Saint Louis University (SLU) is one of America’s oldest Catholic, Jesuit universities. With its original campus in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, and a second campus in Madrid, Spain, the university is home to over 13,500 students from 87 countries around the world. The institution has the distinction of being one of only 16 Catholic universities with a high or very high research classification from the Carnegie Foundation.
Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University’s traditions are based in academics, ethics, spirituality and compassion. The university is affiliated with the Jesuit order of the Roman Catholic Church and is the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States.
Overview :
About this university
As the oldest university west of the Mississippi River, Saint Louis University is recognized for its world-class academic offerings, with 12 undergraduate and postgraduate programs ranked amongst the top 50 in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). With life-changing research and a strong commitment to faith and service, the university provides more than 1.6 million hours of service each year and ranks as one of America’s top colleges for making an impact. The education offered is transformative and helps to develop students into confident leaders.
With a 9 to 1 student-faculty ratio, students attending SLU can benefit from its personalized teaching approach. With nearly 80 undergraduate programs, including an offering of both undergraduate and postgraduate online programs, SLU provides students with the opportunity to achieve their full academic potential.
Based within an industry hub, SLU’s 271-acre vibrant Missouri campus has strong links to business, finance, healthcare, bioscience and technology sectors. It has easy access to St. Louis’ Lambert International Airport. Located in the United States’ seventh most innovative district (Brookings Institute, 2019), students can undertake internships and research opportunities on campus.
University ranking
| Academic Ranking of World Universities |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| 601 | 401 | 401 |
Finances :
| Average tuition fees per year |
| US$46,330 | US$28,400 | US$6,720 |
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | To live on campus |
Scholarships & funding
Students can access several scholarships at SLU which recognize academic accomplishment, leadership capability and service involvement. Scholarships are awarded within the first term and are automatically renewed each year.
Upon completion of an application for undergraduate admission, students are automatically considered for the following merit-based scholarships:
Billiken, Ignatian, University, and Vice Presidents’ Scholarships, which range from USD 4,000- 25,000, are based on previous academic performance. The scholarships are automatically renewed providing that students maintain full-time enrolment and a 2.0 GPA. The award can be renewed for ten semesters or until the completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first. Please note that the priority deadline for merit-based scholarships is Dec. 1.
Other scholarships include:
Competitive scholarships
- Presidential Scholarship
- Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
- Saint Louis University National Merit Award
Transfer Scholarships
- A+ Scholarship
- Community College Scholarship
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
- Jesuit Transfer Scholarship
- John Paul Fechter Service Scholarship
Other Scholarships
- Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholarship
- Jesuit Community Scholarship
- Jesuit High School Award
- Catholic High School Award
- Family Award
- Saint Peters Claver Service Scholarship
- Korean Scholarship
Eligibility :
Entry requirements
Saint Louis University provides students with international admission counselors to support them with applications and the transition to living and studying in the United States. Students can get support in obtaining an F-1 Student Visa, as well as help with setting up course schedules and class registration. SLU’s admission counselors also introduce students to organizations and activities across the campus and within the city of St. Louis, Missouri.
There are four steps for students to follow when applying to SLU, which may require additional steps depending on the program:
- Complete an online application at or via the Common Application.
- Send official transcripts of all secondary work, with English translations and course descriptions where necessary.
- Submit proof of English language proficiency.
- Students are encouraged to submit a resume of activities and letters of recommendation.
In order to be admitted to SLU, each candidate must demonstrate they are proficient in English. The following are accepted scores from standardized tests. Please note that standardized test scores (ACT and/or SAT) are not required for admission, only as an option for proof of English proficiency:
- Computer-based TOEFL: Minimum score of 80
- Duolingo: Minimum score of 110
- English portion of the ACT: Minimum score of 21
- Evidence-based reading and writing of the SAT: Minimum score of 550
- GaoKao: Overall score middle of Tier 2 or better and 125-150 English (100/120 Jiangsu)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum score of 6.5
- Paper-based TOEFL: Minimum score of 550
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score of 54
- TOEFL ITP Plus for China: Minimum score of 627
Students can also submit proof of successful completion of a college-level English class at an accredited university or college. All entry requirements will be determined by the chosen program.
Department and Faculty :
Campus and facilities :
Facilities
Saint Louis University believes in educating the whole person, including their mind, body and spirit. As part of its mission, SLU offers students the following facilities:
Busch Student Center
The central hub of SLU’s campus in St. Louis, serving faculty members, students, staff, alumni and guests.
Simon Recreation Center
120,000-square-feet for fitness and wellness on campus. It features a pool, whirlpool, sports courts, a bouldering wall, fitness center, spinning studio, indoor track, locker rooms, lounge areas and other amenities.
Career Services
On-campus support and guidance for students with their future career path, internship search and applications to graduate schools.
Office of International Services
Provides orientation and visa support sessions, with an international student lounge and cultural campus events.
Center for Service and Community Engagement
Connects students and staff with volunteer opportunities locally and internationally.
Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship
The CCCGC promotes and maintains an inclusive environment of mutual respect for people of all backgrounds, cultures and identities.
Student Involvement Center
Provides students with the essential guide to campus life, both in and outside of the classroom. This includes the planning of weekly activities and events.
Student Success Center
Helps students fulfill their potential by providing development opportunities for self-reflection and discovery. The center also provides resources such as tutoring and writing help.
University Counseling Center
Fully accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS), the center is run by trained clinicians and supports student wellbeing on campus.
Accommodation
Students who attend SLU can choose to stay in one of the university residence halls, all within walking distance of the other campus facilities. With 90 percent of freshmen choosing to live on campus, SLU students can apply to live in a wide variety of accommodation options.
