Carlow University

What Carlow University does

Carlow University is a private, nonprofit Catholic institution of higher education founded in 1849 by the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university operates a 14-acre main campus in Pittsburgh's Oakland innovation district plus two satellite locations in Westmoreland and Cranberry, and delivers 117 on-campus and 84 online programs spanning undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate levels across disciplines including healthcare (nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, respiratory therapy), education, business, social work, psychology, science and math, and the arts. The institution is structured around multiple academic colleges with dedicated leadership, a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and a reported 96% outcome rate of undergraduate alumni employed or enrolled in advanced degree programs within six months of graduation.

The business model is tuition-driven, with revenue generated from undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs delivered on-campus, online, and at satellite locations. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; prospective students must contact admissions for tuition information. Distribution combines direct enrollment (assigned enrollment counselors guiding applicants through the Common App and proprietary Celtic Portal), virtual tours, satellite campus outreach, and a multi-channel marketing presence across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, podcasts, and a blog. The university is privately governed by a Board of Trustees with no parent company or private equity backing.

Carlow's competitive differentiation is built on Sisters of Mercy heritage and a social justice mission, exclusive clinical placement partnerships with major regional healthcare systems (AHN, UPMC, St. Clair Hospital, Heritage Valley Health System, WVU Health System), regional sole programs in Occupational Therapy Doctorate and Computer Science (with a unique Google mentorship program in Western PA), and multiple program-level accreditations (CCNE for nursing, CSWE for social work, PA Department of Education for teacher prep). Sustained grant funding totaling $16 million over five years and a $12 million permanent endowment for the Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship Hub have supported program expansion in early childhood education, literacy, and workforce diversity initiatives.

Name

Carlow University

Legal name

Carlow University

Website

https://carlow.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1849

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Carlow University is a private nonprofit Catholic institution founded in 1849 by the Sisters of Mercy, offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs across healthcare, education, business, and social work via its Pittsburgh main campus, two satellite locations, and 84 online programs. The university serves approximately 2,000-3,500 students with a 10:1 faculty ratio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Affiliated Private Research Universities (EDAHABAJ)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Undergraduate degrees
• Graduate programs
• Nursing education
• Online learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue from tuition charged for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs. Programs offered on-campus, online, and at satellite locations with varying tuition structures.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Carlow University is a private nonprofit Catholic university that sells higher education services, offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate degree programs in healthcare, business, education, social work, psychology, science, and the arts. Programs are delivered on the main Pittsburgh campus, at two satellite locations in Western Pennsylvania, and online, with revenue derived from tuition, fees, grants, and donations.

Product overview

Carlow University is a higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs across multiple disciplines. The university provides undergraduate degrees (BA, BS, BSW, BSN, Associate), graduate degrees (MBA, MSN, MSW, MEd, MA, MFA, MS, DPT, OTD, DNP, EdD, PsyD), and certificate programs through on-campus, online, and satellite delivery formats. Programs are organized into academic colleges covering Art & Design, Business & Management, Data Analytics, Education, English & Communications, Healthcare (including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Respiratory Therapy), Humanities, Law & Criminal Justice, Psychology & Counseling, Science & Math, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. The institution also operates Campus Laboratory School for education practicums, the Purple Door food pantry for community service, and hosts the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp. Carlow emphasizes its Mercy values and social justice mission across all academic offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Undergraduate Degree Programs Bachelor's degrees (BA, BS, BSW, BSN) in arts, sciences, business, education, healthcare, social work, psychology, and other fields, available on-campus and online.
• Graduate Degree Programs Master's degrees including MBA (with specializations in Fraud & Forensics, Healthcare Management, HR Management, Leadership & Management, Project Management), MSW, MSN, MEd, MA, MFA, MS, and MSN-MBA dual degree.
• Healthcare Programs Healthcare degree programs including nursing (BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated Second Degree BSN), respiratory therapy, neurodiagnostic technology, surgical technology, healthcare management, healthcare data analytics, exercise science, sports management, and pre-professional tracks.
• Graduate Nursing Programs Graduate nursing programs including MS in Nursing (MSN), MS in Nursing Executive Organizational Leadership, Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and MSN-MBA Dual Degree.
• Occupational Therapy Programs MS in Occupational Therapy and Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) — the region's sole program offering both degrees.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program with a head, hand, and heart philosophy emphasizing advocacy for healthcare equity.
• Physician Assistant Program MS in Physician Assistant program preparing students for PA licensure.
• Speech-Language Pathology Program MS in Speech-Language Pathology program.
• Education Programs Teacher preparation and education graduate programs including early childhood education, special education, secondary education, autism teaching, dyslexia teaching, educational leadership, reading specialist, and Doctorate in Education (EdD).
• Psychology & Counseling Programs Undergraduate psychology majors (general, child development, crisis & trauma) and graduate programs including MA in Psychology, MS in Professional Counseling, Doctorate of Counseling Psychology (PsyD), and dual degrees.
• Business & Management Programs Undergraduate and graduate programs including Business Management, Human Resource Management, Esports Business Management, MBA with various specializations (Fraud & Forensics, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, Leadership & Management, Project Management), and Executive MBA.
• Data Analytics Programs Programs in data analytics, healthcare data analytics, and cyber threat research and analytics at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Science & Math Programs Undergraduate programs in biology (general, human biology, environmental science), chemistry, computer science (with Google mentor program), behavioral neuroscience, cybersecurity, and mathematics; graduate programs in cardiovascular perfusion.
• Social & Behavioral Sciences Programs Programs including social work (BSW and CSWE-accredited MSW with concentrations in direct practice, macro practice, and school social work), crisis & trauma, forensic social work, restorative justice, and behavioral health.
• Law & Criminal Justice Programs Programs in criminology, fraud and forensics, and criminal justice at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Art & Design Programs Undergraduate and graduate programs in fine arts, graphic design, media arts, ceramics, art history, art education, and art therapy preparation.
• English & Communications Programs Undergraduate and graduate programs in English, communications (advocacy & social change, digital media, organizational management), and creative writing (MFA low-residency).
• Certificate Programs Graduate and undergraduate certificates including autism teaching, dyslexia teaching, early childhood leadership, educational leadership, online teaching, reading specialist, special education, STEM teaching, healthcare management, human resources, project management, fraud and forensics, and cyber threat research.
• Associate Degree Programs Two-year associate degrees in neurodiagnostic technology, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology.
• Online Programs Flexible online degree and certificate programs including RN to BSN, healthcare data analytics, healthcare management, criminology, psychology, business management, fraud & forensics, MSN programs, MSW, MBA specializations, DNP, and various education certificates.
• Satellite Location Programs Programs available at Westmoreland (145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood) and Cranberry (850 Cranberry Woods Drive) satellite locations including Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Early Childhood Education, and Early Development and Learning.
• Campus Laboratory School On-site Campus Lab School and Early Learning Centers providing hands-on practicum opportunities for education students.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% of undergraduate alumni employed or enrolled in advanced degree within six months of graduation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Mark Cuban FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Carlow University hosting Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp for high school students from underserved communities. Three-Saturday hands-on curriculum introducing AI fundamentals with ethical and real-world application focus.
• Allegheny Health Network (AHN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor healthcare employment pipeline partner. Graduates of nursing, accelerated nursing, and healthcare programs have priority employment pathway. Clinical rotations and partnerships for multiple programs.
• UPMCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor regional healthcare partner with unique advantage for healthcare management students. Provides employment pipeline and practical placement opportunities for graduates.
• St. Clair HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partner for respiratory therapy graduates upon graduation. Clinical placement opportunities for healthcare students.
• Heritage Valley Health SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partner for respiratory therapy graduates. Clinical rotation site for healthcare programs.
• WVU Health SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partner for respiratory therapy graduates. Extends employment reach beyond Pittsburgh region.
• Westmoreland County Community CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSatellite location partner at 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, PA. Offers Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Early Childhood Education, and Early Development and Learning programs.
• Regional Learning Alliance (Cranberry)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSatellite location partner at 850 Cranberry Woods Drive. Offers Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Early Childhood Education, and Early Development and Learning programs.
• GooglecoreTechnology or IntegrationGoogle partnership program for computer science students. Provides real-world programming experience starting freshman year. Unique Google mentor program - only one in Western PA.
• Woodland Hills School DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Carlow Counseling Clinic providing mental health services. Students gain real-world experience while reducing stigma and eliminating financial, transportation, and insurance barriers to mental health care.
• Pittsburgh DioceseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through Sister Mary Paul Hickey Professional Development Project providing scholarships to teachers from Campus Lab School and Pittsburgh and Greensburg Dioceses.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• La Roche University: Small Catholic private university in Pittsburgh with undergraduate and graduate programs including nursing, education, and business. Closely comparable in faith affiliation, scale, tuition model, and program mix.
• Mount St. Mary's University: Catholic private university in Maryland offering undergraduate and graduate programs including nursing, education, business, and liberal arts. Comparable in faith-based mission, scale, and tuition model.
• Point Park University: Private, nonprofit university in downtown Pittsburgh offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, communications, performing arts, and education. Comparable in scale, urban location, tuition-based model, and mixed traditional/adult learner population.
• King's College: Catholic, Holy Cross-affiliated private college in Wilkes-Barre, PA with programs in healthcare (nursing, PA, PT), education, and business. Comparable in size, faith affiliation, regional Pennsylvania positioning, and program portfolio.
• Chatham University: Private, nonprofit Pittsburgh-area university with strong programs in healthcare (nursing, OT, PT), business (MBA), and sustainability. Direct peer given similar size, Pittsburgh location, mission-driven positioning, and overlapping healthcare program portfolio.
• Seton Hill University: Catholic, Sisters of Charity-affiliated university in Greensburg, PA (near Pittsburgh) offering healthcare, education, business, and arts programs. Direct peer in faith-based heritage, regional geography, size, and program portfolio.
• Duquesne University: Catholic, faith-based private university in Pittsburgh offering similar undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in healthcare (nursing, pharmacy), business, education, and liberal arts. Duquesne is the closest direct peer given shared Catholic heritage, similar size, and overlapping healthcare and education programs in the same metro.
• Robert Morris University: Private university in Pittsburgh region offering undergraduate and graduate programs with strengths in business, nursing, and engineering. Comparable private nonprofit model and Pittsburgh-area footprint.
• Marywood University: Catholic, Sisters of Providence-affiliated private university in Scranton, PA with strong programs in healthcare (nursing, PT, OT, PA), education, social work, and arts. Closely comparable in faith heritage, size, mission, and program mix.

Regional players

• University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown: Regional four-year public institution in western Pennsylvania serving similar traditional undergraduate population. Comparable in scale and regional positioning but differs in public-versus-private status and religious affiliation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CarlowU
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/carlowuniversity
• Facebookfacebook.com/36137667182
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/carlow-university
• Instagraminstagram.com/carlowuniversity
• TikToktiktok.com/@carlowuniversityofficial

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carlow University