Students at Saint Francis University achieve earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally, with graduates consistently outperforming expectations in their chosen career fields.
The university's combination of strong earnings outcomes and excellent loan repayment rates demonstrates the value of its focused, career-oriented approach to education.
Saint Francis University ranks among the top performers nationally for long-term earnings, placing in the 84th percentile for graduate financial outcomes among all institutions. This small private university in Pennsylvania consistently delivers strong return on investment despite serving a relatively selective student population. With just 18% of students receiving Pell Grants, Saint Francis operates as what researchers call a "Selective Achiever" — an institution that produces excellent outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited than at larger public universities.
What makes Saint Francis distinctive is how effectively it translates a traditional liberal arts college experience into concrete career success. Graduates earn a median of $62,101 ten years after enrollment, significantly outperforming many peer institutions. The university's strength lies in professional programs like nursing, business administration, and accounting, which combine the personalized attention of a small college with direct pathways into stable, well-paying careers.
As a small private institution with fewer than 2,500 students, Saint Francis offers the intimate campus experience many families seek while delivering financial outcomes that rival much larger universities. For students who want close faculty relationships, small class sizes, and strong alumni networks in professional fields, Saint Francis represents a compelling blend of traditional college culture and modern career preparation.
Saint Francis University's program portfolio centers on professional fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out with graduates earning approximately $58,866 early in their careers, reflecting both the high demand for qualified nurses and the program's strong clinical partnerships with regional healthcare systems. This program represents one of the university's largest and most successful offerings, combining rigorous academic preparation with extensive hands-on training.
Business programs form another cornerstone of Saint Francis's academic strength. Business Administration graduates earn about $33,993 in their early careers, while Accounting Technology majors see higher returns at around $46,087, demonstrating the value of specialized professional training. These programs benefit from the university's small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, allowing students to develop both technical skills and professional networks that serve them throughout their careers.
The university's approach emphasizes depth over breadth, focusing resources on programs where it can deliver exceptional outcomes rather than trying to offer everything. This concentrated strategy allows Saint Francis to maintain strong employer relationships and ensure that graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment in their chosen fields. The combination of personalized attention, practical training, and established alumni networks creates a pathway from classroom to career that consistently delivers strong financial returns for graduates.
Saint Francis University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top tier nationally for earnings performance. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $62,101, ranking in the 84th percentile among all colleges and universities. This performance reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and the strong employment networks that come with its established alumni base in Pennsylvania and surrounding regions.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its professional programs. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn approximately $58,866 early in their careers, reflecting the high demand for qualified nurses and the program's strong clinical partnerships. Accounting Technology graduates see median earnings around $46,087, while Business Administration majors earn about $33,993 in their early career years. These programs represent the core of Saint Francis's degree output, with nursing and business fields driving much of the institution's overall earnings performance.
What sets Saint Francis apart is how consistently its graduates find stable employment in their chosen fields. The university's small size allows for personalized career counseling and strong employer relationships, particularly in healthcare, business services, and regional industries. While the institution serves a more selective student population, those who enroll benefit from the focused attention and professional preparation that translate directly into career success and long-term financial stability.
Saint Francis University's affordability profile reflects its position as a private institution that works to make education accessible across income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $13,256 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $12,775 — both figures representing substantial discounts from the sticker price through institutional aid. Even high-income families pay about $24,390 per year, which remains competitive for a private college offering small class sizes and personalized attention.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses on making private education accessible while maintaining the resources needed for quality programming. Most students graduate with manageable debt levels relative to their earning potential. Federal student loan debt averages $27,000, which aligns well with the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. The debt-to-income ratio remains favorable given that typical graduates earn over $62,000 within ten years, allowing for comfortable repayment under standard loan terms.
What makes Saint Francis particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable debt levels and strong employment outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $25,340, reflecting families' willingness to invest in the personalized education and career preparation the university provides. The institution's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates successfully manage their educational investments, supported by the career services and alumni networks that help ensure stable employment after graduation.
Saint Francis University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
