About Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University is a private, not-for-profit, four-year, Catholic liberal arts institution located in Loretto, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1847 by six Franciscan Friars that came to the States from Ireland in order to establish this school. Shortly thereafter, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania approved the granting of degrees. One of the first Catholic universities established in the nation and the first Franciscan college, Saint Francis continued to expand the curriculum and the physical campus throughout the twentieth century. In 2001, the school gained university status and was renamed Saint Francis University.
The university offers online programs and maintains a campus in Ambialet, France. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees ranging from associate’s to doctorate degrees. Degrees are housed in the:
- School of Arts & Letters
- School of Business
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Sciences
Saint Francis University offers undergraduate degrees, accelerated master’s degrees, and a doctorate all 100% online. These online degrees are designed to meet the unique challenges working adults face when they enter school. Students in these online programs receive personalized advice and support from the faculty who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Saint Francis University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicGraduate Enrollment:
485Fully Online Graduate Students:
54%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$27,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
62%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$32,212Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesSaint Francis University offers a finish path that is easier to keep on track when you want close contact in class. Class sizes are often about 25 to 30 students. That size can make it easier to get quick answers and stay on pace before work builds up.
Students can move to the finish line more smoothly when admissions and billing steps run on time. Cost is the biggest challenge for many families. Annual tuition is about $44,000, and many people view that as high.
Overall, Saint Francis pairs personal classroom support with a higher-cost path. For students who value direct access to instructors, that close support can be a strong part of the experience.
At Saint Francis University, daily support is strongest in the classroom. Professors are easy to reach, open to questions, and willing to help beyond office hours. Instructors take time to explain lessons so students truly understand the material, not just turn in work.
Administrative support can be less consistent. Communication about class start dates may move slowly at times, and billing problems can add stress. Even so, the core student experience is clear. Students can count on strong academic help from faculty, while office processes may vary.
Online classes can fit a workday schedule here. Evening classes run about three hours. Later class times can leave daytime hours open for work. That pace can feel tight for homework time.
Instructor access is a key strength online. Professors are reachable and engaged. Admissions communication around class start timing can be uneven. Overall, online fit is best for students who want direct instructor support and can manage longer night sessions.
At Saint Francis University, classes feel personal and led by professors. Most classes have about 25 to 30 students. Professors are caring, easy to reach, and quick to help. Students get clear teaching and extra explanation when they need it.
Workload and difficulty can differ by program. Some graduate courses are a strong challenge, with solid clinical thinking and real clinical practice. Other courses may feel lighter. Even so, the classroom experience stays steady. Students have close contact with faculty, direct support, and a structure where people know them by name.
At Saint Francis University, classes are usually small, often around 25 to 30 students. That size helps professors know students by name and stay easy to reach. In many programs, faculty give extra time to help students truly learn, not just finish assignments.
Cost is the main challenge for many families. Tuition can feel high, especially next to some other schools. Day-to-day office processes can also feel uneven at times, including admissions timing and billing.
Academic rigor can vary by program. Some graduate paths feel demanding and tied closely to real clinical work. Others may feel lighter. Overall, SFU is a strong fit for students who want close faculty support and are comfortable with higher tuition and occasional admin hiccups.
At Saint Francis University, classes are usually small, often around 25 to 30 students. That size helps professors know students by name and stay easy to reach. In many programs, faculty give extra time to help students truly learn, not just finish assignments.
Cost is the main challenge for many families. Tuition can feel high, especially next to some other schools. Day-to-day office processes can also feel uneven at times, including admissions timing and billing.
Academic rigor can vary by program. Some graduate paths feel demanding and tied closely to real clinical work. Others may feel lighter. Overall, SFU is a strong fit for students who want close faculty support and are comfortable with higher tuition and occasional admin hiccups.
Online Programs offered by Saint Francis University
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Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Francis University
Is Saint Francis University accredited?
Yes. Saint Francis University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Saint Francis University offer?
Saint Francis University offers 22 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Saint Francis University offer?
Saint Francis University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's levels.
How should students contact admissions at Saint Francis University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Saint Francis University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Saint Francis University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Saint Francis University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Saint Francis University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Saint Francis University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Saint Francis University military friendly?
Saint Francis University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Saint Francis University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Saint Francis University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Essay/Writing Sample, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Saint Francis University accept life experience credit?
Saint Francis University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Saint Francis University programs fully online or mixed?
Saint Francis University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Saint Francis University offer?
Saint Francis University has online program options in areas such as Business, Healthcare, Nursing, and Computer Science & IT; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Saint Francis University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for Saint Francis University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Saint Francis University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Saint Francis University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Saint Francis University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Saint Francis University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Saint Francis University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Saint Francis University is featured in 15 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Saint Francis University is located in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Top Majors in Pennsylvania:
Top Incentives in Pennsylvania:
- PA State Grant Program: Up to $4,525 annually
Top Career Pathways in Pennsylvania:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE