
FIRST-YEAR, TRANSFER, GRADUATE, & ONLINE
Apply to SFU
GETTING STARTED
Choose Your Student Type

First-Year Students, you will need:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores or
Test-Optional Alternative (details below)
When to apply: To receive full consideration for admission and merit scholarships, we suggest that you complete the application by May 1st of your senior year.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: August 1
- Spring Start: January 1
First-Year Admission Information
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Admissions Standards
The admissions process and requirements for various programs are outlined in our University catalog. You may also reach out to your admissions counselor at any time to help you find the answers.
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Standardized Testing
There are 3 ways that you can handle standardized testing:
- Take your ACT exam on campus! You may even be able to combine the test date with a campus visit. Visit Act on Campus or ask your admissions counselor about this option.
- Submit your official scores from SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Testing Program)
- Request to apply "Test Optional" on your application. Read the criteria below to ensure your desired major accepts test optional admissions.
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Transcripts
Do I need complete transcripts to start the application process?
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You can start the process with a transcript of completed work through your junior year and a copy of your senior class schedule.
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Submit your mid-year grades from your senior year when available.
- The official final high school transcript, indicating proof of graduation, must be submitted before you start classes.
Where do I submit my transcripts?
Saint Francis University
Office of Admissions
169 Lakeview Drive
PO Box 600
Loretto PA 15940
Are there alternative ways to submit my transcripts?
Yes. We work through Parchment therefore you can request that your school submit your transcript through this platform.
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Test Optional Information
SFU offers test-optional consideration to first-year students and transfer applicants for admission to most majors.
Majors that still REQUIRE SAT/ACT scores for admissions consideration:
- Accelerated MBA program in Accounting
- Accelerated MBA program in Business Analytics
- Accelerated MBA program in Economics
- Accelerated MBA program in Finance
- Accelerated MBA program in Management
- Accelerated MBA program in Management Information Systems
- Accelerated MBA program in Marketing
- Accelerated MHRM program in Management
- Physician Assistant Science
How to Apply "Test Optional"
SFU online application: Answer ‘Yes’ to the question, “Are you submitting your application for test-optional consideration?”
Common Application: email admissions@francis.edu to let us know that you are applying for test-optional admission.
The admissions process and requirements for various programs are outlined in our University catalog. You may also reach out to your admissions counselor at any time to help you find the answers.
There are 3 ways that you can handle standardized testing:
- Take your ACT exam on campus! You may even be able to combine the test date with a campus visit. Visit Act on Campus or ask your admissions counselor about this option.
- Submit your official scores from SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Testing Program)
- Request to apply "Test Optional" on your application. Read the criteria below to ensure your desired major accepts test optional admissions.
Do I need complete transcripts to start the application process?
-
You can start the process with a transcript of completed work through your junior year and a copy of your senior class schedule.
-
Submit your mid-year grades from your senior year when available.
- The official final high school transcript, indicating proof of graduation, must be submitted before you start classes.
Where do I submit my transcripts?
Saint Francis University
Office of Admissions
169 Lakeview Drive
PO Box 600
Loretto PA 15940
Are there alternative ways to submit my transcripts?
Yes. We work through Parchment therefore you can request that your school submit your transcript through this platform.
SFU offers test-optional consideration to first-year students and transfer applicants for admission to most majors.
Majors that still REQUIRE SAT/ACT scores for admissions consideration:
- Accelerated MBA program in Accounting
- Accelerated MBA program in Business Analytics
- Accelerated MBA program in Economics
- Accelerated MBA program in Finance
- Accelerated MBA program in Management
- Accelerated MBA program in Management Information Systems
- Accelerated MBA program in Marketing
- Accelerated MHRM program in Management
- Physician Assistant Science
How to Apply "Test Optional"
SFU online application: Answer ‘Yes’ to the question, “Are you submitting your application for test-optional consideration?”
Common Application: email admissions@francis.edu to let us know that you are applying for test-optional admission.

Transfer students, you will need:
- A completed application form
- Official transcript(s) from all post-secondary and high school institutions attended
- College Clearance Form (for students who left an institution for reasons other than graduation)
- SAT/ACT scores (see below)
When to apply: Below are suggested deadlines to apply; we follow a rolling admission process for most programs:
- Fall Start: August 1
- Spring Start: January 1
Who is a transfer student? A transfer student has been enrolled in a college or university after high school and has completed twelve or more college credits and wishes to enroll in a degree-seeking program on a full-time basis (12 or more credits)

International Students, you will need:
- A completed application
- Transcripts must be converted to the U.S. Academic Scale using an official credential evaluation service. Saint Francis works most commonly with SpanTran
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreight Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores. Saint Francis does not accept DuoLingo scores.
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Certified financial affidavit with official bank statement, stamp, or seal.
When to apply:
- Fall Start Application Deadline: June 30
- Spring Start Application Deadline: November 15
International Student Admission Information
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International Financial Requirements and I-20 Information
Please visit our International Student Page for more Information
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International Health & Immunization Requirements
Please visit our International Student Page for more Information
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Testing
Please visit our International Student Page for more Information
Please visit our International Student Page for more Information

Graduate Students
Enrollment in graduate studies is handled through individual academic departments and may have varying admission criteria, deadlines, and programs of study details.

Online Students, you will need:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary study (If no prior college courses, then a copy of your high school transcripts or GED required)
- Visiting Students (non-SFU students taking individual courses) complete the Non-SFU Registration

College In High School Students, learn more about...
- Dual Enrollment: Earn both college and high school credits. High school teachers lead classes in an in-person classroom.
- Career Development Series: Earn both college and high school credits. SFU online courses along with other high school students.
- Online Courses: Get a head start! Take any online courses through Division of Professional Studies.
Free Transfer Credit Evaluation
- Want to see how the college courses you've already taken will transfer to Saint Francis University?
- Are you a first- or second-year high school student who would like our advisors to guide you through choosing your college in high school classes to help you best prepare for college?
- Are you an active-duty military servicemember and want to know how your military education, training, and prior learning can help you fast-track your degree?
Let us do the heavy lifting.
Email your transcript or your questions to transcripteval@francis.edu
Saint Francis University, inspired by its Franciscan and Catholic identity values equality of opportunity, human dignity, racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity, both as an educational institution and as an employer.
View our nondiscrimination policy.