Saint Louis University (SLU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Saint Louis University is a private, co-ed Jesuit university that dates back to 1818, when the St. Louis Academy was started in a private residence by the Catholic Bishop of Louisiana, Reverend Louis William Dubourg. In 1829, the St. Louis College started functioning under the Jesuit administration with the objective of teaching young students to adopt a practical approach and become socially responsible, humanistic, and spiritual individuals. In the same year, the campus also moved to a new location at Washington Avenue and Ninth Street. In 1832, St. Louis University (SLU) received a formal charter from the state of Missouri. Presently, Saint Louis University is one of the top research institutions of the United States and comprises several schools and colleges. As per the U.S News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools”, the graduate programs of the Saint Louis University in health law, international business, supply chain management, geriatrics, and entrepreneurship are among the best in the United States. The Saint Louis University main campus had an enrollment of more than 13,000 students for the year 2010-11. The Saint Louis University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities.

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Information Summary

Ranks 4th in Missouri and 247th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	91.5
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$61,018
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	31 / 1370
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	15 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	90% / 100%
Enrollment Total (all students)	14,438

Academics

The Saint Louis University Main Campus is comprised of nearly 15 schools and colleges. Some of these are: College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School, John Cook School of Business, Doisy College of Health Sciences, School of Law, School of Medicine, School of Public Health, School for Professional Studies, College of Education and Public Service, Park’s College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology, College of Philosophy and Letters, and the School of Nursing. These schools offer close to 100 undergraduate programs and over 60 graduate and professional degree programs. The most popular majors are biology, nursing, business administration, psychology, and physical therapy. At the undergraduate level, the Saint Louis University main campus awards the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and professional bachelor’s degrees for specific schools and programs. The Graduate School offers more than 40 master’s degrees and 25 doctoral degrees.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

The admissions criteria at the Saint Louis University Main Campus vary for different programs. As per the freshman admission requirements, applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or should have an acceptable General Education Development (GED) test score. The recommended high school coursework includes four years of English and mathematics and three years each of a foreign language, natural sciences, social sciences and academic electives. Home-schooled students are required to present their secondary-level transcripts and ACT/SAT scores. International students are required to submit secondary school transcripts, TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores, and proof of financial status.

For students seeking graduate admissions to the Saint Louis University Main Campus, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Admissions are based on academic qualifications, potential of the student, and letters of recommendation. In addition, most schools and colleges of the Saint Louis University require scores achieved by the students in specialized examinations such as the MAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or OAT.

Financial Aid

Saint Louis University offers financial aid to students to help them meet their educational expenses. The university offers scholarship programs based on academic merit, financial need, multiple sibling enrollees, Jesuit high school graduates, as well as aptitude and performance in athletics and arts. The various scholarships awarded include: Billiken, University, Ignatian, Deans’ and Vice Presidents’ Scholarships. There are merit-based scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $16,000 per year. Other scholarships available to students of Saint Louis University include the Presidential and Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarships and the Jesuit High School Award.

Students seeking financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).They can apply for grants such as the Federal Pell Grant, Access Missouri Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and the SLU Grant. Students can also opt for work-study options which will require them to work part-time on campus to earn funds toward their education. Loan options that are available for Saint Louis University students include Stafford loans, Perkins loans, and the Parent PLUS loans.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2670th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Missouri.

Students

Saint Louis University promotes a college environment where people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religious beliefs strive together for academic excellence. The university promotes a culture of cooperation and mutual respect. Due to its close proximity to Midtown, students can participate in and appreciate the numerous cultural opportunities of St. Louis such as the Fox Theatre, St. Louis Symphony, the Sheldon Auditorium, the Grandel Square Theater, galleries, and museums.

There is a career services center located at Saint Louis University to help students explore various career options and get guidance for career development and job search. The Saint Louis University Community Outreach Program offers numerous community service opportunities to the students. Computing facilities such as micro-computing labs, software, email networks, and technology seminars are available throughout the campus. There is a Health Sciences Center to provide medical assistance to students at discounted rates.

Approximately 91% of freshmen live on campus at Saint Louis University, which offers about 3,400 beds in the residence halls. There are 8 residence halls and 4 apartment complexes. The apartment complexes have double occupancy rooms with community bathrooms. The residence halls offer single, double, triple, and quad occupancy rooms with private and community baths. Students have the option of eating at Fusz Food Court, Ameran Café, Bannister House, Argo Tea/Coffee Mart, Griesedieck dining hall, and the Bean. Students are required to purchase a certain number of meal plans per week.

Saint Louis University Main Campus is a wireless campus and all the classrooms and residence walls are wi-fi ready. There are laundry facilities and cable TV with SLU’s own campus TV station.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The athletic teams of Saint Louis University compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level in the Atlantic 10 conference. Saint Louis University’s athletic teams are known as the Billikens and they participate in various sports such as baseball, softball, track and field, soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming and diving, tennis, cross country, and field hockey. The SLU has nationally-recognized soccer programs for men and women. The Saint Louis University Main Campus boasts of the Hermann Stadium and Chaifetz Arena. The university’s official colors are blue and white.

Bibliography

Saint Louis University. Prospective Students. Web. 21 July 2011.

Saint Louis University. Undergraduate Admissions. Web. 21 July 2011.

Saint Louis University. Financing Your SLU Education – An Investment In Your Future. 2011. Print.

Saint Louis University