About Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Peoria, Illinois that is dedicated to educating compassionate and skilled nursing professionals. Saint Francis Medical Center College for Nurses is owned by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. It is also one of the largest Catholic healthcare facilities in the United States. The school had its beginning in 1905 as the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. The school was intended for “Sisters” or nuns only. In 1918, it started to admit lay students, as well. In 1950, it received accreditation of the diploma program from the National League of Nursing. From 1905 to 1987 the college graduated close to 3400 students from the diploma program. In 1985, the Department of Professional Regulations approved the addition of a baccalaureate program. Today, the school continues its history of providing nursing education to those who are dedicated to providing health care to sick, poor, and injured people in the community. The mission of this institution is “to provide nursing education programs at the undergraduate and graduate level…The College serves the community by providing competent entry-level and advanced practitioners responsive to the changing health needs of society and the health care system.”
Saint Francis Medical Center offers upper-division undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that include a hands-on clinical practice that gives students great experience in their field. The undergraduate program prepares men and women for the practice of professional nursing, awarding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students in the graduate program can pursue either a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Master of Science in Nursing.
Saint Francis offers distance learning options as well. There are 100% online degrees and hybrid degrees. Saint Francis online degrees are taught by faculty who are committed to providing high-quality learning experiences and to being accessible to students.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicGraduate Enrollment:
333Fully Online Graduate Students:
100%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$15,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
50%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$8,884Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing moves at a fast, full-time pace. The workload is heavy, and the schedule stays demanding across terms. For many students, that structure builds strong time management and steady work habits for nursing practice.
Cost can feel different from student to student. Many see clear career value in the training, while others feel pressure when fees rise during the program. A longer path, including a four-year master’s track, can add to total cost and time, so a clear plan for aid, credits, and pace matters.
Support here feels personal and close in daily classes. Small class sizes give students more one-on-one time with instructors. Teachers focus on clear learning and take time to help students understand each topic. Staff are helpful, and follow-up is strong when questions come up.
That steady support matters when classes get hard and deadlines pile up. The school can improve how it shares billing and policy updates. Clearer fee details and earlier notices would help students plan time and costs with less stress. Even so, the learning environment stays caring, hands-on, and focused on student success.
Online classes here fit a serious pace. The workload is heavy and structured. This is not a light schedule. It is built for focused nursing training.
Class size is very small. You get one on one with your instructors. Support is close and direct during hard material. Clinical training is a major part of the path. Plan for firm pace and hands-on requirements.
Classes are small, and professors give real one-on-one attention. Teaching is hands-on and focused on understanding, not memorizing.
The workload is rigorous and moves at a steady pace each week. Students describe strong preparation for board exams and early nursing work.
Clinical training is a key part of class experience here. It connects classroom learning to real patient care and job readiness.
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is rigorous. Classes are small and personal. Instructors give one-on-one help. Clinical training is a major strength.
Students connect it to real job readiness. The workload is heavy and fast. That pace can build strong time-management habits. Many graduates feel prepared for boards and early practice.
Classroom quality is the clear center of this school. The weak spot is administration. Fee increases and policy timing hurt trust for some students. Overall, this school fits students who want intense clinical preparation and close faculty contact.
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is rigorous. Classes are small and personal. Instructors give one-on-one help. Clinical training is a major strength.
Students connect it to real job readiness. The workload is heavy and fast. That pace can build strong time-management habits. Many graduates feel prepared for boards and early practice.
Classroom quality is the clear center of this school. The weak spot is administration. Fee increases and policy timing hurt trust for some students. Overall, this school fits students who want intense clinical preparation and close faculty contact.
Online Programs offered by Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
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Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
Is Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing accredited?
Yes. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offer?
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offers 18 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offer?
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.2, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing military friendly?
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing applications?
Most listed programs ask for Occupational License, Official College Transcript(s), Essay/Writing Sample, and Interview. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing accept life experience credit?
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing programs fully online or mixed?
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing includes Mostly Online and 100% Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
Do any Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is located in Illinois
Illinois at a Glance:
Top Majors in Illinois:
Top Incentives in Illinois:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP): Up to $5,340 annually
Top Career Pathways in Illinois:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, FRM