Fontbonne University
Acceptance rate
95.0%
2024
Peer median 77.9%
Tuition per year
$29,976
2025
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
209
Student-faculty ratio 5:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
47.1%
4-year; 6-year rate 58.0%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Fontbonne University, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a private Catholic institution that focuses on liberal arts education. Established in 1923, the university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and community service, embodying its motto: "All are welcome." This welcoming ethos creates an inclusive environment that encourages students from diverse backgrounds to flourish both academically and personally. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a particular emphasis on education, health sciences, and business. Fontbonne's strong liberal arts curriculum fosters critical thinking and effective communication skills, equipping students to tackle real-world challenges.
The campus culture at Fontbonne is vibrant and supportive, with numerous student organizations and activities that promote engagement and collaboration among students. The university's commitment to service is evident through various outreach programs, allowing students to connect with the local community and make a positive impact. Fontbonne also boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and dedicated spaces for health sciences and education, enhancing the learning experience. The university’s dedicated faculty members are not only committed to teaching but also to mentoring students, helping them achieve their academic and career goals. Overall, Fontbonne University provides an enriching environment that prepares students for successful futures while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Fontbonne University
Fontbonne University, a private institution, has experienced notable trends in several key metrics over the years, particularly tuition costs, graduation rates, and enrollment figures. The tuition for undergraduate students has steadily increased from approximately $22,684 in 2014 to $28,696 in 2023, representing a total increase of about 26%. This rise in tuition could be a contributing factor to the declining enrollment numbers, which dropped from 1,342 undergraduate students in 2013 to just 684 in 2023, a reduction of nearly 49%. Such a significant decline raises concerns about the university's appeal and accessibility for prospective students.
Furthermore, the graduation rates show a positive trend, particularly the on-time graduation rate, which increased from about 27% in 2013 to approximately 49% in 2023. This improvement might reflect better support systems and resources for students, enhancing their chances of completing their degrees on time. The 150% graduation rate also demonstrates a positive trend, increasing from 45% to about 66% over the same period.
Retention rates have fluctuated but maintained a relatively high level, with a slight decline from approximately 79% in 2014 to around 72% in 2023. This suggests that while the university manages to retain a significant portion of its students, the overall experience may not be meeting all students’ expectations, potentially contributing to the drop in enrollment.
Overall, while Fontbonne University shows promising improvements in graduation rates, the rise in tuition costs and the decline in enrollment warrant further examination and strategic planning to ensure the institution remains competitive and accessible to future students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- In St. Louis
- Nearest international airport
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), about 8 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- President
- Dr. Nancy Blattner (President)
- Phone
- 3148623456
- City
- Saint Louis, Missouri
- Address
- 6800 Wydown Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63105-3098
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2024
In 2020: men 85.6%, women 74.5%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Fontbonne University
Fontbonne University has exhibited fluctuating admission rates over the years, which reflects broader trends in higher education admissions across the United States. In 2009, the acceptance rates for males and females were notably high, with approximately 84.2% and 80.6%, respectively. However, there was a significant drop in 2012, where the male acceptance rate fell to around 65.5% and the female rate to 61.8%. This decline may have been influenced by increased application volumes or a shift in the university's admission policies.
The years following 2015 show a resurgence in acceptance rates, peaking in 2016 with male and female rates at 95.5% and 97.8%, respectively. This could suggest that Fontbonne University adjusted its criteria to attract a more diverse student body or responded to changes in the education landscape by becoming more inclusive.
Enrollment numbers have generally remained consistent, with a notable peak in 2016 when 178 students were admitted. However, the number of denied applicants reached a high of 232 in 2012, indicating a competitive admission environment at that time. The number of deferrals has also varied, peaking in 2023 with 648 deferrals, which may indicate a growing trend of students delaying their entry into higher education, potentially due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college experiences.
Overall, Fontbonne University's admission data reveals a dynamic and evolving landscape, reflective of broader national trends and challenges in higher education, particularly in response to economic factors and changing student priorities.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Analysis of Fontbonne University's Admission Test Scores Over the Years
The data from Fontbonne University presents a fluctuating trend in standardized test scores and the number of submissions over the years. From 2007 to 2023, the participation rates for SAT and ACT scores have shown significant variance, with a notable decline in the percentage of students submitting scores in recent years. For instance, in 2007, 11% of applicants submitted SAT scores, while this number dwindled to as low as 1% in 2022 and 2023. This decline may reflect a broader trend in higher education where many institutions are increasingly adopting test-optional policies, encouraging students to apply regardless of their standardized test scores.
Looking at the score ranges, there have been some fluctuations in the 25th and 75th percentile scores for both SAT and ACT over the years. An interesting observation is the drop in the lower threshold for reading and math scores for SAT in certain years, indicating that the profile of admitted students has potentially shifted. For example, there was a noticeable decrease in the SAT reading score from 480 in 2007 to 405 in 2013, suggesting a broadening of the admissions criteria or perhaps a change in the applicant pool's overall academic preparedness.
Additionally, the ACT score ranges have largely remained stable, which may suggest consistency in this aspect of student performance. In a landscape where many colleges are re-evaluating their admissions criteria, Fontbonne's data illustrates the evolving nature of college admissions and the impact of societal attitudes towards standardized testing. Overall, the trends observed at Fontbonne University may reflect changing philosophies in higher education admissions, which prioritize holistic review processes over strict adherence to standardized test scores.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 10 in 10
1,067 applicants in 2024, 95.0% admitted
1,014 admitted 53 not admitted Yield 15.8%
Students
332 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 51:49
- Continuing undergraduates 207
- Graduate students 123
- Transfers and others 2
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (209)
Data insights
2023 Student Demographics at Fontbonne University
The student demographics at Fontbonne University for 2023 reveal a diverse and evolving educational landscape. The data highlights a total of 183 undergraduate freshmen, with a significant majority being male at 61.2%. In contrast, returning undergraduates, numbering 434, show a nearly balanced gender distribution with 40.1% male and 59.9% female, suggesting a shift towards a more inclusive environment as students progress through their studies.
Among transfer students, there are 51 individuals, predominantly male (64.7%), which could indicate a trend of male students seeking flexibility in their academic paths. The graduate student population, consisting of 260 individuals, is notably skewed towards female students, with only 21.9% being male. This trend aligns with broader national observations that women are increasingly pursuing higher education, particularly in graduate programs.
The racial and ethnic composition of these groups is also crucial. Although the detailed breakdown of the racial demographics is not fully available, the presence of various ethnic backgrounds among the undergraduate and graduate population emphasizes Fontbonne's commitment to diversity. The representation of white students is significant across all categories, but it is essential to continue fostering an inclusive environment that supports students from all backgrounds.
Overall, Fontbonne University’s demographic data reflects contemporary trends in higher education, including gender balance shifts and increasing diversity. These trends are essential for creating a more equitable academic community. As institutions continue to evolve, it will be vital to monitor these changes and ensure that all students feel supported and valued in their educational journeys.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Fontbonne University
The age distribution of students at Fontbonne University reveals interesting trends that reflect both the demographics of higher education and the university's appeal to different age groups. The largest segment of students falls within the 18-19 age range, with 144 undergraduate males and 110 undergraduate females, indicating a strong influx of traditional college-age students. This trend aligns with the broader national pattern of universities attracting younger students right after high school graduation.
In the 20-21 age bracket, there is a notable balance between genders, with slightly more female undergraduates (118) than males (113). This shift hints at a growing trend of female participation in higher education, which has been a topic of discussion in recent years as more women enroll in colleges and universities compared to their male counterparts.
The age group of 22-24 showcases the highest total number of graduate students, with both male and female graduate students present. This indicates the university's role in catering to those who may be returning to school to further their education, a phenomenon that has been on the rise as individuals seek additional qualifications in a competitive job market.
For older age groups, particularly those 25 and above, the numbers begin to decline significantly. This could suggest that Fontbonne University primarily serves younger students or that older adults are less likely to pursue traditional undergraduate degrees. However, the presence of graduate students in the 25-29 and 30-34 age ranges reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, as individuals seek to enhance their skills and adapt to changing job landscapes.
Overall, Fontbonne University's age distribution illustrates the dynamic nature of its student body, highlighting trends in traditional and non-traditional education among varying age groups.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
2 in 2025 · 7.2% in 2016
6 in 2025 · 16.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Fontbonne University
The data on international student enrollment at Fontbonne University from 2004 to 2023 reflects a fluctuating trend in both undergraduate and graduate populations. In the early years, especially around 2004, international students constituted a small fraction of the total student body, with only 0.85% of undergraduates being international students. However, a notable increase occurred in 2013, where the percentage of international undergraduates rose to over 10%.
This peak correlates with a growing global interest in U.S. higher education, particularly in the wake of globalization and expanded educational outreach. However, after 2013, the percentage of international undergraduates began to decline significantly, reaching only 1.90% by 2023. The decline may be attributed to various factors, including changing immigration policies, increased competition from universities abroad, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel and student mobility.
For graduate students, the numbers show a more favorable trend in 2016, with a significant spike to 15.95% of the graduate population being international. This suggests that graduate programs at Fontbonne may be more appealing to international students, possibly due to specialized programs or research opportunities. However, similar to undergraduates, the percentage of international graduate students has also seen fluctuations and a decline in recent years.
Overall, the data indicates that while there have been moments of growth in international enrollment, particularly in graduate studies, the recent years have shown a worrying trend of decreasing international student representation at Fontbonne University. Addressing this decline could be crucial for the university's diversity and global engagement goals.
Cost
2025 tuition
$29,976
- Undergraduate tuition
- $29,976
- Graduate tuition
- $12,780
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 26% from 2016 to 2025.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$34.8M
Expenses$27.8M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country
No athlete data available for 2025.
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 64 | 35 |
| Other Sports | 59 | 27 |
| Soccer | 29 | 21 |
| Baseball | 48 | - |
| Basketball | 21 | 13 |
| Volleyball | 15 | 19 |
| Wrestling | 17 | 8 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Golf | 9 | 7 |
| NCAA Division III without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 64 | 35 |
| Other Sports | 66 | 29 |
| Baseball | 56 | - |
| Soccer | 29 | 21 |
| Basketball | 23 | 17 |
| Volleyball | 17 | 20 |
| Wrestling | 18 | 8 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Golf | 8 | 4 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis · 0.5 mi
U.S. News #16
-
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis · 4.4 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Missouri--St. LouisSaint Louis · 4.7 mi
U.S. News #276
-
Principia CollegeElsah · 21.2 mi
Liberal Arts #74
-
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale · 87.6 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla · 92.2 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia · 110.4 mi
U.S. News #95
-
Bradley UniversityPeoria · 146.7 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Illinois State UniversityNormal · 147.0 mi
U.S. News #219
Data insights
Here are some notable institutions near Fontbonne University:
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Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
Saint Louis University - Holding the 105th position in the rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its commitment to social justice and community engagement.
-
University of Missouri-St Louis - This comprehensive university is ranked 260th and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Maryville University of Saint Louis - Ranked 249th, this comprehensive university focuses on providing a personalized educational experience with a strong emphasis on career readiness.
-
Principia College - This liberal arts college, ranked 51st, is known for its unique educational approach and focus on the principles of Christian Science.
-
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - A prestigious institution with a rank of 35, it is recognized for its innovative research and strong engineering and business programs.
These schools offer a variety of opportunities for students in the St. Louis area and beyond.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2020–2022
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Fontbonne University
Over the years, Fontbonne University has experienced notable fluctuations in crime rates per 1,000 students. Starting from 2013, the average crime rate stood at 4.24, showing a gradual decline until 2018, which recorded the lowest rate of 2.47. This decrease may reflect improved safety measures, increased campus awareness, or a more engaged campus community.
However, a significant spike occurred in 2020, where the crime rate soared to 7.51, potentially influenced by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted usual campus activities and possibly led to an increase in certain types of offenses. The year 2022 marked another high with a rate of 11.31, indicating that the university faced considerable challenges in maintaining a safe environment.
Interestingly, the data for 2023 suggests a slight recovery, with a crime rate of 6.57, which could indicate effective responses to the previous spikes. It is crucial for university administration to analyze the specific types of offenses contributing to these rates, especially focusing on violent crimes like domestic violence and assaults, which can severely impact student safety and well-being.
Overall, the crime data at Fontbonne University showcases the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures in ensuring campus safety. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of crime trends will be essential in fostering a secure educational environment for all students. For further insights on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Fontbonne University include Ken Page (Actor and opera singer; original Broadway Cats cast), Karla Drenner (Member of the Georgia House of Representatives) and Suzy Gorman (Photographer based in St. Louis).
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Ken Page 1954–2024
Actor and opera singer; original Broadway Cats cast
-
Karla Drenner 1961–
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives
-
Suzy Gorman 1962–
Photographer based in St. Louis
-
Jane Edward Schilling 1930–2017
Activist, historian and founding vice president of Martin University
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.