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Saint Francis University

Loretto, PA·Private nonprofit·1,525 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $57,400 within 10 years; generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

77%
Accept
1,525
Students
$19,173
Net Price
73%
Grad Rate
$57,400
Earnings
10 yr
$27,000
Debt

About This School

Saint Francis University is a private nonprofit institution located in Loretto, Pennsylvania with approximately 1,525 undergraduate students enrolled. Saint Francis University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 77%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,173 per year. The graduation rate is 73%, and the typical graduate earns $57,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Saint Francis University (SFU) is a private Catholic university in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded in 1847 and conducted under the tradition of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular. The university is situated on 600 acres (243 ha) in the forests and farmland of Loretto.

Founded in 1847 and set on 600 acres in rural western Pennsylvania, this small Catholic university offers a genuinely affordable path — $19,173/year average net price is competitive for a private school — and an 88% freshman retention rate suggests students who enroll tend to stick around. The 73% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional, so it's worth asking admissions what support exists for students who struggle. Median earnings of $57,400 at the 10-year mark are solid relative to the $27,000 median debt load, making this a financially reasonable choice for students drawn to its tight-knit campus and Franciscan mission.

Founded
1847
Setting
Distant rural

Popular Programs

Health Professions36%
Business & Marketing20%
Education11%
Biological Sciences10%
Engineering5%
Computer Science3%
Psychology3%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Aaron ClaphamMaurice StokesCharles M. SchwabCalvin FowlerNorm Van LierKevin PorterThomas Joseph Tobin

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1151
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile620

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$41,720
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,720
Avg Net Price
$19,173
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants18%
Median debt at graduation$27,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
73%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$57,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$48,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$57,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.1x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White80%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino2%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,525 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Saint Francis University

117 Evergreen Dr

Loretto, PA 15940

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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