About Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University builds its reputation on health sciences programs that prepare students for careers in physical therapy, nursing, and physician assistant studies. The Catholic university enrolls 1,525 students in the mountains of rural Pennsylvania. Students here typically score around 1135 on the SAT, and the school accepts 73% of applicants. The Franciscan values shape campus culture, emphasizing service and social justice alongside rigorous academics.
The financial picture looks promising for families willing to invest in specialized programs. Students pay an average net price of $19,173 after aid, well below the sticker price of $57,600. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $62,101. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286. The strong employment rate of 95.5% reflects the demand for health professionals in today's job market.
Athletics add energy to this small campus community. Saint Francis competes in NCAA Division I with 569 student-athletes across 23 varsity sports. Women outnumber men 62% to 38%, creating a collaborative campus atmosphere. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, and 88% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Most students come from Pennsylvania, giving the campus a regional feel despite its national health science reputation.
The financial picture looks promising for families willing to invest in specialized programs. Students pay an average net price of $19,173 after aid, well below the sticker price of $57,600. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $62,101. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286. The strong employment rate of 95.5% reflects the demand for health professionals in today's job market.
Athletics add energy to this small campus community. Saint Francis competes in NCAA Division I with 569 student-athletes across 23 varsity sports. Women outnumber men 62% to 38%, creating a collaborative campus atmosphere. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, and 88% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Most students come from Pennsylvania, giving the campus a regional feel despite its national health science reputation.
Academics & Faculty
Saint Francis University stands out for its health sciences programs, particularly nursing and physical therapy, which draw students from across Pennsylvania and beyond. The university's small-town Catholic setting creates tight-knit academic communities where professors know their students well. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for meaningful discussion and personalized attention. The 72% six-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though some students need extra time to complete demanding health science requirements. The school also maintains strong liberal arts foundations alongside its professional programs. Students benefit from hands-on clinical experiences and internships that prepare them for competitive job markets in healthcare and other fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.8%
- Retention Rate
- 88.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,101
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Master | $103,821 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,866 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $52,107 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Education, General. | Master | $45,696 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $36,674 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania, Saint Francis sits 90 minutes east of Pittsburgh in a town of just 1,300 people. Students need serious winter gear for the snowy mountain climate that can dump several feet between November and March. With housing capacity for 1,280 students and total enrollment of 1,525, about 84% of students live on campus in this tight-knit Catholic community.
The rural setting means weekend entertainment centers around campus life and outdoor activities like hiking the nearby trails or skiing at local mountains. Students often head to Pittsburgh for city experiences or stay on campus for athletic events, since 569 students compete in 23 varsity sports at the Division I level. The 61.9% female student body creates a supportive atmosphere where the 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name. With 80.26% of students being white and 75.22% from Pennsylvania, the campus tends to feel homogeneous but close-knit, where Catholic traditions and mountain culture blend together.
The rural setting means weekend entertainment centers around campus life and outdoor activities like hiking the nearby trails or skiing at local mountains. Students often head to Pittsburgh for city experiences or stay on campus for athletic events, since 569 students compete in 23 varsity sports at the Division I level. The 61.9% female student body creates a supportive atmosphere where the 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name. With 80.26% of students being white and 75.22% from Pennsylvania, the campus tends to feel homogeneous but close-knit, where Catholic traditions and mountain culture blend together.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,280 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1847
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–32°F
- July Avg
- 56°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 79.7"
Student Demographics
Saint Francis draws students who value close relationships and practical career preparation. The student body skews female, reflecting the university's strength in health sciences programs like nursing and physical therapy. Most students come from Pennsylvania and surrounding states, attracted by the school's solid regional reputation and Catholic identity. The relatively low percentage of Pell Grant recipients suggests families who prioritize faith-based education and are willing to invest in smaller class sizes. Students typically choose Saint Francis for its tight-knit community and hands-on learning approach.
- Men
- 38.1%
- Women
- 61.9%
- White
- 80.3%
- Black
- 6.4%
- Hispanic
- 2.4%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 75.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.8%
Location
Saint Francis University sits in Loretto, Pennsylvania, a small rural town nestled in the Allegheny Mountains about 90 miles east of Pittsburgh. With just 1,525 students, the campus feels intimate within this mountain community of fewer than 1,500 residents. The Franciscan university takes advantage of its mountain setting, with students often hiking nearby trails and enjoying seasonal outdoor activities. The rural-distant classification means students experience true small-town college life, far from urban distractions. About 75% of students come from within Pennsylvania, many drawn to the peaceful mountain environment. The campus houses 1,280 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit residential community. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Saint Francis University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Loretto, Pennsylvania 15940
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,101
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,248
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Francis University?
Saint Francis University accepts 73% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a Catholic institution. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030-1240 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on accessible Catholic education in rural Pennsylvania.
How much does Saint Francis University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,173 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $57,600. The school is known for generous institutional grants averaging $28,453 for the quarter of students who receive them.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Francis University?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 with total enrollment of 1,525 students. This small Catholic university emphasizes personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
What are the career outcomes for Saint Francis University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $62,101 ten years after graduation with a 95.5% employment rate. The school has built a strong reputation for health sciences programs and preparing students for professional careers in healthcare and business.
Where is Saint Francis University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Loretto, Pennsylvania, housing 1,280 students in a tight-knit community atmosphere. With 88% of students returning each year, the university is known for fostering strong campus connections and school spirit through its Catholic mission.
Does Saint Francis University compete in Division I athletics?
Saint Francis competes in NCAA Division I with 23 varsity sports and 569 total athletes. The Red Flash athletic program awards over $8.2 million in athletic scholarships annually, making it notable for a school of just 1,525 students.
