Nestled in Brooklyn Heights, New York City, St. Francis College is a testament to enduring educational values since its inception in 1859. It was founded by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn to educate young men within the diocese. Its programs and curriculum have since evolved over the years, and St. Francis is now a vibrant liberal arts college, boasting 19 academic departments and 72 majors and minors. While it primarily focuses on undergraduate education, the college also provides select graduate programs in fields like accounting, project management, psychology, and creative writing. St. Francis was once a NCAA Division 1 school, proudly hosting 21 athletic teams. Sadly, the college terminated its Division I athletics program, effective at the end of the Spring 2023 semester.
The college's mission is to foster a community that values academic excellence and deep respect for Catholic and Franciscan traditions. It aims to prepare students for rewarding careers and service-oriented leadership, encouraging them to engage with and contribute to the local community through the rich cultural tapestry of New York City. Its academic divisions include
A hallmark of St. Francis is its commitment to small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, fostering meaningful interactions and a close-knit educational environment. The college emphasizes the Franciscan value of honoring the unique spirit of each individual, promoting a sense of unity and collaboration. The Honors College offers an enriched academic experience through specialized seminars, field trips, and a culminating senior thesis project.
St. Francis College currently has an enrollment of 2,735, with 2,323 undergraduate students. The diverse student population includes 28.4% Hispanic or Latino, 25.7% White, 23.7% Black or African American, among other ethnic backgrounds. Notably, Hispanic Latino females make up 20.8% of the student body. The college has a retention rate of 77% and is celebrated for its global reach and inclusivity, with students from over 80 countries. It’s worth noting that 99% of its students receive some form of financial aid (scholarships, grants, work-study, or loans).
The college's alumni network exceeds 20,000, with noteworthy alumni like Peter T. King (U.S. Representative and Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee), Thomas J. Pickard (Former Director of the FBI), Richard Sherir (Former Director of the New York City Office of Emergency Management), Michael A. Macintyre (Senior Vice President at HSBC), Louis G. Pastina (Executive Vice President of Operations at NYSE), Sal Lannuzzi (Chairman, CEO, and President of Monster, INC.), James Luisi (Former Basketball Player and Actor), and Pete Davidson (Actor).
After operating for nearly six decades at its 180 Remsen Street location, St. Francis College moved to 179 Livingston Street in 2022. The new academic campus boasts over 30 classrooms, 260-seat dining hall, eight science labs, several nursing-related labs, a FinTech lab, a MakerSpace, a psychology lab, and three multi-use computer labs. The new campus is located between the Hoyt Street and Jay Street subway stations and is easily accessible via public transit. It is also surrounded by multiple bus stops.
The residence hall at 97 Columbia Heights offers suite-style living with modern amenities and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It is 14 minutes away from the campus by train and 23 minutes by foot. For those with a Citibike pass or who prefer to bike to school when the weather permits, it takes only eight minutes to travel between the residence hall and the main academic building.
While on-campus living is an option, most local New York students attending St. Francis College live off-campus. The school’s strategic location makes it accessible via public transportation, and students travel from all neighborhoods. For those looking to rent with roommates near the college, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, and Clinton Hill, among others, are some of the most popular neighborhoods for renting.
Many St. Francis graduates who continue staying in the city are spread throughout Manhattan, Northwestern Brooklyn, and Northwestern Queens. Some popular neighborhoods for alumni include Hell's Kitchen, Financial District, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Astoria, Long Island City, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint.
St. Francis College is close to many well-known landmarks in Brooklyn, from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to the historic Oculus and lively Brooklyn Botanic Garden. If you’re someone who’s in love with history, here’s a good deal for you: SFC students get free admission with SFC ID at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Here are some dining options that are only steps away from the campus:
SFC students also get a 20% discount at the IHOP location at 253 Livingston Street.
For people first moving into New York City, check out the RentHop Renters Guide. The guide explains everything you need to know about renting in the Big Apple, from finding your ideal apartment to signing the lease and completing the rental process.
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