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84.7%Acceptance
$53,244Tuition
7,324Students
80%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$70,783Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University builds doctors, lawyers, and pilots through rigorous Jesuit education. The 7,324 students benefit from nationally recognized programs in medicine, law, and aviation, with the university's research focus driving innovation across disciplines. Notable graduates include NASA flight director Gene Kranz, who helped bring Apollo 13 home safely, and longtime sportscaster Bob Costas. The large city setting provides internships and job opportunities that complement classroom learning.

Students pay an average net price of $27,075 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $70,783 within ten years, creating strong return on investment despite the $25,000 median debt load. The 84.71% acceptance rate means qualified students have good admission chances. Monthly loan payments average just $265, manageable given graduate earning potential.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention typically found at smaller schools. Women make up 59.99% of students, creating a balanced but female-majority campus. The Billikens compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 14 sports, with 366 student-athletes representing the university. The 88.73% retention rate suggests students find their academic and social fit here.

Academics & Faculty

Saint Louis University operates as a Jesuit research university where Catholic intellectual tradition shapes rigorous academics. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide intensive mentorship. With an 80% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their degrees on schedule despite challenging coursework. The university has built national recognition for its medical school, which consistently ranks among the top programs for primary care training. Aviation students train at one of the country's top flight programs. The law school produces graduates who often lead major firms across the Midwest. Jesuit education emphasizes critical thinking and service, pushing students to question assumptions while developing practical skills for their careers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Full-Time Faculty
59.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
80.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
79.8%
Retention Rate
88.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$70,783
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Dentistry. Master $174,023
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. Master $122,038
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Certificate $114,892
International Business. Master $109,763
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $108,649
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $92,243
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $88,904
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $85,391
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $78,343
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $73,446

View all 208 programs →

Campus Life

Saint Louis University's Midtown campus sits in Missouri's largest city, where students bundle up for snowy winters and swelter through humid summers. With housing for 4,188 students and total enrollment of 7,324, about 57% of undergraduates live on campus in dorms that range from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living. The Jesuit atmosphere shapes daily life through service opportunities and reflection, though the 84.71% acceptance rate brings students from diverse backgrounds together.

Students gather at the Billiken statue for good luck before exams, a quirky tradition tied to the unusual mascot name. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important in competitive pre-med and engineering programs. Weekends often center around Chaifetz Arena for Billikens basketball games or exploring the nearby Central West End's restaurants and shops. The Grand Boulevard campus puts students minutes from Forest Park, twice the size of Central Park, while downtown attractions like the Gateway Arch sit just a few miles east.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
4,188 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1818

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 21 18 0 3
Motor Vehicle Theft 30 0 0 4
Stalking 24 8 1 1
Rape 14 13 0 0
Aggravated Assault 9 3 0 7
Fondling 6 2 0 0
Burglary 4 2 0 0
Negligent Manslaughter 0 0 0 4
Murder 0 0 0 1
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–40°F
July Avg
71°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
43.9"
Annual Snowfall
13.8"

Student Demographics

Saint Louis University draws students who value Jesuit education and career-focused programs. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting strong nursing and health science programs that complement the university's medical school reputation. Two-thirds of students come from outside Missouri, showing the school's national appeal beyond its Midwestern roots. The student body spans economic backgrounds, with the Catholic mission attracting families seeking values-based education. Asian students represent 14% of enrollment, often drawn to the university's respected pre-med and engineering tracks that prepare students for professional careers.
Men
40.0%
Women
60.0%
White
56.7%
Black
9.5%
Hispanic
8.8%
Asian
14.3%
In-State Students
32.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
15.4%

Location

Saint Louis University sits in Missouri's largest city, home to 300,000 residents in the urban core. The campus occupies the Midtown neighborhood, just minutes from downtown's Gateway Arch and Forest Park. Students live in America's heartland, where Midwest practicality meets Southern hospitality. The surrounding area offers major league baseball with the Cardinals, strong museums, and a thriving food scene known for toasted ravioli and barbecue. Saint Louis serves as a regional center, drawing students from across the Midwest who want big-city opportunities without coastal prices. The university's location provides internships and job prospects across healthcare, aerospace, and business sectors. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Saint Louis University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Saint Louis, Missouri 63103-2097
Slulib
Slulib
Museum of Contemporary Religious Art
Museum of Contemporary Religious Art
Saint Louis University Museum of Art
Saint Louis University Museum of Art

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$70,783
Median Earnings (5 years)
$71,900
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$47,000
Loan Repayment Rate
73.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Saint Louis University?

Saint Louis University accepts 84.71% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1210-1400 on the SAT. This Jesuit institution attracts students interested in its strong pre-professional programs.

How much does Saint Louis University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Saint Louis University is $27,075, lower than the sticker price of $68,884. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $20,869 annually. The typical graduate leaves with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable given the school's strong job placement.

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

Saint Louis University maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes typical of Jesuit education. The school enrolls 7,324 students across its comprehensive programs. This personal attention supports the university's focus on developing both intellectual and ethical leaders.

What are the career outcomes for Saint Louis University graduates?

Saint Louis University graduates earn a median salary of $70,783 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95.0% for recent graduates. The school's strong alumni network and location in a major metropolitan area create solid job prospects.

Where is Saint Louis University located and what is campus life like?

Saint Louis University sits in Missouri's largest city, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities. The campus houses 4,188 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community. About 60% of students are women, and the student body draws from across the country with only 32.75% from Missouri.

What is Saint Louis University known for academically?

Saint Louis University operates as a Catholic Jesuit research university with particularly strong programs in medicine, law, and aviation. Founded in 1818, it's one of the oldest universities west of the Mississippi River. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Billikens in the Atlantic 10 Conference.