Distinctions

Saint Francis University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., has been recognized as one of Pennsylvania Business Central’s “Top 100 People” for 2025. The annual list recognizes regional leaders “who dream big, expand opportunities, and excel.”

The Saint Francis University Master of Occupational Therapy program has received a 10-year accreditation status, the highest level of recognition a program can achieve. This prestigious honor reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in education and the exceptional opportunities we provide to our students.

Saint Francis University has been ranked No. 151 among the 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.

On November 15, 2024, Andrew Tinker, a junior Saint Francis University BSN student, was recognized with the prestigious Student DAISY Award during a surprise ceremony at UPMC Altoona. This national honor celebrates nursing students who demonstrate extraordinary compassion, care, and commitment to their patients and their families. Andrew’s exceptional contribution to patient care was highlighted by his nominator, a UPMC registered nurse, who witnessed his remarkable dedication firsthand.

Saint Francis University proudly announces that 12 RedFlash Soccer players have been named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. College Sports Communicators recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.

Three Saint Francis University entrepreneurs took their non-profit company EcoPrint all the way to second place in the 41st annual Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) Global Conference and Pitch Fest on November 2, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Biology-Pre-med students Caleb DeBass (Forest, VA), Carson Elbin (Needmore, PA), and Nathan Poplos (Magnolia, DE) pitched their business EcoPrint.

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 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.

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 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