Gannon University

Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Our faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.

We are located in Pennsylvania's fourth largest city and one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes. Gannon’s urban campus, in the middle of downtown Erie, is within a two hour drive of Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. Our unique location and facilities create a special atmosphere conducive to learning, scholarship, research, service, and personal growth.

In developing a forward-looking strategic plan, Gannon University honors its tradition as a Catholic university, measuring its success by how and whom it educates and serves. We recognize that, now more than ever, quality U.S. higher education must be affordable and accessible, and must benefit the public good. Gannon is committed to transforming the economic, social and cultural vitality and well-being of our community. In doing so, we will embrace innovation and change with optimism. To be competitive in a rapidly evolving, global higher education environment, new approaches will be pervasive in our organizational culture and new methods and technologies will be integrated into our teaching, program design and delivery. Wherever Gannon students engage in learning, we will intentionally link student learning with the communities we serve, and expand our context for education to a worldview.

At Gannon University, we are committed to offering you the best financial assistance package possible. We want your Gannon education to be exceptional and affordable. More than 90 percent of Gannon students qualify for financial assistance. We offer a variety of scholarships, grants and awards that recognize academic and athletic accomplishments, outstanding talents and demonstrated need. While income is an important part of financial strength, many other factors are examined when determining the amount and type of financial aid you will receive, such as family size, number of siblings in college and assets. We advise all students, no matter their income level, to complete the Gannon Net Price Calculator and the online FAFSA form so they can be considered for every available resource.

Ask students when they’ve had the most fun at Gannon, and you’ll get a variety of responses: playing ping-pong at Waldron, pick-up basketball with friends, Homecoming, the Jason DeRulo concert at Gannon’s Hammermill Center, hanging out in their residence hall, freshman orientation, improvisation class. Everyone has a different answer. That's because Gannon offers a wide variety of activities and organizations to meet all interests.It's easy to make friends and find things to do here. Our welcoming, friendly environment is the perfect place to participate in on-campus events, join one of our 75 organizations, and try something new. Our student-run Activities Programming Board organizes fun events including movies, concerts and trips. Residence hall life, campus ministry and service, and athletics and recreation add plenty of social activities to your schedule as well.

Founded in the Catholic faith, Gannon University offers a variety of opportunities for you to deepen your understanding of your faith and act on your values. We welcome students and faculty from all faiths and beliefs, and we strive to offer an environment that prepares you to make professional and personal choices grounded in strong values and integrity.We believe our diverse community should be an example of tolerance, respect, understanding and enrichment. As such, you’ll find ample opportunities to serve others through volunteer projects on campus, in the community and across the nation. At Gannon, we view service to others not simply as something special to do. We see service as part of our daily responsibility to improving society and helping others.

Gannon College of Arts and Sciences, founded as Cathedral College under the 1925 charter of Villa Maria College, was established by then-Archbishop John Mark Gannon, who in 1941 purchased one of the most elegant buildings in downtown Erie—the Strong Mansion (now known as Gannon’s "Old Main")—as the current campus’ central site. Renamed Gannon College in 1944, it received its own charter as a four-year men’s college. In 1964, Gannon became co-educational and established a graduate school. In 1979, the college attained University status.

A private, Catholic, comprehensive co-educational institution, Gannon has emerged as Northwestern Pennsylvania’s premier Catholic university and is a valuable community and regional resource.Key to Gannon’s mission is the personal and professional development of students. Leadership is fostered through a range of campus organizations and activities which enhance academic interests as well as volunteerism and community service, and which provide opportunities for intellectual, moral and spiritual growth.

Today, Gannon University is committed to building on its successful history of preparing leaders by focusing on a dynamic future of change and new opportunities. Gannon is focused on a total commitment to academic excellence, to its Catholic identity, its future financial growth from external sources, its strengthened development of the faculty’s teaching and scholarship, its involvement in and service to the local and regional community, its undergraduate and graduate enrollment, and its enhancement of technology.