Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University has an acceptance rate of 78.4%, annual tuition of $30,000, average net price of $21,293, and a national rank of #1807 (Grade C-), with a 45.0% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 6,721 undergraduates, and median earnings of $58,644 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Saint Leo University is a private nonprofit university in Saint Leo, FL. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Management Information Systems and Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, and 59.2% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 64.0%, roughly 14.1 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Saint Leo University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Saint Leo University graduates 45.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 32.8% and keeps 59.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Saint Leo University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $30,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,076 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,550 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,492 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,264 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 32.5% of Saint Leo University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $19,602 to $25,780 depending on family income. Use Saint Leo University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,707/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,780/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $58,644
- 10-Year Median Earnings $48,364
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $25,278
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 35.6%
- Employment Rate 78.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Saint Leo University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Saint Leo University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Saint Leo University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Saint Leo University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Saint Leo University graduates earn $58,644 median four years after graduation, -3% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 6,721
- Full-Time Students 66.8%
- Part-Time Students 33.2%
- Retention Rate 59.2%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 45.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 32.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 25:1
How to Get Into Saint Leo University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Saint Leo University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 78.4%, Saint Leo University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 78.4% acceptance rate, Saint Leo University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Saint Leo University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 22.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 17.7%
- Psychology, General 13.7%
- Accounting and Related Services 6.2%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 4.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.7%
See more majors
- Social Work 3.5%
- Human Resources Management and Services 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $76,560
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services $75,571
- 3. Computer Science $72,237
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections $65,595
- 5. Business/Commerce, General $65,200
- 6. Biology, General $64,112
- 7. Hospitality Administration/Management $62,181
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $61,482
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,011
- 10. Human Resources Management and Services $60,290
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other (Master's Degree) $89,051
- 2. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $86,084
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $85,143
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $80,385
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degree) $79,828
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $78,586
- 7. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $73,932
- 8. Education, General (Master's Degree) $67,173
- 9. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $65,989
- 10. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $64,893
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $76,560—27% more than Human Resources Management and Services ($60,290). Graduate: Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other programs lead with $89,051 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Saint Leo University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 406 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree, 190 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 69 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree, 65 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 64 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (30 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Work
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Biology, General
- Marketing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Political Science and Government
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Economics
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Mathematics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- International/Global Studies
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Human Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Security Science and Technology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- International Business
- Homeland Security
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Criminology
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Business/Commerce, General
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Master's Degrees (8 programs)▼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Homeland Security
- Security Science and Technology
- Marketing
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business/Commerce, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (9 programs)▼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Marketing
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,721
- Full-Time Students 66.8%
- Part-Time Students 33.2%
- Male Students 41.7%
- Female Students 58.3%
- Caucasian 23.7%
- Asian 0.8%
- Hispanic 15.9%
- Black 17.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 32.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Saint Leo University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Saint Leo University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Saint Leo University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Saint Leo University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Saint Leo University has a diverse student body, with 23.7% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Saint Leo University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Saint Leo University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Saint Leo University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 64.0% ROI. Ranked #1807 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,293 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $58,644 median earnings. With 45.0% graduating within 150% of normal time and 59.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Saint Leo University's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1807 ranking, Saint Leo University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,293 annually, Saint Leo University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 59.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,905 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 64.0% ROI and $58,644 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,293+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Saint Leo University ranks #1807 of 1947 institutions, with 935 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 45.0% graduation rate sits 17.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 59.2% first-year retention is 17.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 64.0% return on investment is 14.1 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $58,644 run about 3% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $21,293 is roughly $1,214 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 25:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 59.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 78.8% employment rate within three years sits 10.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,293 is about $1,214 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 32.5% trails the national share by 1.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Saint Leo University, a private nonprofit university in Saint Leo, FL, secures a C- grade in our latest review. It holds a #1807 national ranking Completion earns C+, Support C-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 59.2% of first-year students return; 45.0% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 32.8%. Return on investment currently measures 64.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,293 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,264.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $23,971 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,278 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 32.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $58,644 at the median. This is roughly 3% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 78.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 64.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Saint Leo University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Florida campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saint Leo University's acceptance rate?
Saint Leo University's acceptance rate is 78.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Saint Leo University cost?
At Saint Leo University, listed tuition and fees are $30,000 per year, and the average net price after aid is $21,293. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Saint Leo University's ranking?
Saint Leo University ranks #1807 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Saint Leo University's graduation rate?
At Saint Leo University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 45.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 32.8%, and first-year retention is 59.2%.
What are Saint Leo University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Saint Leo University report median earnings of $58,644 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Saint Leo University's student population?
Saint Leo University enrolls about 6,721 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665
- Website www.saintleo.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$72.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate34.6%