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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: Florida's first Catholic college, a pioneer in online learning with a rich Benedictine legacy.

Saint Leo University stands as a beacon of education with a storied past and a forward-thinking approach, inviting students to embrace its motto, "Courage to Be More." Established in 1889, it holds the distinction of being the first Catholic college in Florida and has grown to become one of the fifteen largest Catholic colleges in the United States. Its deep roots are intertwined with the Benedictine traditions of Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey, fostering a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth.

What truly sets Saint Leo apart is its pioneering spirit in distance learning. Long before online education became mainstream, Saint Leo was innovating, offering degree programs to military personnel on U.S. bases as early as 1973. This commitment to accessibility continues today through its robust Center for Online Learning and regional Education Centers, ensuring that a high-quality education is available to students from all 50 states, multiple U.S. territories, and over 80 countries.

Academically, Saint Leo offers a diverse portfolio designed to meet a wide range of aspirations, including more than 55 associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees, alongside certificate programs, and a Doctor of Business Administration. With a student body exceeding 10,000, students experience a vibrant academic environment guided by a dedicated faculty. The university fosters a welcoming atmosphere, exemplified by its early enrollment of a Black student in 1898 and its commitment to a spirit of belonging.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1889 as the first Catholic college in Florida.
  • One of the fifteen largest Catholic colleges in the United States.
  • Pioneered distance learning, offering degree programs on U.S. military bases since 1973.
  • Offers over 55 associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees, plus certificate programs, including a doctoral program.
  • Educates over 10,000 students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.
  • Inspired by the motto "Courage to Be More" and rooted in Benedictine tradition.
  • Known for its robust Center for Online Learning, created in 1998.

Timeline

1889
Saint Leo College founded, associated with Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey.
1890
St. Leo College opens its doors to its first students.
1898
Enrolls Rudolph Antorcha from Cuba, the university's first Black student.
1959
Re-established as a junior college, marking a return to its college roots.
1967
Confers its first bachelor's degrees.
1973
Begins offering degree programs on U.S. military bases, pioneering distance learning.
1998
The Center for Online Learning is created.
1999
Saint Leo College officially becomes Saint Leo University.
2013
Inaugurates its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
2026
Launches the Lionova Institute, focusing on faith-anchored, technology-enabled education.
🏛️
137 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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