It's what you do next that counts.

Make a difference with your Saint Francis University education.

Become that Someone at Saint Francis University

Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pa. is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States.
Our mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of
Virtue, Truth, and Compassion. 


 

Career-Directed Studies
Focused on Ethical Leadership 

Our University has earned a reputation for creating innovative learning experiences and being a place where students grow to become that someone that God calls them to be. Saint Francis prepares students for more than just success in their chosen professions.  Our vision is for our graduates to be leaders who carry their Franciscan values with them.
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Academics


A Breadth of Offerings

Whether you pursue your educational journey online or on-campus, part-time or full-time, we will arm you with the knowledge to succeed as an ethical leader in your profession. Explore our broad portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and professional & continuing studies programs.

Academic Homes

Explore Campus Life: Become & Belong

Saint Francis isn't just near the great outdoors, it is the great outdoors. High in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, you'll find a home away from home in this vibrant and safe campus community full of student activities, leadership opportunities, and spiritual programs. 

The best way to experience campus is to schedule a visit!


 

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Come On Up!

 

No matter where you are in your college search, our visit opportunities allow you to connect with us and to find out what life is like as a member of the Red Flash Family!

 

Our visit experiences offer you the chance to learn about admissions and financial aid, meet faculty and students, enjoy the beauty of our 600-acre campus, and find out how SFU will help you become that someone. 

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Founded on Catholic Franciscan Values

 

In an age of complexity, the simplicity of the message of St. Francis of Assisi has more appeal than ever before:
Catholic Faith. Humility. Generosity. Reverence. Service. Respect. Prayer. Joy. Love.
These guiding principles of the Franciscans are the values we embrace at Saint Francis University.


Our Mission

As the oldest Franciscan institution of higher learning in the United States, Saint Francis University draws inspiration from our Catholic tradition and expresses the lived example of Saint Francis of Assisi in the modern world. Saint Francis University promotes an inclusive learning community and a lifelong path to virtue, truth, and compassion. Within a culture that seeks understanding through innovation and collaboration, we champion both the inherent dignity of the individual person and the common good. 

Blog

Saint Francis University Recognized in Washington Monthly 2024 College Guide for Value and Impact

University Communications & Marketing | 09/18/2024
Saint Francis University has been recognized for its exceptional value and educational impact in the Washington Monthly 2024 College Guide. The university ranked #69 out of 604 in the Master’s Universities category and earned the #101 spot out of 388 for the Best Bang for the Buck in the Northeast , underscoring its commitment to providing students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and impactful. The Washington Monthly rankings are distinctive in their focus on what colleges do for their students, the country, and the common good. These rankings evaluate institutions based

Fall 2024 Visual Arts Gallery Exhibition Schedule

University Communications & Marketing | 09/18/2024
The Connors Family Fine Arts Center at Saint Francis University is pleased to announce its Fall 2024 gallery exhibition schedule. This season’s lineup features a diverse array of artists and events aimed at engaging the community through the visual arts.

SFU and GACTC enter new articulation agreement

University Communications & Marketing | 09/11/2024
Saint Francis University and the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) recently implemented a new articulation agreement that will allow GACTC high school and postsecondary students to move seamlessly several of the center's programs into the online Associate of Applied Science in Specialized Studies offered through Saint Francis University's Division of Professional Studies.

Shamus 14th Annual Charity Bike Ride

Erin McCloskey, University Communications & Marketing | 09/06/2024
On September 14, 2024, Brother Shamus will hit the trails of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, embarking on a ride that spans two weekends and covers over 98 miles. Each year, 100% of the charity ride proceeds are donated to the Dorothy Day Outreach Center with over 800,000 being raised since the inception of the bike ride.

Saint Francis University Dedicates New Aviation Education Center

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 08/30/2024
Saint Francis University proudly celebrated the Blessing and Dedication of the Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center alongside the grand opening of its FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program on August 29, 2024.

Mass opens 24-25 academic year

University Communications & Marketing | 08/30/2024
We were blessed to open the first week of the 2024-25 academic year on Thursday, August 29 with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit on the campus mall. View the photo gallery.

Upcoming Events


 
Explore our Location

Welcome to Loretto, Pennsylvania!

Our scenic campus sits on a mountain top near Pittsburgh. We’re just five miles from a major interstate highway (U.S. Route 22), which makes a road trip to major cities like New York, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia an easy drive. 

 

 

 

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