Saint Francis University is a private Catholic institution in Loretto, Pennsylvania, ranked #37 in US News Best Regional Universities North 2027. Founded in 1847 by Franciscan friars, Saint Francis University is the oldest Franciscan higher education institution in the United States.
Saint Francis University offers over 60 undergraduate majors and more than 15 graduate programs across business, nursing, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, education and public health, all taught in English. Indian students join a community that enrols students from around 35 countries, with Fall and Spring intakes both open to international applicants and professional master’s programmes that qualify for the US STEM OPT extension in eligible tracks. The university also sits at #15 in US News Best Value Regional Universities North 2027, which supports fee planning for Indian families.
- US News Best Regional Universities North 2027: #37
- Acceptance rate: 75% (estimated)
- Intakes for Indian applicants: Fall (deadline 30 June) and Spring (deadline 15 November)
- PG tuition range: USD 625 to USD 1,142 per credit (INR 59,062 to INR 1,07,919 per credit)
- International student merit scholarship: USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 per year (INR 14.2 to 23.6 lakh)
Also Check: MS universities in USA
Saint Francis University charges a single published tuition rate per credit for most graduate programmes with no separate international surcharge, and merit awards up to USD 25,000 per year cut the sticker price for strong academic profiles. Admitted international students receive an I-20 for the F-1 student visa, which allows 12 months of OPT after graduation and 36 months on STEM-designated tracks.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The international application deadline for the Spring 2027 intake is 15 November 2026 and Saint Francis University runs on a rolling admissions model with no fixed application fee published for international applicants. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open November 2026 with an international deadline of 30 June 2027 on a rolling basis.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Saint Francis University 2027
- Saint Francis University Admission 2027
- Saint Francis University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Saint Francis University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Saint Francis University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Saint Francis University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Saint Francis University Scholarships 2027
- Saint Francis University Rankings 2027
- Saint Francis University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Saint Francis University vs Peer Universities
- Saint Francis University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Saint Francis University 2027
Saint Francis University charges per-credit tuition across graduate programmes, with master’s totals ranging from USD 26,250 for 30-credit tracks to over USD 50,000 for clinical doctorates. Business, education and public health programmes run 12 to 24 months, while clinical programmes in physician assistant studies, occupational therapy and physical therapy run three to six years with embedded undergraduate pathways.
Saint Francis University PG Fees 2027
The table lists the top 10 postgraduate programmes at Saint Francis University with per-programme totals derived from published per-credit rates for 2026-2027. Clinical programmes carry additional technology and placement fees of USD 700 to USD 1,035 per year.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 31,500 to 42,000 | 29.8 to 39.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Human Resource Management | 26,250 | 24.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership | 26,250 | 24.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Public Health | 26,650 | 25.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner | 30,000 | 28.4 lakh | BSN with active RN licence (recommended) |
| Master of Occupational Therapy | USD 917 per credit | Confirm on official fee schedule | Bachelor’s with science prerequisites (recommended) |
| Master of Physician Assistant Science | USD 1,142 per credit | Confirm on official fee schedule | Bachelor’s with science prerequisites and GRE (recommended) |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | 51,000 | 48.2 lakh | Master’s degree with 60% (recommended) |
| Doctor of Physical Therapy | USD 917 per credit | Confirm on official fee schedule | Bachelor’s with science prerequisites (recommended) |
| Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator | USD 625 per credit | Confirm on official fee schedule | BSN with active RN licence (recommended) |
[Source: Saint Francis University Graduate Tuition and Fees 2026-2027]
Saint Francis University UG Fees 2027
Undergraduate tuition at Saint Francis University is published at USD 38,078 per year for 2026-2027, with on-campus room and most programmes running four years to a bachelor’s degree. Clinical bachelor’s-to-doctorate tracks in physical therapy and physician assistant studies run five to six years.
| Program | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 38,078 (estimated) | 35.9 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% or above (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Science in Psychology | 38,078 (estimated) | 35.9 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | 38,078 (estimated) | 35.9 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | 38,078 (estimated) | 35.9 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% in Science stream (recommended) |
| Bachelor of Science in Engineering | 38,078 (estimated) | 35.9 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 75% and Mathematics (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants cluster in the Physician Assistant Science, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and MBA tracks because these qualify for US-licensure pathways and the STEM-eligible MBA concentrations extend OPT to 36 months.
Read More: Saint Francis University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Saint Francis University Admission 2027
Saint Francis University admissions for Indian applicants run on a rolling basis across Fall and Spring intakes, with international deadlines earlier than the domestic cycle to allow F-1 visa processing. The complete document checklist and department-specific requirements live in the Admissions silo.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| International application deadline (Spring 2027) | 15 November 2026 | Rolling intake; apply earlier for visa processing |
| International application deadline (Fall 2027) | 30 June 2027 | Expected open from November 2026 |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadline | Required for official US academic scale conversion |
| Programme start (Spring 2027) | January 2027 | Orientation week precedes classes |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | August 2027 | International orientation held one week prior |
[Source: Saint Francis University Apply page]
Planning note: Indian students should begin WES or ECE credential evaluation at least 10 weeks before the application deadline, since Indian transcript authentication requires university-attested copies that often take four to six weeks to procure.
Read More: Saint Francis University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Saint Francis University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants to Saint Francis University must submit academic transcripts, English test scores and a financial affidavit, with programme-specific prerequisites for clinical and business tracks.
Postgraduate Requirements
- Academic eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 for most master’s programmes (recommended); clinical programmes recommend 60% with science prerequisites
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT and IELTS both accepted; Saint Francis University does not accept Duolingo English Test scores; verify programme-specific minimums at francis.edu/international-students
- Credential verification: Course-by-course evaluation from WES or ECE on the US academic scale
- Financial proof: Certified financial affidavit with official bank statement, stamp or seal
Undergraduate Requirements
- Academic eligibility: Class 12 with 70% to 85% from a recognised Indian board (recommended); SAT and ACT are test-optional
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT or IELTS score; TOEFL code 2797 for score reporting
- Financial affidavit: Required for the I-20 issuance that supports the F-1 visa
Key insight: Indian applicants with English-medium instruction from Class 1 to Class 12 may qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS waiver, but Saint Francis University requires a letter from the school principal on official letterhead confirming the medium of instruction.
Saint Francis University Acceptance Rate 2027
Saint Francis University has an acceptance rate of 75% (estimated), placing it among moderately selective US regional universities. The university does not publish a single official acceptance rate for international applicants, and clinical programmes in Physician Assistant Science and Physical Therapy are significantly more selective than the overall institutional average.
The 75% figure reflects first-year undergraduate admissions and does not represent clinical graduate programmes. Indian applicants with academic averages above 75% in Class 12 and TOEFL iBT scores in the mid-80s are generally competitive for direct admission.
Reality check: The headline 75% rate masks programme-level selectivity. Physician Assistant Science admits well under 10% of applicants nationally, and Indian students targeting that track should treat it as a highly competitive admission.
Read More: Saint Francis University Acceptance Rate
Saint Francis University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Saint Francis University ranges from USD 52,000 to USD 60,000 (INR 49.1 to 56.7 lakh), covering tuition plus living expenses in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
Saint Francis University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition at Saint Francis University is published annually for undergraduate programmes and per-credit for graduate programmes.
| Level | Fee Range (USD) | Fee Range (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (per year) | 38,078 | 35.9 lakh |
| MBA (total programme) | 31,500 to 42,000 | 29.8 to 39.7 lakh |
| Master’s in Public Health or HR (total) | 26,250 to 26,650 | 24.8 to 25.2 lakh |
| Clinical doctorate (per credit) | 917 to 1,142 | 0.87 to 1.08 lakh per credit |
[Source: Saint Francis University Graduate Tuition and Fees 2026-2027]
Monthly Cost of Living in Loretto for Indian Students
Loretto is a small Allegheny Mountain town in central Pennsylvania, which keeps living costs well below urban US averages such as New York or Boston. On-campus residence halls are the primary housing option for international undergraduates.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus residence) (estimated) | 600 to 800 | 56,700 to 75,600 |
| Food and meal plan (estimated) | 300 to 400 | 28,350 to 37,800 |
| Transportation (estimated) | 60 to 100 | 5,670 to 9,450 |
| Books and supplies (estimated) | 100 to 150 | 9,450 to 14,175 |
| Personal expenses (estimated) | 150 to 200 | 14,175 to 18,900 |
| Total monthly | 1,210 to 1,650 | 1.14 to 1.56 lakh |
| Total annual | 14,520 to 19,800 | 13.7 to 18.7 lakh |
[Source: Saint Francis University published room and board estimates for 2026-2027]
Insider note: On-campus room and board bundled through the university cost around USD 14,000 per year, so Indian students who stay on campus often spend less than the open-market estimate above and avoid US winter travel in rural Pennsylvania.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Saint Francis University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Saint Francis University occupies a 600-acre campus in Loretto, Pennsylvania, surrounded by Allegheny Mountain forest and roughly 90 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport by road.
- Location and transport: Rural campus in central Pennsylvania; nearest airport is Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, with Pittsburgh International Airport the main entry point for Indian students
- Housing: On-campus residence halls serve the full undergraduate population; housing is guaranteed for all four years
- Notable facilities: The DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness, the Center of Excellence for Remote and Medically Under-Served Areas, and NCAA Division I athletics in the Northeast Conference
- Indian student community: Students from around 35 countries attend each year; the International Programs Office supports visa, housing and cultural adjustment
What Indian students say: The small campus means faculty know students by name, which helps with research opportunities and professional reference letters, though social life depends more on campus clubs than off-campus options because Loretto is a quiet rural town.
Saint Francis University Scholarships 2027
Saint Francis University confirms six published merit scholarships for first-year applicants plus an International Student Merit award of USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 per year, with eligibility tied to Class 12 or bachelor’s GPA.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founders’ Scholarship | Merit | USD 28,500 per year (INR 26.9 lakh) | 4.00 GPA | Rolling |
| Presidential Scholarship | Merit | USD 25,000 per year (INR 23.6 lakh) | 3.75 GPA | Rolling |
| Bell Tower Scholarship | Merit | USD 22,500 per year (INR 21.3 lakh) | 3.45 GPA | Rolling |
| Assisi Scholarship | Merit | USD 21,000 per year (INR 19.8 lakh) | 3.2 GPA | Rolling |
| International Student Merit | Merit (international) | USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 per year (INR 14.2 to 23.6 lakh) | 3.0 GPA on US scale | Rolling |
[Source: Saint Francis University Scholarships and Grants]
Planning note: The International Student Merit award only funds first-baccalaureate degree seekers, so Indian students planning to transfer credits from an Indian bachelor’s or applying for a second UG programme are not eligible.
Read More: Saint Francis University Scholarships Guide
Saint Francis University Rankings 2027
Saint Francis University is ranked #37 in US News Best Regional Universities North 2027, having moved from #30 in the 2026 edition, and it does not appear in QS World, Times Higher Education or ARWU because those surveys evaluate research-intensive global universities rather than regional US masters institutions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Best Regional Universities North | 2027: #37 | 2026: #30 | 2025: #30 |
| US News Best Value Regional North | 2027: #15 | Not published separately | Not published separately |
| Wall Street Journal College Pulse (National) | 2026: #159 | Not published separately | Not published separately |
| Niche Best Catholic College in Pennsylvania | 2026: #5 | Not published separately | Not published separately |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #1500 of 1899 global; #823 of 1023 USA | NA | NA |
[Source: US News, Wall Street Journal, Niche, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Saint Francis University also records a #1 position in Best Nursing in Pennsylvania per US News and a #53 national rank in Niche Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy 2026, which matter for Indian applicants targeting clinical health programmes.
Key insight: US News Best Regional Universities rankings are recognised by the US embassy for F-1 visa interviews and by Indian education loan providers, so a sub-50 regional rank is more useful for Indian students than its absence from global league tables suggests.
Read More: Saint Francis University Rankings Analysis
Saint Francis University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Saint Francis University reports strong employment outcomes for health sciences, business and education graduates, with the Center for Experiential Learning handling placement services for all majors.
- Overall first-destination outcome: 95% of graduates employed or in further study within six months of graduation (as per Saint Francis University first-destination survey, estimated)
- Median starting salary: USD 52,000 to USD 62,000 (INR 49.1 to 58.6 lakh) across master’s cohorts (market median, estimated)
- Primary recruiting sectors: Hospital systems, physical therapy clinics, K-12 education, state and county government agencies, regional accounting and finance firms
- Career support: Saint Francis University runs a dedicated Center for Experiential Learning that handles internships, resume reviews and mock interviews from year one
- Post-study work: F-1 graduates qualify for 12-month OPT, with STEM-designated master’s tracks extending OPT to 36 months
Insider note: Indian graduates in Physician Assistant Science and Physical Therapy typically secure state licensure before OPT, since clinical practice without a US licence is not permitted, which adds three to six months to the job search timeline.
Saint Francis University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below groups Saint Francis University with other private Catholic and small regional universities in Pennsylvania and nearby northeast states that Indian applicants typically shortlist together.
| University | US News Regional North 2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Francis University | #37 | 26,250 / 24.8 lakh | Catholic Franciscan heritage with strong PA, PT, OT tracks |
| Gannon University (PA) | #41 (estimated) | NA | Larger urban Catholic campus in Erie |
| Mount St. Mary’s University (MD) | #28 (estimated) | NA | Older Catholic institution with higher regional rank |
| St. Bonaventure University (NY) | #35 (estimated) | NA | Franciscan peer with strong journalism and MBA programmes |
| Mercyhurst University (PA) | #59 (estimated) | NA | Catholic liberal arts with intelligence studies niche |
Saint Francis University stands out among its peer set on two measures: a published International Student Merit award of up to USD 25,000 per year, and a nursing programme ranked #1 in Pennsylvania by US News, which Indian students in healthcare do not get from most peer Catholic institutions.
Saint Francis University suits Indian applicants with Class 12 or bachelor’s averages above 70%, a USD 25,000 to USD 40,000 per year family budget after merit awards, and a focus on nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, education or business. The ROI math is reasonable: total master’s investment of USD 26,250 to USD 42,000 (INR 24.8 to 39.7 lakh) against a market median starting salary of USD 52,000 to USD 62,000. The STEM OPT extension on eligible tracks adds two years of US work authorisation on an F-1 visa.
Saint Francis University is a weak fit for Indian students who want a large urban university, prestige-driven global rankings or a QS top-500 brand on their degree certificate. In that case, Pittsburgh-area peers such as the University of Pittsburgh or Duquesne University offer stronger national visibility at higher sticker prices and tighter admission odds.
Saint Francis University FAQs
Ques. What English-medium master’s programmes does Saint Francis University offer online?
Ans. Saint Francis University offers several online and hybrid master’s programmes including the MBA, Master of Human Resource Management, Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership, Master of Public Health and the Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator track. These programmes charge the same per-credit tuition as on-campus delivery and are open to international applicants, though online-only enrolment does not qualify for the F-1 visa, which requires full-time on-campus attendance.
Ques. Does Saint Francis University require GRE for MBA or master’s programmes?
Ans. Saint Francis University does not require GRE or GMAT scores for the MBA, MHR, MA Strategic Leadership or MPH programmes. Clinical programmes such as the Master of Physician Assistant Science historically required GRE, but Indian applicants should confirm current programme-specific test requirements with the department before preparing for the exam, since many US clinical masters have moved to test-optional admissions since 2024.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Saint Francis University?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Saint Francis University may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and up to 40 hours per week during official university breaks. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training authorisation tied to a programme internship or Optional Practical Training after at least nine months of full-time study. Common on-campus roles include library assistants, dining services staff and research assistant positions tied to graduate programmes.
Ques. What are the English test waiver conditions at Saint Francis University?
Ans. Saint Francis University waives the TOEFL or IELTS requirement when the applicant completed a bachelor’s degree fully taught in English, or when the applicant’s Class 1 to Class 12 education was in an English-medium Indian school. Supporting evidence requires an official letter from the registrar or principal on institutional letterhead confirming the medium of instruction. Duolingo English Test is not accepted as an alternative.
Ques. How much financial proof does Saint Francis University require for the F-1 visa?
Ans. Saint Francis University requires a certified financial affidavit with an original bank statement, bank stamp or official seal confirming at least one academic year of tuition and living expenses before issuing the I-20. For 2026-2027, this is approximately USD 52,000 to USD 60,000 (INR 49.1 to 56.7 lakh) depending on programme. Indian students using an education loan should submit the sanction letter alongside the bank statement.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise Saint Francis University?
Ans. Indian education loan providers including State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, Avanse Financial Services, Auxilo Finserve and Prodigy Finance fund Saint Francis University admissions because it holds US regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Collateral loans up to INR 1.5 crore are available from public sector banks, while non-collateral loans from NBFCs typically cap at INR 75 lakh and require a co-applicant with Indian income.
Ques. Does Saint Francis University admit dependents on F-2 visas?
Ans. Saint Francis University issues DS-2019 and I-20 forms that support F-2 dependent visas for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an admitted F-1 student. Dependents cannot work on F-2 status but may enrol in part-time study, and dependent children of F-2 holders may attend US K-12 schools. Indian students must show additional financial proof of USD 8,000 to USD 10,000 per dependent per year on the affidavit.
Ques. How does Saint Francis University verify Indian academic transcripts?
Ans. Saint Francis University requires a course-by-course credential evaluation on the US academic scale, performed by World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators. Indian applicants submit original university-attested transcripts and mark sheets directly to WES or ECE, which then sends the evaluation report to Saint Francis University admissions. The evaluation typically takes four to seven working days after document receipt, and Indian students should start the process at least 10 weeks before the application deadline.
Saint Francis University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD 44,600 /Yr | TOEFL & IELTS are Accepted | This program Does not accept Duolingo scores. |
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Overall 1500 out of 1899 in Global Ranking
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Saint Francis University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Saint Francis University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.francis.edu/apply-now/
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)
Saint Francis University Exam Scores
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 Francis University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2143 | 2135 | 8 | 46 |



















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