Saint Francis University

Flash Facts, Rankings, and More

SFU banners on mall

Saint Francis University 

Flash Facts

College of Distinction
  • 600-acre campus in Loretto, Pennsylvania
  • Catholic-Franciscan
  • Private not-for-profit
  • Carnegie Classification: Masters Colleges and Universities Larger Programs

Main Phone: 814-472-3000

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 600
(169 Lakeview Drive -package shipping) 
Loretto, Pa 15940 

Recent Accolades 

Read all press releases.

Fall 2024: Institutional Data

  • Enrollment: 1,962 (Fall 2024 undergraduate, graduate & adult degree) 
  • Graduation Rate: 73.40 %  (6 year)
  • Average Time to a Degree: 4.1 years
  • Retention Rate: 82.5%
  • Early Career Earnings: $62,101
  • Graduates earning more than peers with high school diploma: 84%

Sources:  U.S. Government College Score Card & SFU Office of Institutional Research

doors to the chapel banner

Our Franciscan Identity

  • oldest Franciscan college in the United States
  • founded in 1847 by six friars from Ireland
  • one of the first Catholic co-ed colleges in the nation 

Governing Structure 

  • Sponsored by the Franciscans of the Third Order Regular
  • President of the University Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, Ph.D., T.O.R.
  • Governed by Board of Trustees
stack of books with faded background

Academic Flash Facts

  •  60+ undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies programs
  • programs range from non-degree certificates through doctoral level programs
  • face-to-face and online programs 

Accreditation

Saint Francis University and its specialized programs are accredited by 12 accrediting bodies. Review accrediting details here.

Academic Structure

Academics at SFU fall under the scope of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Academic Homes:

Athletics

SFU is currently a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the University's 22 men's and women's sports teams compete at the Division I level in the Northeast Conference. The University's nickname is the Red Flash. In 2025–2026, SFU remains a member of NCAA Division I and the Northeast Conference. Beginning in 2026–2027, it will reclassify to NCAA Division III and join the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

frankie the friar

Athletics Fast Facts

  • SFU has won 17 Conference Championships since 2016
  • More CoSIDA/College Sports Communicators Academic All-America selections come from SFU than any other institution in the Northeast Conference
  • Saint Francis became the first school in NEC history to garner both the Male and Female Team Student-Athlete of the Year award in the same academic year in 2023-24
  • Saint Francis is the only NEC school to have at least one NEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year every year since the inception of the award in 2003-04 and have amassed 86 winners in that span
  • In 2023-24, 57 student-athletes were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team. In addition, two men’s volleyball players earned Academic All-America status
  • The Red Flash softball team defeated Siena 1-0 in the Austin Regional for the program’s second NCAA Tournament win in program history in 2024

Blog
OT student receiving her pin from professor

2025 OT Pinning Ceremony Held

Marie Young, University Communications Manager | 05/29/2025
With warmth, reverence, and a celebration of professional growth, Saint Francis University held its annual Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony on May 9, 2025, honoring 25 graduating students as they transition from academic study to clinical practice.
NEC academic honor roll logo

SFU Shines in NEC Winter Academic Honor Roll

SFU Athletics | 05/21/2025
Saint Francis University continues to uphold a proud tradition of academic excellence among its student-athletes, with 104 Red Flash athletes named to the Northeast Conference (NEC) Winter Academic Honor Roll.
Celebratory Commencement Cap Toss

Scenes from Commencement 2025

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 05/13/2025
The Saint Francis University community gathered this weekend to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025 during three distinct ceremonies. Enjoy the memories from our photo and video archives!
Francis 2022 Cohort Integrated Research Blog Image

Inaugural Cohort of Executive Doctorate Completes Integrated Dissertation Experience

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 05/06/2025
At Saint Francis University, the path to a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and Innovation is not just about earning a credential—it’s about applying knowledge with purpose. The Class of 2025, our inaugural Francis 2022 Cohort of Ed.D. graduates, exemplifies this mission through their exceptional research, made possible by the program’s integrated dissertation model.
2025 Powers Awards recipients

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

University Communications & Marketing | 04/30/2025
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 six stand-out educators during the Saint Francis University President's Awards Convocation on April 29, 2025.
Mens Basketball, NEC Champions 24-25

SFU MBB Claim NEC Championship 2025 Title

SFU Athletics | 03/12/2025
The Saint Francis University Men's Basketball won their first Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship since 1991 with a 46-43 victory over the no. 1 seeded CCSU Blue Devils.
Top 100 people PA Business Central 2025

SFU President Named Among 2025 Top 100 People by Pennsylvania Business Central

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 02/20/2025
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.”
OT Accreditation certificate

Celebrating Our 10-Year Accreditation: A Milestone of Excellence

Dr. Andrew Miller OTR/L, CHT, CFE, ATC/L | 01/24/2025
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.
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