About University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne
This Franciscan institution serves 1,599 students in Indiana's second-largest city with a strong focus on health sciences and education. The university built its reputation around nursing, physical therapy, and teacher preparation programs that directly feed into Fort Wayne's healthcare systems and schools. With a 98.06% acceptance rate, Saint Francis welcomes students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere but still want personalized attention from faculty.
Students pay an average net price of $20,361 after financial aid, making this private Catholic education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $55,362 ten years after graduation, which provides decent returns on the typical debt load of $25,976. The monthly loan payment of $275 remains manageable for most graduates in the region's job market.
Women make up 67.79% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships that help explain the strong 97.5% employment rate after graduation. Nearly 89% of students come from Indiana, creating a tight-knit community where most graduates stay local to serve their home communities.
Students pay an average net price of $20,361 after financial aid, making this private Catholic education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $55,362 ten years after graduation, which provides decent returns on the typical debt load of $25,976. The monthly loan payment of $275 remains manageable for most graduates in the region's job market.
Women make up 67.79% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships that help explain the strong 97.5% employment rate after graduation. Nearly 89% of students come from Indiana, creating a tight-knit community where most graduates stay local to serve their home communities.
Academics & Faculty
This Catholic university operates on a tight-knit scale with just 1,599 students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The school built its reputation around health sciences, particularly nursing and physical therapy programs that feed into Fort Wayne's medical community. Students benefit from small classes and direct faculty mentorship, though the 60.7% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to complete their degrees. The university emphasizes practical, career-focused education over research. With 98% acceptance rate, Saint Francis welcomes students who need extra academic support to reach their professional goals. The intimate campus environment allows professors to work closely with students who might get lost at larger institutions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.7%
- Retention Rate
- 65.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,362
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $111,620 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $94,408 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,076 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,706 |
| Public Health. | Master | $60,161 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,017 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,607 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $41,025 |
Campus Life
The University of Saint Francis sits in Fort Wayne, Indiana's second-largest city with about 270,000 residents. With housing capacity for just 435 students and total enrollment at 1,599, roughly 27% of students live on campus in a close-knit residential community. The small student body creates an intimate atmosphere where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.
Fort Wayne experiences true Midwest seasons, so pack both winter coats for snowy January temperatures in the 20s and shorts for humid August days reaching the 80s. The campus blends traditional collegiate architecture with modern facilities, reflecting its Catholic Franciscan heritage through service-focused programming. With 19 varsity sports teams and 435 total athletes, nearly one in four students competes in NAIA athletics, creating strong school spirit. Weekends often center around athletic events, campus ministry activities, and trips to nearby attractions like the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo or downtown's riverfront festivals. The 88.86% in-state student population means many go home on weekends, though campus programming keeps residential students engaged.
Fort Wayne experiences true Midwest seasons, so pack both winter coats for snowy January temperatures in the 20s and shorts for humid August days reaching the 80s. The campus blends traditional collegiate architecture with modern facilities, reflecting its Catholic Franciscan heritage through service-focused programming. With 19 varsity sports teams and 435 total athletes, nearly one in four students competes in NAIA athletics, creating strong school spirit. Weekends often center around athletic events, campus ministry activities, and trips to nearby attractions like the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo or downtown's riverfront festivals. The 88.86% in-state student population means many go home on weekends, though campus programming keeps residential students engaged.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 435 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–32°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 33.6"
Student Demographics
The University of Saint Francis draws primarily local students, with nearly 9 in 10 coming from Indiana. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in nursing, education, and health sciences programs. The school serves a diverse mix of students, with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside its white majority. Over 4 in 10 students receive Pell Grants, showing the Catholic institution's commitment to making education accessible to working-class families in the Fort Wayne area.
- Men
- 32.2%
- Women
- 67.8%
- White
- 58.9%
- Black
- 9.4%
- Hispanic
- 12.1%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 88.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 42.7%
Location
University of Saint Francis sits in Fort Wayne, Indiana's second-largest city with over 260,000 residents. The campus operates in an urban environment 120 miles northeast of Indianapolis and 180 miles southeast of Chicago. Fort Wayne serves as a regional center for northeast Indiana, blending industrial heritage with growing healthcare and technology sectors. The city offers internship opportunities that align well with the university's career-focused programs. With 88.86% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Indiana's flat Midwest landscape and four-season climate. The urban setting provides more cultural amenities than typical college towns while maintaining affordable living costs. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare University of Saint Francis with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808-3994
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,362
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,181
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $275/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,976
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne?
The acceptance rate is 98.06%, making this Catholic university highly accessible to students. With an average SAT score of 1030 and ACT score of 21, USF focuses on providing opportunities for students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,361, lower than the sticker price of $48,160 total cost of attendance. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay even less, with net prices around $16,000-$19,000, reflecting the school's commitment to affordability.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne?
The student-faculty ratio is 11:1 across the 1,599 enrolled students. This small Catholic university emphasizes personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between faculty and students.
What are the career outcomes for University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $55,362 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.5% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $25,976 in debt and monthly loan payments of $275, making their education investment manageable.
Where do University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne students live and study?
The Fort Wayne campus houses 435 students in residence halls, serving a student body that is 88.86% from Indiana. The retention rate of 65.68% reflects the close-knit community atmosphere this regional Catholic university provides.
Does University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne have strong athletics programs?
The university offers 19 varsity sports at the NAIA level with 435 total athletes participating. Athletic scholarships totaling $3,017,186 demonstrate significant investment in sports programs, helping student-athletes balance academics with competition.
