Franciscan University's Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview

Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Catholic university in Ohio, US. The university has witnessed a surge in its student population in recent years, with its total student body reaching 3,750 in 2023. The university's popularity is evident from its largest-ever freshman class of 772 students in 2023, leading to the opening of a new dorm to accommodate the growing numbers. The university's total student population, including online students, exceeded 3,800 in 2023, with 2,978 undergraduate students enrolled that year. The university's appeal lies in its strong integration of Catholic faith with academic excellence, attracting students seeking a vibrant Catholic community.

Franciscan University of Steubenville's undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2023 was 2,978

The Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Catholic university in Ohio. As of Fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,978 students. This figure represents a remarkable milestone for the university, as it has experienced a period of significant growth and development.

In August 2023, the university welcomed its largest incoming freshman class in its history, with 772 students. This record-breaking number of new students prompted the university to open a new dormitory to accommodate them. The university's vice president for enrollment management, John Herrmann, attributed this growth to the university's unique appeal, combining a quality education with a vibrant Catholic sacramental life and faith formation community.

The Franciscan University of Steubenville offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. As of Fall 2023, there were 40 undergraduate and 8 graduate degree programs available. The university's most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations in 2022 included Theological Studies, Registered Nursing, and Elementary Education & Teaching. The university also offers various specialized majors, including Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies, History, Language & Linguistics, and Psychology.

The university's total enrollment, including both undergraduate and graduate students, has been consistently breaking records over the past seven years. In 2022, the total number of enrolled students on campus and online exceeded 3,600, with a full-time enrollment of 2,632 and a part-time enrollment of 1,024. The university's retention rate for full-time undergraduates was an impressive 86%, higher than the average for similar institutions.

The Franciscan University of Steubenville has earned well-deserved recognition for its academic excellence and unique approach to Catholic formation. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, the university ranked 28th among Regional Universities in the Midwest. Additionally, it was recognised for its effectiveness in enrolling and graduating low-income and first-generation students, improving its ranking in the "social mobility" category.

The university's total enrollment in 2022 was 3,656

The Franciscan University of Steubenville, a private Catholic university in Ohio, has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a total enrollment of 3,656 students in 2022. This number includes both full-time and part-time students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's popularity is evident, with a large incoming freshman class of 772 students in 2023, and a total enrollment of over 3,800 students, surpassing previous records.

The university's strong appeal to students lies in its integration of Catholic faith with academic excellence. The student body is predominantly Catholic, and Franciscan University claims to have the largest number of students majoring in theology, catechetics, and philosophy among Catholic universities in the United States. The university's theology program is, in fact, the largest undergraduate theology program in the country.

In addition to its religious focus, Franciscan University offers a wide range of academic programs. As of 2023, the university enrolled students in 40 undergraduate and 8 graduate degree programs. The university also offers various specializations, including engineering, business, nursing, history, and psychology. The most common Bachelor's Degree concentration in 2022 was Theological Studies, with 98 degrees awarded, followed by Registered Nursing and Elementary Education & Teaching.

The university's growth has led to some physical expansions, such as the opening of a new dorm to accommodate the increasing number of students. The Christ the Teacher Academic Hall and Pope St. Paul VI Event Center, opened in August, is the largest building on campus, providing academic spaces and an event center for spiritual and educational conferences.

With its high enrollment and popular academic programs, Franciscan University of Steubenville continues to thrive and attract students seeking a unique combination of Catholic faith and academic pursuits. The university's total enrollment in 2022 of 3,656 students reflects its success in providing a well-rounded and appealing educational experience.

In August 2024, the university welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of 812 students

In August 2024, the Franciscan University of Steubenville welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of 812 students. This was a significant milestone for the university, reflecting its strong reputation and appeal to students seeking a quality education combined with a vibrant Catholic sacramental life. The university's total number of enrolled students on campus and online exceeded 3,900, demonstrating its consistent growth over the past decade.

The large incoming class prompted the university to open a new dormitory-style residence hall to accommodate the growing student body. This addition highlights the university's proactive approach to ensuring the comfort and well-being of its students. The new residence hall, created by renovating a hotel, provides a convenient and comfortable living space for students, fostering a sense of community and enhancing their overall university experience.

The Franciscan University of Steubenville has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with increasing enrolment numbers even as other colleges in Ohio have faced declining enrolment. This growth can be attributed to the university's unique offerings and strong integration of the Catholic faith into its academic programs. The university's high retention and graduation rates further emphasize its success in providing a well-rounded and valuable education.

The university's strong performance has been recognised by U.S. News & World Report, which ranked it 28th among Midwest universities in the 2024-25 edition of Best Colleges. This ranking places the university in the top tier of colleges in the region. Additionally, the university has been commended for its effectiveness in enrolling and graduating low-income and first-generation students, showcasing its commitment to accessibility and social mobility.

The Franciscan University of Steubenville's largest-ever incoming class of 812 students in August 2024 is a testament to its excellence and appeal. The university's ability to attract a growing number of students year after year is a strong indicator of its bright future and the positive impact it will continue to have on its students and the wider community.

In 2022, 90% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants

Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Catholic university in Ohio, USA. The university has a strong focus on providing affordable education, with 90% of undergraduate students receiving financial aid through grants in 2022. This commitment to accessibility has driven Franciscan's growth in recent years, with record-breaking enrolment numbers and a top-tier ranking in the region.

The university's financial aid office assists students in securing the best possible financial aid package, starting with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants are a crucial component of financial aid, offering awards that do not need to be repaid. Federal and state government grants are primarily need-based, while the university's grants consider additional factors such as academic standing and test scores.

The university's dedication to affordability is reflected in its tuition fees, which, at $34,100, are relatively low compared to other top-ranked institutions. This commitment has been recognised by external organisations, such as Money magazine, which gave Franciscan a four-star rating for affordability in its Best Colleges in America 2023 publication.

Franciscan University's efforts to provide affordable education have contributed to its success in attracting students, with a total enrolment of 3,750 students in 40 undergraduate and 8 graduate degree programs as of fall 2023. The university has experienced sustained growth, with the largest incoming class in its history in 2024, comprising over 770 students. This growth is also evident in the increasing number of graduates, with a record-breaking 818 graduates in 2024, a 30% increase over just three years.

In addition to its focus on affordability, Franciscan University offers a well-rounded education with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, ensuring personalised attention for its students. The university's strong showing is further evidenced by its high first-year retention rate of 87% and a 72% graduation rate.

The university's retention rate for full-time undergraduates was 86%

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Franciscan University of Steubenville was 86%. This is an impressive figure, especially when compared to similar universities, which have an average retention rate of 73%. A high retention rate is a good indicator of student satisfaction, and it suggests that the university is successfully meeting the needs and expectations of its students.

Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Catholic university located in Steubenville, Ohio. The university has seen impressive growth in recent years, with a total enrollment of 3,656 students in 2022, including 2,632 full-time students. This growth is particularly notable given the overall decline in college enrollment in Ohio during this period. The university's strong retention rate has likely contributed to its growing student body.

The university's retention rate can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the university offers a unique combination of academic excellence and Catholic formation, which appeals to students seeking a faith-based education. The university also has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 or 15:1, depending on the source, which allows for more personalized attention and support for students. Additionally, the university provides robust financial aid, with 90% of undergraduate students receiving financial assistance through grants and 71% through loans in 2022.

The high retention rate also reflects the university's success in attracting and retaining low-income and first-generation students. In the U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university jumped 56 spots in two years in the "social mobility" category, highlighting its commitment to accessibility and supporting underrepresented students.

Overall, the 86% retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Franciscan University of Steubenville is a testament to the university's ability to meet the needs and expectations of its students, providing them with a high-quality education and a supportive community that encourages them to continue their studies.

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