Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA
Loretto, PA
Loretto, PA
Become that someone
St. Francis of Assisi found peace and harmony among the wonders and beauty of the natural world. We think you will too—right here at Saint Francis University. SFU’s 600-acre campus sits on a beautiful mountaintop vista in Loretto, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh). Founded in 1847, Saint Francis is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the country and the oldest dedicated to Franciscan values.
You should know that while we embrace nature, it’s without compromising on the creature comforts of a life well lived. From lattés at Starbucks to quick and easy access to the post office, we’ve got your daily needs covered. And when you want an urban getaway, we’re a hop, skip, and a jump away from major cities like Pittsburgh, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
No matter what academic major you choose, the foundation of your education at Saint Francis University will prepare you for responsible and ethical citizenship within a complex world. A strong core of courses and cocurricular experiences will help you expand your perspectives while grounding you in the skills and knowledge traditionally expected of university graduates. In fact, 99% of our students move on to employment or graduate school within just nine months of graduation—proof that your chances of ending up in a good place are much better if you start from a good place.
This is the perfect place to start your lifelong journey to become that someone you were always meant to be.
 |
Ranked among the top 10 “Best Bang for the Buck” Northeast colleges | Washington Monthly |
 |
Named a College of Distinction |
• 19 students per class on average
• 400 first-time freshmen
• 2,000+ total students
• 65% female, 35% male
• 35+ countries represented
• 85% first-year retention rate
• 23 NCAA Division I athletic teams
• 95% of our new students receiving scholarships or grants
• Over $25 million awarded in financial aid each year
• 90+ student organizations
“At Saint Francis, there’s something for everyone. Getting involved beyond your classes is key to success here.”
“SFU is my home away from home. It has everything I need, and the staff is really supportive.”
“When my daughter came back from her first open house, she said, 'I love it. This is where I’m going.’”
“As a parent of an athlete, we love the academic support he’ll receive, and we were impressed by the graduation rate.”
“The faculty invest in your success. They’re the reason I’m able to be a critical care flight nurse serving in Afghanistan.”