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
Catholic faith, generosity, respect, discovery, and joy


 

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. 

Latest News

Ceremony set for new bell tower unveiling

The Troubadour | 10/02/2023
A ceremony to mark the completion of the new bell tower is scheduled for Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m. All members of the SFU community are invited to gather in the courtyard near Saint Francis Hall for this event. During the ceremony, the bell and tower will be blessed and the bell will toll for the first time. Ava Dzurenda, Features Editor for The Troubadour, published an insightful look into the significance of bells on campus and the journey that brought this particular bell to its new home. Ava is a junior Exercise Physiology and Science Writing double major with a minor in Communications. She is

Leadership Development Series 2023

University Communications & Marketing | 09/28/2023
Altoona workshop series set for business leaders and managers Saint Francis University Shields School of Business & The Francis in the Marketplace Employee Training and Development Institute present the Fall 2023/Winter 2024 Leadership Development Series.   The series consists of four high energy leadership workshops aimed at fueling employee engagement, unleashing workplace productivity, and enabling organizations to attract and retain the best employees. Sessions are open to all managers and leaders who wish to create a more productive and meaningful workplace.  Fall 2023/Winter 2024

Public Health Alumni Spotlight

University Communications & Marketing | 09/12/2023
Amongst the public health scene are five SFU alumni who have embarked on inspiring journeys, each contributing uniquely to the field. Read the stories of Lucy Rojas, Christine Yakicic, Makenna Topka, Joe Theiss, and Hannah Anderson.

SFU Community Blanketeers seeks donations for annual blanket drive

Melita O'Donnell | 09/11/2023
The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers collection will begin September 25 and run through November 1, 2023. Since 2006, the Blanketeers have collected more than 2,337 beautiful blankets, which have been donated to local children in Blair County, Cambria County, and surrounding areas.

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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