FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The Saint Francis Promise, a new full-tuition program established by the University of Saint Francis, is designed to help lower-income Indiana students gain access to higher education.
The Saint Francis Promise carries forward the mission of the university sponsors, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration—a mission rooted in faith, compassion and service to others. Providing access to Saint Francis education strengthens the community and creates opportunities for more students to become the leaders, healers, educators, artists and servants the world needs.
“We believe everyone is made for greatness and should have an opportunity to discover lives of virtue, service and joy,” Saint Francis President Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, said. “With the Saint Francis Promise, we can reduce barriers that exclude potential students simply based on their family’s income. We seek to provide as many opportunities as we possibly can.”
The Saint Francis Promise, which will be awarded to students entering Saint Francis in fall 2027, covers 100% tuition and standard fees (semester fee and technology fee) after applicable federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships have been applied.
To qualify, a student must:
- Be an Indiana resident
- Be admitted to the University of Saint Francis as a new student (first-time or transfer) for fall 2027
- Complete the 2026-27 FAFSA by April 15, 2027
- Have a FAFSA Student Aid Index of -1,500
- Qualify for and receive the maximum Federal Pell Grant and Frank O’Bannon Grant for the semester they receive the Saint Francis Promise
- Enroll full time (12-18 credit hours)
- Remain in good academic standing
The Saint Francis Promise is designed for students who need it the most. There is no single income cutoff because FAFSA eligibility covers several factors, including income, family size and household circumstances. As a general approximation, many families with annual incomes below $70,000 will meet the eligibility criteria, and completing the FAFSA is the sole way to determine eligibility.
For more information, visit sf.edu.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at Saint Francis offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, Saint Francis has 17 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 2,100 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.