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Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, FL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Courage to Be More

1889
Founded
Private university
Type
6,999
Total Students
$28K
Tuition (In-State)
$28K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
72%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
6-year
58%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Jim Burkee

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University: Pioneering Benedictine education since 1889, on campus and globally online.

Saint Leo University, a private Catholic institution rooted in Benedictine tradition, offers a vibrant and comprehensive educational experience from its picturesque campus in St. Leo, Florida. Established in 1889 as Florida's first Catholic college, Saint Leo has a rich history of innovation and inclusivity. It stands today as one of the fifteen largest Catholic colleges in the United States, recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and a student-centered approach.

The university provides a diverse array of over 55 associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees, alongside certificate and doctoral programs, including its Doctor of Business Administration. What truly sets Saint Leo apart is its pioneering spirit in distance learning, having offered educational opportunities to military personnel since 1973, long before online education became mainstream. This legacy continues with a robust Center for Online Learning and regional education centers, extending its reach to students across all 50 states, three U.S. territories, and more than 80 countries.

Beyond its traditional University Campus, Saint Leo fosters a "Courage to Be More" spirit, encouraging students to thrive academically and personally. Its strong Benedictine affiliation, through the Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey, imbues the campus with a sense of community and service. With a total enrollment of 10,231 students, Saint Leo offers a dynamic environment where individuals are prepared to lead and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields, supported by a dedicated faculty. The recent launch of the Lionova Institute further underscores its commitment to faith-anchored, technology-enabled education for the future.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University holds the distinction of being the first Catholic college in Florida.
  • One of the fifteen largest Catholic universities in the United States, serving 10,231 students globally.
  • Pioneered distance learning opportunities for U.S. military personnel beginning in 1973, long before widespread online education.
  • Offers over 55 associate, baccalaureate, master's, and certificate programs, including a Doctor of Business Administration.
  • Educates a diverse student body from all 50 U.S. states, three territories, and more than 80 countries.
  • Launched the Lionova Institute in 2026, focusing on faith-anchored, technology-enabled, and workforce-connected learning.
  • Maintains deep Benedictine roots through its association with the Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey.

Timeline

1889
Saint Leo College, Saint Leo Abbey, and Holy Name Monastery founded
1890
St. Leo College opens its doors
1898
Enrolled Rudolph Antorcha, a Black student from Cuba, before it was legally permissible in Florida
1959
Re-established as a junior college
1967
Conferred first bachelor's degrees and received accreditation
1973
Began offering degree programs on U.S. military bases, pioneering distance learning
1998
Center for Online Learning created
1999
Saint Leo College officially becomes Saint Leo University
2013
Inaugurated its first doctoral program (Doctor of Business Administration)
2026
Launched the Lionova Institute
🏛️
137 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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