Joliet, Ill. – October 29, 2026 – The University of St. Francis is proud to announce its placement in the Niche 2027 Best Value Colleges in America Rankings. The University of St. Francis recently received Illinois’ top ranking as the No. 1 university as the Best Value Colleges in America within the state, and was rated 16th across the entire United States. The University of St. Francis was also ranked as No. 2 for the Best Catholic Colleges in Illinois.
The annual Niche rankings evaluate more than 4,000 U.S. colleges and universities using a combination of rigorous federal data from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the National Science Foundation, alongside over one million student and alumni reviews. The Best Value category measures institutional quality against actual net cost, graduation rates, average student debt, post-graduation earnings, and economic mobility. The Best Catholic Colleges rankings are calculated using a blend of statistical data from the U.S. DOE and reviews from students and alumni.
“Being recognized by Niche as a best value institution in Illinois demonstrates that USF is affordable, with an excellent return on students’ and families’ investment,” said USF’s president, Dr. Ryan Hendrickson. “We are very pleased to receive this recognition and distinction.”
To explore the full methodology or view the complete national rankings, visit Niche Best Value Colleges. To explore the USF highlights, visit niche.com/colleges/university-of-st-francis-illinois.
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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.
