Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Loretto, Pennsylvania
76.9% Acceptance Rate
Saint Francis University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
76.9%Acceptance Rate
3.69Avg GPA
1151Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$57,515Annual Cost
$62,101Grad Salary
17.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
76.9%
Avg GPA
3.69
Avg SAT
1151
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1020–1250
ACT Middle 50%
21–26
Need-Based Aid
17.8% receive Pell
Saint Francis University, founded in 1847, is Pennsylvania's oldest Catholic university with signature programs in health sciences and engineering. The Loretto campus includes the new Science Center. SFU's 'Franciscan Mission' integrates service across curricula.
Saint Francis University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Saint Francis University is inclusive by design. 76.9% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 76.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.69 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.49 – 3.68
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.24
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Saint Francis University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Saint Francis University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of December 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 113 days left — Early Action
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Saint Francis University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Early Action
December 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Scholarship Priority: 2025/12/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Saint Francis University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Saint Francis University is 3.69. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.39 and 3.69? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.89–4.09.Saint Francis University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.69 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.49 – 3.68
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.29 – 3.48
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.28
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- New Zero-Tuition Advantage (Fall 2026): covers remaining tuition for PA families earning ?$65,000 after other aid is applied.
- 3+2 accelerated Physician Assistant Science program; Fall 2026 cohort deadline Nov. 17, 2025.
- Merit scholarships (up to $114,000 over 4 years at 4.25 GPA) calculated automatically by admissions counselors, best consideration before March 1.
- ~2,100 students; Catholic Franciscan affiliation; one of the smallest NCAA Division I athletic programs nationally.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Saint Francis University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Saint Francis University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Saint Francis University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Saint Francis University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Saint Francis University Without SAT or ACT?
Saint Francis University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Saint Francis University Average SAT Score: 1151
Admitted students at Saint Francis University average a 1151 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1151 — Less Competitive
A 1151 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1250 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Saint Francis University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1020? A retake is worth it at Saint Francis University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 565 | 510 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 570 | 510 | 630 |
| SAT Composite | 1151 | 1020 | 1250 |
A score under 1020 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1250+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Saint Francis University with a 1250 SAT?
At 1250, your SAT is squarely in Saint Francis University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Saint Francis University ACT Requirements
Saint Francis University's admitted students average an ACT of 24.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 24 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 21 | 27 |
| ACT English | 23 | 20 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 21 | 26 |
Can I get into Saint Francis University with a 26 ACT?
At 26, you're in the top quarter of Saint Francis University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Saint Francis University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Saint Francis University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into Saint Francis University isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Check Zero-Tuition Advantage eligibility before assuming SFU is out of reach financially
Starting Fall 2026, Pennsylvania families earning $65,000 or less can attend tuition-free once federal, state, and institutional aid are combined - file the FAFSA before March 1 and use SFU's federal code (003366) so this new program is factored into your award from the start, since it's not something you apply for separately.
If you're interested in becoming a PA, ask specifically about the 3+2 accelerated Physician Assistant Science program
This program compresses pre-professional and graduate PA training into 5 years total with a built-in pathway (rather than applying separately to grad PA programs later) - the Fall 2026 cohort deadline is November 17, 2025, so if this is your goal, this is a distinctly time-sensitive, separate application track from general admission.
Understand merit scholarships are calculated automatically by your GPA at admission, not through a separate application
SFU's merit scholarships (up to $114,000 over four years at a 4.25 GPA) are calculated directly by your admissions counselor based on academic performance - get your complete application on file before March 1 for fullest consideration, since these aren't a bolt-on application process like at many peer schools.
As a Catholic Franciscan school with only ~2,100 students, use the small-campus feel to your advantage in outreach
With one of the smallest NCAA Division I athletic programs in the country and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, direct outreach to specific faculty or coaches (even for non-recruited students) tends to get personal responses here - this is a genuine access point smaller than what most D-I schools offer.
Expert Insight:
Because SFU's Zero-Tuition Advantage only applies to first-time freshmen or traditional transfer students taking classes on campus beginning Fall 2026 (not Division of Professional Studies students), applicants pursuing online or continuing-education tracks should not assume this program applies to them.
Saint Francis University Profile
Full Name
Saint Francis University
City
Loretto
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
15940
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Saint Francis University Degree Worth It?
At $57,515/year against a $62,101 median graduate salary, Saint Francis University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $55,200, and graduates see a 3.6% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Saint Francis University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $57,515/year at Saint Francis University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Saint Francis University, 17.8% receive a Pell Grant and 40.3% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Saint Francis University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Saint Francis University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Saint Francis University graduates report a median income of $62,101, about 53% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Francis University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 1119 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Saint Francis University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Francis University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Saint Francis University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Francis University Admissions
Saint Francis University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $62,101/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Saint Francis University runs high, at roughly $57,515+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
17.8% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. Saint Francis University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Saint Francis University's acceptance rate is 76.9%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Saint Francis University students is 3.69, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.39 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Saint Francis University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.29 or below makes admission tougher at Saint Francis University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Saint Francis University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1151, and within the 1020–1250 range, keeps you competitive.
Saint Francis University's deadline is December 1. Rolling Admissions applies too, so earlier is always better.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Scholarship Priority: 2025/12/01. That's Saint Francis University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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