About University of St Francis
The University of St. Francis brings together students with diverse perspectives and backgrounds through its on-campus and online programs. Rooted in the Catholic tradition of liberal learning, the university encourages students to embrace Franciscan values in their personal and professional lives. USF remains committed to academic excellence and a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice.
Established in 1920 by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, the University of St. Francis has a long history of providing quality education. Today, the university caters to the needs of adult learners with online programming offered in an accelerated, eight-week format. The University of St. Francis’ online degree programs prioritize meeting the unique requirements of adult learners, including offering the Prior Learning Assessment Program to earn credit for college-level learning acquired through life or work experiences.
Pursue your degree through the following colleges:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Business & Health Administration
- College of Education
- Leach College of Nursing
Accreditation & Licensing
University of St Francis is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 1,705 ; Graduate: 3,469Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 16% ; Graduate: 81%Graduation Rate:
67%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$63,926Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$21,079Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
83%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$28,878Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by University of St Francis
All Programs
Business
Education
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Filters
University of St. Francis uses short terms that can keep completion moving. Classes are often eight weeks long, and many courses run online or in blended formats. That faster cadence can help term-to-term progress feel steady, especially for learners following a clear degree map.
Cost can feel heavy next to outcomes after graduation. Some graduates describe debt loads in stark terms, including a "$100,000 education bill" and "almost 30000 in debt." The school’s time-to-finish rhythm is a plus, but the price-to-payoff experience is mixed for borrowers.
At the University of St. Francis, students can count on quick help from professors and staff. Questions and problems are handled fast. Instructors are approachable and often give extra one-on-one help when classes get hard.
This strong support is most clear during active coursework. Students who need guidance in class usually get it. Career help after graduation can be less steady, so outcomes may vary. Even so, day-to-day academic support remains a clear strength at St. Francis.
Online classes are a real part of this school. Most courses were online courses. One required course was blended and met in person 3x. Terms are short, with 8-week classes.
This format can fit busy schedules. The pace is quicker in short terms. Deadlines come fast and keep work moving. One alum said the online format was perfect for their learning style.
Classes at University of St. Francis feel close and hands-on. Small class sizes support direct professor contact. Teaching is approachable, and one-on-one help is common when work gets tough.
The classroom experience is practical, not just lecture-heavy. Coursework includes "hands on learning with group projects." The pace is demanding, and "course work is hard, but it prepared me for the real world of nursing." Overall, teaching quality and faculty access are strong day to day, with a structure that pushes students to build communication and problem-solving skills.
University of St. Francis teaches well day to day. Classes are small. Professors are approachable.
One-on-one help is common. Work is practical and rigorous. Group projects and hands-on tasks show up often. The bigger split is after graduation.
Cost and debt can feel high. Some graduates report weak payoff versus tuition. Career support is less reliable than classroom support. For online learners, the format is mostly online or blended.
Many classes run in eight-week terms. That pace fits working adults who handle fast deadlines.
University of St. Francis teaches well day to day. Classes are small. Professors are approachable.
One-on-one help is common. Work is practical and rigorous. Group projects and hands-on tasks show up often. The bigger split is after graduation.
Cost and debt can feel high. Some graduates report weak payoff versus tuition. Career support is less reliable than classroom support. For online learners, the format is mostly online or blended.
Many classes run in eight-week terms. That pace fits working adults who handle fast deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of St Francis
Is University of St Francis accredited?
Yes. University of St Francis is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does University of St Francis offer?
University of St Francis offers 21 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of St Francis offer?
University of St Francis offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at University of St Francis?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of St Francis expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of St Francis falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of St Francis?
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 University of St Francis 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 University of St Francis programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 2.8, and 2.8 appears most often.
Is University of St Francis military friendly?
University of St Francis shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of St Francis 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 University of St Francis applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Essay/Writing Sample. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of St Francis accept life experience credit?
University of St Francis does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of St Francis programs fully online or mixed?
University of St Francis programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of St Francis offer?
University of St Francis has online program options in areas such as Business, Healthcare, Education, and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of St Francis programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for University of St Francis programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of St Francis?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of St Francis 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 University of St Francis?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of St Francis, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of St Francis programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of St Francis is featured in 9 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of St Francis 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