What is Saint Leo University known for?
Saint Leo University was founded in 1889 as a private Roman Catholic liberal arts University. It has since grown into the largest of 4 Catholic higher education institutions in Florida and is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the state. The university is associated with the Holy Name Monastery, a Benedictine convent, and Saint Leo Abbey, a monastery.
Saint Leo University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in over 60 fields of study, with small class sizes and flexible learning options. The school has over 15 education centers across the United States for distance learners, providing students with the opportunity to pursue an education at their flagship campus, in a hybrid format with the support of their education centers, or entirely online.
Is it Legit?
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the definitive accreditation institution of the Southeast. In addition, Saint Leo University holds memberships in multiple accreditation organizations, including, but not limited to, the American Council on Education (ACE), the National Collegiate Honor Society, and the Private Colleges and Universities of Florida, an organization of Florida’s most competitive and prestigious private colleges and universities.
Saint Leo University also boasts accreditation for specific educational programs and degree pathways. Their School of Business gained certification from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs in 2014. In addition, Saint Leo University’s social work degree pathways are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education. The State of Florida’s Department of Education has also approved the school’s Teacher Education Programs.
Is Saint Leo University worth it?
US News recognized Saint Leo University as the 26th-best regional university and the 4th-best value school in the South in 2021. In addition, US News cites that they have one of the best online Bachelor’s programs.
Saint Leo University is considered one of the best online colleges in America, per Niche.com’s 2021 rankings. The institution boasts nearly 100,000 alumni globally, 98% of whom received some form of financial aid while attending.
In addition to their generous financial support, Saint Leo University emphasizes career preparedness for students, offering nearly 5,000 available internships and job postings.
Despite their tremendous student body, Saint Leo University values proximity and personalized education, featuring small class sizes with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a vast range of student support resources, including accessibility resources, counseling services, and technology support.
Saint Leo University vs. Community College
Saint Leo University and its network of education centers specialize in an undergraduate liberal arts education experience. The institution offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral diplomas, whereas most community colleges are typically limited to Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
With most Bachelor’s students living on campus, the on-campus community offers an experience unrivaled by community colleges, whose student body is primarily comprised of commuters who may have limited community presence and support. Saint Leo University additionally boasts a small student-to-faculty ratio, providing students with the personalized educational support they may need to excel.
As a liberal arts college, Saint Leo University offers a smaller, family-like environment that emphasizes a well-rounded education.
Saint Leo University Acceptance Rate
According to US News, Saint Leo University has an acceptance rate of 71%.
Saint Leo University Cost per Year
Saint Leo University’s tuition for undergraduate students is $26,240 per year. Housing may cost up to $8,700 per year, and meal plans may cost up to $7,000 annually, bringing annual tuition, room, and board up to $44,000 annually.
Master’s programs charge per credit hour instead of on a semesterly basis; tuition per credit hour may range from $560 to $870. On-campus housing is not offered to graduate students. Annual costs for Master’s students average around $8,400. Doctoral programs also charge per credit hour, ranging from $780 to $965. Yearly tuition for postgraduate programs may go up to $10,100 per year.
School Catalog
A copy of the school’s catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Saint Leo University’s flagship campus is open 24/7 to students. Online coursework is also available 24/7.
Specific student services are available from 7 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 10 AM to 4 PM on the weekends. These services include dining halls and similar resources, the abbey and monastery, and student support resources.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- Accounting
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
Computers & Information Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
- Computer Programming
Healthcare
- Healthcare Management
Communications & Media
- Communications
Graphics, Design, and Arts
- Music
Campus Locations
San Diego, CA 3975 Norman Scott Rd., Navy College Office, Bldg. 3280, San Diego, CA 92136
Saint Leo, FL 33701 State Rd. 52, P.O. Box 6665, Saint Leo, FL 33574
Jacksonville, FL 9775 Crosshill Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32222
Key West, FL Naval Air Station, A-718 Essex Cir., Key West, FL 33040
Lake City, FL 149 SE College Pl., Florida Gateway College Campus, Lake City, FL 32025
Lakeland, FL 315 Granada St., Lakeland, FL 33805
MacDill, FL 8102 Condor St., Albert B. Arrighi Education Center, Suite 116, MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Madison, FL 126 SW Sumatra Ave., Ste A, Madison, FL 32340
Mayport, FL Mayport Naval Station, Building 460, Box 280035, Mayport, FL 32228
Ocala, FL 1930 SW 38th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474
Brooksville, FL 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Pasco Hernando State College, North Office, Brooksville, FL 34601
Tallahassee, FL 444 Appleyard Dr., University Center, Ste 136, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Tampa, FL 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 238, Tampa, FL 33602
Duluth, GA 3555 Koger Blvd., Clarkston Building, Ste 105, Duluth, GA 30096
Marietta, GA 1395 South Marietta Pkwy., Building 300, Ste 104, Marietta, GA 30067
Morrow, GA 1590 Adamson Pkwy., Ste 120, Morrow, GA 30260
Savannah, GA 325 W. Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, GA 31406
Columbus AFB, MS 81 Fifth St., Ste 11, Columbus AFB, MS 39710
North Charleston, SC 7499 Dorchester Rd., North Charleston, SC 29418
Shaw AFB, SC 398 Shaw Dr., Room 116, Bldg. 501, Shaw AFB, SC 29152
Sumter, SC 2751 S. Wise Dr., Sumter, SC 29150
Corpus Christi, TX 10461 D. St., Building 1731, Room 206, Corpus Christi, TX 78419
Chesapeake, VA 1434 Crossways Blvd., Ste 175, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Fort Eustis, VA 1500 Madison Ave., U.S. Army Education Center, Fort Eustis, VA 23604
Fort Lee, VA 700 Quarters Road, Room 159, Bldg. 12400, P.O. Box 5220, Fort Lee, VA 23801
Langley, VA 450 Weyland Rd., Langley AFB, VA 23665
Newport News, VA One BayPort Way, Ste 160, Newport News, VA 23606
Virginia Beach, VA 1481 D St., Building 3016, Virginia Beach, VA 23459
Financial Aid Services
The majority of Saint Leo University attendees receive some form of financial aid. Skilled advisors provide support to navigate the process of paying for classes. Available federal and state funds include grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. A number of scholarships exist for eligible high school graduates and those transferring from other institutions.
Student Services
Staff at the office of student services helps plot a path through the college experience. Trained counselors can advise on course selection and staying on track for graduation. An internet portal provides an easy way to register for classes, check grades, and more. Career events at Saint Leo allow current attendees to meet with potential employers.
Veteran and Military Services
The Office of Military Affairs and Services has resources that assist veterans and their dependents to earn degrees from Saint Leo. Qualified counselors provide advice on programs and grants to pay for costs. Online and distance learning courses offer alternate methods for armed forces members to receive college credits.
Alumni Services
An active alumni organization sustains and strengthens the network of Saint Leo University graduates. The group works to promote good relations between the school and former students. Opportunities for professional growth and social events are ways for alumni to connect.