Overview of Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University (SLU) was founded in 1818, making it one of the oldest universities west of the Mississippi River. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, SLU is a private, Catholic, Jesuit institution recognized for its research-intensive and comprehensive academic environment. Today, SLU serves a diverse student body of over 12,000 across two primary campuses—one in St. Louis and another in Madrid, Spain. With 13 schools and colleges, the university supports a wide spectrum of academic and professional disciplines, positioning itself as a prominent center for higher education and research.
SLU is renowned for its esteemed programs in health sciences, especially medicine, nursing, and public health, as well as law, engineering, business, and the humanities. The institution emphasizes a rigorous liberal arts foundation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning. Its commitment to research is evident in an annual research expenditure exceeding $70 million, and in its ranking among the top 100 U.S. universities for research activity by the Carnegie Classification. Through strategic collaborations—such as dual degree programs, international partnerships, and membership in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities—SLU amplifies its global academic impact. Noteworthy achievements include its pioneering programs in entrepreneurship, healthcare ethics, and aviation science.
SLU offers a vibrant campus life with more than 200 student organizations, cultural festivals, and comprehensive support services including counseling and academic advising. Diversity and inclusion are central to community life: students hail from over 80 countries, and the Madrid campus enhances international exposure. The university provides on-campus housing, NCAA Division I athletic programs, and extensive facilities in the arts—such as galleries, theaters, and music venues—fostering holistic development. Service learning and volunteerism are strongly encouraged, reinforcing SLU’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Guided by a mission to pursue truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity, Saint Louis University strives to foster leaders committed to intellectual excellence, ethical conduct, and global citizenship, rooted in the Jesuit tradition of service, equity, and innovation.
