University of St Francis logo

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“Primo Unctio et Postea Speculatio”(Holiness First and Then Learning)

1920
Founded
Private university
Type
1,292
Total Students
1,226
Undergrad
1,686
Graduate
$27M
Endowment
(2022)
$37K
Tuition (In-State)
$37K
Tuition (Out-State)
$16K
Avg Net Price
64%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
6-year
73%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Ryan C. Hendrickson

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of St Francis

Rooted in service since 1920, empowering futures through diverse academics.

The University of St. Francis, a distinguished private university established in 1920, fosters a vibrant academic community for its 2,912 students. Guided by its enduring motto, "Primo Unctio et Postea Speculatio" (First Anointing and Afterwards Speculation), the university is dedicated to nurturing intellectual growth, spiritual development, and service-oriented leadership.

The university's rich legacy began with the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in Joliet, established in 1865. What started as a high school and a Sisters' Normal Institute quickly evolved, leading to the formation of The Sisters' Normal Institute of Higher Learning in 1920. This institution further developed into Assisi Junior College in 1925, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive university it is today. This deep historical commitment to education and community service is intricately woven into its very fabric.

Academically, the University of St. Francis offers a robust and diverse portfolio through its specialized colleges. Prospective students can explore pathways within the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business & Health Administration, and the College of Education. For those aspiring to impactful healthcare careers, the esteemed Leach College of Nursing provides exceptional preparation, complemented by a distinctive Physician Assistant program offered at an additional campus site in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

With its private university setting and focused academic programs, students at the University of St. Francis benefit from a supportive and engaging learning environment. The university's strong foundation in the Sisters of St. Francis's mission ensures a holistic approach to education, preparing graduates not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and meaningful contribution, carrying forward a legacy of nearly a century of academic excellence.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established as a college in 1920, with institutional roots tracing back to 1865.
  • ✦A private university serving 2,912 students.
  • ✦Features diverse academic units including the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business & Health Administration, College of Education, and Leach College of Nursing.
  • ✦Offers a unique Physician Assistant program located at a campus site in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  • ✦Guided by the meaningful motto: "Primo Unctio et Postea Speculatio" (First Anointing and Afterwards Speculation).
  • ✦Developed from The Sisters' Normal Institute of Higher Learning, established in 1920, which later became Assisi Junior College.

Timeline

1865
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate established in Joliet.
1869
St. Francis Academy, a boarding school for high school girls, opened.
1912
New academic wing added to the Motherhouse to accommodate growing educational programs.
1915
St. Francis Academy's curriculum expanded and reopened in a new space.
1920
Original charter amended to include a college department and Saint Joseph School of Nursing; The Sisters’ Normal Institute of Higher Learning became a college.
1922
Tower Hall built to provide additional space for the academy and the college.
1925
The institute became Assisi Junior College, a two-year junior college, with 12 students.
🏛️
106 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within University of St Francis

🎭

College of Arts & Sciences

Offering a broad range of liberal arts and science programs.

💼

College of Business & Health Administration

Providing comprehensive education in business and health administration fields.

📚

College of Education

Preparing future educators with strong foundational and practical skills.

💉

Leach College of Nursing

A respected college dedicated to training skilled nursing professionals.

🏫

Physician Assistant Program

A specialized program offered at a campus site in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Leadership

Ryan C. Hendrickson
President
Beth Roth
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at University of St Francis

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search