Saint Ambrose University brand mark

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, United States • Founded 1882

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: sau.edu

Overview

English Name: Saint Ambrose University
Acronyms: SAU
Founded: 1882
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Motto: Faith Learning Justice
Colours: Navy blue and white
Saint Ambrose University student life
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Founded in 1882, the St.

Ambrose University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Davenport (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Iowa. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, St.

Ambrose University (SAU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. St.

Ambrose University (SAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 142-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SAU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address, phone, email, and online links for Saint Ambrose University are listed below.

Address: 518 W Locust Street
Postal Code: 52803-2898
Map:
Phone: +1 (563) 333 6000
Fax: +1 (563) 333 6243
Email: admit@sau.edu
Social Media:

Academic Details

Saint Ambrose University's key academic numbers — student body size, staffing, and accreditation context.

Academic Year: 2026-27
Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 1,916
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

Academic Structures

Saint Ambrose University's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 1 item
  • College of Business

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Saint Ambrose University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

78 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 56 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies · English
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology · English
Bachelor's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences

Showing 10 of 56.

Master's Degree 18 programmes

Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences · English
Master's Degree in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Information Systems & Technology
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Master's Degree in Finance and Financial Management Services
Finance, Banking & Insurance
Master's Degree in Health and Medical Administrative Services
Healthcare Administration
Master's Degree in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Religious Studies

Showing 10 of 18.

Doctorate 2 programmes

Doctorate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences · English

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Professional Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences · English

Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme

Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Scholarships in United States

Scholarships open to students attending universities in the United States are listed below.

Ambrose Advantage Grant
University funded · Renewable · Full Tuition
Full-tuition, need-based grant for eligible Iowa residents, renewed each year while Pell Grant eligibility continues.
Art Scholarships
University funded · Partial Tuition
Scholarships of up to $3,000 for students of the visual arts, typically awarded on portfolio review.
Athletic Scholarships
University funded · Partial Tuition
Athletic scholarships awarded by individual sports programs, up to full tuition.
Catholic Traditions Scholarship
University funded · 1,000 USD · Partial Tuition
$1,000 scholarship honoring the university's Catholic identity.
Faith Learning Justice Campus Ministry Scholarship
University funded · Partial Tuition
Scholarship of up to $1,500 for students active in church and community service and campus ministry leadership.
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship
University funded · 500 USD · Partial Tuition
$500 scholarship supporting children of St. Ambrose graduates.
International Merit Scholarships
University funded · International students · 28,000 USD · Partial Tuition
Automatic merit scholarships of up to $28,000 for international students with outstanding academic records; no application needed.
Music Scholarships
University funded · Renewable · Partial Tuition
Audition-based music scholarships of up to $6,000, renewable with good academic standing and ensemble participation.
Phi Theta Kappa Academic Scholarship
University funded · 500 USD · Partial Tuition
$500 award for Phi Theta Kappa members transferring from a community college.
Transfer Student Scholarship
University funded · Renewable · 20,000 USD · Partial Tuition
$20,000 renewable scholarship for every student transferring to St. Ambrose; no separate application.

How to apply to Saint Ambrose University

Five steps that capture how applications to Saint Ambrose University flow.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Use the programme finder to browse Saint Ambrose University's 78 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Programme-level requirements at Saint Ambrose University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Saint Ambrose University processes applications through www.sau.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at admit@sau.edu or by phone at +1 (563) 333 6000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Ambrose University

Quick reference for Saint Ambrose University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

How old is Saint Ambrose University?

The institution opened in 1882 (approximately 144 years ago).

Where can I find Saint Ambrose University?

The institution is located in Davenport, United States.

Is Saint Ambrose University public or private?

Saint Ambrose University operates as a private institution.

How many students does Saint Ambrose University have?

The institution has a student body of 1,916.

What is Saint Ambrose University's religious tradition?

Yes, Saint Ambrose University is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.

How is Saint Ambrose University organised academically?

The institution comprises 1 academic unit.

Is Saint Ambrose University officially recognised?

Saint Ambrose University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How do I find Saint Ambrose University online?

Saint Ambrose University's official website is www.sau.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Top the United States universities often run international branch campuses. Saint Ambrose University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.

Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)

Below: other Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) member institutions, alongside Saint Ambrose University.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Other Christian-Catholic-affiliated institutions in the United States appear below.

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Davenport: universities located close to Saint Ambrose University.

Where Else to Study Business Administration

These universities in the United States also offer Business Administration programmes, alongside Saint Ambrose University.

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