Saint Ambrose University
Faith, Learning, Justice: Transformative Education.
📍 Davenport, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #299 in United States
Quick Facts about Saint Ambrose University
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 2,901
- Campus: Urban
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Intakes: January, August, May
About Saint Ambrose University
Saint Ambrose University (SAU) is a private Catholic university in Davenport, Iowa, offering a comprehensive education rooted in faith, learning, and justice. Established in 1882, SAU provides a welcoming environment for students to pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university emphasizes academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.
Academics
SAU offers over 60 undergraduate majors, 11 master's, and three doctoral programs across its Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Health and Human Services. Notable programs include a Master of Occupational Therapy and various pre-professional tracks such as Medical, Dental, and Law. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with many individual programs also holding specialized accreditations. The teaching approach combines rigorous academics with practical skill-building, fostering critical thinking and effective communication.
International Students
Saint Ambrose University welcomes international students and provides support services to ensure a smooth transition. The university requires international applicants to demonstrate English proficiency, typically with a TOEFL iBT minimum of 79 or an IELTS minimum of 6.0 for undergraduate admissions. For graduate programs, typical requirements are a TOEFL score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.5, though this can vary by program. International Student Services assists with visa processes, housing options, and cultural integration. As of 2023, international students constitute 3% of the student body, contributing to a diverse campus community.
Campus & Location
Located in Davenport, Iowa, SAU's campus offers a vibrant and welcoming environment with state-of-the-art facilities. Davenport, part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area, is situated along the Mississippi River and offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average. The city boasts a lively downtown, a burgeoning arts scene, riverfront parks, and various cultural attractions like the Figge Art Museum and the Adler Theatre. The campus itself features modern classrooms, laboratories, spiritual and fine arts facilities, and a Wellness and Recreation Center.
Career Outcomes
Saint Ambrose University demonstrates a strong commitment to student career success, with an average graduation rate of 63%. The Career Center offers personalized guidance, resume building, LinkedIn support, and assistance with internships and job searches. Graduates from SAU earn a median salary of approximately $51,020. The university has connections with local employers in various sectors, including healthcare (Genesis Health System) and manufacturing (John Deere), providing internship and employment opportunities for students.
Information for International Students at Saint Ambrose University
Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, United States welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$1029/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Saint Ambrose University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Saint Ambrose University:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 79
- Duolingo minimum: 115
- GPA minimum: 2.5
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: February 1, 2026
Programs at Saint Ambrose University (45 programs)
Saint Ambrose University offers 45 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (36)
- Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental principles of life, from molecular biology to ecology. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and research opportunities.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Healthcare Professional (pre-med) - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human behavior, cognition, and emotion through various psychological theories and research methods. The program provides a foundation for graduate studies or diverse careers.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further education), Social Worker, Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant - Accounting (BA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government. Students learn financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and business law.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Preparer, Financial Analyst - Criminal Justice (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines the American criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students develop analytical skills to address crime and justice issues.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, Legal Assistant - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students gain expertise in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development. The curriculum covers theoretical foundations and practical applications of computing.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, IT Consultant - English (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop critical reading, writing, and analytical skills through the study of literature, rhetoric, and language. This program prepares for diverse careers or graduate studies.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher, Communications Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
This program explores past societies, cultures, and events, fostering critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. Students learn to interpret historical evidence and narratives.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator - Theology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students engage in the critical study of religious traditions, texts, and ethical questions, fostering intellectual and spiritual growth for various service-oriented careers.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Clergy, Religious Educator, Non-profit Administrator - Marketing (BA) — 48 months · English
Students learn strategies for product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution. The program emphasizes market research, consumer behavior, and digital marketing techniques.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Social Media Specialist, Market Research Analyst, Advertising Executive - Social Work (BA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for generalist social work practice, focusing on helping individuals, families, and communities. Field placements provide practical experience.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Case Manager, Community Organizer, Advocate - Finance (BA) — 48 months · English
This program covers financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and risk management. Students develop analytical skills for financial decision-making in various business contexts.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Financial Planner - Sport Management (BA) — 48 months · English
Students gain knowledge in the business aspects of the sports industry, including marketing, finance, event management, and facility operations. Internships are a key component.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Athletic Director, Sports Marketing Manager, Event Coordinator, Facility Manager - Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental principles of life, from molecular biology to ecology. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and research opportunities.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Healthcare Professional (pre-med) - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human behavior, cognition, and emotion through various psychological theories and research methods. The program provides a foundation for graduate studies or diverse careers.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further education), Social Worker, Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant - Accounting (BA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government. Students learn financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and business law.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Preparer, Financial Analyst - Criminal Justice (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines the American criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students develop analytical skills to address crime and justice issues.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, Legal Assistant - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students gain expertise in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development. The curriculum covers theoretical foundations and practical applications of computing.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, IT Consultant - English (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop critical reading, writing, and analytical skills through the study of literature, rhetoric, and language. This program prepares for diverse careers or graduate studies.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher, Communications Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
This program explores past societies, cultures, and events, fostering critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. Students learn to interpret historical evidence and narratives.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator - Theology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students engage in the critical study of religious traditions, texts, and ethical questions, fostering intellectual and spiritual growth for various service-oriented careers.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Clergy, Religious Educator, Non-profit Administrator - Marketing (BA) — 48 months · English
Students learn strategies for product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution. The program emphasizes market research, consumer behavior, and digital marketing techniques.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Social Media Specialist, Market Research Analyst, Advertising Executive - Social Work (BA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for generalist social work practice, focusing on helping individuals, families, and communities. Field placements provide practical experience.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Case Manager, Community Organizer, Advocate - Finance (BA) — 48 months · English
This program covers financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and risk management. Students develop analytical skills for financial decision-making in various business contexts.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Financial Planner - Sport Management (BA) — 48 months · English
Students gain knowledge in the business aspects of the sports industry, including marketing, finance, event management, and facility operations. Internships are a key component.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Athletic Director, Sports Marketing Manager, Event Coordinator, Facility Manager - Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental principles of life, from molecular biology to ecology. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and research opportunities.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Healthcare Professional (pre-med) - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human behavior, cognition, and emotion through various psychological theories and research methods. The program provides a foundation for graduate studies or diverse careers.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further education), Social Worker, Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant - Accounting (BA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government. Students learn financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and business law.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Preparer, Financial Analyst - Criminal Justice (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines the American criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students develop analytical skills to address crime and justice issues.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, Legal Assistant - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students gain expertise in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development. The curriculum covers theoretical foundations and practical applications of computing.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, IT Consultant - English (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop critical reading, writing, and analytical skills through the study of literature, rhetoric, and language. This program prepares for diverse careers or graduate studies.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher, Communications Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
This program explores past societies, cultures, and events, fostering critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. Students learn to interpret historical evidence and narratives.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator - Theology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students engage in the critical study of religious traditions, texts, and ethical questions, fostering intellectual and spiritual growth for various service-oriented careers.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Clergy, Religious Educator, Non-profit Administrator - Marketing (BA) — 48 months · English
Students learn strategies for product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution. The program emphasizes market research, consumer behavior, and digital marketing techniques.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Social Media Specialist, Market Research Analyst, Advertising Executive - Social Work (BA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for generalist social work practice, focusing on helping individuals, families, and communities. Field placements provide practical experience.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Case Manager, Community Organizer, Advocate - Finance (BA) — 48 months · English
This program covers financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and risk management. Students develop analytical skills for financial decision-making in various business contexts.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Financial Planner - Sport Management (BA) — 48 months · English
Students gain knowledge in the business aspects of the sports industry, including marketing, finance, event management, and facility operations. Internships are a key component.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Athletic Director, Sports Marketing Manager, Event Coordinator, Facility Manager
Master Programs (6)
- Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) (MA) — 28 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to become licensed occupational therapists, focusing on helping individuals achieve independence in daily activities. The curriculum includes extensive clinical fieldwork.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Healthcare Administrator - Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) (MA) — 24 months · English · STEM
Students learn to diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. The program combines academic coursework with supervised clinical practice.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist (with further specialization), Clinical Researcher - Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) (MA) — 28 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to become licensed occupational therapists, focusing on helping individuals achieve independence in daily activities. The curriculum includes extensive clinical fieldwork.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Healthcare Administrator - Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) (MA) — 24 months · English · STEM
Students learn to diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. The program combines academic coursework with supervised clinical practice.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist (with further specialization), Clinical Researcher - Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) (MA) — 28 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to become licensed occupational therapists, focusing on helping individuals achieve independence in daily activities. The curriculum includes extensive clinical fieldwork.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Healthcare Administrator - Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) (MA) — 24 months · English · STEM
Students learn to diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. The program combines academic coursework with supervised clinical practice.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist (with further specialization), Clinical Researcher
PhD Programs (3)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program prepares students to become licensed physical therapists, focusing on restoring movement and function, reducing pain, and preventing disability. Extensive clinical rotations are required.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Physical Therapist, Sports Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Director, Clinical Educator - Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program prepares students to become licensed physical therapists, focusing on restoring movement and function, reducing pain, and preventing disability. Extensive clinical rotations are required.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Physical Therapist, Sports Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Director, Clinical Educator - Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program prepares students to become licensed physical therapists, focusing on restoring movement and function, reducing pain, and preventing disability. Extensive clinical rotations are required.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Physical Therapist, Sports Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Director, Clinical Educator
Scholarships & Tuition at Saint Ambrose University
✅ Saint Ambrose University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Saint Ambrose University
- National Ranking: #299 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
Campus & Facilities at Saint Ambrose University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Urban
- Average class size: 20
- Housing cost: ~$1029/month
Key Highlights
- Catholic university since 1882
- Diverse academic programs
- Strong international student support
- Iowa Quad Cities location
- Accredited comprehensive education
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Iowa Department of Education – Teacher Education Accreditation Council
- American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
Notable Alumni
- Lon Adams
- William Lawrence Adrian
- Gene Baker
- James Mark Beckman
- Darrell Steffensmeier
Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Ambrose University
What is Saint Ambrose University?
Saint Ambrose University is a private non-profit university located in Davenport, United States. It has approximately 2,901 students.
What are the admission requirements for Saint Ambrose University?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 79. Duolingo minimum: 115. GPA minimum: 2.5. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: February 1, 2026.
What language are courses taught in at Saint Ambrose University?
Courses at Saint Ambrose University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Saint Ambrose University offer?
Saint Ambrose University offers 45 programs: 36 Bachelor's, 6 Master's, and 3 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Saint Ambrose University ranked?
#299 in United States.
Does Saint Ambrose University offer scholarships?
Yes, Saint Ambrose University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Saint Ambrose University provide visa support?
Yes, Saint Ambrose University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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