Saint Louis University

SLU’s urban campus blends Gothic architecture with modern amenities like the Busch Student Center. Key aspects:

• Housing: 52% of students live on campus, with themed housing (e.g., leadership, wellness).
• Clubs: 200+ organizations, from Billikens for Life (pro-life group) to a thriving Greek scene (21% of students join frats/sororities).
• City access: Students frequent the Delmar Loop and Forest Park, though some note safety concerns in surrounding areas.
• Sports: Division I athletics (A-10 Conference), with basketball driving school spirit. The mascot—a Billiken (mythological "good luck" figure)—embodies SLU’s quirky traditions.

SLU reports a 72-80% 6-year graduation rate (depending on cohort), outperforming national averages. Alumni outcomes include:

• Median earnings: $36,427 one year post-graduation (Niche).
• Medical school placement: Strong for pre-health students, leveraging SLU’s own School of Medicine.
• Service focus: Many graduates enter nonprofits or Jesuit volunteer programs, consistent with the university’s mission.

SLU’s sticker price is ~$50K/year, but 64% of students receive aid, reducing the average net cost to $30,911. Merit scholarships (e.g., the King Scholarship, $3K+/year) reward GPA and leadership. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator ([slu.studentaidcalculator.com](https://slu.studentaidcalculator.com/)) helps estimate aid, though packages often include loans.

SLU merges Jesuit values with urban opportunities, offering: 1. Health sciences edge: Rare undergraduate access to a top-tier medical school and affiliated hospitals. 2. Global focus: Campus ministries and study abroad programs (e.g., Madrid campus) emphasize "men and women for others." 3. St. Louis synergy: Partnerships with Cortex tech hub and nonprofits provide internships and service learning.

Downsides? Some students cite limited name recognition outside the Midwest and patchy neighborhood safety. But for those seeking a mid-sized, mission-driven university with strong pre-professional roots, SLU delivers.