like dual degrees (MBA/MHA) or BS-to-MS pathways allow students to save both time and money.
• Students benefit from personalized financial aid counseling and employer partnerships that help make graduate education affordable.

This combination of quality and value ensures students see a strong return on investment in their careers.

5. Rooted in Jesuit Values

What truly sets Scranton apart is its Jesuit foundation. The University’s mission emphasizes cura personalis, or “care for the whole person” — fostering intellectual, ethical, and personal growth.

“Students at Scranton don’t just learn how to lead, but why — with ethical decision-making woven throughout the curriculum to help them address complex challenges and lead with integrity,” Afshari explains. "Whether advancing healthcare, strengthening businesses, or defending against cyber threats, Scranton graduates are prepared to use their skills in service of the greater good."

Shape Your Future With Scranton

Graduate students choose The University of Scranton because they know they will receive more than a degree. They gain an education that blends academic excellence, career preparation, flexibility, affordability, and values that last a lifetime.

If you’re ready to advance your career and make a meaningful impact, explore Scranton’s graduate programs today.