Students at the University of St.
Francis achieve earnings that significantly exceed what similar students earn at other institutions, reflecting the university's exceptional effectiveness in career preparation.
Graduates consistently outperform expectations while the university maintains strong outcomes for students from all economic backgrounds.
The University of St. Francis delivers exceptional value as a small private nonprofit institution in Joliet, Illinois. While comprehensive rankings aren't available, the university's earnings outcomes place it in the 82nd percentile nationally, meaning graduates earn more than most students at similar institutions. What makes St. Francis particularly noteworthy is its ability to serve a diverse student body—37% receive Pell Grants and 42% are first-generation college students—while still delivering strong financial outcomes.
The university's strength lies in its focused approach to career preparation, especially in nursing and health professions. With just over 1,000 students, St. Francis provides the personalized attention of a small college while maintaining the academic rigor and professional connections that lead to solid post-graduation employment. Graduates earn a median of $63,926 ten years after enrollment, with many achieving earnings well above what similar students earn at other institutions.
As a private institution with a clear mission in health sciences and professional programs, St. Francis represents a compelling option for students who want the benefits of small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and targeted career preparation without sacrificing long-term earning potential.
The University of St. Francis has built its reputation around health sciences and professional programs that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and economic outcomes, with 112 graduates earning a median of $67,166 ten years after graduation—reflecting the strong demand for registered nurses and the university's effective clinical preparation. Clinical Research Coordinator programs, with 66 graduates earning $61,516, represent another substantial pathway into the growing healthcare research sector.
The university's focused program portfolio creates clear advantages for students. Rather than spreading resources across dozens of majors, St. Francis concentrates on fields where job demand is strong and career advancement is predictable. Allied Health programs, while smaller in enrollment with 20 graduates, still deliver solid earnings around $59,124, demonstrating that even specialized programs maintain the university's commitment to career outcomes.
This strategic focus on health professions allows St. Francis to develop deep employer relationships, maintain state-of-the-art clinical facilities, and provide the intensive hands-on training that healthcare employers value. Students benefit from small class sizes, direct faculty mentorship, and clinical experiences that translate immediately into workplace readiness and higher starting salaries.
Graduates of the University of St. Francis achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $63,926, placing the university in the 82nd percentile nationally for earnings performance. Perhaps more impressive is the university's value-added earnings advantage of approximately $13,027, meaning graduates earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions—a clear indicator of the university's effectiveness in preparing students for high-paying careers.
The university's program portfolio drives these strong outcomes through its concentration in high-demand health professions. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program by total economic impact and a consistent earnings leader, with 112 graduates earning a median of $67,166 ten years out. Clinical Research Coordinator programs, with 66 graduates earning $61,516, represent another substantial pathway to solid middle-class earnings. Allied Health programs round out the top-earning fields, with graduates in specialized diagnostic and treatment roles earning around $59,124.
This focus on health sciences and professional programs creates a clear value proposition: students enter fields with strong job security, predictable career advancement, and earnings that consistently outperform national averages. The university's small size allows for intensive clinical training and professional mentorship that translates directly into workplace readiness and higher starting salaries.
The University of St. Francis maintains strong affordability across income levels, making private education accessible to a broad range of families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $9,707 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $15,264 per year—both figures represent solid value for a private institution with strong outcomes. Even high-income families pay a manageable $20,057 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education costs reasonable relative to the long-term earning potential it provides.
Debt levels remain well-controlled for most graduates. Students typically leave with about $21,079 in federal loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,460, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work-study, and personal contributions rather than relying heavily on borrowing. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates consistently manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes St. Francis particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between what students borrow and what they earn after graduation. With median earnings approaching $64,000 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building financial stability. The combination of reasonable net prices, controlled debt levels, and strong post-graduation earnings creates a financial pathway that works for families across the income spectrum.
University Of St Francis Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
