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

Junior Nursing Student Andrew Tinker Receives National Student DAISY Award

Mitchell Jubas | 12/03/2024
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.

Honors Program Profile Isabella Swindell

Written by David Lyttle, Class of 2027 | 12/02/2024
Profile of Honors Student Isabella Swindell: Isabella wants to become a teacher, specializing in early childhood and special education. She credits the honors program for giving her the confidence to realize this dream.

SFU Nursing In the News: Van Zandt offering RN, NP residency programs

University Communications & Marketing | 11/26/2024
Saint Francis University's Department of Nursing is proud to collaborate with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center to help new nurses thrive in their careers through innovative residency programs designed to give recently graduated RNs and NPs the support, mentorship, and hands-on experience they need to build confidence and stay in the profession.

Matthew Hall's Journey through Honors

Written by David Lyttle, Class of 2027 | 11/25/2024
Profile of Honors Student Matthew Hall: As student manager for two of the university's athletic teams, softball and basketball, Hall's had the chance to research and report on NCAA transfer portal data, a topic he carried into his Honors thesis.

Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids Turns 30

Rachel (Vasilko) Heckman '13 | 11/20/2024
Since 1995, the Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) program at Saint Francis University has had an enormous impact, with over 3,700 events reaching over 86,000 school children and community members.

12 SFU soccer players named to 2024 CSC Academic All-District Team

SFU Athletics | 11/20/2024
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.

Unlock the Power of Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation

Mitchell Jubas | 11/19/2024
Join us on March 14, 2025, at Saint Francis University for a one-day course on Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation. Designed for PTs, PTAs, ATCs, and OTs, this course combines expert education, hands-on practice, and continuing education credits to help you integrate BFR therapy into your practice for better patient outcomes. Register now—space is limited!

An Innovative Approach to Creating a Disaster Simulation

Mitchell Jubas | 11/19/2024
To enhance disaster preparedness in nursing education, an innovative simulation was introduced three years ago as part of the NURS405 Care of Community clinical requirement. Students collaboratively designed and participated in a disaster simulation, taking on roles such as patients, narrators, and triaging nurses. The simulation emphasized critical thinking, resource management, and decision-making under pressure, with a debriefing session to reflect on outcomes. Following this, students transitioned to an ICU simulation, caring for disaster victims and honing their clinical skills. This dual-phase approach improved teamwork, collaboration, and disaster management, preparing students for both community and hospital-based nursing care.

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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