Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Joliet, Illinois |
| Online | stfrancis.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
The University of St. Francis (USF) occupies a main campus in Joliet, Illinois, approximately 35 miles southwest of Chicago, with its primary academic buildings centered in a historic district along Wilcox Street. Originally established in 1920 by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate as a women's college, USF transitioned to full coeducational status in 1971. The university maintains a Catholic Franciscan identity while operating as a private institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in nursing, healthcare, business, and education. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic Tower Hall, constructed in 1922, and the more recent LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall. Traditional undergraduate students are housed in three residence halls on the main campus, while the university's athletic programs compete in the NAIA's Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
University of St Francis is rated within the top 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of St Francis within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#516 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#358 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#25 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#19 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#168 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 900/1170 |
| ACT | 20/25 |
| GPA | 3.47 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $11,980 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,000 |
| Total One Year Cost | $52,780 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 41% |
| Education | 16% |
| Business | 14% |
| Biology | 4% |
| Psychology | 3% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering University of St Francis are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=148584 IPEDS survey data for University of St Francis.
Current students may use the University of St Francis GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025