Finding Purpose at Saint Francis University
More Than a Major: Finding Purpose, Community, and Opportunity at Saint Francis University
Choosing a college is about more than finding a major. It's about finding a place where you can learn, grow, and discover who you want to become.
The right university will prepare you for a career while helping you discover new strengths and the kind of person you want to become. At Saint Francis University (SFU), those experiences are grounded in a Franciscan tradition that values every person and encourages growth both inside and outside the classroom.
As you compare colleges and picture where you'll spend the next four years, consider not only what you want to study, but what else you want your college experience to make possible. At Saint Francis, that means embracing the power of “and”—the opportunity to pursue your goals while discovering new interests, relationships, experiences, and ways to make a difference.
Here’s why so many students discover more than a degree at SFU.
College is a chance to discover who you're becoming
It's common to arrive at college with a plan, then discover new interests along the way. You may confirm the major you've always wanted to pursue, or you may uncover a passion you hadn't considered before. Both are part of the college experience.
That freedom to explore reflects the idea that you don't have to choose just one path at Saint Francis. There’s no need to define yourself by a single interest, talent, or direction. College can be a time to connect what you're already passionate about with interests and opportunities you haven't discovered yet.
At SFU, education is designed to help you grow as a whole person. Inspired by the values of St. Francis of Assisi, the university encourages students to pursue knowledge with humility, lead with compassion, and use their talents to serve others.
That perspective shapes everything from classroom discussions to service opportunities and campus leadership experiences. As you prepare for your future career, you'll also develop the character and perspective to make a meaningful difference wherever life takes you.
Find a community where people know your name
The people around you can have just as much influence on your college experience as the classes you take.
Saint Francis is known for its close-knit community, where faculty and staff take the time to get to know students as individuals. Smaller class sizes make conversations with professors feel natural, creating mentorship opportunities that often continue well beyond a single semester.
Support extends beyond the classroom as well. Student Success Services offers resources that help students succeed throughout their time at SFU, and dedicated advisors are there to provide guidance whenever questions or challenges arise.
That culture of support leaves a lasting impression. In fact, 98% of graduates said they had a mentor who encouraged them to pursue their dreams.*
Create a college experience that's uniquely yours
Some of the most memorable moments in college happen outside the classroom.
Saint Francis offers dozens of student organizations, leadership opportunities, campus traditions, and service experiences that help students build friendships while discovering new interests. Whether you join a club related to your major, participate in campus ministry, compete in Red Wolves athletics, or volunteer in the community, you'll find opportunities to become involved from your first semester.
At SFU, those experiences don't have to compete with your academic goals. They can become part of the person you're becoming. You can be a researcher and an athlete, a future healthcare professional and a campus leader, or a business student and someone deeply committed to service. Your “and” is yours to discover.
Living on campus also helps create a strong sense of community. Residence halls, student activities, and campus events bring students together in ways that make it easy to meet new people and feel at home.
These experiences reflect the university's Franciscan commitment to community. Students are encouraged to care for one another, celebrate different perspectives, and contribute to a campus where everyone has the opportunity to belong.
Turn learning into experience
At Saint Francis, learning isn't limited to the classroom. It's classroom knowledge and hands-on experience, preparation for your first job, and the confidence to keep growing throughout your career.
SFU emphasizes experiential learning through internships, undergraduate research, clinical placements, student leadership, and other hands-on opportunities. These experiences allow students to build practical skills while gaining confidence in professional settings.
Career preparation begins early. Students gain real-world experience through internships, networking opportunities, and career exploration, while faculty mentors and career advisors help them connect their classroom learning to future goals.
And the results speak for themselves. 99.6% of SFU graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.* Those outcomes reflect an educational experience that prepares students to succeed long after they leave campus.
Invest in a future with lasting value
Choosing a college is one of the biggest investments you'll make, so it's important to know you're making a smart one.
Saint Francis University has earned national recognition from organizations including U.S. News & World Report and Colleges of Distinction for its academic quality, student outcomes, and commitment to helping students succeed both in college and after graduation.
The university is also committed to making private education accessible. Generous financial aid opportunities help many students reduce the cost of attendance, allowing them to focus on making the most of their college experience.
These factors reinforce what students experience every day: a university committed to helping them achieve meaningful outcomes while providing the support they need to reach their goals.
Build a future filled with purpose
The years you spend in college have the power to shape your future in lasting ways. At Saint Francis University, you'll gain the knowledge and experience to pursue your goals while becoming part of a community that encourages you to grow with purpose.
When you graduate, you'll leave with more than a degree. You'll leave ready to make a difference.
Ready to take the next step?