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80.1%Acceptance
$28,360Tuition
6,999Students
49%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$48,364Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University builds its identity around Benedictine values and personalized education for its 6,999 students. This Catholic institution sits in a small Florida town an hour north of Tampa, where the focus stays on developing both academic skills and moral character. The university emphasizes service learning and global citizenship through study abroad programs and community partnerships.

Students pay an average net price of $18,467 after financial aid, making the education relatively affordable compared to many private colleges. Graduates earn a median of $48,364 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,278. The 35.6% loan repayment rate suggests some alumni struggle financially after graduation. Monthly loan payments average $268, which represents a manageable portion of graduate earnings.

The student body reflects Florida's diversity, with 25% white students, 18% Black students, and 16% Hispanic students. About 400 student-athletes compete across 15 NCAA Division II sports as the Lions. The 57.8% retention rate indicates that many students transfer elsewhere, while the 49% four-year graduation rate falls below national averages. Class sizes average 20 students per faculty member, allowing for personal attention despite the moderate enrollment.

Academics & Faculty

Saint Leo builds its academic reputation around Catholic values and practical career preparation. The university emphasizes business, criminal justice, and education programs that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at large state schools, though the 49% four-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish on time. The Catholic foundation shapes both curriculum and campus culture, integrating ethics and service learning across disciplines. Saint Leo's academic approach focuses on developing both professional skills and moral leadership. The university particularly excels in online education, serving working adults alongside traditional students through flexible degree programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
22.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
49.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
48.8%
Retention Rate
57.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,364
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business/Commerce, General. Master $59,895
Educational/Instructional Media Design. Master $59,124
Management Information Systems and Services. Bachelor $58,866
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $56,918
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $55,770
Education, General. Master $54,948
Accounting and Related Services. Master $53,775
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. Master $53,358
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $52,299
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Master $51,690

View all 95 programs →

Campus Life

This Catholic university draws 6,999 students to its hillside campus in rural Florida, about 30 miles north of Tampa. The setting feels like a small college town where 22% of students live on campus among the 1,546 available housing spots. Florida's year-round warmth means students spend plenty of time outdoors, with palm trees and Spanish moss creating a distinctly Southern atmosphere.

Weekend life revolves around the close-knit campus community that comes with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. The Lions compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports, and athletic events draw crowds from the student body that's 59% women and 67% Florida residents. Students often head to nearby Tampa for urban entertainment or take advantage of Florida's beaches an hour away. The Catholic mission shapes campus culture through service opportunities and spiritual programming, though the 80% acceptance rate brings together students from diverse backgrounds. Small class sizes mean professors know students by name, creating an intimate academic environment despite the nearly 7,000 enrollment.
Setting
Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity
1,546 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1889

Campus Safety (2023)

16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 6 6 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
49°–70°F
July Avg
72°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
53.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Saint Leo draws a diverse student body that reflects its Catholic mission of serving all communities. Two-thirds of students come from Florida, showing the university's strong regional reputation in the Southeast. The campus brings together students from varied racial and ethnic backgrounds, with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities. Women outnumber men by a notable margin, likely drawn to the university's strong programs in education, social work, and health sciences. More than a third of students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating Saint Leo's commitment to making Catholic higher education accessible to first-generation and lower-income families.
Men
41.0%
Women
59.0%
White
25.0%
Black
18.1%
Hispanic
15.7%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
67.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
36.8%

Location

Saint Leo sits in a small town about 30 miles northeast of Tampa, placing students within driving distance of Florida's third-largest city. The campus occupies 236 acres in Pasco County's rolling hills, a landscape unusual for Florida that earned the area its nickname as the "Land of Lakes." With 67% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to this Catholic university's location in the Tampa Bay region. The setting offers a traditional college town atmosphere while maintaining easy access to internships and job opportunities in Tampa's growing metropolitan area. The rural campus provides a close-knit community feel that contrasts with Florida's more urban university options. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Saint Leo University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Saint Leo, Florida 33574-6665
Entrance to Saint Leo University
Entrance to Saint Leo University
Saint Leo Abbey Church seen from Saint Leo University
Saint Leo Abbey Church seen from Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University main campus
Saint Leo University main campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,364
Median Earnings (5 years)
$55,370
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,200
Loan Repayment Rate
35.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$268/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,278

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University accepts 80.10% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1085. This Catholic institution founded in 1889 maintains relatively accessible admissions standards while drawing students primarily from Florida, with 67.08% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Saint Leo University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Saint Leo University is $18,467, lower than the full cost of attendance of $44,994. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of just $16,216, making this private Catholic university surprisingly affordable for low-income students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University has a 20:1 student-faculty ratio with 6,999 total students. The university operates on a semester system and is known for its strong Catholic values and community-focused approach to education in the small town of Saint Leo, Florida.

What are the graduation outcomes at Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University has a 48.80% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $48,364 ten years after graduation. The employment rate stands at 90.4%, though the retention rate of 57.80% suggests some students struggle to persist through their first year.

Where do students live at Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University houses students in on-campus facilities that cost $15,724 for room and board, with housing capacity for 1,546 students. The campus sits in a town-fringe setting that provides a close-knit community atmosphere while maintaining proximity to larger Florida cities.

Does Saint Leo University offer athletic scholarships?

Saint Leo University distributes $2,934,577 in athletic scholarships across its 15 varsity sports programs with 400 total athletes. The Lions compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Sunshine State Conference, providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete while pursuing their Catholic liberal arts education.