Saint Louis University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Saint Louis University has two main campuses in the Missouri city of St. Louis. The Frost Campus, located in Midtown St. Louis, houses most of the university's academic buildings, several residence halls, and recreational facilities. The Medical Campus, located in St. Louis' Central West End, is home to the university's medical and health science programs and several hospitals and clinics. Traditional residence halls, suite-style apartments, and off-campus apartments are among the housing options available to students at the university. All on-campus housing options are fully furnished and include basic amenities like Wi-Fi and laundry.

SLU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 81%, indicating that it is open to a wide range of applicants. Understanding the admission process in advance can help you prepare your documents early and take the necessary admission tests (e.g., SAT) to increase your chances.

Below is a breakdown of the admission requirements and application deadlines for Saint Louis University:

Language Proficiency

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Students who have completed previous education in English may be eligible for a waiver.

Here are the English language requirements:

Note: Competitive scores for SLU may vary depending on the number of applications received.

Competitive Exams 

Half of the applicants admitted to SLU who provided test scores had an SAT score ranging from 1210 to 1430 or an ACT score between 26 and 31. However, for international students, along with the required IELTS, TOEFL can be accepted instead of the SAT or ACT.

Here are the test requirements for SLU admission:

Note: Requirements vary with programs. Check the university's official website for the latest news.

Visa Requirements

Each year, approximately 41% of student visa applications in the U.S. are denied. To improve your chances, it's essential to familiarize yourself with visa requirements early. 

For admission to Saint Louis University, you will need a valid passport and an official acceptance letter from the university. You also need to provide financial proof to receive the Form I-20, which is required to apply for a USA F-1 visa.

Here are the Visa requirements for admissions at SLU:

Are you unsure if your scores meet the admission requirements? Visit the Saint Louis University Admission Page for all the details on eligibility and criteria.

Now, let's understand the available intakes and deadlines at Saint Louis University!

Application Deadline and Intakes

Saint Louis University offers four distinct application paths for first-time freshman applicants, each with specific deadlines and requirements. 

Here are the key deadlines for these intakes:

Here's a breakdown of these application paths and other details, allowing you to choose the one that fits your timeline and commitment level.

1. Early Decision I: Ideal for students committed to attending SLU, regardless of the financial aid package, and confident that SLU is the right academic and social fit.

• Binding: Yes, if admitted, you must attend and withdraw applications from all other institutions.
• Merit Scholarships: Included with admission decision.

2. Early Decision II: A second chance for students who need more time to visit the campus or finalize their application, but are still certain SLU is their top choice.

• Binding: Yes, if admitted, you must attend and withdraw applications from all other institutions.
• Merit Scholarships: Included with admission decision.

3. Early Action: Suitable for students who have a strong application ready by December 1 but prefer a non-binding option. Early Action applicants will not be reviewed with their senior year grades.

• Binding: No, you can choose to apply to other institutions.
• Merit Scholarships: Included with admission decision.

4. Regular Decision: Ideal for students who need additional time to submit application materials or want their senior year grades included in the review.

• Binding: No
• Merit Scholarships: Considered based on availability.

With the requirements and deadlines covered, let's check out the programs you can study at Saint Louis University.

The university maintains its prominent position worldwide, ranking among the top 25 U.S. universities for study abroad participation. It also consistently ranks under 500 in US News and THE rankings, further cementing its reputation for excellence across a wide range of disciplines.

Here's a look at SLU's rankings over the past three years:

Subject-specific rankings provide valuable insights into the performance of your chosen program. Let’s explore the details to see how your field of study ranks.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

SLU’s popular subjects, such as medicine (#401-450) and life sciences (#501-550), have consistently been ranked among the top 500 according to QS rankings.

Subject-wise rankings assess academic quality and program reputation, helping students make informed decisions about colleges and programs. 

Below are some of the popular subject rankings of Saint Louis University from three of the most prominent ranking bodies: QS, U.S. News, and THE rankings.

Want to know if SLU is the right fit for your bachelor's degree? Take a look at Saint Louis University's Rankings 2025 to see how it compares globally and within your field!

After reviewing the academic performance across various programs at Saint Louis University, let's now take a look at the admission requirements for students.