About the program
The Carlow University PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "Mission – Physician Assistant Program The mission of the Physician Assistant Program at Carlow University is to offer transformational educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners who are prepared as health care professionals to contribute to the quality and safety of healthcare for all. Consistent with the heritage and values of the Sisters of Mercy, graduates are expected to excel as compassionate, responsible leaders in the creation of a just and merciful world."
New program, small faculty to student ratio, interactive classroom, case & body system based curriculum, cadaver & simulation labs, inter-professional collaboration, personalized & supportive admissions process with onboarding support
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes. DACA status applicants are not considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 3 outstanding at application
Program overview
Carlow University in Pennsylvania offers a 24-month program leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, with the next cohort scheduled to begin in August 2027. Applicants should be aware that the program currently holds ARC-PA accreditation on probation status, which is a meaningful consideration when evaluating fit and long-term professional implications.
The program accepts 44 students per cohort and accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, though it does not offer distance learning or a part-time track. Admission is rolling on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting a complete application well before the April 1, 2027 deadline is practically important. Interviews are conducted in a traditional format and are not required to be held onsite.
The minimum overall and prerequisite GPA requirement is 3.30, and matriculants have averaged a 3.57 overall GPA and 3.43 science GPA, suggesting competitive applicants should aim above the floor. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the last ten years, and applicants may have up to three outstanding prerequisites at the time of application. Required science courses include two semesters each of general chemistry and general biology with labs, human anatomy with lab, human physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Candidates must also demonstrate at least 500 hours of direct patient care and some form of healthcare experience; paid patient care hours are recommended but not required.
The curriculum integrates case-based, team-based, and organ- or systems-based learning, with cadaver labs, simulation labs, and inter-professional collaboration built into the experience. The program describes itself as new and emphasizes a small faculty-to-student ratio, interactive classroom design, and personalized admissions and onboarding support. Its mission, rooted in the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, emphasizes preparing compassionate and responsible healthcare professionals committed to quality, safety, and equitable care.
Total tuition is $102,714 with a $1,000 seat deposit required upon acceptance. Three letters of reference are required. The program does not differentiate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students.
An applicant weighing this program should place the current probationary accreditation status at the center of their decision, while also considering whether the small cohort environment, mission-driven values, and systems-based curriculum align with how they learn and the type of practitioner they want to become.