Saint Ambrose University (SAU) is a private Catholic institution located in Davenport, Iowa, founded in 1882 and serving roughly 2,700 students. As per US News Best Regional Universities Midwest 2026-2027, SAU is ranked #39 (estimated).
Saint Ambrose University offers over 60 undergraduate majors and more than 25 graduate programmes across colleges of business, health sciences, arts and sciences, and education. All programmes are taught in English, with Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes open to Indian applicants, and support for F-1 student visa processing across all degree levels.
- US News Regional Rank: #39 (estimated) Midwest 2026-2027
- Acceptance Rate: 70% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition Range: $26,400 to $40,000 per programme (₹24.9 lakh to ₹37.8 lakh)
- Average Starting Salary (MBA): $65,000 (₹61.4 lakh) (market median, estimated)
Also Check: MS universities in USA
SAU accepts WES or ECE credential evaluations for Indian applicants. The university publishes merit scholarships worth up to $15,000 per year for international undergraduates and offers graduate assistantships across select programmes. Living costs in Davenport average $900 to $1,200 per month (₹85,050 to ₹1.13 lakh), well below coastal US metros — see cost of living in USA for context.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Applications for Spring 2027 are currently accepted on a rolling basis, with priority review typically closing in November 2026 (based on prior cycles). International applicants should target document submission at least 12 weeks before the intended start date to allow F-1 visa processing. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open October 2026 on a rolling basis, with no fixed close date.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Saint Ambrose University 2027
- Saint Ambrose University Admission 2027
- Saint Ambrose University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Saint Ambrose University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Saint Ambrose University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Saint Ambrose University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Saint Ambrose University Scholarships 2027
- Saint Ambrose University Rankings 2027
- Saint Ambrose University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Saint Ambrose University vs Peer Universities
- Saint Ambrose University FAQs
Saint Ambrose University (SAU) Popular Courses and Fees 2027
Saint Ambrose University charges programme-specific tuition, with most graduate degrees priced on a per-credit-hour basis and undergraduate tuition set as a full-time flat annual rate. Graduate programmes typically run 1.5 to 3 years, and undergraduate degrees run 4 years. Health-science doctorates (DPT, DNP) carry the highest programme totals.
Top 10 PG Programmes at Saint Ambrose University 2027
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | $26,400 (estimated) | 24.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $95,000 (estimated) | 89.8 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) | $70,000 (estimated) | 66.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | $32,000 (estimated) | 30.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Nursing (MSN) | $28,000 (estimated) | 26.5 lakh (estimated) | BSc Nursing with 60% (recommended) |
| Master of Education (MEd) | $18,000 (estimated) | 17.0 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS in Information Technology Management | $25,000 (estimated) | 23.6 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Public Administration (MPA) | $22,000 (estimated) | 20.8 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS in Criminal Justice | $21,000 (estimated) | 19.8 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | $45,000 (estimated) | 42.5 lakh (estimated) | MSN with 60% (recommended) |
Undergraduate tuition at Saint Ambrose University is charged as a flat annual rate for full-time students. The Fall 2026 published rate applies uniformly across majors.
Top 5 UG Programmes at Saint Ambrose University 2027
| Programme | Total Fee (USD, 4 years) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBA Business Administration | $148,480 (estimated) | 140.3 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BSc Nursing (BSN) | $148,480 (estimated) | 140.3 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 75% (recommended) |
| BSc Kinesiology | $148,480 (estimated) | 140.3 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 70% (recommended) |
| BSc Engineering | $148,480 (estimated) | 140.3 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with PCM 75% (recommended) |
| BSc Computer Science | $148,480 (estimated) | 140.3 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants most often choose the MBA and MS in IT Management for cost efficiency, and the DPT and MOT for the strong health-sciences reputation and clinical placement network in the Iowa-Illinois Quad Cities area.
Read More: Saint Ambrose University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Saint Ambrose University Admission 2027
Saint Ambrose University runs two intakes each academic year, with Fall (August) as the primary intake for Indian applicants and Spring (January) available for most programmes.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application deadline | Expected 15 November 2026 (based on prior cycle) | Rolling review; earlier submission recommended |
| Fall 2027 application opens | Expected October 2026 | Rolling admissions, no fixed close date |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Start 10 weeks before deadline | SAU accepts course-by-course reports |
| Programme start (Spring 2027) | January 2027 | Orientation begins one week prior |
Deadlines for professional programmes such as DPT, MOT, and DNP follow separate cohort-based cycles through centralised application services (PTCAS, OTCAS, NursingCAS). Applicants must verify programme-specific deadlines on the official page.
Planning note: Indian applicants should complete WES or ECE credential evaluation before submitting the application, since these reports typically take 4 to 6 weeks and are required for admission decisions on graduate programmes.
Read More: Saint Ambrose University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Saint Ambrose University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants must meet the academic, English-proficiency, and credential-verification requirements set by Saint Ambrose University.
Postgraduate applicants (PG):
- Bachelor’s degree with 55% aggregate or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) from a recognised Indian university
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 (0-120 legacy scale) or IELTS 6.5, verify at official page
- Credential evaluation via WES or ECE, course-by-course format
- Health-science programmes (DPT, MOT, DNP) require prerequisite coursework and clinical hours
Undergraduate applicants (UG):
- Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) from a recognised Indian board
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 71 (0-120 legacy scale) or IELTS 6.0, verify at official page
- Certified English translations for all non-English transcripts
Key insight: Saint Ambrose University may waive the English test requirement for applicants whose entire secondary or bachelor’s education was delivered in English medium — verify eligibility on the official international admissions page before skipping the test.
Saint Ambrose University Acceptance Rate 2027
The Saint Ambrose University acceptance rate is 70% (estimated), placing it in the accessible tier for well-prepared Indian applicants. The figure is derived from third-party admission datasets and is not officially disclosed by the university.
Admissions decisions weigh academic record, English proficiency, and programme-specific prerequisites. Health-science doctorates (DPT, DNP, MOT) run separate cohort-based selection with much lower acceptance than the general graduate rate.
Reality check: A 70% acceptance rate does not mean automatic admission — Indian applicants still need matching CGPA, verified transcripts, and English scores in the published band to progress past initial screening.
Read More: Saint Ambrose University Acceptance Rate
Saint Ambrose University (SAU) Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
The total annual cost for Indian students at Saint Ambrose ranges from $47,000 to $52,000 (₹44.4 lakh to ₹49.1 lakh), combining tuition, living, and mandatory fees.
Saint Ambrose University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate tuition is charged as a full-time flat annual rate, while graduate programmes bill per credit hour.
| Programme Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (full-time) | $37,120 (estimated) | 35.1 lakh (estimated) |
| MBA and business graduate | $13,200 to $18,000 | 12.5 lakh to 17.0 lakh |
| Health-science doctorate (DPT, DNP) | $30,000 to $35,000 (estimated) | 28.4 lakh to 33.1 lakh (estimated) |
| Other master’s programmes | $12,000 to $16,000 (estimated) | 11.3 lakh to 15.1 lakh (estimated) |
Saint Ambrose University Monthly Cost of Living in Davenport for Indian Students
Davenport is a lower-cost mid-western US city, with monthly expenses well below coastal metros.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (off-campus) | $500 to $700 (estimated) | ₹47,250 to ₹66,150 (estimated) |
| Food | $250 to $350 (estimated) | ₹23,625 to ₹33,075 (estimated) |
| Transportation | $60 to $100 (estimated) | ₹5,670 to ₹9,450 (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | $80 (estimated) | ₹7,560 (estimated) |
| Personal and utilities | $150 to $200 (estimated) | ₹14,175 to ₹18,900 (estimated) |
| Total monthly | $1,040 to $1,430 (estimated) | ₹98,280 to ₹1.35 lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | $12,480 to $17,160 (estimated) | 11.8 lakh to 16.2 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: US mid-western city cost benchmarks and Collegedunia estimates]
Insider note: Indian students often share off-campus apartments near the SAU main campus in Davenport, cutting rent to $350 to $450 per student per month, which is a meaningful saving over on-campus residence halls.
Read More: Cost of living in USA for Indian students
Saint Ambrose University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Saint Ambrose University’s main campus sits on 40 acres in Davenport, Iowa, part of the Quad Cities metro of around 380,000 residents on the Iowa-Illinois border.
- Location: Davenport, Iowa — 20 minutes from Quad City International Airport, with direct flights to Chicago O’Hare
- Housing: On-campus residence halls guaranteed for undergraduates; graduate students typically live off-campus
- Facilities: Rogalski Center student union, Lee Lohman Arena, dedicated health-sciences simulation labs
- Indian community: A small but active Indian student presence with cultural events during Diwali and Holi
What Indian students say: Class sizes are small, faculty are approachable, and the Quad Cities has enough Indian grocery stores and restaurants to feel manageable. The lower cost of living and slower pace suit students who want to focus on academics without big-city distractions.
Saint Ambrose University Scholarships 2027
Saint Ambrose University publishes several merit-based scholarships open to international undergraduates and, to a limited extent, graduate applicants. Named awards targeting Indian nationals specifically are not published on the international scholarships page — verify at the official page.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Merit-based | Up to $15,000 per year | Top academic profile, undergraduate international applicants | Rolling; verify at official page |
| Ambrosian Award | Merit-based | Up to $12,000 per year | Strong academic and extracurricular record | Rolling; verify at official page |
| International Student Award | Need-cum-merit | $5,000 to $10,000 per year (estimated) | All international undergraduate applicants | Rolling; verify at official page |
| Graduate Assistantship | Work-based tuition remission | Partial to full tuition plus stipend | Select graduate programmes; departmental nomination | Programme-specific; verify at official page |
Planning note: Graduate assistantships are the highest-value awards at Saint Ambrose but require early outreach to the specific department — Indian applicants should email programme directors before submitting the application to check availability.
Read More: Saint Ambrose University Scholarships Guide
Saint Ambrose University Rankings 2027
The strongest ranking anchor for Saint Ambrose University is the US News Best Regional Universities Midwest list, where SAU has held a stable mid-tier position over recent editions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities Midwest | 2026-2027: #39 (estimated) | 2025-2026: #41 (estimated) | 2024-2025: #42 (estimated) |
| QS World | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| ARWU Shanghai | Not ranked in ARWU 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026-2027]. SAU does not appear in QS, THE, or ARWU global rankings, which is typical for US regional universities of this size.
Key insight: For Indian applicants, US News regional ranking is the accepted marker of SAU’s reputation in Iowa and the wider Midwest — regional ranking is used by US employers and the F-1 visa officer treats it as a legitimate accreditation signal.
Read More: Saint Ambrose University Rankings Analysis
Saint Ambrose University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Saint Ambrose University reports strong post-graduation outcomes, driven by its health-sciences, education, and business programmes.
- Employment within 6 months: 95% (estimated) across UG and PG cohorts
- Median starting salary (all graduates): $52,000 (₹49.1 lakh) — market median, estimated
- Median MBA starting salary: $65,000 (₹61.4 lakh) — market median, estimated
- Top sectors: Healthcare, education, financial services, manufacturing, IT — recruiters drawn from Quad Cities regional employers
- Career support: The Career Center offers resume review, mock interviews, employer connections, and OPT guidance for F-1 students; STEM-designated programmes qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension
Insider note: The Quad Cities regional employer network is a genuine advantage for Indian graduates in health sciences and engineering — local companies actively hire SAU DPT, MOT, and BSc Engineering graduates for full-time roles that qualify for cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship pathways.
Saint Ambrose University vs Peer Universities
Compared to peer regional universities in the Midwest, Saint Ambrose competes on cost, class size, and health-sciences depth.
| University | US News Regional Rank | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Ambrose University | #39 (estimated) Midwest | $15,000 / 14.2 lakh (estimated) | Strong DPT, MOT, and MBA at lower cost |
| Drake University | #3 (estimated) Midwest | $28,000 / 26.5 lakh (estimated) | Pharmacy and law prominence |
| Bradley University | #5 (estimated) Midwest | $26,000 / 24.6 lakh (estimated) | Engineering and business breadth |
| Saint Xavier University | #67 (estimated) Midwest | $18,000 / 17.0 lakh (estimated) | Chicago location advantage |
| University of St. Thomas (MN) | #8 (estimated) Midwest | $35,000 / 33.1 lakh (estimated) | Bigger business school, Minneapolis job market |
Saint Ambrose stands out for lower fees and small class sizes, backed by a health-sciences programme portfolio that punches above its regional-rank tier.
Saint Ambrose University is a strong fit for Indian students seeking an affordable US graduate degree in health sciences, business, or education, with total investment of $47,000 to $52,000 per year against a $52,000 to $65,000 median starting salary. The Quad Cities employer network, STEM OPT eligibility for engineering and IT tracks, and a manageable cost of living tilt the ROI favourably for students focused on the F-1 to OPT pathway.
Saint Ambrose is not the right choice for Indian students who want a top-100 world-ranked brand for consulting or investment-banking recruiting, or who need a large metropolitan campus. Applicants prioritising QS-visibility should compare against Purdue University or the University of Iowa instead.
Saint Ambrose University FAQs
Ques. What English test scores does Saint Ambrose University accept?
Ans. Saint Ambrose University accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test scores from Indian applicants. The minimum score bands are set separately for undergraduate and graduate programmes, with graduate programmes usually needing a higher band. English test waivers may apply for applicants whose entire prior education was delivered in English medium — verify eligibility on the official international admissions page before skipping the test.
Ques. Does SAU require GRE or GMAT for MBA or MS programmes?
Ans. The SAU MBA and most MS programmes are GRE or GMAT optional in the 2026-2027 cycle. Applicants with a strong academic record and relevant work experience are typically not required to submit a score. Health-science doctorates (DPT, MOT, DNP) follow their own centralised application service prerequisites and may require standardised tests separately — always confirm on the specific programme page.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Saint Ambrose?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa rules allow on-campus employment up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work is restricted and generally requires Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorisation tied to the academic programme. Optional Practical Training (OPT) unlocks 12 months of full-time work after graduation, with a 24-month extension for STEM-designated programmes at Saint Ambrose University.
Ques. What is the application fee at Saint Ambrose University?
Ans. Saint Ambrose University typically waives the undergraduate application fee, and the graduate application fee is around $25 to $50 depending on programme. Fee waivers are available for applicants who attend a recruitment event, connect with an admissions counsellor, or complete the application through select agents. Confirm the fee for your specific programme on the official application portal before payment.
Ques. Are Saint Ambrose University degrees recognised for Indian education loans?
Ans. Yes, SAU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which qualifies its degrees for major Indian education loan lenders including SBI, HDFC Credila, Avanse, ICICI, and Axis Bank. Loan sanction typically requires the I-20 form, admission letter, fee schedule, and collateral or co-signer documentation. Loan amounts up to ₹1.5 crore are available for postgraduate applicants with strong academic and family financial profiles.
Ques. Which documents does Saint Ambrose require for transcript verification?
Ans. Saint Ambrose University requires a course-by-course credential evaluation from WES or ECE for Indian transcripts. Applicants must send sealed transcripts directly from their Indian university to the evaluator, who then forwards the verified report to SAU. Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets, bachelor’s provisional and consolidated mark sheets, and the degree certificate are all required — start this process at least 8 to 10 weeks before the application deadline.
Ques. Is on-campus housing guaranteed for international students at SAU?
Ans. Saint Ambrose University guarantees on-campus housing for first-year undergraduate students, including international applicants. Graduate students typically live off-campus in Davenport, where rents range from $500 to $700 per month for a shared apartment near campus. The university’s off-campus housing office maintains a listing of pre-vetted properties, and Indian graduate students often share apartments to reduce individual monthly rent to $350 to $450.
Ques. How can Indian dependents accompany SAU students on F-2 visa?
Ans. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of an F-1 student at Saint Ambrose University can apply for an F-2 dependent visa. The student must show additional financial proof — typically $8,000 to $10,000 per dependent per year — before the university issues the F-2 DS-2019 or I-20 add-on. F-2 visa holders cannot work in the US but children can attend K-12 schools full-time. Spouses may enrol in part-time academic study or vocational courses.
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Saint Ambrose University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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Saint Ambrose University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.sau.edu/apply.htm
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Saint Ambrose University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2480 | 2472 | 8 | 65 |
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