Steubenville, OH
Franciscan University of Steubenville

I love Franciscan. No University is perfect, but I am very happy to be here, and I know that I am growing and maturing as an individual. The campus itself is beautiful place to be the buildings and greenery are very calming. I am enjoying a variety of artistic opportunities and interests that I had expected to be a lot harder to participate in. I've been able to work in a live radio station, perform theatrical scenes for my classmates while earning college credit, and I get to pursue my career in music both in classes, as a Music Major, and in other events put on by the University. I believe I have found a place where I can throughly deepen my relationship with God and follow His Plan for me to thrive and enjoy the life and passions He gave me. I have been immersed in an environment where I can let my creativity free-- including writing my own music--and feel safe being who I am. I have been given the chance to heal the anxieties formed in my past and create a beautiful future for myself, especially through the caring counselors who are a part of our Health Center Staff. I am so glad that this is the place I get to live and receive an education.

I LOVE FRANCISCAN AND THE COMMUNITY THERE. They seek the students first and everything is done for the glory of God the Father!

I absolutely loved visiting! I cannot wait to enroll in the Fall 2019 semester. I am Catholic; however, I do not pray every chance I have. Franciscan has opportunities for students to pray whenever they want, but it is not required. Franciscan has a little bit of everything for everyone. People in the offices are very nice to talk to and always return calls and help out right away. The professors that I have met are also very nice.

I like my school, primarily because its academics (at least in my branch of study) are strong, intellectually rigorous, and engaging. Professors are knowledgeable and generally accessible, with some exceptions (eg department heads, who are very hard to get help from). Since I think academics is the essence of college/university and so that should (in my opinion) be the essential criterion one uses to assess an institution of higher learning, I must say I don’t like my school’s administration. I find them to be generally apathetic to reports of student harassment and other disruptions among the student body. Rather than addressing student concerns, they have a tendency to skirt issues and side with defendants. I also find campus culture to be intellectually restricted (academics are not, but general culture is) and highly pretentious.

Franciscan University is a great school in regards to academics and religion. As their motto states, "Academically Excellent, Passionately Catholic." The relationship between the faculty and students provides a opportunistic learning environment. Extracurricular activities serve to provide organizations, clubs, and teams for everyone's interest. The students are always thriving whether it is in improving their academics, creating lifelong friends, growing closer to God, or making a difference in the world.

Choosing Franciscan University has been one of the best decisions I've made in my life thus far. I have been challenged academically, spiritually, and physically in ways that have made me grow more than I thought possible in just two years. The student to faculty ratio is amazing, and almost all of the professors I have had at this university are incredibly intelligent and care about helping their students succeed. The only downfall to the university is that many of the dorms are small and without AC, and also there aren't many options in the cafeteria, compared to many universities that I've seen. Otherwise, I have loved my time at Franciscan and don't regret my decision one bit.

As an incoming freshman at Franciscan, I have to say that the atmosphere is one that I have never come across before. There is a sense of welcome hat encompasses the entire campus from the moment you step foot onto school grounds. I have encountered first hand the attentiveness of the professors and the care they truly provide for their small. yet brilliant classes. The amenities, although limited, are well cared for and are continuing to grow as the school grows. Although there is not much to do directly off campus, Pittsburg is not too far away and is the perfect place for a weekend adventure. Nothing can top the feeling one gets when on Franciscan's campus and I urge you all to experience the beauty first hand!

If you love the traditions of the Church, this is not the place for you. Many of the theologians that they teach from were banned for being humanistic and liberal under the reign of Pius XII. Their Pentecostal "Charismatic Movement" events are not very Catholic either. I am glad they uphold life and are anti-LGBT movement, but their theology is off. They are huge on the Second Vatican Council and quote Vatican II all the time, but their Masses are not even in line with that Council's documents. If you love tradition and you love the Holy Faith, do not come here, unless you plan on changing the culture here.

The campus itself is a small and enjoyable one, every one that i have met here is kind and offers a smile at the least. The class sizes are generally small which is nice because that means you get to know your professors and they are always open to discuss anything you don't understand. overall i would rate this a wonderful institution and recommend it to anyone.

An amazing wonderful school! I'm so thankful I was able to transfer in!