The school was founded in 1885 by the Sisters of Charity.[4] It is named for Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774�1821), who founded the Sisters of Charity and who, after her death, was canonized as the United States' first native-born saint.(Seton Hall University and the College of Saint Elizabeth in New Jersey are also named after Elizabeth Ann Seton.) In 1914, Seton Hill Junior college was opened by the Sisters of Charity. With the approval of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Seton Hill College was created four years later. In 1946, 40 male World War II veterans were accepted as students at Seton Hill. During the 1980s, men were regularly admitted to many programs at Seton Hill College, including music and theater. In 2002, Seton Hill was officially granted university status by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. After president JoAnne Boyle formalized the school's new status as a university, the teams' nickname was changed from "Spirits" to "Griffins," and several men's athletics teams were added, including American football. In 2006, Seton Hill announced it was transferring to NCAA Division II and joining the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC). They had belonged to the NAIA. In 2012, Seton Hill announced its move to the PSAC. Seton Hill University received widespread public attention after announcing a technology plan that includes providing an iPad to all full-time students, as well a 13" MacBook to all incoming freshmen, and a plan to upgrade the student machines after two years. Upon graduation, students keep both machines. Beginning in the fall of 2013, new full-time students will receive an iPad Mini and new full-time freshmen will be provided with a MacBook Air.

Seton Hill is a Catholic university rooted in Judeo-Christian values. �In the tradition of Elizabeth Ann Seton, we educate students to think and act critically, creatively, and ethically as productive members of society committed to transforming the world.

Justice Maureen O'Connor, alumna of 1973 and sixth woman to have served as an Ohio Supreme Court justice. Admiral Ronne Froman, who graduated from Seton Hill College in 1969, served 31 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a rear admiral, and was the first female US Navy admiral to be "in charge of naval bases and stations around the world" She then filled several high-profile civilian positions in San Diego, California. Dr. Patricia Gabow, alumna of 1965, became the chief of renal disease at Denver General Hospital in 1973 and is now the Chief Executive Officer of Denver Health. Michele Moore Ridge, alumna of 1969, former First Lady of Pennsylvania (1995-2001).

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