About
Saint Francis University is a private, Catholic university located in Loretto, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1847 by six Franciscan friars from Ireland and is the oldest Franciscan institution of higher learning in the United States. Saint Francis University has an enrollment of 2,100+ students, an acceptance rate of 99%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1.
The university offers 50+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs in varied fields, including business, education, health sciences, liberal arts, and nursing. Saint Francis is also home to the Leon J. Krolik Center for Entrepreneurship, which provides students with resources and support to start their businesses. The average annual tuition fee for international students at Saint Francis University ranges between $42,00 - $70,000.
The university is known for its strong academic reputation, its commitment to social justice, and its vibrant campus life. Saint Francis students are involved in a wide range of activities, including athletics, student government, and volunteer work. Saint Francis University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #33 in Regional Universities North.
Top Reasons to Study in the Saint Francis University
- Strong Academic Reputation: Saint Francis University is consistently ranked among the top Catholic universities in the United States.
- Commitment To Social Justice: Saint Francis is committed to preparing students to be leaders in the world. The university offers a variety of programs and initiatives that promote social justice, such as the Krolik Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Peace and Justice.
- Vibrant Campus Life: Saint Francis University has a vibrant campus life that offers students many opportunities to get involved. The university has over 100 student organisations, a strong athletic program, and a variety of cultural events.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
73%
Application Fee
$30
How to Apply at Saint Francis University
UNDERGRADUATE
Here are the steps on how to apply to Saint Francis University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:
- Visit the Saint Francis University website and click on the "Apply" tab.
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
- Submit your official transcripts from your previous schools.
- Take the SAT or ACT and submit your scores.
- Submit English proficiency test scores.
- Submit a certified financial affidavit with an official bank statement, stamp, or seal.
POSTGRADUATE
Here are the steps on how to apply to Saint Francis University for postgraduate studies as an international applicant:
- Visit the Saint Francis University website and click on the "Apply" tab.
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
- Submit your official transcripts from your previous schools.
- Write an essay about yourself and why you want to attend Saint Francis University.
- Request letters of recommendation from your teachers, counsellors, or other mentors.
- Submit a certified financial affidavit with an official bank statement, stamp, or seal.
- Submit any other additional documents needed, varying program-wise.
MASTER'S AND PhD
Here are the steps on how to apply to Saint Francis University for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:
- Visit the Saint Francis University website and click on the "Apply" tab.
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
- Submit your official transcripts from your previous schools.
- Write an essay about yourself and why you want to attend Saint Francis University.
- Request letters of recommendation from your teachers, counsellors, or other mentors.
- Submit a certified financial affidavit with an official bank statement, stamp, or seal.
- Submit any other additional documents needed, varying program-wise.
Documents Required to Apply to Saint Francis University
UNDERGRADUATE
Documents needed to apply to Saint Francis University as an international undergraduate applicant are:
- Completed Online Application.
- Official Transcripts.
- English Proficiency Test Scores.
- SAT/ACT Scores.
- Financial Statements.
POSTGRADUATE
Documents needed to apply to Saint Francis University as an international graduate applicant are:
- Completed Online Application.
- Official Transcripts.
- English Proficiency Test Scores.
- Personal Essay.
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Financial Statements.
MASTER'S AND PhD
Documents needed to apply to Saint Francis University as an international master’s or PhD applicant are:
- Completed Online Application.
- Official Transcripts.
- English Proficiency Test Scores.
- Personal Essay.
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Financial Statements.
Exams Accepted By Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University accepts TEOFL and IELTS test scores as proof of English language proficiency from international students:
Campus Life
Campus locations
Pennsylvania
Transportation in the city
The following are the public transportation options available in Loretto, Pennsylvania:
- Cambria County Transit Authority (CPTA) operates bus service to and from Loretto to the towns of Altoona, Johnstown, and Ebensburg. There are also a few express buses that travel to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
- Greyhound Bus Lines offers bus service to and from Loretto to other cities in Pennsylvania and across the United States. The nearest Greyhound bus stop is in Ebensburg, about 12 miles from Loretto.
- Amtrak operates train service to and from Loretto to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The nearest Amtrak station is in Altoona, which is about 15 miles from Loretto.
- Weikel Busing LLC is a transportation company that specializes in weddings and other special events. They also offer shuttle service to and from the airport, train station, and other destinations in the area.
- Freedom Excursions by Scully offers taxi and shuttle services to and from Loretto to the surrounding areas. They also offer tour packages to local attractions.
Services offered by the university
Saint Francis University offers varied services to its students, including:
- Academic Support Services: These services provide students with assistance with their studies, including tutoring, academic advising, and test preparation.
- Career Services: These services help students with their career planning, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search assistance.
- Disability Services: These services provide accommodations for students with disabilities, such as note-takers, extended time on exams, and accessible transportation.
- Financial Aid: These services help students with the financial aspects of their education, such as applying for scholarships and grants.
- Health Services: These services provide students with preventive care, treatment for illness, and mental health counselling.
Student life at Saint Francis University
Student life at Saint Francis University is vibrant and exciting. There are many opportunities for students to get involved on campus, both academically and in extracurriculars.
- Extracurricular activities
There are over 100 student clubs and organizations at Saint Francis University, so there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular activities include:
- Intramural sports
- Greek life
- Theatre
- Music
- Student government
- Volunteering
- Spiritual life
Saint Francis University is a Catholic university, and spirituality is an important part of the student experience. The university offers opportunities for students to explore their faith, including:
- Daily Mass
- Retreats
- Service Opportunities
On campus accomodation at Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University offers varied on-campus accommodation options for students, including
Residence Halls
- Tower Hall is the largest residence hall on campus, with 368 beds. It houses first-year students and upperclassmen. Rooms are mostly double occupancy, but there are also some single rooms and suites available. Tower Hall has varied amenities, including a fitness centre, a game room, and a laundry facility.
- Christian Hall is a residence hall for upperclassmen. It has 156 beds, all of which have private bathrooms and air conditioning. Most rooms are double occupancy, but there are also some four-person suites available. Christian Hall also has varied amenities, including a fitness centre, a game room, and a laundry facility.
- Ave Maria Hall is a residence hall for upperclassmen. It has 52 beds, all of which are single occupancy. The main level of Ave Maria has suites offering private bathrooms and additional space. The second and third floors of Ave Maria house residents in single occupancy rooms. The basement of Ave Maria Hall houses eight Gamma Sigma Sigma sisters, a service sorority, in single and triple occupancy rooms.
- Motherhouse is a residence hall for upperclassmen. It has 72 beds, all of which are single occupancy. Motherhouse also has a few XL rooms that are designed for students with disabilities. The rooms in Motherhouse have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
- Apartments: Saint Francis University also offers a limited number of apartments for upperclassmen. These apartments are located off-campus, but they are within walking distance of the main campus. They have one to four bedrooms, and they all have private bathrooms and kitchens.
Cost: The cost of a double occupancy room in Tower Hall is $11,840 per year. The cost of a single occupancy room in Motherhouse is $12,580 per year.
Faculty
University Faculty Stats
Some facts about Saint Francis University faculty:
- There are 91 full-time faculty members and 199 part-time faculty members.
- 76% of full-time faculty members have terminal degrees.
- The average class size is 16.
- The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
Career Opportunities
Internship opportunities at Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University offers varied internship and part-time job opportunities for students. Here are some of the options available:
- On-Campus Jobs: These jobs are available to all students and are usually located in the university's various departments, such as the library, the athletic department, and the student centre. They usually pay minimum wage and offer flexible hours.
- Work-Study Jobs: These jobs are available to students who have been awarded federal work-study aid. Work-study jobs usually pay more than on-campus jobs and can be found in non-profit organizations, government agencies, and businesses.
- Off-Campus Jobs: These jobs are available to all students and can be found through varied channels, such as online job boards, career fairs, and networking. Off-campus jobs usually pay more than on-campus jobs, but they may require more commuting time.
- Micro-Internships: These are short-term internships that usually last for 5-40 hours. They are a great way to gain experience in a particular field or to explore different career options. Micro-internships can be found through the Parker Dewey platform.
Placement of Saint Francis University
Placement: According to the Saint Francis University First Destination Report for the Class of 2021, 99.5% of graduates were employed or attending graduate school within 9 months of graduation.
Hiring Companies: The top 10 employers for Saint Francis University graduates are:
- Allegheny General Hospital
- Baker Tilly
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Curry Rail Services
- Denver Aquarium
- Ernst & Young
- Fairway Laboratory Inc.
- Geotech Engineering
- Globe Life
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Salaries: The average starting salary for Saint Francis University graduates is $55,000. However, salaries vary depending on the major. For example, the average starting salary for accounting graduates is $60,000, while the average starting salary for nursing graduates is $50,000.
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Last updated August 14, 2026