About Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing trains the next generation of registered nurses through a focused curriculum directly connected to its affiliated medical center. This specialized nursing college enrolls just 267 students in midsize Peoria, creating an intimate learning environment. The school's 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that larger universities cannot match. Students gain hands-on experience at Saint Francis Medical Center, where they learn alongside practicing healthcare professionals.
The financial picture looks promising for nursing students willing to invest in their education. With median debt of just $15,000, graduates enter the workforce without crushing loan burdens. New nurses earn a median of $69,445 in their first year, jumping to $72,850 after a decade of experience. Monthly loan payments average only $159, making the debt manageable on a nurse's salary. About 48% of students take federal loans, while 32% receive Pell Grants for additional support.
The student body reflects nursing's demographics, with women comprising 86% of enrollment. The college maintains strong job placement success, with a 98.7% employment rate proving that graduates find work quickly. This specialized focus on nursing education, combined with direct hospital connections, creates clear pathways from classroom to career.
The financial picture looks promising for nursing students willing to invest in their education. With median debt of just $15,000, graduates enter the workforce without crushing loan burdens. New nurses earn a median of $69,445 in their first year, jumping to $72,850 after a decade of experience. Monthly loan payments average only $159, making the debt manageable on a nurse's salary. About 48% of students take federal loans, while 32% receive Pell Grants for additional support.
The student body reflects nursing's demographics, with women comprising 86% of enrollment. The college maintains strong job placement success, with a 98.7% employment rate proving that graduates find work quickly. This specialized focus on nursing education, combined with direct hospital connections, creates clear pathways from classroom to career.
Academics & Faculty
This specialized nursing college focuses entirely on preparing registered nurses through its close partnership with Saint Francis Medical Center. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means intensive, hands-on instruction in clinical skills and nursing theory. Students train directly in the affiliated medical center, gaining real-world experience alongside their coursework. The narrow focus creates a tight-knit academic community among the 267 students. Graduates consistently find employment in healthcare, with a 98.7% employment rate reflecting strong demand for the program's nursing graduates. The curriculum emphasizes both technical competency and the Catholic tradition of compassionate care. This isn't a broad liberal arts experience but rather targeted professional preparation for nursing careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $72,850
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Career)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,517 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,674 |
Campus Life
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing sits in the heart of Peoria, Illinois' medical district, directly connected to the 730-bed Saint Francis Medical Center. With just 267 students, this specialized nursing college creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and track your progress closely. Only 73 students can live on campus, so most commute from nearby neighborhoods or share apartments downtown.
Peoria winters require heavy coats and boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The college operates on a semester system with rigorous clinical rotations that often determine weekend schedules. Women make up 85.77% of the student body, creating a supportive sisterhood atmosphere. Students spend weekends studying together in the library, grabbing coffee on Main Street, or volunteering at local hospitals for extra clinical experience. The 98.7% employment rate reflects the program's reputation among Illinois healthcare employers. Most social activities revolve around nursing organization meetings, study groups, and the occasional downtown dinner when clinical schedules allow.
Peoria winters require heavy coats and boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The college operates on a semester system with rigorous clinical rotations that often determine weekend schedules. Women make up 85.77% of the student body, creating a supportive sisterhood atmosphere. Students spend weekends studying together in the library, grabbing coffee on Main Street, or volunteering at local hospitals for extra clinical experience. The 98.7% employment rate reflects the program's reputation among Illinois healthcare employers. Most social activities revolve around nursing organization meetings, study groups, and the occasional downtown dinner when clinical schedules allow.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 73 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–33°F
- July Avg
- 66°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 26.2"
Student Demographics
This specialized nursing college draws students committed to healthcare careers, with women making up nearly 90% of the student body. The school serves primarily working-class families, as about one-third receive Pell Grants despite relatively low median debt of $15,000. Students are overwhelmingly white and likely from the Midwest region, reflecting the college's strong ties to the Peoria community and Saint Francis Medical Center. The intimate size of 267 students creates a tight-knit learning environment where future nurses train alongside the hospital where many will eventually work.
- Men
- 14.2%
- Women
- 85.8%
- White
- 89.1%
- Black
- 3.8%
- Hispanic
- 2.6%
- Asian
- 3.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.4%
Location
The college sits in Peoria, Illinois, about 165 miles southwest of Chicago. Peoria serves as the largest city on the Illinois River outside of the Chicago metropolitan area, with a population of around 113,000. The city built its reputation as a manufacturing center, particularly known for Caterpillar Inc.'s global headquarters. Peoria's mid-sized urban setting provides nursing students with diverse clinical experiences across multiple healthcare facilities. The Illinois River corridor offers a mix of urban amenities and Midwest charm. Winter temperatures average around 25°F, while summers reach the mid-80s. The surrounding region features rolling prairie landscapes typical of central Illinois. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Peoria, Illinois 61603-3783
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $72,850
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $72,730
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $52,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing?
The college maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 267 total students. This specialized nursing program emphasizes hands-on clinical training through its direct affiliation with Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
How much do graduates of Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing typically earn?
Graduates earn a median of $72,850 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong demand for skilled nurses. The college's 98.7% employment rate demonstrates how effectively it prepares students for immediate placement in healthcare settings.
What is the typical debt load for students at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing?
Students graduate with a median debt of $15,000, lower than most nursing programs. Monthly loan payments average just $159, making this Catholic institution's specialized education financially accessible.
Is Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing a diverse campus?
The student body is 89.14% white with women comprising 85.77% of enrollment, typical for nursing programs. Men represent only 14.23% of students, reflecting broader gender patterns in nursing education.
Does Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offer on-campus housing?
The college provides housing for 73 students on its Peoria campus. This small residential capacity reflects the institution's focused mission as a specialized nursing college rather than a comprehensive university.
How many students receive financial aid at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing?
About 32.38% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. The relatively low aid percentage suggests many families can afford the tuition at this specialized Catholic nursing institution.
