The University of St. Francis (USF) is a small, private liberal arts university located in a beautiful historic neighborhood close to Chicago. USF’s small size allows international students to be fully immersed in university culture and receive personal attention in their academic studies. USF is a Catholic Franciscan university that welcomes students from all cultures and religious backgrounds!

Top 3 reasons to study here

  • At University of St. Francis, we stress small class sizes and one-on-one interaction with instructors.
  • Students can appreciate the charm of a small town during the week and enjoy the excitement of Chicago (45 minutes by train) on the weekends.
  • With more than twenty different nationalities represented on our historic campus, students are able to get a truly international experience!

About

History

As a Catholic university founded in 1925, we are rooted in the liberal arts. University of St. Francis is a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, justice, compassion and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

Education

At the University of St. Francis, learning is a lifelong process aimed at the development of the whole human person. To achieve this, university programs, particularly undergraduate education is rooted in the liberal arts, which introduce students to various areas of knowledge and the modes of inquiry associated with them.

While students are exposed to a wide area of knowledge, students can expect to have a mastery of a chosen discipline. Upon graduation, a USF student will have the ability to communicate complex ideas in written and oral form that foster continued pursuit of knowledge and independent thought.

Career

The University of St. Francis Career Success Center staff assists students with their employment needs. Staff members are devoted to helping students and alumnus research career options. In doing so, focus is put on the individual needs, goals, and values of each student. The Career Success Center believes in personal and professional development therefore assistance with job search, resume and cover letter writing, along with career counseling are among the services available.

Bachelor's programmes

Business & Management (2)
Education & Training (1)
Humanities (1)

Services

Student services

The University of St. Francis offers many opportunities for student to experience personal growth and broaden their educational and social experiences. Student Affairs works to make the student experience meaningful and to encourage students to join student organizations, attend social and cultural events, and to volunteer. Getting involved in student life ensures that students have the most rewarding and memorable college experience possible. Student Affairs consists of Residence Education, Commuter Services, Student Engagement & Leadership, Career Success Center, and Athletics.

Housing services

University of St. Francis offers campus housing with traditional residence halls in Marian or Tower Hall or residences in the historic Motherhouse which includes modern apartments and suites. In each residence hall, students have access to computers and printers on every floor. Students can also use university equipment to play ping pong, pool, or watch a movie in a student lounge. Bathrooms and showers are located on every floor.

Library services

The mission of the University of St. Francis Library is to foster academic excellence, support Franciscan values, and increase the prestige of the University of St. Francis. Services are available to students on Monday through Friday, from 7:30AM – 10PM, and with special hours on weekends.

ICT services

The Technology Support Center (TSC) provides a single point of contact for all the University of St. Francis' technology support needs. The TSC is responsible for providing a multi-tier support model for all technical requests within the University. It supports online, campus, and classroom technology needs for all faculty, students, and staff.

Medical services

Counseling and Wellness Center at the University of St. Francis works to encourage the establishment of lifestyle behaviors that promote healthy living patterns. Educational programs and individual counseling and health services are provided in a manner consistent with our Franciscan values of respect, service, integrity and compassion. All services are confidential.

Student Life

Campus life

University of St. Francis’s main campus consists of approximately 24 acres in the historic Cathedral Area of Joliet. It is home to class-rooms, research labs, student residences, dining facilities, faculty/ administrative offices, and more. The St. Bonaventure and St. Clare campuses offer additional learning spaces.

Sports facilities

University of St. Francis offers state of the art sports facilities for men and women’s sports and also provides co-ed training facilities on campus. All USF students are also given a membership to Inwood Sports Complex in Joliet, which offers additional training facilities and sports complexes.

Student clubs

University of St. Francis clubs, organizations and activities are designed with the varied interests of students in mind. Students are encouraged to join clubs and organizations to develop friendships, expand horizons, exercise mind and body, and just have to fun! Students have the ability to get involved in different groups like Student Government Association and more than 30 different clubs.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Illinois State Board of Education
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • The baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs at the University of St. Francis are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • The DNP nursing program at the University of St. Francis is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.
  • Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT)

Joliet, Illinois, United States

Other Degrees

Need more information? Visit University Website