Saint Leo University

About Saint Leo University

• Saint Leo University (SLU) is a private Catholic liberal-arts university located in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, USA.

• Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks and sisters, it has grown to serve a diverse student body, including many adult learners and online students.

• The university’s mission emphasises a “values-driven culture”, inclusive community, global reach and preparing students to live and work in a global society.

Why Choose Saint Leo University (for International Students)

Here are some compelling reasons an international student might choose Saint Leo:

• Strong international student presence & support: SLU reports students from over 100 countries and around 22–24 % of its undergraduate campus population are international students.

• Online and global delivery: SLU offers “World Campus” degree programs 100% online in regions like Latin America (Spanish), Brazil (Portuguese), India (English) — enabling international students to study remotely with a U.S. degree.

• Flexible study levels and formats: Whether you’re coming for a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral, or online or in-person, there are options.

• Values-based education & personal community: As a Catholic institution, there’s an emphasis on ethics, service, inclusive community and global citizenship — helpful when adapting to a new culture.

• Global engagement and intercultural opportunities: SLU’s Center for Global Engagement offers orientation, cultural programming, exchange services, clubs and support tailored for international students.

University Ranking & Reputation

• SLU was ranked among “Best National Universities” for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 rankings: SLU ranked 117th for social mobility among national universities.

• In the 2022 “Best Online Programs” edition of U.S. News, SLU achieved rankings such as 36th for Online Bachelor’s in Psychology and tied for 101st overall Online Bachelor’s Programs.

• According to EduRank, SLU is ranked #837 in the U.S. for 2025 and #27 in Florida.

• While not among the very top research universities in the U.S., SLU has strength in online delivery, global reach, and support for non-traditional/international students.

Campus Locations & Setting

• Main campus: Located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida — specifically at St. Leo (in Pasco County) — a region with good access to the Gulf Coast, major cities, and transportation.

• Education Centers/Global/Online Locations: SLU also operates adult & online learning centres, and the “World Campus” model which serves students in Latin America, Brazil and India.

• The Florida location offers a warm climate, access to U.S. cultural and internship opportunities (especially Florida’s tourism, hospitality, business sectors) which may be beneficial for international students.

Types of Courses (Study Levels) & Number of Programs Offered

• SLU offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral levels. For example: There are associate degrees (e.g., Associate in Business Admin), bachelor’s degrees (many majors), master’s degrees (online and campus) and doctoral degrees (e.g., Doctor of Business Administration, Doctorate in Criminal Justice, Doctorate in Education) mentioned.

• According to the “Programs” page: SLU lists 159 programs in a searchable listing (this may only include degree programs currently active) across undergraduate/graduate and online.

• Example majors: Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Nursing, International Studies; Bachelor’s in Business, etc.

• Online master’s: SLU’s online master’s are described as 30-36 credit hours with flexible formats and live sessions.

Mode of Learning (Onsite / E-learning / Blended)

• On-site (in-person): The main campus at St. Leo provides face-to-face instruction, residential student life, international orientation, cultural activities.

• Online / e-learning: SLU has a strong online portfolio. The “Best Online Programs” ranking reflects this. Online courses are available for bachelor’s, master’s, and fully online degree programs.

• Blended / hybrid: While not always clearly labelled, many programs likely provide hybrid options (especially for adult learners and online students) — given SLU’s commitment to flexibility and global delivery (World Campus).

• For international students: if you will be physically in the U.S. on an F-1 visa you’ll need primarily on-campus enrollment; but SLU’s online programmes also offer alternative pathways for students outside the U.S. (especially via the World Campus model).

Highlights & Strengths

• SLU has a strong international dimension: Students from over 100 countries, ~22-24% international undergraduates.

• Recognised for online education excellence and flexibility, making it strong for remote learners or students located abroad.

• Values-based and inclusive community; as a Catholic institution with a liberal arts mission, it emphasises service, ethics and global citizenship — which many international students appreciate.

• Good selection of programs including contemporary areas (cybersecurity, robotics, business) and traditional liberal arts, allowing multi-discipline choice.

Latest Updates & What to Watch

• In September 2025: SLU was ranked among the best national universities for social mobility (117th) by U.S. News & World Report.

• In January 2022: SLU earned honors in multiple U.S. News categories for online programs, showing continuing strength in online delivery.

• SLU has emphasised global expansion of its online “World Campus” offerings — in Latin America, Brazil and India.

• Program listing page is current showing 159 programs — good to check for newest majors/additions.

Practical Next Steps (If You’re Considering Saint Leo)

1. Pick your major/program: Use the SLU programs search page and select 1-2 programs you are interested in (check whether online vs campus, modality, prerequisites).

2. Check international admissions requirements: Use SLU’s International Admissions page to check eligibility, English requirements, the Bridge Program if needed.

3. Check tuition/costs and scholarship eligibility: Contact Financial Aid/International Office for latest scholarship info for international students.

4. Decide mode of study: Are you planning to study on-campus in Florida (which would require F-1 visa) or study from your home country via online World Campus? Choose accordingly.

5. Connect with international student support: The Center for Global Engagement is there to help with visa, orientation, cultural adjustment, clubs and community.

Scholarship

Global Citizen Award
Saint Leo’s Global Citizen Award was created to help international students reduce tuition costs. It is a stackable institutional award of $3,000 per year and is noted as being limited in number — applicants are automatically considered when they apply for admission, so you do not normally need a separate scholarship form to be reviewed for this award.

Honors Program Scholarship
If you qualify for the Honors Scholars Track at Saint Leo (which is selective and focused on global citizenship curriculum), you receive a $1,000 Honors Program scholarship as part of your acceptance into the program. To be eligible you must meet the Honors admission requirements (for example, a minimum unweighted high-school GPA and completion of the honors supplemental application).

Next-Level Grad Award (Graduate Scholarship)
Saint Leo promotes the Next-Level Grad Award (a graduate program scholarship) for newly enrolled students in certain master’s programs (for example their MBA and Criminal Justice master’s programs are specifically mentioned). Eligibility and the exact award terms vary by program — check the award page and your program’s admissions materials for limits and deadlines.

Other institutional and endowed scholarships
Saint Leo maintains a broad portfolio of institutional, college-level, and endowed scholarships (some donor-funded, some programmatic). The university accepts outside scholarships (you notify Student Financial Services if you receive one) and will apply those funds toward your account. Endowed/special scholarships often have specific criteria (major, ministry involvement, country of origin, etc.).

Departmental & program scholarships / graduate assistantships
Many colleges and departments offer scholarships or assistantships for graduate students (tuition reduction, stipends, RA/TA roles) that international students may be eligible for — contact your academic department directly for current openings and typical award packages. Graduate scholarship availability is program dependent.

Eligibility rules and important restrictions you must know

Proof of funds & I-20 requirements
All international applicants must show evidence of funding for one year of academic and living expenses before Saint Leo issues an I-20. Scholarships awarded by the university will reduce the amount you must demonstrate, but you must still provide documentation for remaining costs. Financial documents must be recent and in English (or accompanied by notarized translations) — the International Admissions page gives full guidance.

FAFSA / federal aid limitations
To receive U.S. federal aid (FAFSA), students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise eligible non-citizens. Since most international students do not meet that status, they are not eligible for FAFSA-based federal aid; that makes university scholarships (and outside scholarships) the main scholarship routes for internationals.

Automatic vs. application-required awards
The Global Citizen Award is noted as an automatic consideration with admission, so you don’t typically submit an extra scholarship form for it. Other awards (honors scholarship, departmental or endowed scholarships) may require supplemental applications, essays, or departmental nomination — check each scholarship’s page or contact Student Financial Services / the department.

Renewal conditions & stacking
Many institutional scholarships are renewable if you maintain required GPA and full-time enrollment, but renewal rules vary. Some awards are stackable (Saint Leo explicitly describes the Global Citizen Award as stackable), while others (or some combinations) may have stacking limits — confirm in your award letter.

Limited availability
Several Saint Leo awards (including the Global Citizen Award) are offered in limited numbers, so early application and a strong academic record improve your chances. The university has public statements that these international awards are limited.

Practical tips & checklist (short)

• Apply early — limited awards go fast.

• Highlight strong academics and leadership in your application and in any scholarship essays — many awards are merit-based.

• For honors scholarship: complete the honors supplemental application and meet the GPA threshold.

• Ask Student Financial Services to confirm in writing what award(s) you received and the renewal and stacking rules — don’t assume.

• Search and apply for outside scholarships (home-country foundations, international agencies) and then report them to Saint Leo for credit to your account.