Campus Traditions and Signature Events: A Deep Integration of Faith and Community
As the oldest Franciscan university in the United States, SFU’s campus traditions are deeply rooted in the Catholic spirit and community service. The annual Holy Spirit Mass held at the start of each academic year is an important ceremony that has been observed for twelve years, during which faculty and students pray together for wisdom, courage, and unity. RED Day (Annual Service Day) takes students into the community to give back through hands-on action.Family Weekendis one of the university’s oldest traditions, inviting students’ families to gather on campus to share joyful moments. Additionally, events such as Alumni Weekend and Homecoming help build a close-knit alumni network.
Internship Opportunities and Partner Companies: A Seamless Transition from the Classroom to the Workplace
SFU places a high priority on students’ career development, providing high-quality internship and full-time job opportunities through the Handshake platform. The university hosts annual career fairs, inviting employers from various industries to connect directly with graduates. Notably, SFU has also introduced the micro-internship model, offering students short-term, paid professional practice programs through the Parker Dewey platform. The university maintains partnerships with over 110 employers across various fields, including technology, finance, healthcare, and marketing. The amount of effort required to achieve a Saint Francis University Diploma
Milestones in the University’s History
| Year | Milestone Events |
|---|---|
| 1847 | Six Irish Franciscan friars founded the university in Loretto, Pennsylvania, making it one of the first Catholic universities in the United States |
| Early Years | Became one of the first Catholic universities in the United States to admit both men and women |
| 2022 | Launched the “Francis 2026: Thy Will Be Done” strategic plan |
| 2025–2026 | Named a “College of Excellence” for ten consecutive years; Ranked 55th among the Best Regional Universities (North) by U.S. News |
Strategic plan to address future challenges
In response to the rapidly changing landscape of higher education, SFU launched the “Francis 2026: Thy Will Be Done” strategic plan, which centers on Franciscan values and is committed to providing high-quality education and innovative learning experiences. In athletics, the university has decided to transition from NCAA Division I to Division III starting in the 2026–27 academic year to reduce pressure on student-athletes and focus on academic development and physical and mental well-being. The university also continues to deepen industry-academia-research collaboration to align curriculum design with industry needs.
Why Is It So Popular?
SFU’s popularity stems from a combination of factors:An outstanding academic reputation—Ranked 159th among U.S. universities by the Wall Street Journal and 132nd for graduate starting salaries;Affordable education —Ranked 62nd among the Best Value Colleges in the North by U.S. News ;Small class sizes and personalized attention—A student-to-faculty ratio of 1:13 ensures every student receives ample guidance;Strong career development support —Early-career graduates earn an annual salary of $75,000;A Strong Sense of Community—A close-knit alumni network and rich campus traditions help students forge lifelong friendships.
