University of St. Francis

School mission (as provided by the school):

The University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., is committed to quality, to students, to community and the Franciscan values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Service. The success of students as individuals is paramount at USF. The university's mission is to educate the spirit as well as the mind, and to help students fulfill their dreams. The years spent at USF, whether as an undergraduate on-campus student, an off-campus student, a graduate or online students, are a time of growth, spiritually, personally and intellectually.

The University of St. Francis is ranked in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges," and appears in the top tier of Midwestern master's colleges and universities. The Princeton Review has also named USF in "Best Colleges, Region by Region" and the university is listed in Colleges of Distinction.

USF is dedicated through its Catholic Franciscan mission to educating the whole of a person, and instilling the value of lifelong learning. USF prepares students with and for real-world experience. The university provides quality educational opportunities through innovative delivery services, reaffirming the ideal through programming offered nationwide that a liberal education provides the comprehensive cultural background necessary for every profession. Academic excellence is the focus at every level of the education process.

In fall 2009, USF moved its Art & Design Department to new facilities in the historic Rialto Square Theater in downtown Joliet to provide students with an urban experience in state-of-the-art academic facilities. Another example of how the University of St. Francis lives its values is its Health and Wellness Center, the first nurse-managed center in Will County. Other examples of the university's learning-centered approach to education include the student Mock Trial Team, which has placed nationally; the television program produces a weekly cable television show; and radio offers a variety of programming, all planned and produced by students. The Duns Scotus honor society offers a variety of special learning and service opportunities. Learning is enhanced with study abroad experiences. Mission trips to Bolivia and areas within the United States are offered as part of the educational experience.

USF is a national leader in offering educational opportunities to working health care professionals, with more than 43,000 alumni nationwide. The master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies is offered at USF's Albuquerque, N.M. site to prepare health care providers for the traditionally underserved Southwest area of the country.

The University of St. Francis was among the first higher education institutions to offer its MBA completely online. USF has almost 40 years experience serving adult learners with innovative programming and course delivery. New programs include the Master's of Nursing Administration and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

From summer art and basketball camps for grade school students to programs for senior citizens, USF actively promotes learning. As an urban university located in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, USF reaches to a diverse constituency, serving as a cultural, social, spiritual and intellectual center for the community and as a resource and partner for business and industry.

Founded in 1920, the University of St. Francis offers more than 60 areas of undergraduate study in arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and allied health and social work, including four degree-completion programs. Thirteen graduate programs are offered in business, education and health care. The institution serves some 3,600 students throughout the country and has more than 43,000 alumni.