Best University in Louisiana 

Serving Louisiana with Heart Since 1923

FranU’s roots run deep in Louisiana. Founded in 1923 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, our first School of Nursing opened alongside Our Lady of the Lake Sanitarium in downtown Baton Rouge. What started with just nine pioneering students quickly grew into a mission‑driven tradition of educating compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals.

For more than a century, we’ve been committed to serving our community and preparing graduates who make a meaningful impact across Louisiana and beyond.

What Sets FranU Apart from Other Louisiana Colleges

At FranU, students experience a blend of academic excellence, personal attention and real-world preparation that helps mark our institution as one of the best in Louisiana. As a faith-based University rooted in the Catholic tradition, FranU is committed to forming servant leaders of all faiths who are ready to make a difference in their communities. 

Recognized as one of the best universities in Louisiana, FranU is especially known for its top-ranked, accredited programs in healthcare. Our nursing programs are among the most respected in the region, producing compassionate, highly skilled nurses who are in high demand after graduating. We also offer standout programs such as Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy Assisting and Medical Laboratory Science. These programs are designed to provide students with both knowledge and hands-on experience to fully prepare them for their field.

 

Safest College Campus in Louisiana 

FranU has been ranked the number one safest college campus in Louisiana by Niche and graded an A by American School Search. It has also been designated as a Heart Safe Campus, the first in Baton Rouge and the first university in Louisiana to receive this recognition.

 

Affordability That Makes a Difference  

In addition to academic excellence and career-ready programs, FranU is proud to be one of the nation’s most affordable private Catholic institutions. A significant percentage of our student body receives financial aid, making a high-quality education more accessible and reducing the financial burden often associated with private universities. At FranU, we want our students to pursue their calling without compromising on cost or quality.

 

A Legacy of Faith  

As one of the premier Catholic schools in the South, acts of service drive our programs. By weaving Catholic teachings into the curriculum, students will grow into compassion-centered individuals and become well-rounded leaders who serve with integrity and care. 

This legacy of faith is built on the foundation of action. Our service-based academics and co-curricular programs empower students to deepen their intellectual, spiritual and civic growth by engaging in community initiatives. Through service-learning, students not only enhance their understanding of course objectives but also develop a lifelong commitment to serving others. This model has been successfully implemented across disciplines, reinforcing the values at the heart of our Catholic identity.

 

Student-Centered Learning  

With a 14:1 student to faculty ratio, our small class sizes create a supportive, relationship-oriented environment where students are known by name and mentored by faculty who are deeply invested in their success. This tight-knit community generates lifelong connections and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find at larger institutions. At FranU, we invest in you.

 

Louisiana’s Leader in Purpose-Driven Education 

FranU is a leader in hands-on-learning, continually exploring ways to engage students through community involvement, experiential learning and cross disciplinary collaboration.  

To deliver a distinctive and forward-thinking Franciscan education, FranU provides students with access to a state-of-the-art simulation hospital, advanced learning technologies, meaningful service-learning opportunities and more. These immersive opportunities not only prepare students for real-world challenges but also contribute to our consistently high job placement rates.  

Employers across Louisiana and beyond commend FranU graduates for their clinical readiness, professionalism and commitment to service.

Learn more about our innovative approach to education

Engaged Learning

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