Franciscan University of Steubenville

What is the history of Franciscan University of Steubenville?

Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Catholic university founded in 1946 as the College of Steubenville. The Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular established it in Steubenville, Ohio, to provide higher education shaped by the Catholic intellectual tradition.

The college later became a university and adopted its present name. Its development from a local college into an institution drawing students from across the United States helps explain two features prospective students encounter today: a broad undergraduate curriculum and a religious identity that extends beyond theology courses into campus activities and residential life.

What are the faculties and departments at Franciscan University of Steubenville?

Franciscan University offers undergraduate and graduate study across the humanities, sciences, health professions, business, education, and theology. Its academic organization includes the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Professional Programs, and the School of Theology and Philosophy.

Representative undergraduate fields include biology, computer science, engineering, nursing, accounting, social work, psychology, philosophy, and theology. Graduate options include programs in areas such as business, education, and theology. Degree requirements differ substantially: a student considering nursing or teacher preparation should examine clinical placements, fieldwork, and any state licensure requirements, while a student planning graduate study should review the preparation expected in the intended discipline.

The university reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1. That institution-wide measure does not indicate the size of a particular laboratory, seminar, or introductory class; applicants can get a clearer picture by reviewing the course schedule for their prospective major.

What is the location of Franciscan University of Steubenville?

Franciscan University's main campus is in Steubenville, Ohio, along the Ohio River near the Pennsylvania and West Virginia borders. It is a residential campus in a small city, rather than a campus in a large metropolitan center.

Pittsburgh is the nearest major metropolitan area, and Pittsburgh International Airport is a practical option for students traveling from farther away. Students should plan ground transportation separately: proximity to an airport does not mean there is a direct campus shuttle for every arrival. The university's draw extends well beyond Ohio, so travel during breaks may be a meaningful part of an out-of-state student's budget.

What is the mission and vision of Franciscan University of Steubenville?

Franciscan University describes its educational mission in explicitly Catholic and Franciscan terms, combining academic study with spiritual formation and service. Its stated aims are institutional commitments, not measures of every individual student's experience.

Prospective students should expect religion to be visible in the curriculum and in campus programming, including opportunities for worship, ministry, and discussions of Catholic teaching. This is more than a historical affiliation. Applicants of any background can evaluate the fit by reading the current core curriculum and residential-life policies alongside the requirements of their intended major.