University Rankings & Distinctions

Accolades are wonderful to receive (below are a few of our favorites rankings), yet the biggest success that we celebrate is seeing our graduates become talented, caring, and competent professionals who make a difference in this world.

Saint Francis University Celebrates a Decade of Distinction

For the tenth year in a row, SFU has been named a College of Distinction, acknowledging their innovative learning opportunities and student-focused approach. This recognition speaks to the personalized experiences and hands-on learning that makes SFU stand out from the crowd.

Keep reading for a full list of distinctions recognized.

Recognized as One of America's Best Colleges 2025 by the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse

This prestigious ranking evaluates academic rigor, student engagement, and long-term career prospects. SFU ranked:

#217 (out of 500 institutions) in the overall rankings & #209 in social mobility.

This placement is a reflection of the strong foundation SFU offers to students, and the real-world success they achieve after graduation.

Recent Highlights

2025 Niche College Rankings. SFU earned high marks from Niche for its overall campus life, with exceptional marks for safety and athletics. Among the highlights:

#4 (out of 23) Best Catholic College in PA
#20 (out of 104) Best College in PA
#24 (out of 103) Best Value College in PA

U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Regional Universities. This recognition is based on strong academic performance, graduation rates, and student outcomes, reinforcing SFU's reputation for delivering a high-quality education that sets students up for success.

#30 among Best Regional Universities in the North

Washington Monthly 2024 College Guide. This guide highlights institutions making a real impact on students' lives and their communities. Recognized for both value and public service, SFU also ranked high in categories like social mobility, research, and community service.

#69 (out of 604) in the Master's Universities category
#101 (out of 388) for the Best Bang for the Buck in the Northeast

Reaching New Heights

Saint Francis University's Aviation Maintenance Technician Program Achieves FAA Certification. Read More

This milestone makes the AMT program the only FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school in Cambria County and the only offering of its kind in the surrounding counties.

Latest Distinctions

Blog

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.

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.

U.S. News & World Report 2025 Rankings on a gold seal

Saint Francis University Maintains Strong #30 Rank on U.S. News & World Report's 2025 'Best Regional Universities' in the North

Erin McCloskey | 09/24/2024

Saint Francis University ranks #30 in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Regional Universities" in the North and #38 for social mobility. Its engineering programs rank #236-286. SFU also earned recognition from the Wall Street Journal, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly for academic excellence and student success.

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

SFU Recognized as One of America’s Best Colleges 2025 by Wall Street Journal and College Pulse

University Communications & Marketing | 09/11/2024

Saint Francis University has been recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges 2025 by The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse, in partnership with the independent market research firm Statista. This honor reflects the dedication of the entire SFU community in delivering a high-quality education and fostering student success.

Saint Francis Univerity DPT Class of 2024 achieves 100 percent NPTE pass rate

Saint Francis University DPT Class of 2024 achieves 100% first-time pass rate on NPTE

University Communications & Marketing | 08/14/2024

Saint Francis University’s DPT Class of 2024 has achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NPTE, the national licensing exam for physical therapists.

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

Saint Francis University named "College of Distinction" ten years in a row

University Communications & Marketing | 07/25/2024

Saint Francis University celebrates 10 years of earning the "College of Distinction" honor for demonstrating hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life, and successful outcomes.

Spring 2024 President's and Dean's Lists - Blog Thumbnail

Spring 2024 President's & Dean's Lists Announced

University Communications & Marketing | 06/05/2024

Both the President's & Dean's Lists were announced on Friday, June 7, 2024. A total of 736 students were named; 232 to the President's List and 504 to the Dean's List.

Daisy Award - Nursing Major Kelsey Crittendon

SFU Nursing BSN student receives international recognition award

Nursing Department | 05/03/2024

Kelsey Crittendon, senior Saint Francis University nursing BSN student, received a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students on April 22, 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students recognizes and celebrates nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion shown to patients and their families.

Three stand-out Cambria Heights educators receive Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award

University Communications & Marketing | 05/01/2024

Saint Francis University presents the Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award to a deserving elementary or secondary teacher or administrator each spring. This year, the university presented the award to three outstanding Cambria Heights educators during the Saint Francis University President's Awards Convocation on April 30, 2024.

View All