How to get into Moravian University
How to get into Moravian: one of the oldest universities in the U.S. with a Moravian-Christian heritage and the InFocus topic-year curriculum
54.2%
Acceptance rate
$53,500
In-state cost
What makes Moravian University admissions different
Moravian University is a small (~2,000 undergrad) private university in Bethlehem, PA, affiliated with the Moravian Church — one of the oldest universities in the U.S. (founded 1742) and the sixth-oldest college. The institutional identity blends Moravian-Christian heritage (chapel optional, religion coursework integrated but not required for non-religious-focused tracks) with a modern comprehensive curriculum. The InFocus program — a multi-year, university-wide theme that brings speakers, courses, and programming around a single topic each academic year — is a distinctive curricular feature. Strong programs include Nursing, Music (Moravian's School of Music is highly regarded and runs through the Comenius Center), Education, and Business.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App or Moravian's institutional application. The application includes a school-specific supplement.
- 2.
Apply Early Action (Nov 15) or Early Decision (Nov 15) for the earliest decision and merit consideration. ED is binding.
- 3.
Apply for institutional merit (Presidential, Provost, Dean's, named scholarships) at the time of application. Merit aid is meaningful for a small private and stacks with Moravian Church-affiliated outside scholarships if applicable.
- 4.
If music is the focus, audition for the School of Music — music admission and scholarships run through audition.
- 5.
If Nursing is the goal, plan for the secondary BSN admit process — Nursing at Moravian admits separately.
- 6.
Maintain a strong GPA in college-prep coursework. SAT/ACT is considered; submitting reinforces a borderline file.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Treating Moravian as just another small private. The 1742 founding date and the Moravian-Christian heritage are real institutional features — applicants who engage with the history differentiate.
- ✕
Missing music audition deadlines. The School of Music admits through audition and the audition is the deciding factor for music admission and scholarships.
- ✕
Underestimating the Bethlehem location. The Lehigh Valley pipeline into healthcare (St. Luke's Health Network) and the Lehigh University cross-registration option are real value-adds.
The specifics for Moravian University
Application deadlines
- Early Action2025-11-15Non-binding.
- Early Decision2025-11-15Binding.
- Regular Decision2026-03-01
- Music audition deadlinesVariesVerify with the School of Music.
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Founded in 1742 — sixth-oldest college in the U.S.
Moravian University was founded in 1742 by Moravian Church communities, making it one of the oldest colleges in the U.S. The Moravian-Christian heritage is institutional history rather than active religious gating; students of all backgrounds are admitted.
InFocus topic-year curriculum
InFocus is a multi-year university-wide theme that brings speakers, courses, and programming around a single topic each academic year — a distinctive curricular feature.
Lehigh University cross-registration option
Moravian students can cross-register at Lehigh University and Muhlenberg College through the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges, accessing courses not offered at Moravian.
What graduates actually do
Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest colleges in the country (founded 1742) with strong outcomes in nursing, business, education, and the arts. Graduates feed St. Luke's University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network (both headquartered nearby), Bethlehem-area public schools, and the regional Moravian Church ministry. The university merged with Moravian Theological Seminary and serves a working-adult population through online programs.
Transfer pathway
Moravian accepts transfer students with a 2.5+ GPA and honors credits from regionally accredited institutions, with formal articulation with Northampton Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Bucks County Community College. The Pennsylvania TAOC system guides credit transfer for state CC graduates. Transfer scholarships are prorated.
Articulation partners
Northampton Community College · Lehigh Carbon Community College · Bucks County Community College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App (supplements re-verified this pass). Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
Moravian admits applicants with college-prep coursework and engagement with the school's heritage and InFocus model. Merit aid for top-of-range admits significantly reduces cost.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.