Overview
Franciscan University of Steubenville is one of the most distinctively Catholic universities in the United States. Founded in 1946 as the College of Steubenville by the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, the university underwent a dramatic renewal in the 1970s under the leadership of Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR, who reestablished a strong Catholic identity that has become the university's hallmark. Today, Franciscan University attracts students from all 50 states and many countries who are drawn to its vibrant faith community and rigorous academics.
The 235-acre hilltop campus overlooks the Ohio River and is located in Steubenville, in the eastern tip of Ohio near the West Virginia and Pennsylvania borders. Franciscan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.
Academics & Programs
Franciscan offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, with a strong core curriculum grounded in Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts.
Notable Academic Programs
- Theology: Franciscan's theology department is regarded as one of the finest among Catholic universities in the country, with faculty who are published scholars and faithful Catholic intellectuals.
- Catechetics: The university offers one of the only undergraduate catechetics majors in the nation, preparing students for careers in Catholic religious education and parish ministry.
- Nursing: The nursing program features clinical training in local healthcare facilities and strong NCLEX pass rates.
- Philosophy: Grounded in the Thomistic and Franciscan traditions, the philosophy program offers rigorous training in classical and contemporary thought.
- Education: Franciscan prepares teachers who integrate faith and learning in their classrooms.
- Study Abroad: The university operates a popular semester-long program in Gaming, Austria, where students study in a restored 14th-century Carthusian monastery.
Campus & Location
Franciscan's 235-acre campus sits atop a hill overlooking the Ohio River valley. Key campus landmarks include the Christ the King Chapel (the spiritual heart of campus), the J.C. Williams Center for student life, Finnegan Fieldhouse for athletics, and the newly renovated St. John Paul II Library. The campus features an outdoor Portiuncula chapel, Stations of the Cross walking path, and numerous Marian grottos reflecting the university's deep Franciscan spirituality. Steubenville is located about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Campus Life
Campus life at Franciscan is defined by its vibrant Catholic culture. Daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, confession, and praise-and-worship events are integral to student life. The household system is the university's most distinctive social feature: households are single-sex faith communities (typically 10-30 members) that share a patron saint, a specific charism, and a covenant of mutual support. Approximately 60% of students participate in a household, making it a central part of the Franciscan experience. The university also hosts annual Festivals of Praise, mission trips, and pro-life advocacy events.
Athletics
The Franciscan Barons compete in NCAA Division III as members of the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC). The school colors are brown and white. The Barons field teams in soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country, track and field, tennis, baseball, softball, rugby, and lacrosse. As a Division III institution, Franciscan emphasizes the student-athlete experience and the integration of athletics with academic and spiritual development.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 76%
- Average GPA: 3.4-3.8
- Test-Optional: Yes, for most programs
- Application: Franciscan Application and Common Application accepted
Costs & Financial Aid
| Cost Component | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $30,340 |
| Room & Board | $10,800 |
| Fees & Books | $1,500 |
| Total (before aid) | $42,640 |
Franciscan provides merit and need-based aid, including scholarships for academic achievement, Catholic leadership, and pro-life involvement. Most students receive financial assistance that reduces the cost of attendance.
Outcomes & Alumni
Franciscan graduates are well-represented in Catholic education, parish ministry, healthcare, and professional fields. The university's alumni include priests, religious sisters, Catholic school leaders, healthcare professionals, and leaders in Catholic media and apologetics. Franciscan's tight-knit community creates lifelong bonds among its graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Franciscan University is known for its vibrant Catholic identity, nationally recognized theology and catechetics programs, the household system, and a campus culture deeply rooted in prayer and Franciscan spirituality.
Households are single-sex faith communities of students who share a patron saint, a charism, and a covenant of mutual accountability. About 60% of students participate, making households a central part of the social and spiritual life at Franciscan.
Franciscan offers a uniquely Catholic experience. Students seeking a broader liberal arts education with strong academics, vibrant campus life, and championship athletics may also want to explore Wittenberg University in Springfield, one of Ohio's premier liberal arts institutions.
Franciscan is in Steubenville, Ohio, along the Ohio River, about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh. The hilltop campus overlooks the river valley.
Tuition is approximately $30,000 per year before aid. Franciscan offers merit and need-based scholarships, and most students receive institutional financial assistance.
Sources & References
- Franciscan University Official Website — franciscan.edu
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — IPEDS Data for Franciscan University
- Presidents' Athletic Conference — pacathletics.org
- The Cardinal Newman Society — Recommended Catholic Colleges