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 continuing studies programs.

Schools of Study

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

2023 Orientation Directors Named

University Communications & Marketing | 05/23/2023
SFU proudly announces the eight students selected to serve as 2023 Orientation Directors. These talented students will lead a team of 40 student volunteer Orientation Counselors to provide a first-class onboarding experience when the Class of 2027 joins the Flash Fam in August.

Saint Francis University names Mr. and Miss Frankie

University Communications & Marketing | 05/17/2023
Saint Francis University seniors Antonio Campitell and Rachel Lynne Langsdorf were named Mr. and Miss Frankie during the President’s Awards Convocation on May 2.

2023 President's Convocation Awards

University Communications & Marketing | 05/12/2023
The President's Awards Convocation was held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center.

Franciscan Friar to Bike in 13th Annual Charity Ride

University Communications & Marketing | 05/12/2023
Brother Shamus McGrenra, a 76-year-old stage IV colon cancer survivor and a Franciscan Friar, will embark on his 13th Annual #GoBroShamus Charity Bike Ride on June 3, 2023. Cycling the local Rails to Trails in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Brother Shamus will complete the ride over the course of two back-to-back weekends.

Four stand-out educators receive Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award

University Communications & Marketing | 05/10/2023
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 four outstanding educators during the Saint Francis University President's Awards Convocation on May 4, 2023.

Addressing the Teacher Shortage: SFU and TEACH

Dr. Melissa Peppetti | 05/09/2023
While the teaching crisis impacts all locales, rural schools are having issues finding teachers for specific classes and grade spans, especially the disciplines of math and science. Saint Francis University's Graduate Education Department is committed to improving teacher quality by offering research-based solutions that may serve as viable solutions to the teacher shortage.

International association names SFU Criminal Justice 'Program of the Year'

Dominique Yeo, SFU Communications Major | 05/02/2023
SFU's Criminal Justice Program has been awarded the 2023 CJ Program of the Year by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) on March 18. The ACJS is an international association established to foster professional and scholarly activities in the field of criminal justice.

Engineering Internships Help Secure Employment After Graduation 

Engineering Department | 05/02/2023
Completing an engineering internship can open the door to many career opportunities and help you take the first steps toward your dream job. This year, we are proud to announce a class of interns and graduates from Saint Francis University’s General Engineering program that includes several students participating in a stratospheric ballooning project, students working for companies ranging from Leonardo DRS to Lighthouse Electric, and two students that we are proud to highlight below. These two students have secured job offers in their desired engineering field, which stemmed from their

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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