Joliet, Ill.- As the new year begins, the University of St. Francis (USF) is celebrating a strong student retention rate—an encouraging sign that students are finding purpose, support, and a sense of belonging on campus. From the fall semester to the spring semester, 86% of students have returned. “We have been very intentional about putting the right supports in place for our students.Things like the First-Year Transition program over the summer and Academic Coaching have made a huge difference in supporting our students in their transition to USF.
The result has been students who are more engaged and more prepared to succeed both in and out of the classroom,” said Faith Haley, VP of Admissions & Enrollment Services at USF.
Behind the numbers are stories like Rori, whose journey reflects why so many students are choosing to continue their education at USF.
Rori is a freshman majoring in special education who is involved in many on-campus organizations. Rori says of her college decision, “I didn’t apply anywhere else because I knew this is where I was meant to be. I’ve never felt so included before.”
Although Rori balances many responsibilities with her coursework as an honors student, being a USF Saints Ambassador, and participating in other extracurricular activities, she says, “I love the tight-knit community we have here [at USF]. My professors know my name, respect me, and offer as many resources as possible. Coming here feels like being at home away from home. I have never loved a place as much as I love USF. I am so grateful for all the amazing people here.”
Rori also expressed her positive experience as she currently manages the Ambassadors’ social media pages, saying, “The most extraordinary experience has been my social media presence on the Saints Ambassadors pages. [We] started doing Tour Tuesdays, and President Ryan loved the idea. He has put as much time into it as I have, and his support means so much to me. He is constantly trying to make this school better. I am so grateful for him!”
This sense of connection is reflected across campus. University of St. Francis’s strong retention into the new year highlights the impact of intentional student support, engaged faculty, and a campus culture that prioritizes persistence and care.
“Retention isn’t just a metric. It’s a measure of trust,” said President Ryan Hendrickson. “When students return, it tells us they feel supported academically, personally, and professionally. Stories like Rori’s remind us why this work matters.”
With students like Rori continuing their academic journeys into the new year, USF remains committed to fostering an environment where every student has the support and encouragement needed to persist, succeed, and graduate.
Pictured: University of St. Francis freshman, Rori.
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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves more than 3,200 students worldwide 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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