Saint Leo University

Overview of Saint Leo University (SLU)

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The university’s core mission is to inspire students to become their best selves and lead the way for those that follow. Dedicated to making higher education more accessible to all, Saint Leo University fosters a warm, inclusive community that helps educate and develop those enrolled for success. Faculty and staff also inspire diversity of thought, as well as the courage to boldly confront the world’s challenges through service to others.

The total student population at Saint Leo University is 9,500+, with around 6,700 of those enrolled working towards undergraduate degrees. The school employs approximately 118 full-time and 628 part-time faculty members, all of whom focus their efforts on instruction. This makes the overall student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1, which is better than the national average and indicates relatively easy access to professors.

Top Rankings For Saint Leo University

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SLU Acceptance Rate and Admissions

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SLU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid

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Saint Leo University boasts tuition rates that are significantly lower than the average cost of attending private colleges. The actual amount paid will, however, depend on enrollment status, the type of degree sought, and whether classes are taken on campus or online. Notably, as a private institution, residency does not impact tuition costs.

Tuition for full-time undergraduate students enrolled in 12 to 18 credit hours on campus during the 2022-2023 academic year is $12,495 per semester, or $24,990 per year. This does not include other necessary expenses, however, such as room, board, and associated college fees. Saint Leo University charges $1,030 per semester in fees that cover orientation, technology, health, and student activities. Unlimited meal plans are offered at the rate of $3,350 per semester, with some cheaper options available. The institution also estimates students will pay an additional $4,350 to live on campus each semester, although residing off campus with family or friends may cost less.

Graduate students studying on campus are charged differently. These students pay per credit hour, but the rates differ depending on the program selected. Rates range from $530 per credit hour for the master of arts in theology degree to $825 for the master of science in cyber security degree.

Undergraduate students enrolled online pay per credit hour. For associate and bachelor’s degrees, the rate is $410 per credit hour, while certificate programs cost only $280 per credit hour. Notably, active-duty military members owe only $250 per credit hour.

Online doctoral programs are charged similarly, but rates vary slightly depending on the degree sought. Those pursuing a doctorate of business administration will pay $920 per credit hour, while students enrolled in the doctorate of education program owe only $740 per credit hour. The doctorate in criminal justice is charged at a rate of $810 per credit hour.

The majority of students attending Saint Leo University receive some form of financial aid, much of which does not have to be paid back. Aid options include state and federal programs, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. Those enrolled are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is used to determine expected family contribution (EFC), which indicates need-based aid eligibility and funding awards. During the 2020-2021 academic year, 100% of full-time, beginning, undergraduate students at Saint Leo University received some form of financial assistance. While 100% received some amount in grants and scholarships, 58% still needed to take out loans.

Sticker Price

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Academics

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Saint Leo University provides students with a transformative, values-centered education. As an outgrowth of Catholic social teaching, the school insists that human institutions and relationships be based on dignity, as well as social and economic justice. The school also adheres to the Catholic intellectual tradition that celebrates the compatibility of faith and reason. Those enrolled are encouraged to discover what makes them special by engaging in both curricular and extracurricular pursuits.

Regardless of the kind of degree sought, the institution offers high-quality, accessible, and flexible learning options. Degrees may be pursued on campus, online, or at regional education centers throughout the country.

Students can choose from over 60 majors and minors offered by the following academic colleges:

According to data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Saint Leo University had first-year undergraduate retention rate of 57% for full-time students and 67% for part-time students in fall 2020. Notably, these rates are slightly below the national average of 68%. Still, the retention numbers indicate that the majority of students enrolled at the university were happy enough with their experiences to return for a second year.

Additionally, the overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time students who began their studies in fall 2015 was 46%, with a 36% transfer-out rate. This indicates how frequently students complete their degrees or certificate programs within 150% of standard time, which is approximately six years. Of those who started their education in 2013, 32% graduated within four years and 47% graduated within six year. However, with that transfer-out rate, as many as 80% of students might have graduated altogether, but there’s no way to know how well those transfer students did in their new schools.

Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation and the Secretary of the United State Department of Education. The university is capable of awarding associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Many of the schools and programs are also accredited.

Student Population Total

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Outcome & Salary

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Saint Leo University prides itself on its student-centered education model and makes an effort to measure academic progress, completions, and career-related success. Using exit surveys, the institution was able to determine that most graduates feel prepared for professional work. Based on data collected, 96% of students reported developing strong decision-making processes based on critical thinking and values. Another 98% reported learning to communicate clearly and effectively using multiple types of media. These skills are highly valued by most employers and can positively contribute to future career success. Additionally, according to PayScale, Saint Leo University graduates earn an average base salary of $71,000 per year.

Photos & Videos

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