Logo of Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University

St. Louis, United States • Founded 1818 • QS 2027 #1001-1200

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: SLU
Founded: 1818
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #1001-1200 Times Higher Education 2026 #401-500 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #601-700 SCImago 2026 #804
Motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Colours: Blue and white
Mascot: Billikens
Logo of Saint Louis University

Founded in 1818, the Saint Louis University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of St.

Louis (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Missouri. This institution also has a branch campus in Madrid.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Louis University (SLU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Saint Louis University (SLU) 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 205-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.

SLU 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

Saint Louis University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: 1 North Grand Boulevard
Postal Code: 63103-2097
Phone: +1 (800) 758 3678
Social Media:

Academic Details

Key statistics on Saint Louis University's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 7,267
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Midwestern Undergraduate Private Engineering Colleges (MUPEC) Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Saint Louis University's teaching units laid out by faculty and school. Deep hierarchies (faculty to school to department) versus flat structures affect administrative complexity for students.

Unit 12 items
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Education and Public Service
  • College of Philosophy and Letters
  • Doisy College of Health Sciences
  • Graduate School
  • John Cook School of Business
  • Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology
  • School for Professional Studies
  • School of Law
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Public Health
  • School of Social Work

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Saint Louis University are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.

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

How to apply to Saint Louis University

How to apply to Saint Louis University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Saint Louis University offers 214 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Each programme at Saint Louis University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Apply directly via Saint Louis University's online portal at www.slu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (800) 758 3678. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Louis University

Common questions about Saint Louis University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.

In what year was Saint Louis University established?

Saint Louis University was founded in 1818 (approximately 208 years ago).

Where can I find Saint Louis University?

The institution is located in St. Louis, United States.

Is Saint Louis University public or private?

Saint Louis University is a private institution.

How many students does Saint Louis University have?

The institution has a student body of 7,267.

Where does Saint Louis University stand in university rankings?

Saint Louis University holds rank QS 2027 #1001-1200.

What is Saint Louis University's religious tradition?

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

How is Saint Louis University organised academically?

Saint Louis University has 12 academic units.

Who recognises Saint Louis University?

Yes, Saint Louis University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.

Where can I learn more about Saint Louis University?

You can find Saint Louis University online at www.slu.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Looking for the strongest names in the United States? These are the highest-ranked institutions nationally — useful context for benchmarking Saint Louis University against the country's most established universities. National benchmarks also signal the upper bound of academic prestige in the United States.

Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)

Sabbatical exchange agreements among Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) members create faculty mobility patterns. Students benefit indirectly through visiting-faculty courses and cross-institutional supervision arrangements.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Universities sharing Saint Louis University's Christian-Catholic affiliation are listed below — useful if faith context shapes your shortlist. Faith-context shortlisting overlaps with but is distinct from academic shortlisting.

Faculties at nearby universities

Students considering Saint Louis University often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

Programme-led research opportunities for Social & Cultural Studies students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.

Universities Compared with Saint Louis University

Students applying to Saint Louis University often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Saint Louis University on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.

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