Saint Francis University
Loretto, Pennsylvania 15940
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences
Saint Francis University is a private institution in Loretto with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1151, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.5K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
73% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,101 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,173.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Saint Francis was established in 1847 by six Franciscan teaching Brothers from Mountbellew, Ireland.
- •They had been given land in Loretto by Michael O'Connor, the first Bishop of Pittsburgh, to establish a school.
- •Saint Francis Academy opened on September 2, 1850.
- •Originally an academy, Saint Francis became popularly known as Saint Francis College as early as 1860, although that designation was not formally adopted by law until 1911.
- •The university was one of the first Catholic universities in the United States and the first Franciscan college in the nation.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
Neumann University
Aston, PA · Suburban · Private
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA · Suburban · Private
Lebanon Valley College
Annville, PA · Suburban · Private
Seton Hill University
Greensburg, PA · Suburban · Private
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1151
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
60.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$27,000
Programs (86)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
88%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Loretto
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Altoona, from real bookable tour times.
See all days out →