Quinnipiac University
Hamden, York Hill, and North Haven, Connecticut
Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational university where students engage in an educational experience that’s both personal and challenging, guided and mentored by faculty who care deeply about student success and outcomes.
Quinnipiac enrolls approximately 6,800 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students in business, communications, computing and engineering, health sciences, liberal arts and natural sciences, medicine, nursing, social work and law. Through QU’s academic centers and institutes, students are paired with faculty to transform in-class academic theory into real-world solutions through research and experiential learning.
With nearly 98% of graduates obtaining a job, starting a business or enrolling in graduate school within six months of graduation, Quinnipiac has been widely recognized for its outcomes and value.
Quinnipiac University alumna Jess Ruderman ’19, MS ’20 unleashed her ambition by drawing on the exceptional skills and experiences she developed as a Quinnipiac student taught by faculty who have flourished in the field. In 2021, she won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service on the strength of her contributions to The New York Times’ coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She and dozens of her colleagues worked tirelessly to collect quickly changing data and make sense of it for the public. “It was a lot of data collection,” Ruderman said. “We were getting data from a lot of different sources…and working with various public information officers.” Ruderman said she was amazed by how much she learned about spreadsheets and data analysis during her time at the university, preparing her for the unprecedented data collection challenges posed by the pandemic.
“Data has always mattered and has always provided context for a story,” Ruderman said. “The pandemic has shown the world why data really matters — and people are starting to realize what a number can really mean on an individual basis.”
Get to know Quinnipiac University
College Highlights
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Quinnipiac students are provided opportunities to conduct independent research and to present their findings at professional conferences and in research publications. Students also participate in national competitions with funds available through various sources to support student travel to regional and national competitions and professional conferences. Examples include American Mock Trial Association Competition, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Student Design Competition, Pediatric Medical Student Research Forum, and National Student Advertising Competition.
DIVERSITY
Quinnipiac’s mission is to develop and nurture a diverse and inclusive community where each member is acknowledged and respected and has the necessary resources to thrive, both individually and together. The Department of Cultural and Global Engagement offers programming for both historically underrepresented students, first-generation students, and international students including:
- First-Year Immersion Program – a two-week residential summer program for historically underrepresented admitted students, which helps facilitate successful transition to university life, improve academic performance, and increase retention through social, cultural and academic initiatives.
- Department of Cultural and Global Engagement – provides an environment that supports and encourages students to celebrate their cultural heritage together, offering programs for students of color to receive mentoring and leadership skills training as well as opportunities to engage in open, honest conversations about issues of equity, social justice and other sensitive topics.
- QU Enriching Student Transitions (QUEST) – provides a means for first-year underrepresented students to connect directly with peer and professional mentors to aid in their success and adjustment to the college environment.
- International Student Orientation – Session for incoming international students catering to their unique needs adjusting to college and living in the U.S.
- The Learning Commons – a rich hub of resources where all students can receive guidance on assignments and coursework as they cultivate individual learning preferences. Professional academic support staff and certified peer tutors work directly with students to create an individualized academic improvement plan designed to capitalize on students’ strengths to help achieve course and learning goals. Learn more.
GLOBAL LEARNING
As part of its mission to expand diversity and develop enlightened and compassionate global citizens, Quinnipiac supports international engagement opportunities for students. Study abroad programs are offered in 32 countries and include traditional semester-long programs, short-term programs, alternative spring break, faculty-led courses, and global service learning programs. Additionally, Quinnipiac’s 20 Centers and Institutes open doors to incredible opportunities for students to intern, study, work and conduct research in countries around the world.
Many semester-long programs are purposefully designed to help students stay on track with their major, even as they travel. Some examples include nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and health science programs in Ireland and Spain; engineering programs in France and the Netherlands; and business programs in Poland and Czech Republic (Czechia). The university also facilitates global internships for business and communications students in England, Italy, and Germany as well as biomedical science students in Barbados.
As someone who is compassionate and caring, Mia Calore ’23, seemingly hasn’t missed a beat in getting the most out of her four years at Quinnipiac. In many ways, her involvement has also helped her to give back.
As a Quinnipiac nursing student, Mia was inspired by the faculty and training opportunities, which she feels have prepared her well for a career in nursing. “I thought [nursing] might be a good field for me, because I want to make a difference in people’s lives…”
“My minor [in Global Public Health] allowed me to study abroad for four weeks in Argentina. I got to experience another way of life in a developing country, and it added to the need I feel to help people around the world.”
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 166 | 10-19: 536 | 20-29: 416
30-39: 368 | 40-49: 46 | 50-99: 38 | 100+: 0
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 2%
Hispanic/Latinx: 9%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 4%
White, non-Hispanic: 76%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 4%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 2%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 2%
A FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS
Quinnipiac University strives to instill a mindset of lifelong learning, establishing an inclusive, excellence-driven community, nurturing local and global communities, and fostering meaningful connections.
The First-Year Seminar explores society’s most relevant issues through several multidisciplinary lenses. Classes include students from a range of majors beginning the same journey toward critical thinking and problem-solving required to become 21st-century professionals and globally-minded individuals.
“What I enjoy so much about teaching the First-Year Seminar is the opportunity to address complex, systemic issues that cut across academic and knowledge areas. We start with questions, and then look for perspectives that help us to find answers to – or leads on – those questions. It’s always surprising, and rewarding, when every student in the class finds their own set of questions to pursue! This is a wonderful way to introduce the academic enterprise.” — Sean Duffy, Professor of Political Science | Executive Director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute
FLEXIBLE YET COMPREHENSIVE CORE
The University Curriculum (UC) is designed to maximize student choice with a solid foundation in the liberal arts: social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and natural sciences. Students can select the courses that either complement their major or they can explore other topics of interest.
As part of the University Curriculum, the I Course covers Intercultural Citizenship and Responsibility. Designed to introduce students to the human diversities across the world, the course helps students develop a greater awareness of the historical, social, political, and cultural factors that have contributed to discriminatory practices.
INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING
Cross-disciplinary learning is inherent to a Quinnipiac education.
The University Curriculum Breadth Elective courses are designed to be interdisciplinary, transferable, and generalizable for any undergraduate major. Faculty-led study away courses are another unique feature of the UC program that allows for cross-disciplinary coursework and experiences. Students can study diverse theories of education in Guatemala, conservation biology in Costa Rica, sustainable development in Morocco, or the Holocaust and its aftermath in Poland, to name a few.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
SERVICE-LEARNING
Quinnipiac University offers a variety of coursework that includes a service-learning/community-engaged component with local community partners. There are a handful of service-learning or community-based global learning programs linked to capstone or special topics courses that have included travel to the Bahamas, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Los Angeles, and New York City. Courses allow students to learn both inside and outside of the classroom on complex issues related to such issues as global health and health disparities, environmental justice, food security, engineering, sociology, poverty, and biology. All service-learning courses include a graded reflection component as well as robust pre-departure training or coursework.
As champions of community service, students also volunteer throughout Connecticut, whether that be through assisting with Ronald McDonald House projects or by motivating school children in the region during “Read Aloud” days. Additionally, health professions students provide free clinics, while law students perform legal services and tax preparation for residents in need. Student organizations, as well as sororities and fraternities host a number of fundraising events throughout the academic year. And, the Quinnipiac community participates in the largest community service event each spring during “The Big Event.”
LIVE HERE. THRIVE HERE.
In addition to residence halls for first- and second-year students on the Mount Carmel (main) Campus, QU provides upperclassmen a variety of living units to choose from on the nearby York Hill Campus, including deluxe singles, apartment-style and suite-style units, as well as off-campus houses.
Our 18 Living-Learning Communities bring students with similar interests, passions and academic pursuits together in a shared residential environment and include: Arts and Music; Business 3+1; Business and Entrepreneurship; Communications 3+1; Communications and Media Leadership; Computing and Engineering; eSports and Gaming; Honors; Interprofessional Healthcare; Law and Legal Systems; Live Well; Multicultural; Natural and Environmental Sciences; Nursing; Occupational Therapy; Psychology; Sports; and Unity (LGBTQIA+).
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
There’s always plenty to do on campus. The Carl Hansen Student Center, on the Mount Carmel Campus, is the hub of many student activities. The center is home to student government and student organization offices, a media center for the student-run radio and television stations, and the campus newspaper.
Many additional opportunities are available to students to enhance their college experience, including 140 student clubs and organizations, sorority and fraternity life, headliner concerts each fall and spring, special event nearly every weekend sponsored by the Student Programming Board, a distinctive guest speaker series, student theater productions several times each year, fitness and recreation activities, intramurals and club sports, as well as Division I athletics. Annual events include Parents and Family Weekend in the fall and the annual student Holiday Dinner before winter break.
With her philosophy of helping others attain positive outcomes through “challenge by choice,” Ellen Bissell BS ’23, MS ’24, is an inspirational student leader dedicated to supporting others in listening to their body, mind and soul.
Ellen brings positivity to the Quinnipiac community as a member of the QTHON management team, an e-board member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a Balletone fitness program leader.
She served as the 2022 program administrator and the 2023 campus relations chair for QTHON, a student fundraising dance marathon that raised nearly $104,000. this year in support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
Obtaining her bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in molecular and cell biology through the College of Arts and Sciences accelerated dual degree program has kept Bissell busy academically, but she highly recommends finding time to contribute to the Quinnipiac community as a student.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Located in suburban Hamden, Connecticut, midway between New York City and Boston and just 15 minutes from New Haven, Quinnipiac offers convenient access to high-quality internships and field experiences at top companies and organizations, while also providing a campus that is incredibly picturesque and, above all, safe. QU’s proximity to major cities also means easy access to pro sporting events, entertainment, galleries and museums, shopping, and restaurants.
The Mount Carmel Campus, the primary campus for undergraduate academics and first- and second-year campus housing, sits adjacent to Sleeping Giant State Park, with miles of walking and hiking trails and panoramic views of campus from the summit.
The nearby York Hill Campus offers residential housing for juniors and seniors, a lodge-like student center with a dining hall, pub and grill, fitness center, and study and meeting space. The campus is also home to a twin-arena sports facility for the men’s and women’s Division I basketball and ice hockey teams.
The North Haven Campus, just 5 miles away, is home to QU graduate programs and includes the Schools of Education, Health Sciences, Nursing, Law and the Frank H. Netter, MD School of Medicine.
ATHLETICS
Quinnipiac’s 21 Division I sports teams make “Bobcat Nation” a thrilling place to be. In 2023, the men’s ice hockey team brought home the National Championship title.
Women’s: Acrobatics and Tumbling, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball
Men’s: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis
Quinnipiac also offers 21 club sports, numerous intramural leagues as well as fitness and recreation offerings.
Mascot: Boomer the Bobcat
School colors: Navy Blue and Gold
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 95%
Undergraduates: 75%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for single students
Theme housing
Wellness housing
For elementary school teacher Mike Maresca, MAT ’15, reaching students from diverse ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds is the most inspiring and challenging part of his job.
Maresca recalls the time he and his professors spent on classroom management, particularly on how to navigate language barriers and motivate students dealing with difficult situations at home. His field work and internships in New Haven, Connecticut helped him to face these challenges with confidence. The internships also helped to cover most of his tuition costs in his final year.
“Elementary school is where these students form a lot of their opinions and perceptions of school,” Maresca said. “If their early experience is a good one, it will have a positive impact for the rest of their lives.”
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Quinnipiac University places significant emphasis on experiential and applied learning. Students engage with the professional world through internships, practicums, clinical rotations, service-learning, faculty-mentored research, and study abroad programs. These experiential opportunities are supplemented by campus recruitment events such as career fairs, on-campus interviewing, alumni and professional guest speakers), formal and informal alumni mentorship opportunities, and career development tools and resources.
In addition to their participation in recruiting events, employers are active partners in the training and guidance of QU students through classroom conversations as well as résumé reviews, mock interview programs, and course-related project partnerships. All students have access to career coaches affiliated with their academic path for one-on-one guidance. Dedicated professional advisors are also available for students on pre-health professions and pre-law tracks. Many programs also offer career development courses as standalone options, or in conjunction with off-campus learning experiences.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Quinnipiac in Los Angeles program (QU in LA) is offered year-round, providing students the opportunity to live, work and learn in the film and television capital of the world. The QU in LA program appeals to students from a wide variety of majors who want to experience and understand the unique working environment of entertainment and media in Los Angeles.
The Quinnipiac in Washington, D.C., program (QU in DC) provides students of all majors with the chance to live, work, and learn in the nation’s capital, the hub for American politics, government, international relations, and national security. With more broadcast media companies, news organizations, elite public relations firms, and government agencies than anywhere else in the world, D.C. offers a unique opportunity for aspiring communications, political science, and business professionals to kickstart their careers.
Admission
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Quinnipiac reviews admission applications on a holistic basis, considering several factors including grade patterns, specific courses taken throughout high school, AP credits earned, the essay, recommendations, and standardized test scores. While Quinnipiac is “test optional” for most academic programs, test scores are required for select programs and in certain other instances. Refer to the link below for more details.
Application deadlines:
November 1 – Early Decision (binding)
November 15 – Early Action (Strongly recommended for candidates applying to the Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy and Nursing programs)
February 1 – Regular Decision
Quinnipiac is a member of the Coalition Application and the Common Application.
Find more details on admission requirements at: www.qu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/admission-requirements/
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA
Character/personal qualities | Level of applicant’s interest
Important
Class rank | Standardized test scores | Application Essay | Recommendation(s)
Interview | Extracurricular activities | First generation | Alumni/ae relation
Geographical residence | State residency | Volunteer work
Considered
Work experience
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 550 | 75th Percentile: 630
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 540 | 75th Percentile: 630
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 23 | 75th Percentile: 28
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 22 | 75th Percentile: 27
ACT English
25th Percentile: 23 | 75th Percentile: 29
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $48,200
Fees: $2,560
Room & Board: $15,440
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Quinnipiac is committed to helping students find the resources necessary to complete their education, regardless of their personal financial situation. More than 92 percent of full-time QU students receive financial aid through a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans.
The Financial Aid Office works with all applicants to ensure that they receive the maximum state, federal, and institutional aid for which they are eligible. The only form needed to apply for need-based financial aid at Quinnipiac is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.)
Additionally, generous merit scholarships are awarded to incoming students based on previous academic work for which no financial need is required. Awards are renewable each year for the first four years of undergraduate study provided students maintain a certain minimum GPA for their specific major and meet the requirements of satisfactory academic progress. No special application is needed to be considered for merit aid. Students are notified of merit awards in their letter of acceptance.
Find more information about financing your education at www.qu.edu/finaid.
What Others are Saying
Contact Quinnipiac University
Contact Admissions
www.qu.edu/admissions/undergraduate
(203) 582-8600
admissions@qu.edu
Main Campus
275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
York Hill Campus
305 Sherman Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
North Haven Campus
370 Bassett Road
North Haven, CT 06473