What Students Say
Likes
- College offers a diverse programs like Undergraduate, Graduate and many Professional Programs.
- It is a Day one OPT college which is best for International students.
- It is situated in Jersey City, NJ an Urban area, Which has access to lot of internships, Cultural activites.
Dislikes
- The campus size is smaller as it is located in the Urban area.
- Accommodation cost is slightly higher compare to Off campus accommodation.
- Tuition fee can be high, and not all students may feel satisfied with the level of financial aid provided.
Course Curriculum
8
- The academic experience at Saint Peter's University has been enriching, with a balanced mix of theoretical and practical learning. The curriculum is challenging but manageable, with a focus on hands-on projects.
Admission Experience
- I applied to three colleges: Saint Peter’s University, Pace University, and the University of Central Missouri.
- The status for each college I applied to was "Admitted."
- I received confirmed admission from all three colleges I applied to.
- I didn’t receive any rejections, so thankfully, there wasn’t a need to analyze what might have gone wrong. I believe my applications were well-prepared and aligned with the expectations of each institution, which contributed to this positive outcome.
- I chose Saint Peter’s University because it offers small class sizes and a personalized learning experience. Plus, being in Jersey City means I have access to amazing career opportunities in New York City, which was a big factor for me.
- I liked the close-knit and supportive environment at Saint Peter’s. The faculty’s focus on helping students succeed and the university’s affordability really stood out to me. Its location near major industries was also a huge advantage.
- The admission process was straightforward. I submitted my application online with transcripts, test scores, and a statement of purpose. After that, I provided financial documents for my visa. The admissions team was very helpful and always quick to answer my questions.
- You need a bachelor’s degree and proof of English proficiency, like IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 or TOEFL with 79. For some programs, GRE or GMAT scores might be required.
- It was a good experience overall. The university guided me well through the process, making it less stressful. The only challenging part was gathering financial documents for the visa, but their clear instructions helped a lot.
- I applied for the Fall 2022 intake, and the approval process took around two weeks. After paying the $500 admission fee, I had to wait approximately 30 to 45 days to receive my I-20 form. Although the waiting period felt a bit long, once I received the I-20, I could move forward with the visa process, which eventually led to my arrival in the U.S. to start my Master’s program. The process was a bit time-consuming, but the university provided clear instructions, making it manageable despite the waiting.
Class Schedule
8
- The classes typically have around 20–30 students, and about 95% of the students in my batch are Indian. The small class sizes foster personal interaction with professors, making the learning experience more engaging.
- The workload can be intense, especially during peak times, but the practical nature of the course makes it worthwhile.
Faculty
8
- The faculty-to-student ratio in my course is about 1:20–30, which allows for personalized attention and better interaction with professors. The teaching approach blends lectures with hands-on projects, preparing us well for the job market, though soft skills could be emphasized more.
- Some professors, like Jun Shah, share job opportunities and help with networking.
- Professor Shah stands out for his expertise and passion for teaching, making complex topics more accessible and offering valuable career guidance.
Campus Life
8
- Saint Peter's University has one campus in Jersey City, New Jersey, offering facilities like a library, sports amenities, and medical services.
- Major cultural festivals such as Christmas and Diwali are celebrated, along with events like international nights.
- Students can join clubs like the Data Science Club and participate in intramural sports, cultural performances, and various student organizations, making for an active and engaging campus life.
Part Time Jobs
- Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant (RA), and Departmental Assistant (DA) positions are available, though the number of positions depends on the department and semester.
- The pay range for TA/RA/DA positions typically varies from $12 to $20 per hour.
- Other on-campus jobs include roles in the library, fitness center, cafeteria, and administrative offices, with hourly wages usually ranging from $12 to $15.
- The maximum work hours allowed are typically 20 hours per week during the semester, as per F-1 visa restrictions.
- Most Indian students at Saint Peter’s University prefer part-time jobs in the library, fitness center, cafeteria, or off-campus roles like retail and tutoring. Students typically earn $12 to $15 per hour. Securing part-time work can be competitive, especially on-campus. The process involves searching for jobs via the university's portal or local listings, submitting resumes, attending interviews, and following up with employers. Career services can help students with job searches and resume building.
Placement
4
- Due to the current market situation, the hiring process has slowed down, and there aren't as many companies hiring directly from campus as in previous years. As a result, many graduates, including some of my batchmates, are having to explore other avenues for employment. While around 80–90% of students still secure jobs within 6 months, the process is taking longer than usual.
- In terms of salaries, the typical range is between $70,000 and $95,000, depending on the role and company. Most students are finding job opportunities through internships, networking, and online job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Some graduates are also leveraging personal connections and seeking roles with companies like Google, Accenture, and Cognizant. However, the hiring landscape is more competitive at the moment, and the job search is taking longer than expected for some.
Accommodation
Off Campus
6
- I found my accommodation through online platforms like Sulekha, WhatsApp groups, and Facebook groups. The monthly rent is around $450, and I live about 30 minutes away from the campus. The main challenges I faced were signing the lease and ensuring the area was safe. However, once I found a suitable place, everything settled in smoothly. Edison and Jersey City are where the most of the Indian students will live.
Fees
- For a Master’s in Data Science, the program requires a total of 32 credits to complete. Each credit is priced at $1,115, making the total tuition cost for the degree approximately $35,680.
- In addition to tuition, there are monthly living expenses to consider, which can vary depending on individual lifestyle and circumstances. For me personally, my monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, and other necessities, came to approximately $1,200 per month.
- So overall, the total cost of completing my master’s program, including living expenses, depended on the duration of my studies and how efficiently I managed my budget.
Scholarship
- According to my knowledge, there is no financial aid or scholarship available for international students at Saint Peter’s University. Neither I nor my batchmates were awarded any scholarships, which meant we had to cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses. This made managing finances more challenging, but we were able to plan and budget accordingly to ensure we could meet the financial requirements of the program.
