At A Glance


Learn about our students and faculty, as well as academic programs, financial aid, and extracurricular activities.

Quick Facts About SAU


For 2021, SAU was ranked 27th by U.S. News & World Report (2021) Regional Universities Midwest out of a region of 12 states. The publication gathers data from each college on up to 15 indicators of academic excellence. Each factor is assigned a weight that reflects U.S. News' judgment about how much that measure matters. Finally, the colleges and universities in each category are ranked against their peers, based on their composite weighted score.

In other categories, U.S. News & World Report ranked SAU as:

  • 19th Best College for Veterans due to our participation in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees
  • 33rd Best Value (calculated by net cost of attendance)
  • an A+ School for B Students. Membership on this list is based on metrics of first-year students such as their high school rank and standardized test scores.

From the Princeton Review, St. Ambrose University is one of the Best in the Midwest, which is notable because Princeton only ranks 23% of U.S. four-year colleges. We ranked highest in admissions selectivity and interesting and accessible professors.

The SAU Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program ranked 5th Best DBA Program by CollegeChoice.net (2019). Rankings were based on quality, reputation, affordability, value, and satisfaction, and placing in the top 10 is an honor SAU shares with Harvard, Creighton, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Learn SAU traditions Discover the Quad Cities

A Multicultural Experience

student fitted with cultural stole

The SAU community is dedicated to appreciating and understanding different cultures.

Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

we hit the playbooks harder

#1

Ranked Academic Sports Teams

St. Ambrose ranked #1 Nationally in Scholar Athlete Teams 7 Years in Row! To earn this award, the team must have a minimum 3.0-grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the institution. Go Brainy Bees!

See SAU's Highlights


students using laptop

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Then, contact us so we can learn more about you and check for other awards, scholarships and grants for which you may qualify. Each year, St. Ambrose University awards nearly $30 million in institutional aid and scholarships. Take the first step and ask. Our admissions representatives are happy to help.

Welcome Week
BEECOMING AMBROSIAN

Welcome Week marks your first days on campus and gives you the full experience of what it means to be Ambrosian: serving your community, learning together, and having fun!

Community Involvement

More About SAU

General Information

Affiliation Roman Catholic, Diocese of Davenport

Established 1882

Type Private, Catholic, comprehensive university grounded in the liberal arts

President Amy C. Novak, EdD, since 2021

Location Main campus is in Davenport, Iowa

Economic Significance to the Quad Cities Annual economic impact of $200 million

Academics

Our undergraduate and graduate programs allow you to dive into your academic goals or discover your real passion. 

Here are some highlights, but then head over to the Academics page to get a complete picture of how SAU prepares you for a fulfilling, meaningful career.

Majors and Programs
More than 60 undergraduate majors, 11 master's, and three doctoral programs offered through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Health and Human Services.

High-Impact Practices
Internships, service learning, honors, research, and career readiness

Study Abroad
Fall and spring semesters, winter and May interim, and summer programs offered in more than 40 countries

Accreditation
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org, 800-621-7440.

Enrollment

Enrollment Fall 2021
Undergraduates: 2,231 (2,124 full-time; 107 part-time)
Graduate Students: 685 (479 full-time; 206 part-time)

Gender
Coeducational since 1968
Women: 1,716 (1,221 undergraduates; 495 graduates)
Men: 1,200 (1,010 undergraduates; 190 graduates)

Diversity
Undergraduates: 21.8 percent of students identify themselves as belonging to a minority group
Graduates: 13.9 percent of students identify themselves as belonging to a minority group

Average class size
20, with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio

Workforce
Faculty: 316
Staff: 235

Athletics

Mascot – Fighting Bees

31 varsity intercollegiate sports

Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) – Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Golf, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving, Men's and Women's Tennis, Men's and Women's Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field, Men's Volleyball, Women's Volleyball

Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Midwest League – Football

Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) – Men's and Women's Lacrosse

Heart of America Conference – Wrestling

National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) – Esports

2021-2022 Athletic Honor Roll: 2 National Championships, 14 National appearances, 35 NAIA-All Americans, 73 All-Conference, 25 Scholar Teams (leading the NAIA), 204 Scholar-Athletes, and more. Click here for the complete list

So, what's next?

Are you ready to take the next step? Click on the visit button below to learn more about our virtual and in-person visit options.