Saint Leo University

What is the history of Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University traces its founding to 1889, when a Catholic college opened in the community of Saint Leo, Florida. Its Benedictine roots remain part of its institutional identity, even as its academic offerings and student population have expanded well beyond the original campus.

The institution later operated as Saint Leo College and adopted the Saint Leo University name in 1999. A significant part of its development has been serving students away from the main campus through education centers and, later, online programs. That history helps explain why the university today serves both residential undergraduates and adults studying in other formats.

What are the faculties and departments at Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University offers undergraduate and graduate study across liberal arts, business, education, social services, and other professional fields. Its academic organization includes the College of Arts and Sciences, the Donald R. Tapia College of Business, and the College of Education and Social Services.

Representative subjects include biology, psychology, criminal justice, computer science, business administration, accounting, education, and social work. Depending on the program, students may study at the Saint Leo campus or through another approved delivery format. Applicants should check the current academic catalog for a major's credential level, location, course sequence, and any admission requirements beyond general university admission.

What is the location of Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University's main campus is in Saint Leo, Florida, north of the Tampa metropolitan area. It has a small-community setting rather than a downtown urban campus.

Students considering campus study should account for travel between Saint Leo and surrounding communities when planning work, errands, or internships. Tampa International Airport is a regional air-travel option, but an airport trip requires ground transportation. Saint Leo also serves students through online and other nonresidential formats; services and activities described as being on campus should not be assumed to be available at every study location.

What is the mission and vision of Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo University describes its mission in terms of a Catholic liberal arts education informed by its Benedictine heritage. Its stated core values include community, respect, integrity, excellence, personal development, and responsible stewardship.

The university presents those principles as guides for academic study and campus life, not as a requirement that every student share a particular faith. Prospective students can use the mission to understand the institution's educational philosophy while assessing specific courses, policies, and support services on their own terms.