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Make a difference with your Saint Francis University education.

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Saint Francis University named College of Distinction 10 years in a row

Accolades

College of Distinction

Saint Francis University Named "College of Distinction" ten years in a row!
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Happening This Week

Find something to do at Saint Francis University this week.
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Undergraduate Admissions

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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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Admissions

Apply for Fall 2025

The application for Fall 2025 is open!
pay your deposit

Undergraduate Admissions

Pay your Deposit

Make it official and hold your spot at SFU!
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Visits & Tours

Come on up!

The best way to get to know us is to visit campus!
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SFU’s Commitment to Inclusivity:

Creating a Welcoming Space for Jewish Students

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
Left to Right: Michael Cacciotti, BG Principal, Students: Addison Berardi - Adaya Craig – Dominic Danastasio – Riley Gofus, Tori Wilsoncroft, BG School Counselor

Saint Francis University Welcomes Inaugural Group of Students to Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic Academy

Erin McCloskey | 10/15/2024
Left to Right: Michael Cacciotti, BG Principal, Students: Addison Berardi - Adaya Craig – Dominic Danastasio – Riley Gofus, Tori Wilsoncroft, BG School Counselor Saint Francis University Welcomes Inaugural Group of Students to Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic Academy Saint Francis University is excited to announce the acceptance of the inaugural group of students into the new Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program, offered exclusively to Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic Academy students. This program, a unique collaboration between Saint Francis University and Bishop
Mercy Ships

Nursing alumnae volunteers with Mercy Ships in Africa

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 10/15/2024
Michaela Smith, a 2016 Saint Francis University BSN graduate, recently served as a volunteer nurse for a two-week rotation in September with Mercy Ships, bringing healing and hope to communities in Sierra Leone, Africa.
Most Improved Voting Rate

Saint Francis University Earns Most Improved Voting Rate

Mitchell Jubas | 10/07/2024
The 2022 NSLVE report recognized Saint Francis University for its strong voter engagement, earning the Most Improved Voting Rate in the Pennsylvania Campus Voting Challenge, the Presidential Commitment Seal, and a Silver Seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. SFU also celebrated Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day, launching a voter registration drive to promote civic participation.
Distinctions and Rankings

Saint Francis University Earns High Marks in 2025 Niche College Rankings

Erin McCloskey | 10/03/2024
Saint Francis University has earned impressive rankings in the 2025 Niche College Rankings, including #37 Best Catholic Colleges in America and #63 Safest College Campus in America. These accomplishments reflect SFU's commitment to academic excellence, student satisfaction, and a safe, supportive environment rooted in Catholic, Franciscan values.
Distinctions and Rankings

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
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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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