FORT WAYNE, Ind.—In a bold, industry-leading step to better serve today’s students and the in-demand healthcare industry, the University of Saint Francis announces the acquisition of Leffler Academy of Gas City, Indiana.
Leffler Academy at the University of Saint Francis will deliver workforce development healthcare education at a significantly lower tuition rate in a timeframe to help today’s students launch their careers throughout Indiana. Programs under the Leffler Academy model and pricing structure will be available in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis and Lafayette, beginning in spring 2026.
The Leffler Academy pricing structure builds institutional aid directly into the cost of attendance. This streamlined approach offers students a clear, simplified price and eliminates the need for separate scholarships. The structure complements the university’s existing scholarship-supported pricing and aid model for many bachelor’s and associate degree programs.
“By combining our resources and commitment to students, Saint Francis and Leffler Academy will lead the way in changing and increasing opportunities for today’s students of all ages,” Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey said. “We are excited that Leffler Academy founder Dr. Amanda Leffler has joined our leadership team. Leffler Academy has cultivated immensely successful healthcare career pathways for students that we are eager to embrace. We look forward to becoming ‘better together’ in our goal to serve students with the foundation they need to develop their careers and build lives of virtue, service and joy.”
Dr. Lance Richey, Dr. Angie Harrell, Dr. Amanda Leffler
“Leffler Academy is excited to become part of the University of Saint Francis and continue to serve students through this tremendous university,” said Dr. Amanda Leffler, founder of Leffler Academy and Saint Francis Vice President for Workforce Development and Chief Nursing Officer. “We will be able to reach and help more students than ever before, and we look forward to expanding the Leffler Academy model throughout Indiana as part of Saint Francis.”
Leffler Academy programs at Saint Francis allow students to earn certificates and degrees so that they can move expeditiously into the healthcare field. These programs are useful to learners of all ages, including high school juniors and seniors who are driven to forge a head start on their healthcare careers with college courses and hands-on experiences. Leffler Academy programs will be an asset in continuing Saint Francis’ commitment to offer career-focused dual-credit opportunities to high school students.
These workforce development nursing and allied health programs prepare students for immediate employment or continued study toward advanced healthcare degrees. Tuition for 8- to 16-week certificates ranges from $1,150 to $2,950 per semester, while 1- to 2-year programs range from $5,800 to $8,750 per semester. Students may also qualify for federal and state financial aid or employer tuition reimbursement.
“Saint Francis has a long and storied history of providing training in the healthcare fields, and the acquisition of Leffler Academy heightens that,” said Dr. Angie Harrell, Vice President for Healthcare Relations and Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Students who will become our future healthcare professionals are the ultimate winners.”
Leffler Academy at the University of Saint Francis combines existing programs from both institutions under the new pricing structure.
Degree programs
- Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS)
- Nursing (ADN)
- Nursing (LPN to ADN)
- Respiratory Therapy (AAS)
- Surgical Technology (AAS)
Certificate programs
- Central Service Technician
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Preparation
- Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Phlebotomy Technician Preparation
- Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)
For more information, visit be.sf.edu/leffler-academy or contact the Saint Francis Office of Admissions at 260-399-8000 or admis@sf.edu.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.