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What is University of St. Francis?
The University of St. Francis is a private university in Joliet, Illinois, that describes itself as "a welcoming community of learners." It offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, with study available both on campus and online, so it suits students who want a traditional residential experience as well as working adults completing a degree remotely.
Who it may fit
- Traditional-age undergraduates who want a campus-based setting in the Joliet area, within reach of the Chicago region.
- Adult and online learners looking for flexible graduate or degree-completion options alongside work or family commitments.
- Health-care students, given the university's nursing focus; its Leach College of Nursing reports that graduates achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate, a notable outcome for prospective nursing applicants to weigh.
How to judge the fit
| Consideration | What to check |
|---|---|
| Program availability | Whether your intended major or concentration is offered on campus, online, or both |
| Format and schedule | Course times, clinical or practicum requirements, and how much travel is needed |
| Cost and aid | Tuition, fees and financial aid options for your specific program |
| Location | Whether living in or commuting to Joliet works for your circumstances |
A practical next step is to contact the admissions office at 800-735-7500 or visit University of St. Francis to confirm that your program of interest is offered in your preferred format, then compare total cost and scheduling against another regional option such as Lewis University or a public institution like [[site:joliet Junior College|Joliet Junior College]] if you are weighing a two-year start.
Is University of St. Francis a good choice for nursing students in Illinois?
Yes, for many Illinois nursing students, the University of St. Francis is worth serious consideration — particularly if you want a Joliet-based program with an established nursing college and a campus-plus-online format. The strongest concrete signal on the page is a Leach College of Nursing outcome: graduates achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate, dated August 26, 2026. For a prospective nurse, first-time NCLEX pass rate is one of the few program-level numbers that maps directly onto your goal, because it reflects how well recent graduates were prepared for licensure.
Who it tends to fit
- Traditional undergraduates who want a residential campus experience in Joliet, Illinois, with nursing as a named college rather than a small track inside another department.
- Place-bound or working students in the Chicago metro and surrounding areas who need online or hybrid options; the university describes programs delivered both on campus and online.
- Career changers and advancing nurses looking at graduate or doctoral study, since the institution offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees.
Trade-offs to weigh
A 100% first-time pass rate is a strong figure, but treat it as one data point, not a verdict. Ask how many students sat the exam in that cohort — a perfect rate from a small group carries different weight than one from a large class. Also check whether the rate refers to a specific track (traditional BSN versus accelerated or online) and whether it is a single-year result or a sustained pattern.
Location is the other real trade-off. Joliet gives you a defined campus community, but clinical placements, commuting and cost of attendance will matter more than any marketing line. If you are comparing against large research universities, weigh class size and clinical access against name recognition and research funding.
A practical next step
Before applying, ask the Leach College of Nursing three questions: the number of first-time NCLEX candidates behind that pass rate, the clinical partner sites and how placements are assigned, and the NCLEX pass rate over the last three to five years. Then compare against other Illinois options such as Illinois Board of Nursing for licensure requirements and approved program lists, and University of St. Francis for current program details.
How does USF's online degree format compare to its on-campus programs for working adults?
USF describes itself as a welcoming community of learners in Joliet, Illinois, offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs both on campus and online. For working adults, the practical difference is usually less about the degree itself than about how the format fits around a job.
What actually differs
| Factor | On-campus | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Fixed class times, typically daytime or evening | Often more flexible, suited to irregular work hours |
| Location | Requires commuting to Joliet | Removes the commute; needs reliable internet and a quiet space |
| Interaction | In-person contact with classmates and faculty | Contact depends on discussion boards, video sessions and email |
| Support services | Access to campus offices, labs and events | Varies by program; confirm what is available remotely |
| Learning style | Structured, immediate feedback | Requires more self-direction and time management |
Choosing between them
Pick the on-campus route if you value face-to-face instruction, need campus resources such as labs or clinical facilities, or live close enough that commuting is not a burden. Pick the online route if your work schedule shifts week to week, you travel, or you want to avoid a daily commute.
The more important question is whether your specific program is offered online in full. Some fields, especially those with clinical or practicum requirements, may blend formats or require on-site hours regardless of the online label. Nursing is a clear example: USF's page notes that Leach College of Nursing graduates achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate, which reflects outcomes from a program that necessarily includes hands-on clinical training.
Next step
Identify the exact program you want, then ask admissions two questions: how many courses can be completed fully online, and what on-campus attendance is required for clinicals, labs or residencies. That answer, not the general online-versus-campus distinction, will determine whether the format works for your schedule. You can start with University of St. Francis.
What does the 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate mean for prospective nursing applicants?
A 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate is a strong signal about how well a nursing program prepares its graduates for licensure, but it is a single-year outcome rather than a guarantee. The University of St. Francis reports that its Leach College of Nursing graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX, the exam every candidate must pass to become a licensed registered nurse. For a prospective applicant, that means the most recent cohort of first-time test-takers all cleared the licensing exam on their first attempt.
What it does and does not tell you
- It reflects exam readiness. A high first-time pass rate suggests the curriculum, clinical hours and NCLEX-style testing practice are aligned with what the licensing exam actually asks.
- It is one data point. A single cohort's result can swing on class size, admissions selectivity and how many students were included. Ask how many graduates the rate covers and whether it is consistent over several years.
- It is not the same as job placement. Passing the NCLEX is required to practice, but it says nothing about how many graduates find RN roles, where they work or starting pay.
- It is not an accreditation or state-board approval. Those are separate checks you should confirm independently.
How to use it in your decision
If you are comparing nursing programs, treat a 100% rate as a reason to look closer, not as the deciding factor. Ask admissions for the pass rate over the past three to five years, the number of first-time test-takers behind each figure, and the program's attrition rate. Then weigh those against clinical site variety, NCLEX preparation resources, tuition and whether the schedule fits your life.
A practical next step is to request a conversation with the Leach College of Nursing and ask directly: "What was the first-time NCLEX pass rate for each of the last three cohorts, and how many students took the exam each year?" Pair that with a visit or virtual info session so you can judge the faculty and clinical support for yourself. You can start at University of St. Francis.
How can I contact USF admissions and what support is available for transfer students?
Contact the University of St. Francis (USF) admissions office by phone at 800-735-7500, the number listed on the university's main site. For transfer students, USF's stated identity as "a welcoming community of learners" in Joliet, Illinois, along with its mix of on-campus and online undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, suggests the admissions team is the right first point of contact for credit evaluation and program fit.
Practical next step for transfer applicants
Before you call, gather your transcripts from every college attended and a short list of intended majors. Ask directly:
- How your existing credits map to your intended program, and which courses may not transfer.
- Whether there is a dedicated transfer advisor or transfer credit evaluation process.
- What application materials are required and what deadlines apply for your target term.
- Whether online or hybrid options exist for your program, since USF offers both campus and online study.
How to choose your contact route
| Situation | Best first contact |
|---|---|
| You know your major and want a credit review | Admissions phone line, then a transfer advisor |
| You are undecided on a program | Admissions general line for program overview |
| You need program-specific answers (e.g., nursing) | Admissions, who can route you to the relevant college |
A concrete example
Suppose you completed 45 credits at a community college and want a bachelor's in nursing. Call 800-735-7500, state your credits and target term, and ask for a written transfer credit evaluation plus the name of an advisor in the relevant college. USF's site highlights nursing outcomes, such as a reported 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate for Leach College of Nursing graduates, so nursing applicants should confirm admission criteria early rather than assume general transfer rules apply.
If you want to compare options, you can also review Joliet Junior College at Joliet Junior College for transfer pathways, or Lewis University at Lewis University for a nearby private alternative.
What types of graduate and doctoral programs does USF offer and who are they designed for?
The University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet, Illinois offers graduate and doctoral programs alongside its undergraduate degrees, with options available both on campus and online. According to the university's own description, its graduate offerings span master's and doctoral levels, and the school positions itself as "a welcoming community of learners."
What USF says it offers
- Graduate programs — master's-level study, available on campus or online
- Doctoral programs — terminal degrees, also offered with campus and online formats
- Undergraduate programs — the broader context, since many graduate students come from working backgrounds
The page evidence highlights the Leach College of Nursing, where graduates achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate. That detail is most directly relevant to nursing students and suggests the health sciences are a significant part of USF's identity.
Who these programs tend to suit
Graduate and doctoral study generally attracts people who already have a bachelor's degree and want to advance, change fields, or meet a licensure requirement. At a school like USF, the online and campus flexibility is likely aimed at working adults in the Joliet region and beyond who need to fit study around a job or family. Prospective nursing students, in particular, may find the NCLEX outcome worth asking about.
A practical next step
Because the available information does not list specific program names, tuition, or admission requirements, the useful move is to contact the university directly — its published phone number is 800-735-7500 — and ask for the current graduate and doctoral program list, delivery formats, and admission criteria for your intended field. You can also compare against another Illinois institution, such as Lewis University, to weigh program fit and location.
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