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I graduated from Saint Louis University (SLU) a little over a year ago with a degree in Health Sciences, and I’ve got mixed feelings. Not in a bad way—more like, it depends on what you’re looking for. First, the good: Academically, SLU is legit. My professors in the Doisy College were knowledgeable and actually accessible. Office hours didn’t feel like a formality. I remember one stats professor stayed late multiple times to help a small group of us prep for the final. You don’t get that everywhere.... Read More The pre-med and nursing tracks are no joke—most of my friends got into grad programs or jobs within six months. If you want a rigorous health sciences or business education, SLU delivers.
The campus itself is pretty. The clock tower, the new med school buildings, the chapel—it feels like a real college campus even though it’s in a city. And speaking of the city: St. Louis is underrated. You’ve got free museums, Forest Park, the zoo, City Museum (weird but amazing). SLU gives you free Metro passes, so you can actually explore without a car.
But here’s where I struggled. The surrounding neighborhood—Midtown—is patchy. There’s been improvement, sure, but there were nights I didn’t feel safe walking back from the library alone. Campus security is present, but off-campus a few blocks west or north? Different story. Also, social life is… fine. If you’re not into Greek life, the social scene can feel a bit dry. A lot of people go home on weekends if they’re from Chicago or KC. I’m from out of state, and those quiet Saturdays got lonely sometimes.
Cost is another thing. SLU isn’t cheap, and while I got a decent scholarship, I still graduated with loans that make me wince. Compared to a state school like Mizzou or SIU, SLU felt more personal and smaller, but I’m not totally sure the price difference was worth it for my particular major.
Overall, SLU is a good school, not a great one for everyone. If you want smallish classes (not tiny, but not 300-person lectures), strong health programs, and a city that has character without being overwhelming, you’ll probably like it. If you want a rah-rah football culture, tons of parties, or a super safe bubble, look elsewhere.

I don’t regret going, but I also don’t rave about it. It was the right place for me at 18. At 23 looking back? I’d tell my younger self to visit on a random Tuesday, not just the tour day, and see how the neighborhood actually feels at night.

My time at Saint Louis University was a transformative era where the rigorous study of Criminal Justice met the vibrant life of the Midtown campus. Rooted in the Jesuit mission of service, the program challenged me to view the legal system through an ethical lens, but it was the community that truly defined the experience. Between sunset walks past the clock tower and long study sessions that inevitably turned into lifelong friendships, SLU became more than just a university—it was a place of becoming.... Read More I left with a deep understanding of justice and a collection of memories that remain as enduring and grounded as the red bricks of the campus itself.

This was a great school to attend, especially for the nursing program. It was certainly rigorous, but I graduated very well prepared to enter the working world. I felt extremely supported throughout my four years, which was a highlight of my experience. Despite the TBSN program being inherently intense, I had great professors, access to a retention specialist when I needed additional support, and classmates who were not focused on competing against one another. This is not always the case when it... Read More comes to nursing schools.

I am in a bit of a unique situation, as I am a part of a direct admit physical therapy program. This means that when I applied to SLU for my undergraduate schooling, I also applied to the physical therapy program at SLU. Because of this set up, my senior year of undergraduate school was simultaneously my first year of graduate school-- undergrad courses had to be completed before this point. I have just about completed my first year of grad school, even though I have only attended school for 4 years.... Read More The big benefits to this are a) you don't have to stress about applying to grad school in your senior year and b) you only have to go to school for 6 years, as opposed to the usual 7! I cannot recommend SLU enough to prospective students, especially those interested in pursuing physical therapy. The set up of the direct admit program provides so many unique opportunities. In undergrad, we are required to pursue a minor in addition to our exercise science major, making it possible to diversify and focus on what interests us as individuals. We also begin to learn physical therapy related information very early on in our education, making it possible to ensure that you are on the right tract and striving for a career you will enjoy. They also build a semester into our curriculum for study abroad opportunities. The PT faculty truly care about each student's experience and success, and are very hands on in our learning. Aside from the excellent PT program, SLU is also a Jesuit university, placing a large emphasis on serving the surrounding community in downtown Saint Louis. There are many opportunities to serve and form connections within the community. SLU has provided 4 years of awesome opportunities and i can't wait to see what the next 2 years have in store for me here!

St. Louis University is a great school that offers small class size and knowledgeable professors. I completed two degrees at the same time, sociology and criminal justice. The caliber of the students and the opportunities to bond formed lifelong connections for me. The only thing I saw a problem with is the available parking. The school is located in an area that is a little underfunded and can be a bit scary and dangerous, however, the campus itself is like a city within a city. Everything you need... Read More is on campus, and the surrounding area offers some of the most diverse entertainment and culinary experiences you can find anywhere. Definitely an A rated school.

Saint Louis University is a wonderful campus with diverse, motivated, and extremely creative students. My major specifically, had instructors with lots of background in the field of Health Management and Public Health. I believe that many of the relationships I made on campus with my fellow students and faculty had the greatest impact on my experience. However, the school claims to make the education affordable for all students and create student success. This is false. Students get very little,... Read More if any, financial aid unless they are international students and the students without a doubt create their own success by leaning on one another. The staff and services on campus do not compare in quality at all to the quality of faculty and student body.