Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO
Quick Facts
“Ad maiorem Dei gloriam”("For the greater glory of God")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Saint Louis University
Pioneering Jesuit research university, the oldest west of the Mississippi, empowering minds since 1818.
Saint Louis University (SLU) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. As a private Jesuit research university, SLU carries a proud legacy, recognized as the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1818, it offers a vibrant, values-driven education, deeply rooted in its Jesuit tradition, which emphasizes intellectual rigor, social justice, and service to humanity. Students at SLU become part of a community dedicated to global impact and discovery.
SLU's history is marked by groundbreaking achievements. Starting as the Saint Louis Academy, it quickly evolved into a university, receiving its charter from the Missouri Legislature. Notably, SLU demonstrated an early commitment to inclusivity, accepting Protestants among its faculty and student body. In a pivotal moment for civil rights, SLU courageously opened its doors to African Americans in 1944, becoming a trailblazer among its peers and setting a precedent for racial integration in higher education. This spirit of progress continued with the university's transition to a majority lay board in 1967, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to governance.
Today, SLU is classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Spending and Doctorate Production" institution, underscoring its commitment to high-level research and innovation across its numerous disciplines. With a diverse student body of 15,334, representing all 50 states and 96 countries, students engage in a rich academic environment. Furthermore, SLU offers a unique global perspective through its maintained Saint Louis University Madrid Campus in Spain, providing an international experience.
Prospective students will find a university dedicated to holistic development, where the motto "Ad maiorem Dei gloriam" ("For the greater glory of God") inspires a commitment to service, leadership, and lifelong learning. With a substantial endowment of $1.9 billion, SLU continues to invest in resources that empower its students and faculty to make meaningful contributions to the world, preparing them to excel and make a difference.
Key Highlights
- ✦The oldest university west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1818.
- ✦A private Jesuit research university classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Spending and Doctorate Production."
- ✦Boasts a significant endowment of $1.9 billion, supporting extensive resources and programs.
- ✦Home to 15,334 students from all 50 U.S. states and 96 countries, fostering a diverse global community.
- ✦Maintains an international campus in Madrid, Spain, providing unique global learning opportunities.
- ✦Pioneered racial integration by opening its doors to African Americans in 1944.
- ✦Its Saint Louis University School of Law, established in 1843, is the oldest law school west of the Mississippi.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University School of Law
Founded in 1843, it is the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River, now located in downtown St. Louis.
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