Saint Francis University vs Gannon University

Saint Francis University and Gannon University, both located in Pennsylvania, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Saint Francis, a private Franciscan university, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Gannon's 68%. Saint Francis also has a smaller student body, with an undergraduate population of around 2,500 compared to Gannon's 4,000. In terms of popular majors, Saint Francis excels in fields like business, education, and nursing, while Gannon is known for its engineering, health professions, and business programs. While Saint Francis has a slightly higher graduation rate (63%) than Gannon's 60%, both universities offer a supportive learning environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and goals.

	Gannon University	Saint Francis University
Overview
Location	Erie, Pennsylvania	Loretto, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Small	Town: Fringe
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	83.6%	73.3%
Application fees		$30
SAT range	990 - 1250	N/A
ACT range	20 - 28	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	34.0%
Students submitting ACT score	9.0%
Total number of applicants	4,746	2,063
Total number of admissions given out	3,967	1,513
Admitted students who chose to enroll	644	398
Yield rate	16.2%	26.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$53,320	$61,110
Average net price	$22,258	$28,883
Tuition	$33,560	$38,852
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,810 Meal plan: $6,790	Room/dormitory: $6,532 Meal plan: $7,076
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $26,143	100.0% Average amount $26,960
Students receiving federal student loan	86.0% Average amount $5,606	61.0% Average amount $5,240
Students taking out private loans	17.0% Average amount $17,413	29.0% Average amount $19,827

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,165 Men 39.9% Women 60.1%	2,552 Men 38.0% Women 62.0%
Graduate students	1,431 Men 40.9% Women 59.1%	482 Men 29.3% Women 70.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	28.0%	N/A
International students	15.0%	0.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Town: Fringe
Dormitory capacity	1,372	1,284
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania New York Ohio Florida Maryland	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Education Business Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Health Professions Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	64.3%	74.0%
Dropout rate	14.7%	26.0%
Transferred out	20.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $159,494 Year 2: $164,940 Year 3: $169,535 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,754 Year 2: $92,885 Year 3: $95,657 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,092 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $72,856 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,695 Year 2: $63,799 Year 3: $65,207 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,910 Year 2: $54,154 Year 3: $63,979 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,757 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $63,725 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,442 Year 2: $54,760 Year 3: $60,940 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $49,683 Year 3: $54,255 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,416 Year 2: $49,392 Year 3: $50,246 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,816 Year 2: $31,853 Year 3: $40,780	Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,462 Year 2: $103,821 Year 3: $107,108 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,301 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $49,231 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,674 Year 3: N/A Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $44,560 Year 2: $45,696 Year 3: N/A Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,172 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,679 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $64,580 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,723 Year 2: $58,866 Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,218 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,629 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic differences between Saint Francis University and Gannon University?

Saint Francis University (SFU) emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation with a focus on Franciscan values. They offer a wide range of programs, including pre-professional tracks and a notable Physician Assistant program. Gannon University, on the other hand, has a more pronounced focus on professional and technical programs, particularly in engineering, health sciences, and business. Gannon also has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and global perspectives.
How do the campus environments of Saint Francis University and Gannon University compare?

SFU boasts a more rural and scenic campus located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, providing a close-knit community feel and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Gannon University is situated in Erie, Pennsylvania, an urban setting with a more diverse student body and easy access to city amenities, including Lake Erie. Gannon's campus is also known for its modern facilities and integration with the city.
What is the cost of attendance like at Saint Francis University versus Gannon University?

Tuition and fees at both universities are comparable, but can vary slightly depending on the specific program and year. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition information on each university's website. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions, so it's important to explore those options to determine the net cost.
What are the strengths of the student life and extracurricular activities at Saint Francis University?

SFU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on community and service. They have a wide array of clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. Their Franciscan values foster a supportive environment, and they have a strong athletic program, particularly in Division I sports. The rural setting also lends itself to outdoor recreation opportunities.
What are the strengths of the student life and extracurricular activities at Gannon University?

Gannon University provides a diverse and engaging student life experience. They have a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and Division II athletic programs. The university's location in Erie provides easy access to cultural events, internships, and community service opportunities. Gannon also emphasizes global engagement and offers study abroad programs.
How do the admission requirements differ between Saint Francis University and Gannon University?

Both universities generally require similar application materials, including transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place, so check each university's website), and letters of recommendation. However, specific requirements and deadlines may vary. It's crucial to review the admission requirements on each university's website to ensure you meet all criteria.
Which university is better for pre-med or health sciences programs?

Both universities offer strong programs in health sciences. Gannon University is particularly well-known for its programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing. Saint Francis University has a highly regarded Physician Assistant program. The best choice depends on your specific area of interest within the health sciences.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare at Saint Francis University and Gannon University?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Gannon University's location in Erie provides access to a wider range of internship opportunities in various industries. SFU's career services are also robust, with a focus on connecting students with opportunities in their specific fields, and they have strong alumni networks.
What is the religious affiliation of Saint Francis University and Gannon University?

Saint Francis University is a Catholic university founded by the Franciscan Friars. Gannon University is also a Catholic university, founded by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie.
Which university is a better fit for me if I prefer a smaller, more intimate learning environment?

Saint Francis University generally offers a smaller student body and a more intimate learning environment, fostering closer relationships between students and faculty. Gannon University has a larger student population, but still maintains a relatively small student-to-faculty ratio, providing opportunities for personalized attention.

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