About University of St Francis
The Fighting Saints draw 1,292 students to their Catholic campus in suburban Joliet. This private university has built its reputation on personal attention and practical programs that prepare students for immediate career success. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students well. The school accepts 58% of applicants, making it accessible while maintaining academic standards.
Students pay an average net price of $16,284 after financial aid, which makes this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $63,926 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $21,079. With monthly loan payments averaging $223, most graduates find their education pays off financially. The 97.9% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.
Women outnumber men two-to-one, creating a 66% female student body. Nearly all students come from Illinois, giving the campus a strong regional identity. The school fields 17 varsity sports teams with 401 student-athletes competing at the NAIA level. Athletics receive significant support with nearly $4 million in scholarships available. The 73% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for, though the 65% graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish.
Students pay an average net price of $16,284 after financial aid, which makes this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $63,926 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $21,079. With monthly loan payments averaging $223, most graduates find their education pays off financially. The 97.9% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.
Women outnumber men two-to-one, creating a 66% female student body. Nearly all students come from Illinois, giving the campus a strong regional identity. The school fields 17 varsity sports teams with 401 student-athletes competing at the NAIA level. Athletics receive significant support with nearly $4 million in scholarships available. The 73% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for, though the 65% graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish.
Academics & Faculty
The University of St Francis operates as a Catholic university focused on professional preparation and healthcare programs. The school has built a strong reputation in nursing and education, drawing students who want hands-on training in these fields. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide individualized attention throughout their programs. The 65% graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, as over a third receive Pell Grants. Students benefit from small class sizes and mentorship opportunities that prepare them for immediate employment after graduation. The university emphasizes practical skills and Catholic values in its academic approach.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 88.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.6%
- Retention Rate
- 73.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,926
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $122,038 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $117,572 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $106,421 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,749 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $75,047 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,166 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,860 |
Campus Life
The University of St Francis sits in Joliet, about 40 miles southwest of Chicago, making weekend trips to the city doable but not routine. With housing for 442 students and total enrollment of 1,292, about one-third of students live on campus in a close-knit community. Illinois winters mean heavy coats and snow boots are essential, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for the suburban campus.
The Fighting Saints compete in 17 NAIA sports with 401 total athletes, creating a strong athletic presence on campus. Women outnumber men 66% to 34%, and the student body is diverse with 31% Hispanic students and 48% White students. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. As a Catholic institution, the university emphasizes service and community values. Most students come from Illinois (93%), so many go home on weekends, though campus programming and Chicago proximity provide alternatives. The suburban setting offers safety and quiet study spaces while keeping urban opportunities within reach.
The Fighting Saints compete in 17 NAIA sports with 401 total athletes, creating a strong athletic presence on campus. Women outnumber men 66% to 34%, and the student body is diverse with 31% Hispanic students and 48% White students. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. As a Catholic institution, the university emphasizes service and community values. Most students come from Illinois (93%), so many go home on weekends, though campus programming and Chicago proximity provide alternatives. The suburban setting offers safety and quiet study spaces while keeping urban opportunities within reach.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 442 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–31°F
- July Avg
- 64°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.9"
Student Demographics
Two-thirds of students at the University of St Francis are women, reflecting the school's strong nursing and education programs that traditionally attract female students. Nearly all students come from Illinois, showing the Catholic university has built a solid regional reputation rather than national recognition. More than a third receive Pell Grants, indicating the Franciscan institution actively serves working-class families from the Chicago suburbs. The diverse student body is roughly half white with significant Hispanic representation, mirroring the changing demographics of the Joliet area and the university's commitment to accessibility.
- Men
- 33.6%
- Women
- 66.4%
- White
- 48.7%
- Black
- 9.7%
- Hispanic
- 30.9%
- Asian
- 3.6%
- In-State Students
- 93.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.1%
Location
University of St Francis sits in Joliet, Illinois, about 45 miles southwest of Chicago. The campus draws 93.33% of its students from within Illinois, reflecting its strong regional appeal. Joliet serves as a mid-sized suburban city along historic Route 66, offering students access to both small-town community feel and big-city opportunities. The area combines industrial heritage with growing suburban development, giving students internship and job prospects in healthcare, manufacturing, and business sectors. Students can easily reach Chicago by car or train for cultural events, internships, and career networking. The location provides a quieter college experience while maintaining connectivity to one of America's major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare University of St Francis with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Joliet, Illinois 60435-6188
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,926
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $69,559
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,079
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of St Francis?
University of St Francis accepts 58% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030-1240 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on supporting students with varied academic backgrounds.
How much does University of St Francis cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of St Francis is $16,284, lower than the $37,000 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $9,707, demonstrating the Catholic university's commitment to accessibility.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of St Francis?
University of St Francis maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,292 total students. This small Catholic university in suburban Joliet emphasizes personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
How much do University of St Francis graduates earn?
University of St Francis graduates earn a median of $63,926 ten years after graduation with a strong 98% employment rate. The school's career-focused programs and strong regional connections in the Chicago area help students transition successfully into the workforce.
Where do students live at University of St Francis?
University of St Francis houses 442 students on campus, serving a student body that is 93% from Illinois. The suburban Joliet location provides a close-knit community feel while offering easy access to Chicago's job market and cultural opportunities.
Does University of St Francis offer athletic scholarships?
University of St Francis awards $3,948,468 in athletic scholarships across 17 varsity sports with 401 total athletes. The Fighting Saints compete in NAIA athletics, providing competitive opportunities while maintaining the school's emphasis on balanced student development.
