Joliet, Ill. – The Wall Street Journal has recognized the University of St. Francis (USF) as one of the nation’s top colleges in preparing students for financial success. Unlike other rankings, the Wall Street Journal’s methodology emphasizes one key measure: how well a college improves its graduates’ financial outcomes. More than any other factor, the rankings reward the salary boost that students receive compared to what they could have expected from attending another institution.

In the 2025 rankings, USF earned a #109 national ranking improving 26 spots in the rankings from the year prior, placing it among the top colleges in the country. Within Illinois, USF is ranked #6 overall and is the top Catholic university in the state, followed by DePaul University (#157) and Loyola University Chicago (#230).

The Journal also recognized USF for its impact on social mobility, ranking the university #21 nationally and #2 in Illinois, underscoring USF’s commitment to creating opportunity and economic advancement for students from all backgrounds.

“These rankings affirm that a University of St. Francis education is both transformative and valuable,” said Dr. Ryan C. Hendrickson, President of the University of St. Francis. “We are proud that our graduates not only leave with meaningful degrees, but also with the tools and opportunities to thrive financially and contribute to their communities.”

This recognition adds to USF’s growing national reputation, as the university has also been named among the Best Colleges by The Princeton Review (2025 and 2026) and U.S. News & World Report (2025 and 2026).

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves nearly 3,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 54,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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