Undergrads
Catholic Faculty
Catholic Students
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Established in 1946 just west of Pittsburgh, Franciscan University’s ownership and Catholic identity rest with Franciscan friars, the Third Order Regular of St. Francis. Today the University is a model of faithful Catholic education with notable Catholic professors and a vibrant spiritual life.
Franciscan offers a comprehensive, liberal arts core curriculum including three Catholic theology and three philosophy courses (five total for science majors). Students can choose from more than 70 majors across five schools of arts and sciences, including the popular theology and catechetics. Nearly all students and professors are Catholic, and theology professors have a mandatum from the local bishop.
The spiritual life on campus is dynamic, with a high percentage of students attending daily Mass, and all four Sunday Masses (including a weekly Extraordinary Form Mass) are filled to capacity. Perpetual Adoration is offered in the Portiuncula Chapel during the school year. Confession is available most days, community Rosary on weekdays, and there are occasional special liturgies and events including a monthly Festival of Praise. Franciscan’s unique “faith household” system brings students together to support each other spiritually, academically, and in other ways under the guidance of an advisor.
All student residence halls are appropriately single-sex, and there is a sensible open-door policy during limited hours of opposite-sex visitation to private rooms. Students engage in charitable efforts in the local town and can drive to nearby Pittsburgh on weekends.
Students seeking a strong faith formation and education in a charismatic Catholic environment, all at a relatively low net price, will find an outstanding option in Franciscan University of Steubenville.
What we really like:
Franciscan has been a leader in Catholic education since its exciting reform in the 1970s. Students’ enthusiasm for serving God is refreshing and exciting, and professors seem uniquely inclined to renewing Christian culture beyond campus. The household system greatly enhances student formation. A semester at Franciscan’s Austria campus is a can’t-miss opportunity.
Visit Campus
Get in touch with Franciscan University of Steubenville to schedule your campus visit:
800-783-6220
