Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Rooted deeply in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition, Saint Vincent College provides a world-class education for all students to succeed in career and life. Here, students can study in more than 50 academic programs in intimate classroom settings while honing their ability to uncover deeper truths. Embracing the values of hospitality and community inherent in Benedictine heritage, they forge meaningful connections both within the classroom and beyond, whether through academic pursuits, athletic endeavors, or international experiences.
At Saint Vincent, students not only chart paths to successful careers but also discover a deeper sense of purpose that serves the greater community.
Get to know Saint Vincent College
College Highlights
“I’ve learned not to define myself by grades. This place has helped me become more human.”
A FOUNDATIONAL CORE CURRICULUM
The Saint Vincent College Core Curriculum draws on the College’s long history of academic excellence rooted in our mission. Students learn from foundational texts rooted in liberal arts education, tracing its roots back to Ancient Greece and Rome, the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, and the Benedictine Wisdom Tradition.
Built on this foundational knowledge, the Saint Vincent College Core is built upon research and practices in higher education to help students effectively learn, integrating their professional aims with the broader purposes of human life and preparing students for a fast-paced and ever-changing world.
A COMMUNITY FOUNDED ON BENEDICTINE HALLMARKS
Saint Vincent’s liberal arts education is rooted in its Catholic Benedictine tradition, influenced by the life of Christ and the Rule of Benedict. The 10 Hallmarks of Learning, developed by Saint Benedict in the early 6th century, invite students to gain an “others first” perspective. Students engage with these hallmarks in their core curriculum classes, during community service experiences and, most importantly, through interactions with professors and classmates whose common goal is to discover a life of meaning.
Even students who do not come from a faith-based background find that the values of love, humility, and stewardship resonate with them. When students leave Saint Vincent, they carry with them a sense of belonging and acceptance, impacting how they engage with others and make a difference in the world.
IMMERSIVE STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCES
The Office of Global & Community Engagement works with several providers and institutions to offer a wide range of opportunities for students to study abroad. This includes semester, year-long, summer, short-term, and internship opportunities. Every year, nearly 100 students study abroad in more than 10 locations around the world. Students can also take credit-eligible courses with professors that incorporate learning outcomes directly into guided study abroad trips such as Benedictine Mission Trips to Senegal, literary travel to Ireland, and leadership experiences in Portugal.
Thanks to Saint Vincent’s partnerships with faith-based communities worldwide, students benefit from well-established accommodations with welcoming hosts during their study abroad and international service trips. These opportunities allow students the chance to immerse themselves in another culture while fostering meaningful connections and enabling them to explore not only what is unique about other cultures, but more significantly what is universal about our human experiences.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 132 | 10-19: 186 | 20-29: 138
30-39: 9 | 40-49: 0 | 50-99: 0 | 100+: 0
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 2%
Hispanic/Latine: 5%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 6%
White, non-Hispanic: 81%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 2%
“I’m minoring in translation, and I got asked to do some translations for Dr. Fuennes, one of our biology faculty. We became good friends, and she invited me to come along as her research assistant on a senior research trip to California.”
PROGRAMS/COURSES OF STUDY
Saint Vincent offers over 50 majors across three schools which emphasize interdisciplinary learning with the goal of igniting a passion for knowledge and a well-balanced perspective:
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Business, Economics, and Government
- Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing
Undecided students have opportunities to explore their interests through a varied selection of classes and receive personalized support from professors and advisors who spend time asking them questions, matching them with useful experiential learning opportunities and guiding them to their next right steps.
Thanks to Saint Vincent’s liberal arts education model and values, students learn more than career skills. They use their major, core classes, and electives to build foundational knowledge, learning to face challenges while developing their sense of purpose as productive contributors to society.
INVOLVED PROFESSORS
At Saint Vincent College, professors know their students by name—not only thanks to the small classroom settings, but also because they engage with students in and out of the classroom in conversations that inspire curiosity.
Thanks to a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1, students not only experience attentiveness from their professors, but also benefit from increased opportunities for interaction with classmates. In these intimate settings, professors frequently act as discussion facilitators, encouraging students to express ideas, seek truth, and reach conclusions collaboratively.
Saint Vincent professors have impressive credentials, comprising not only doctoral degrees and prestigious awards, but also real-world experiences, ongoing research endeavors, and published scholarly works. Students studying biological sciences could gain valuable insights from a professor with practical experience as a pharmacist, while those focusing on economics might interact with a professor actively researching the labor market recovery post-pandemic.
RIGOROUS WRITING
Saint Vincent prioritizes writing through the Campus Writing program, which includes several writing initiatives unique to the college. During students’ freshmen year, professors introduce students to the College’s Six Principles of Good Writing in the Core Writing course. As students advance, these skills are then strengthened in other core classes and writing intensive seminars.
Professors develop their courses with the goal of prompting students to apply these writing principles in assignments that have practical, real-life applications. Students also have options to take advanced writing courses and discipline-specific courses, such as Science Writing and Technical Writing.
Saint Vincent’s interdisciplinary Writing Center employs a diverse group of student writing consultants trained to guide and support students with varying writing abilities in group and individual sessions. Here, students will get the support they need to feel confident in written expression making them more marketable in the workforce and more impactful in their community.
HONORS COMMUNITY
Saint Vincent boasts a diverse Honors Community comprising six programs that aim to expand student horizons and enrich their intellectual pursuits. Through challenging academic research opportunities, cultural outings, and service-oriented learning, these programs nurture students to become well-rounded individuals who ask big questions, search for truth, and develop skills in leadership and critical thinking that they carry with them as they discover their calling.
- The Fred Rogers Scholars Program builds on the legacy and philosophy of Fred Rogers by educating and inspiring students who are interested in pursuing careers or graduate work in service of children, youth, and families. The Fred Rogers Institute, home to a collection of over 22,000 items from Fred Rogers’ personal and professional life, serves as a hub for researching children’s media and early childhood development.
- The Honors Scholars Program approaches subject matter from the pedagogical point of view and challenges students who share a commitment to intellectual growth through enriching experiences like evening discussions and cultural excursions. Students in this program enjoy interacting with faculty outside the classroom and receiving support and mentoring during their time at Saint Vincent and beyond.
- Benedictine Leadership Studies provides a virtue-based, ethical structure for the study of leadership with seminars, spiritual formation, professional development opportunities, and a life-changing capstone course trip to Rome during senior year. By engaging with Catholic doctrine and Benedictine spirituality, students discern God’s purpose for their lives and how he calls them to service in local, national, or global communities.
- Aurelius Scholars in Western Civilization prioritizes understanding the intellectual legacy of Western Civilization by studying the great texts, ideas, and questions of the Western World. By interacting with faculty and students from different honors programs and participating in trips to historically and politically significant places like Washington, D.C. or Harper’s Ferry, students uncover the relevance of the past to the future.
- STEP Scholars prepares students for in-demand careers in biochemistry, data science, and biotechnology through specialized instruction. Students participate in the Collaborative Learning Program, which fosters interaction with peers and upperclassmen during discussion sessions designed to develop problem-solving skills and gain insight into course content.
- Wimmer Scholars are students who earn a place in the Saint Vincent Honors Community by winning full tuition scholarships based on a general knowledge examination open to graduating high school seniors with a GPA of 3.75 or higher and an SAT score of 1300 or above, a minimum ACT of 28, or a CLT of 86.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Undergraduate research
“The programming board offers mystery trips where students are given a packing list and for almost nothing, we could be swept off to Washington, D.C. or a ski resort for the weekend. The mystery trip to Pittsburgh was eye-opening. This city has so much to offer. Now sometimes a group of us will drive into the city on a Saturday and explore the neighborhoods and eat some great street food.”
CONNECTED STUDENT LIFE
Thanks to over 50 clubs and organizations covering a wide spectrum from fitness and academics to creativity and recreation, students have options to “find their people.” Engaging campus activities such as intramurals, comedy nights, bingo, and SVC’s version of The Voice ensure students stay active and connected. With hospitality and community as two Benedictine Hallmarks, they will have no trouble making those forever connections.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Saint Vincent College’s spiritual community, founded on the principles of the Rule of Saint Benedict and inspired by the pioneering spirit of the college’s founder Boniface Wimmer, extends a warm invitation to every student through Campus Ministry, regardless of their religious affiliation.Through worship and spiritual growth and outreach opportunities, students can rest, reflect, listen, and live out the teachings of Christ.
The Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica stands at the heart of St. Vincent College’s campus, drawing inspiration from twelfth-century Romanesque churches of the Rhineland with its twin-towered facade and spires.The Basilica Parish welcomes students and community members for Mass, prayer, and celebrations in its beautiful sanctuary.
The Student Chapel also holds weekly Masses at convenient times for students and offers a quiet place for meditation or reflection. Although non-Catholic students are always welcome, campus ministers will also network with local churches to find them a spiritual community if they choose.
Campus Ministry provides opportunities for spiritual growth through Bible studies, retreats, small groups, and other gatherings as well as avenues for students to utilize their time and talents to serve the Lord through student-led service events and mission trips to destinations like Brazil and Taiwan.
VIBRANT ARTS COMMUNITY
At Saint Vincent College, students have access to professional music, theater, and arts and are also encouraged to participate in these activities. The Verostko Center for the Arts hosts rotating exhibitions that present work by various artists and houses Saint Vincent’s permanent and impressive art collection. The Company is Saint Vincent College’s full student-run musical theater group, performing well-known musicals and producing an annual cabaret. Studio SVC holds open dance workshops and hosts a recital for all performing arts.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Sixty miles east of Pittsburgh and nestled in the foothills of the Laurel Highlands, Latrobe is renowned as the hometown of Mr. Rogers and Arnold Palmer as well as the summer home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. A short drive from Latrobe, the neighboring cities of Greensburg and Ligonier offer more cultural opportunities, quaint antique stores, and trendy shops and restaurants.
Students enthusiastic to explore nature can hike around Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and the many local state parks or ski the slopes at several nearby resorts. Students eager to discover Pittsburgh can visit museums and attend performances in its cultural district as well as professional sporting events like hockey, baseball, and football.
Summer Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers: For more than sixty years, Saint Vincent College has hosted the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers for their annual summer training camp. Steelers, players, and staff prepare for the season and live on campus, while thousands of fans visit the public practices every day. Meanwhile, students interested in sports management careers work the fields and get real-life insights into the complexities of the profession.
ATHLETICS
The Saint Vincent College Athletic Department offers student athletes a valuable educational experience through their involvement in intercollegiate sports. Saint Vincent College is a member of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), competing in Division III. Saint Vincent offers 25 varsity sports, 13 each for men and women, including:
For both men and women
Basketball | Cross Country | Golf
Indoor and Outdoor Track | Lacrosse | Soccer
Swimming | Tennis | Volleyball
For men only
Football | Baseball | Wrestling
For women only
Bowling | Softball
In addition, Saint Vincent provides a wide range of intramurals like billiards, dodgeball, and flag football as well as club sports, including:
Cheerleading | Equestrian Club | Men’s Ice Hockey
Men’s Rugby | Women’s Rugby | Performance Dance
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 86%
Undergraduates: 68%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for single students
Theme housing
“My professors encouraged and assisted me in applying to the University of Michigan Dearborn Research Program that I was accepted into this summer. The many careers that I could pursue with my degree and the research experience that Saint Vincent has given me helped me learn about myself, my field of study, and how to collaborate with others.”
CAPSTONE PROJECTS
At Saint Vincent College, students collaborate with an advisor to develop and complete a capstone project tailored to their field of study. As they prepare to graduate, they showcase their work at the Academic Conference, a multi-disciplinary exhibition of capstone projects, senior thesis research, creative endeavors, and achievements.
These initiatives enhance résumés and prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the community or global arena.
INTERNSHIPS/RESEARCH
Saint Vincent College’s research and travel grants allow for student research all over the world from South Africa to Thailand as well as here in the U.S. Additionally, Saint Vincent’s internship programs match students with companies and projects to enhance their field of study.
For example, The Kennametal Center for Operational Excellence provides opportunities for students to work in a wide variety of industries, including management, healthcare, and manufacturing, while Saint Vincent’s Monastery Run Improvement Project gives environmental science majors real-world field experience and the Fred Rogers Institute on campus offers students a chance to research the archives of Mr. Rogers to develop skills in child and youth development.
POST-GRADUATE SUCCESSES
At Saint Vincent College, students gain an interdisciplinary perspective, polished writing skills, and community service opportunities, all of which they can leverage when applying for graduate school or employment. Recent graduate surveys indicate that 98% of St. Vincent students are either employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year after graduation.
Over 26% of graduates are pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in various fields such as medicine, law, education, and engineering and are being accepted at schools like Columbia University, Penn State College, and Clemson University.
More than 70% of graduates have begun their professional journey. Recent graduates work as analysts, graphic designers, mechanical engineers, accountants, broadcast directors, conservation experts, and software developers and are recently employed by companies like Walt Disney, UPMC Children’s Hospital, Kraft-Heinz, and Federated Investors.
Regardless of whether they’ve entered the workforce or embarked on higher education, Saint Vincent graduates are well-prepared to make an impact for their organization and broader community.
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The Career and Professional Development Center offers a variety of programs, services, and resources to support students in shaping and pursuing career objectives, exploring their options through experiential learning, and making informed choices regarding suitable employment or enrollment in graduate or professional schools.
Saint Vincent’s career consultants utilize online interactive assessment tools like What Can I Do With This Major? to help guide students to the right major or career path. They offer workshops on résumé writing, mock interviews, graduate school applications, and more.
Handshake and The Big Interview are other online tools that help students create online business profiles and develop interview skills tailored to a specific industry.
The Bearcat Ready Program pairs students with practical, career-related experiences where they engage with alumni and industry professionals in their field of study to discern how their talents, skills, and interests will best be used in the workforce.
Admission
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to Saint Vincent College is competitive. During application review, primary focus is placed on academic potential. Evaluation includes review of academic and extracurricular accomplishments, as well as factors contributing to assessment of academic ability, character, motivation, and promise. Saint Vincent will consider standardized test scores or any of the test-optional requirements listed on its website instead of test scores.
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA
Important
Application Essay | Interview | Character/personal qualities
Considered
Class rank | Standardized test scores | Recommendation(s)
Extracurricular activities | First generation | Alumni/ae relation
Geographical residence | Volunteer work | Work experience
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 1050 | 75th Percentile: 1255
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 520 | 75th Percentile: 640
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 510 | 75th Percentile: 610
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 22 | 75th Percentile: 28
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 27
ACT English
25th Percentile: 23 | 75th Percentile: 30
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $39,978
Fees: $1,809
Room: $8,051
Board: $6,552
Aid
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
Saint Vincent College offers numerous need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to make its education accessible to all students, empowering them to succeed and make impactful contributions to society. More than 97% of students—and 100% of the freshmen class—receive some form of scholarship aid. Merit scholarships are granted based on academic performance, curriculum strength, and various other criteria. Further financial assistance is accessible based on the results of the FAFSA application.
BEARCAT ADVANTAGE
Students from Pennsylvania families who earn less than $60,000 will be eligible for the Bearcat Advantage Program, which fully funds tuition with a combination of grants and scholarships. Saint Vincent College is committed to removing financial barriers, ensuring that students can pursue a high-quality education grounded in academic excellence, community values, and the Benedictine tradition.
What Others are Saying
Contact Saint Vincent College
Contact Admissions
stvincent.edu/admission-aid
(800) 782-5549 Ext. 2500
admission@stvincent.edu
Campus Location
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, PA 15650
(724) 532-6600