
Fontbonne University, a private Catholic university in Clayton, Missouri, has seen a significant fluctuation in its student population over the years. Initially established as a women's college, Fontbonne transitioned to a co-educational model in the 1970s. In 2011, the university boasted a student body of 2,293, which decreased to 1,112 students in 2022, comprising 816 undergraduate and 296 graduate students. However, by 2023, enrollment had declined further to 874 students. This decrease in enrollment has reportedly caused financial strain on the university. Despite these challenges, Fontbonne University offers a favourable student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, a freshmen retention rate of 71%higher-than-average on-time graduation rate for first-time, full-time students pursuing a bachelor's degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 1,112 |
| Undergraduate Students | 816 |
| Graduate Students | 296 |
| Students Aged Under 25 | 767 |
| Students Aged 25 and Over | 343 |
| Male/Female Ratio | 41:59 |
| Acceptance Rate | 78% |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Full-Time Faculty Percentage | 38% |
| Average Net Cost to Attend | $19,519 per year |
| Average Salary of Graduates with a Bachelor's Degree | $45,217 per year |
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What You'll Learn

In 2022, Fontbonne University had 1,112 students enrolled
Of the 1,112 students enrolled in 2022, 816 were undergraduate students, and 296 were graduate students. The university has a freshmen retention rate of 71%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 68%. The on-time graduation rate for first-time, full-time students pursuing a bachelor's degree is 44%, which is also higher than the national average of 33.3%.
Fontbonne University is a private Catholic university in Clayton, Missouri, United States. It was established in 1923 as Fontbonne College, initially serving as a women's college. The university's main academic topics include liberal arts, social sciences, psychology, and medicine. The average net cost to attend Fontbonne University is $19,519 per year, and students who graduate with a bachelor's degree from the university can expect to earn about $45,217 per year during their first few years of employment after graduation.
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The university's acceptance rate is 78%-95%
Fontbonne University, a private Catholic university in Clayton, Missouri, has an acceptance rate of 78% to 95%. This rate is higher than that of many other schools, but it is still considered somewhat selective. The university is among the 30% of the easiest universities to gain admission to in the United States.
The university's total enrollment in 2022 was 1,112 students, including 816 undergraduate and 296 graduate students. The undergraduate population comprised 672 students under the age of 25 and 143 students aged 25 and above. The graduate population included 95 students under 25 and 200 students aged 25 and above. The student population comprised 719 White, 223 Black, and 18 Asian students.
Fontbonne University's enrollment has decreased over the years, with a significant drop from 2,293 students in 2011 to 955 in 2021. This decline has contributed to the university operating at a deficit for the past 10 years. The university's officials announced in March 2024 that they would cease operations by 2025, with Washington University in St. Louis agreeing to purchase the campus.
The university's acceptance rate of 78%-95% indicates a relatively high likelihood of admission for prospective students. However, it is important to note that the rate is still selective, and applicants need to demonstrate good grades and a strong fit with the university to secure admission. The university's net price of $19,519 and high freshmen retention rate of 71% also make it an attractive option for students seeking a personalized educational experience.
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6.86% of students transferred from other institutions
Fontbonne University, a private Catholic university in Clayton, Missouri, has seen a significant decline in student enrolment over the years. In 2021, the university had 955 students, a sharp drop from 2,293 students in 2011. The decrease in enrolment has resulted in the university operating at a deficit for a decade.
As of 2022, the university has a total enrolment of 1,112 students, including 816 undergraduate and 296 graduate students. Interestingly, 6.86% of the students, which equates to 56 individuals, transferred from other institutions. This group of students consists of 51 full-time and 5 part-time students.
The university has a high acceptance rate of 95%, making it one of the easiest universities to gain admission to in the United States. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, which is better than the national average of 15:1. This ratio benefits students who seek more personalised interactions with their teachers.
Fontbonne University offers a range of academic programmes, with 41 majors represented in the most recently available data. The university has granted 137 bachelor's degrees, 149 master's degrees, and 5 doctorate degrees. The average net cost to attend is $19,519 per year, and graduates can expect a promising salary outlook, with bachelor's degree holders earning about $45,217 annually during their initial years of employment, which is 6% higher than the average college graduate's salary.
With a decline in enrolment and financial challenges, Fontbonne University announced its decision to cease operations by 2025. The university is assisting current students with transfer options to partnering "teach-out" institutions or other universities to ensure they can meet their educational goals.
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The student-faculty ratio is 10:1
Fontbonne University, a private Catholic university in Clayton, Missouri, has a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. This is significantly better than the national average of 15:1, allowing students to benefit from more personalised interactions with their teachers.
The student-faculty ratio is an important metric for prospective students to consider, as it indicates the level of teaching resources available at a college or university. A lower ratio suggests that students will have better access to their teachers and more opportunities for personalised interactions and support.
At Fontbonne University, the student-faculty ratio of 10:1 is indicative of the university's commitment to providing a high level of teaching resources and personalised education to its students. This ratio also contributes to the overall educational experience and can impact a student's success and satisfaction during their time at the university.
In addition to the favourable student-faculty ratio, Fontbonne University also boasts a high freshmen retention rate of 71%, which is above the national average of 68%. This suggests that the university is successful in fostering a supportive and engaging educational environment that encourages students to continue their studies.
With an acceptance rate of around 78-95%, Fontbonne University is among the 30% of the easiest universities to gain admission to in the United States. The university has a total enrollment of 1,112 students, including 816 undergraduate and 296 graduate students, as of 2022.
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The university is closing, with plans to sell its campus by 2025
Fontbonne University, a private Catholic university in St. Louis, Missouri, has announced that it will close in the summer of 2025. The university has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, including a decline in enrollment and a shrinking endowment. In 2021, the university's enrollment stood at 955, a sharp drop from 2,293 in 2011. By 2023, enrollment had declined further to 874 students.
The university's financial woes were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic struggles affecting small private institutions across the nation. In November 2023, facing a budget shortfall of $5.2 million, Fontbonne released a "retrenchment plan" to cut costs and stave off closure. Unfortunately, these efforts proved unsuccessful, and the university's board of trustees voted to end operations.
In March 2024, it was announced that Washington University in St. Louis would purchase Fontbonne's 16-acre campus. The sale will include the land and buildings only, with students, staff, and faculty not joining Washington University. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Fontbonne University is now focused on helping its current students complete their degrees or transfer to other institutions. The university will continue to offer classes through the summer of 2025 and provide scholarships for undergraduates during the summer terms of 2024 and 2025. It will also assist students in identifying teach-out institutions where they can finish their degree requirements.
The closure of Fontbonne University highlights the financial pressures facing small private colleges in the United States. It joins a growing list of institutions that have been forced to shut their doors due to plunging enrollment and lost tuition revenue.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2022, Fontbonne University has a total enrollment of 1,112 students, including 816 undergraduate students and 296 graduate students.
In 2023, there were 874 students enrolled at Fontbonne University.
In 2021, there were 955 students enrolled at Fontbonne University, which was a significant decrease from the 2,293 students enrolled in 2011.
As of 2025, 619 students are enrolled in distance education courses at Fontbonne University.











































