Six Things You Should Know About Saint Louis University Online Programs

At Saint Louis University (SLU), our online School for Professional Studies (SPS) certificates, bachelor’s and graduate degrees are as diverse as our student body. We offer all kinds of in-demand education and training that can be accessed from anywhere in the world via your laptop.

Many colleges and universities claim to have excellent distance learning options. So what sets Saint Louis University’s online programs apart from other schools? Keep reading to find out.

Six Features of SLU Online Programs

As an online student in the School for Professional Studies (SPS) at Saint Louis University, you will get the same high-quality education you would on campus. All SLU students receive the same unparalleled support services, no matter what or how they study. Our academic coaches and student engagement specialists are experts in helping you plan for success as a student — and a professional.

Regardless of which program you choose, you’ll have access to the following:

1. A World-Class Education With an Unbeatable Reputation

Founded in 1818, SLU is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected universities. The School for Professional Studies has been offering dynamic, non-traditional programs designed for adult students for more than 60 years.

Our long-standing tradition in online education began in 1996. Since then, we’ve been committed to providing high-quality distance learning options, which has helped us earn recognition as one of the top 10 best universities for online programs.

SLU has also been ranked on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of 2023’s “Best Value Schools” for the past seven consecutive years. Plus, we're one of only 15 Catholic universities with a “high” or “very high” research activity classification from the Carnegie Foundation.

2. Fast, Friendly Admissions

Within days of receiving your application for a SLU online program, an admissions counselor will reach out to discuss next steps and address any questions or concerns. Our goal is to connect all of our students with the right program.

We specialize in helping students of all kinds, including:

• New first-year students
• Transfer students
• International students 
• Graduate students
• Online students 
• Visiting students
• Military students
• SLU Madrid students

3. A Mission That Matters

SPS was founded in 1963 to address the burgeoning need for comprehensive college education for adult learners. Since then, we have evolved into one of the most innovative, adult-focused programs in the country. Our mission is service-focused and we challenge students to not only train for a career, but to find your higher purpose through your professional calling.

SLU’s Catholic identity and Jesuit tradition of educating “the whole person” — mind, body and spirit — prepares ethical leaders ready to take on the world on and make it better. In true Jesuit fashion, at SLU ideas become action and serving others is a way of life. More than 80 of our classes integrate service learning into the curriculum. And, outside of the classroom, students, faculty and staff devote more than 1.6 million hours to community service each year.

4. A Seamless Online Experience at an Accelerated Pace

The School for Professional Studies is Saint Louis University’s innovative online segment that combines the prestige of our nationally ranked university with the flexibility of virtual learning.

Our 100% online programs have multiple start dates, meaning you can begin when the time is right for you. We offer eight-week terms instead of a traditional 16-week semester so you can meet your educational goals faster. Study on your own time and earn up to 30 credit hours per year with the full support of our faculty and staff in a virtual learning environment.

And if you think you’ll be missing out on interacting with your professors, think again. “It was just as beneficial as going in person, the instructors were present and there,” says SLU online graduate Sharie McTyler. She explains that the materials were clearly laid out and every professor gave examples of how to apply what was learned in real life.

“It wasn't easy, by any means, but the professors made it accessible, understandable, and pretty much fail-proof,” McTyler adds.

5. Accredited Online Training for In-Demand Careers

SLU constantly assesses industry needs to determine what kind of job training employers are seeking most in their staff. This has helped us shape our curriculum, from nursing and leadership programs to IT certifications and more. We’re committed to helping meet market demands for important jobs of all kinds and ensuring our students are set up for successful careers right after graduation.

No matter if you’re pursuing a certificate, bachelor’s or master’s degree, your hard work won’t go to waste. All SPS online courses are designed to be completed by adults who are working part- or full-time. They feature the same high-quality curriculum, experienced faculty members and challenging environment as traditional classes at Saint Louis University.

All of SLU’s online degrees are comprehensive, rigorous and fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. SLU has been continuously accredited since 1916.

6. Financial Support for a High-Value Education

As an SPS graduate, you can earn a prestigious SLU degree at a fraction of the cost of a traditional degree. Our reduced tuition is competitively priced with other adult programs in the area. Plus, at SLU, nine out of ten students receive financial assistance — and, yes, our online students are eligible for scholarships and financial aid.

We offer scholarship programs that are awarded based on academic merit, financial need and diversity, among other areas. Veterans, active military and first responders may receive additional tuition discounts. Learn more about how tuition and student loans work plus how to finance a SLU education at our Online Financial Education Center.

• Download SLU’s Undergraduate Financial Aid Guide (PDF) 
• Download SLU’s Graduate Financial Aid Guide (PDF)

Get the Support You Need to Succeed

No matter how you learn or who you are, SLU is here for you every step of the way. “I have to say the most exciting moment of my life is the day I decided to enroll at Saint Louis University,” says SPS graduate Shadheida Hudson. “Finding out how supportive the academic advisors were made me feel like there was space for me. So I took the leap — and it was the best decision I ever made!”

Are you ready to take the leap? Explore SLU’s online certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees today.

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