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

Virtual FAFSA Help Nights sponsored by PHEAA

University Communications & Marketing | 03/13/2024
Pennsylvania students and families who need help completing their 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can sign up for a virtual, one-on-one session sponsored by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistant Agency ( PHEAA).

Early wins for New AMA chapter at SFU

Tom Schellbach, Communications Major | 03/11/2024
A new chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) at Saint Francis University, established by SFU Marketing students with the assistance of Assistant Professor of Marketing Kim Flanders, is off to a great start.

Career Expo 2024

University Communications & Marketing | 02/28/2024
The 2024 Career Expo will be held on April 4 in the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center is open to students of all majors, from any college or university, and to the general public.

New Study Abroad Opportunities in France

Ava Dzurenda, Troubadour Features Editor | 02/26/2024
Saint Francis has established a study-abroad partnership with the Université Catholique de Lille (UCL) in Lille, France. Beginning this summer, SFU students will have the chance to study at this institution.

Lessons Learned from Shelter Cats

University Communications & Marketing | 02/22/2024
In 2022, SFU welcomed its first feline cohort. Dr. Flaisher-Grinberg outlined the diligent work that went into this class in a recent article recently published in IAABC, the Journal of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

SFU Nursing Chair Elected to AACN Board Appointment

Department of Nursing | 02/21/2024
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) elected the Saint Francis Univesity Nursing Department chair, Rita Trofino, DNP, MNEd, RN, to serve a two-year term on its Board of Directors.

2024 FAFSA Completion Night

Financial Aid | 02/13/2024
Is your family overwhelmed with the idea of filling out the 2024 FAFSA application? To make the process easier, our experienced Financial Aid and Admissions teams are hosting a dedicated night in Altoona to help you with the process.

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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