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
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REAL AI Forum

Educators meet for AI Forum hosted by SFU REAL Institute

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping education, and school leaders play a critical role in guiding its impact. SFU's Rural Education Alliance for Leadership (REAL) Institute fall workshop examined opportunities and challenges of AI in classrooms, school operations, and district leadership.
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Sarah Hartwell working at her summer internship at a geochemistry start up

Honing Engineering Skills at a Geochemistry Start-Up

Dr. Joel Bandstra helped Sarah Hartwell, an SFU Environmental Engineering rising senior, secure an internship with an environmental geochemistry firm, Mineralogic, in Duluth, MN. Throughout the summer, Sarah built upon skills she learned at SFU, such as coding with Python, PHREEQC, and R Studio, while gaining new experiences working with software such as PowerBI and researching rules and regulations in Minnesota.
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Students Walking on Mall

U.S. News & World Report Names SFU to Best Regional and Best Value Lists

Saint Francis University continues to excel in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 rankings, securing the #55 position in the "Best Regional Universities"and #62 Best Value University in the North. This recognition places SFU among the top institutions in the region, acknowledging its dedication to high-quality education and student success.
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explore aviation careers - student in cockpit

Explore Aviation Careers at Nov. 1 Open House

Saint Francis University will host a public Aviation Open House on Nov. 1 at its new Aviation Education Center, offering prospective attendees a up-close look at one of the region’s most innovative career training programs. Learn about pilot and maintenance career tracks.
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Paintings included in Echos of Color

Gallery on Gazebo Faculty and Student Exhibition

When Jess Campbell, Director of the Connors Family Fine Arts Center at Saint Francis University, was invited to host a solo exhibition at the Gallery on Gazebo in Johnstown, she saw an opportunity to share the spotlight. The result is an exhibition, titled Echoes of Color, which will run from October 5 – 31, 2025.

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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