Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) has once again been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. In the 2026 edition, released earlier this month, USF was ranked:

#293 in National Universities

#214 in Nursing

#204 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

These recognitions highlight USF’s strong academic programs, its commitment to advancing student opportunities, and its continued focus on excellence in higher education.

“Being included in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is a meaningful acknowledgment of the high-quality education and supportive community students find at the University of St. Francis,” said Dr. Ryan C. Hendrickson, USF President. “From academic rigor to social mobility, these rankings reflect the heart of our Franciscan mission—preparing students to succeed professionally while serving others with integrity and compassion.”

The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 institutions nationwide, using measures such as graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student outcomes, and peer assessments. The recognition affirms USF’s role as a mission-driven, student-focused university that remains dedicated to fostering both academic achievement and community impact. The full U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2025-2026 report can be found at usnews.com/best-colleges. For more information on rankings and methodology, visit https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-us-news-calculated-the-rankings.

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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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