Saint Louis University Ranking Profile

Saint Louis University (SLU) is widely recognized as one of the premier Jesuit, Catholic universities in the United States, offering a comprehensive and enriching academic environment. Established in 1818, SLU has a long history of academic excellence and commitment to the values of Jesuit education, which emphasize intellectual growth, ethical leadership, and community service. Over the years, the university has expanded its scope, offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple disciplines. Known for its focus on research, service, and global engagement, SLU has earned its place among the top universities in the United States.

The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (NCA), a distinction that reflects its adherence to rigorous academic standards. Accreditation is a critical aspect of any institution’s ability to offer a recognized and respected education. Saint Louis University’s long-standing commitment to excellence is evident in its various accreditations and rankings, which highlight the university’s academic strength and the success of its students.

SLU has earned a solid reputation in national university rankings, with notable accomplishments in areas such as business, engineering, and entrepreneurship. In the 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report, Saint Louis University was ranked 86th among the best national universities. This placement among the top universities in the nation is a testament to SLU’s commitment to delivering a high-quality education across multiple disciplines. Additionally, the university has received high marks for its specialized programs, particularly in international business, entrepreneurship, and engineering. SLU’s international business program was ranked 12th, its entrepreneurship program 14th, and its engineering program 38th. These rankings highlight the strength of SLU’s professional programs and its ability to prepare students for success in highly competitive fields.

The university's strong performance in business and engineering can be attributed to its rigorous academic curriculum, world-class faculty, and the emphasis placed on experiential learning. SLU’s business programs, particularly in international business and entrepreneurship, offer students opportunities to engage with global markets and learn from industry leaders. The engineering program, renowned for its focus on hands-on experience and cutting-edge research, provides students with the tools they need to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Saint Louis University’s reputation extends beyond traditional academic rankings. In Forbes magazine’s third annual ranking of America's Best Colleges (2010), SLU was included as one of the top institutions in the nation. This recognition in Forbes highlights the university’s academic standing as well as its contributions to the local community and global initiatives. Moreover, SLU’s consistent inclusion in The Princeton Review’s “Best 371 Colleges” (2010) is another indicator of its high regard among educational institutions. Only about 15 percent of the country’s 2,500 four-year colleges are chosen for inclusion in this prestigious listing, underscoring SLU’s excellence in higher education.

One of the distinguishing features of Saint Louis University is its strong emphasis on student engagement. According to the 2009 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), SLU students reported feeling more engaged than their counterparts at other major research institutions. This high level of engagement is a key factor in the university’s success, as it fosters an environment where students feel connected to their professors, peers, and the broader university community. Engagement is essential not only for academic success but also for personal growth, as it helps students develop a sense of responsibility, initiative, and leadership.

SLU's commitment to creating a positive work environment for its faculty and staff has also earned the university national recognition. In the 2009 Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work For” report, Saint Louis University was listed among prestigious institutions like Duke, Stanford, and Cornell. The university was highlighted for its teaching environment, housing assistance programs, retirement benefits, and its tenure process. This recognition underscores SLU’s dedication to fostering a supportive and rewarding work culture, which, in turn, benefits the students. Faculty members are integral to the success of any institution, and SLU’s commitment to supporting its faculty ensures that students receive the highest quality education.

In the local St. Louis area, SLU’s reputation as an employer has also been acknowledged. In the 2009 St. Louis Post-Dispatch “St. Louis' Top Employers” readers’ poll, SLU was one of only three employers named for providing the best benefits. This recognition reflects the university’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its employees and creating an environment where faculty and staff can thrive.

Beyond its academic achievements, Saint Louis University is known for its excellence in philosophy, particularly within its graduate programs. According to the 2009 Philosophical Gourmet Report, five of SLU’s graduate philosophy programs were ranked among the best in the English-speaking world. This distinction highlights the strength of SLU’s humanities programs, which attract students and faculty members from around the globe. The university’s emphasis on intellectual inquiry and ethical reflection aligns with its Jesuit roots, providing students with the tools to explore complex philosophical and ethical issues.

SLU’s standing as a leader in entrepreneurship education has also garnered attention. In the Entrepreneur Magazine - Princeton Review annual ranking of entrepreneurship programs for 2009-2010, Saint Louis University was ranked alongside prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and MIT. This recognition underscores the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial thinking and providing students with the skills and resources they need to succeed in business. The university’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, including its partnerships with local businesses and its resources for startups, ensures that students are well-prepared to launch their own ventures or contribute to the growth of established companies.

In addition to its academic success, Saint Louis University is also recognized for its community service and commitment to social responsibility. In the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service distinction list, SLU was one of only 115 institutions to receive this honor. This recognition highlights the university’s ongoing efforts to engage with and contribute to the community through service-learning projects, volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that address pressing social issues. The Jesuit philosophy of “cura personalis,” or care for the whole person, extends beyond the classroom and encourages students to become active, ethical participants in society.

Saint Louis University’s contributions to the local and global community, its commitment to academic excellence, and its recognition for student engagement and faculty satisfaction all combine to make it one of the top universities in the United States. With strong rankings in multiple disciplines, including business, engineering, and philosophy, as well as its focus on entrepreneurship and community service, SLU continues to provide an outstanding education to students from across the nation and around the world. The university’s Jesuit values and commitment to academic rigor make it a unique and impactful institution that prepares students to become leaders and global citizens in a rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, Saint Louis University stands as a testament to the enduring values of Jesuit education and its application in a modern academic environment. With its strong national and international rankings, dedication to research and service, and commitment to creating a positive and engaging academic experience, SLU offers its students an education that is both intellectually rigorous and personally transformative. As the university continues to build on its legacy of excellence, it will undoubtedly remain a leader in higher education, shaping the lives of students and positively impacting the world.