University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne logo

University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN Private ยท Urban www.sf.edu
Accept Rate
97.56%
Grad Rate
58.6%
Enrollment
1,599
Avg SAT
1040
Tuition
$35,420
Median Salary
$55,362
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

University of Saint Francis feels like a close-knit, supportive community where faculty know you by name and your major. The campus has a creative and compassionate energy, driven by strong programs in the arts and health sciences. It's a place where students are encouraged to grow personally and professionally in a hands-on environment.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

97.56%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 104075th Pctl
9201130
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2275th Pctl
1725
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight any experience in healthcare, service, or the arts in your application, as these are pillars of the university's mission. With a 97.56% acceptance rate, focus on writing a thoughtful personal statement that shows your fit with the school's values. If your test scores are below the 1040 average, consider applying test-optional to emphasize your strengths elsewhere.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1040
40080012001600
School range: 920โ€“1130

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university is a regional leader in health professions training, with state-of-the-art simulation labs and strong clinical partnerships. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from dedicated faculty who prioritize teaching over large-scale research. Students in visual and performing arts benefit from specialized studios and performance spaces that foster real-world creative development.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
62%
Business & Marketing
8.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
8.6%
Biology & Biomedical
3.4%
Criminal Justice
2.9%
Public Administration
2.9%
Psychology
2.4%
Education
2.1%
Physical Sciences
1.3%
Computer Science
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

58.6%
Graduation Rate
65.7%
Retention Rate
1,599
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$35,420
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,361
After financial aid
Total Cost
$45,228
Cost of attendance/year
42.7%
Receive Pell Grants
62.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Fort Wayne

Students enjoy Fort Wayne's revitalized downtown, which features the vibrant Headwaters Park, the Promenade Park riverfront, and a growing number of restaurants and breweries. Outdoor activities are popular, with an extensive network of trails for biking and walking, and the city's famous Rivergreenway system. For entertainment, students catch concerts at the Piere's Entertainment Center or explore the local arts scene at the Embassy Theatre.

Local Rent Check

$895 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Fort Wayne
Explore Fort Wayne

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$141,680
$0Est. 4 Years: $141,680

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,362):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, established urban neighborhood with its own campus safety department providing 24/7 patrols. Fort Wayne is generally considered one of the safer cities in the Midwest for its size, with a low crime rate compared to other metropolitan areas.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for many students.
  • โœ“ Strong, hands-on programs in Health Professions with excellent clinical partnerships.
  • โœ“ Significant financial aid lowers the net cost for most students, including a high Pell Grant rate.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure close relationships with professors and personalized attention.

Cons

  • โœ— The 58.6% graduation rate is below the national average, suggesting student support challenges.
  • โœ— The 65.7% retention rate indicates a notable portion of students do not return for their sophomore year.
  • โœ— Campus life and social scene are more limited compared to large state universities.

Notable Alumni

Sister Joan Steinkamp
A revered leader in healthcare and education, she was instrumental in the growth and development of the university's nursing programs.
Michael J. M๊ฟฒler
Award-winning artist and professor whose work in printmaking has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
Dr. Mary Ann Mucklow
A prominent leader in the field of occupational therapy who contributed significantly to the profession's educational standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Saint Francis is primarily known for its exceptional programs in Health Professions, including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physician Assistant studies. It also has a strong reputation for its Visual and Performing Arts programs, housed in the North Campus arts complex. The university's identity is deeply rooted in its Franciscan values, emphasizing service, ethics, and community engagement.

No, the University of Saint Francis has a very high acceptance rate of 97.56%, making it an accessible option for most applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1040, but the university practices holistic admissions and considers the whole applicant. While admission is not highly selective, applicants should still submit a complete application to demonstrate their interest and fit.

Campus life is centered around a close community feel, with a majority of students living on campus in residence halls. Students can join over 30 student clubs and organizations, including student government and academic societies. The university also competes in 22 NAIA sports, offering opportunities for student-athletes to get involved.

For many students, the University of Saint Francis offers a strong value proposition. The average net price of $20,361 is considerably lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median earnings of $55,362 provide a solid financial outcome. The investment is especially worthwhile for students pursuing high-demand fields like nursing, which have strong job placement rates and starting salaries in the region.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Parkview Health Lutheran Health Network General Motors Lincoln Financial Group City of Fort Wayne
Smart Start Score
59

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,760
  • In-State Tuition $35,420
  • Zip Code 46808

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 32.2% โ™€ 67.8%

The Money Talk

At a net price of $20,361, the degree is significantly more affordable than the sticker price of $35,420, thanks to substantial aid. With a 10-year median earnings of $55,362, graduates see a solid return on investment, especially in high-demand fields like nursing and business. Given the strong placement rates in Health Professions, the financial value is particularly compelling for students pursuing these careers.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Grand View University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $35,420
Housing (12 mo) $10,740
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $53,360
With avg financial aid:
$20,361/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.