U.S. News Names Three USF Online Programs Best Among Private Schools in 2024

Joliet, Ill. – U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, and the University of St. Francis (USF) is proud to announce that five of its online programs – including three named as the best private programs in Illinois – were honored this year.

Recognized USF programs included:

  • Online Graduate Business Programs (excluding MBA) – #1 ranked private program overall in Illinois (46th percentile nationally);
  • Online Graduate Education Programs – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (12th percentile nationally);
  • Online MBA Programs – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (40th percentile nationally);
  • Online Nursing Programs – #4 ranked private program in Illinois (41th percentile nationally), and;
  • Online Bachelor’s Programs – #3 ranked private program in Illinois (27th percentile nationally).

As online education programs gain in popularity and demand, USF continues to leverage its comprehensive history of offering quality options that meet the changing needs of students interested in earning undergraduate and graduate degrees. Visit stfrancis.edu/admissions-aid/online for more information on USF’s online programs.

For more information on U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, click here.

About U.S News & World Report’s Ranking Methodology

U.S. News has been publishing school rankings in the education sector since 1983 and has done so specifically for online degree programs since 2013. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, U.S. News calculates rankings based on a variety of factors, which hold different weights depending on the ranking category. A program’s score for each factor, or ranking indicator, is calculated using data that online programs report to U.S. News in an annual survey. The rankings methodologies for online programs are separate from those for U.S. News’ Best Colleges and Best Graduate Schools rankings. Ranking methodologies are typically updated on an annual basis.

Additional details are available here.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 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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Two USF Online Programs Recognized in 2024 Rankings by The Princeton Review

Joliet, Ill. – The Princeton Review, a national ranking agency that provides admissions resources for college and graduate school-bound students, recently recognized two online programs offered at the University of St. Francis (USF). USF’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and its online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership programs were included in The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2024 and Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2024 listings, respectively.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

Advanced practice nurses are often called on to assume leadership roles in the profession and in health care delivery. Graduates of the USF MSN program will incorporate their education and research into a practice that is reflective of the dynamic needs of a diverse population.

“Our Master of Science in Nursing programs offer knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance careers available to members of our community across Illinois and the Midwest by using online learning platforms. The competencies developed in our programs are evident by the care that is given back to the community by our graduates. However, we do not prepare our students just for a career. Our MSN students enhance their passion to actualize the core values of serving others as advanced practice nurses. Besides being well-trained, skilled, and confident in their areas as advanced nurse practitioners, they are compassion-rooted providers at all times, most especially during the most vulnerable times,” said USF Leach College of Nursing dean Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE.

Visit stfrancis.edu/msn for program information and options. Visit princetonreview.com and search the keywords “online Master of Science in Nursing” to view The Princeton Review’s Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2024 listing.

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Program

The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program at USF brings together practitioner-scholars to support doctoral candidates in learning and scholarship. The program is a combination of research, experiential learning, and shared knowledge about the key skills needed to lead, inspire, and educate. The program degree is designed for master’s prepared professionals from every career path.

“Our online programs are designed to provide students from all over the country exemplary learning experiences that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers and contribute to the world in a meaningful way.  The courses challenge and support the students in the learning process and offer them an opportunity to interact with other professionals and exceptional faculty members. To have our online doctoral program recognized in this manner is an indication and a validation that we are realizing our mission to develop high quality leaders who can have a significant positive impact on their communities,” said John Gambro, Ed.D., dean of the USF College of Education.

Visit stfrancis.edu/educational-leadership-edd for program information and options. Visit princetonreview.com and search the keywords “online Doctor of Education” to view The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2024 listing.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 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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USF Named a Top Midwest College for Diversity by WSJ/College Pulse

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) has been recognized as a top Midwest college for the diversity of its student population according to the 2024 Best Colleges in America rankings by WSJ/College Pulse.

In the report, USF ranked ninth in the Midwest for its diversity, which WSJ/College Pulse measures based on, “the basis of student satisfaction with, and frequency of, opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds” based on the annual survey conducted by WSJ/College Pulse. The survey data is examined alongside data “from the U.S. Department of Education around ethnic diversity among students and faculty and other measures,” according to WSJ/College Pulse.

In WSJ/College Pulse’s 2024 Best Colleges in America overall rankings, USF ranked #8 in Illinois and #130 among all institutions evaluated for the report. Visit wsj.com/rankings/college-rankings/best-colleges-2024 for more information.

Visit stfrancis.edu/nationally-ranked for more information on additional national accolades earned by USF.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 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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USF Named in 2023 America’s Top Colleges List by Forbes

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) recently announced that it has been included in Forbes’ 2023 America’s Top Colleges listing. The listing, according to Forbes, showcases 500 of the finest U.S. colleges, ranked using data on student success, return on investment and alumni influence.

“USF continues to maintain its focus on offering a Catholic, comprehensive educational experience – rooted in the liberal arts and challenged by our Franciscan values and charism – to each and every student. This focus and commitment are as strong, alive and well today in our second century as a higher educational institution as ever before, which is demonstrated through national recognition such as this,” USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., said.

Visit forbes.com/top-colleges/ to view Forbes’ complete 2023 America’s Top Colleges listing.

The University of St. Francis is consistently ranked among the best colleges and universities across Illinois and the nation when it comes to quality education, affordability, and accessibility. To learn more about USF’s other recent rankings, please visit stfrancis.edu/nationally-ranked/.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 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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WalletHub Ranks USF as a 2024 Top Illinois University

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) continues to be recognized by national ranking agencies as one of the top institutions of higher education in Illinois. Most recently, USF was ranked as one of the best schools in Illinois according to WalletHub’s 2024 Best Colleges and Universities rankings.

In this year’s WalletHub report, which was compiled by comparing more than 800 higher education institutions across 30 key measures within seven categories that included Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing and Career Outcomes, USF was recognized as one of the top eight overall colleges and universities in Illinois. WalletHub’s rankings also placed USF at #37 in the Midwest rankings, and ranked USF #1 in Illinois in the “Campus Safety” category for a third consecutive year. To view the list in its entirety, visit wallethub.com/edu/e/college-rankings/40750.

WalletHub representative Adam McCann indicated that the website’s rankings are designed to help students identify both good schools and good deals.

“In a fierce global economy, a college degree can help secure employment and keep you ahead of the competition. Though success ultimately rests on students’ own determination and performance, the quality of the schools they choose can certainly have an impact. However, attending higher education requires more than just the grades to get in. You will also need the financial resources to attend. It varies depending on the school’s public or private status and whether it’s in-state. For those prices, students want to know they are getting a good deal,” McCann said.

For more information on USF programs, financial assistance options or to learn more about registration, visit stfrancis.edu/admissions-aid.

The University of St. Francis is also consistently ranked among the best when it comes to quality education, affordability, and accessibility. Visit stfrancis.edu/nationally-ranked to view USF’s most recent national accolades.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 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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USF Featured in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges 2024 Edition

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review.

The education services company features USF in its website resource, The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges: 2024 Edition, released in late October 2023. The guide is accessible for free at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide.

The Princeton Review chose the schools in the guide based on its survey of administrators at 680 colleges during the 2022-23 academic year and surveys of students attending the colleges. The company’s editors analyzed more than 25 survey data points to select the 522 schools chosen for the guide.

USF has completed several sustainability-focused projects over the past several years, including the creation of a pollinator garden, maintenance of on-campus beehives, study and restoration of the Charlotte Codo Prairie in Frankfort, composting, and the creation of community garden.

The university’s sustainability efforts are tied to the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is remembered for his love of the environment and all living things.

“We believe that our patron Saint Francis of Assisi is the example par excellence challenging us to of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically (adapted from Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ Paragraph 10),” added Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF, USF Vice President of Mission Integration.

“We strongly recommend the University of St. Francis to the increasing number of students who care about the environment and want their ‘best-fit’ college to also ideally be a green one,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief. “USF demonstrates an exemplary commitment to sustainability and to green practices—and it offers excellent academic programs.”

USF was also recognized by The Princeton Review’s Best in the Midwest section of its “2023 Best Colleges: Region by Region” website. The honor marks the fifteenth consecutive year USF has been named to this national listing.

About The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review, is a leading tutoring, test prep, and college admission services company. Every year, it helps millions of college and graduate school–bound students achieve their education and career goals through online and in-person courses delivered by a network of more than 4,000 teachers and tutors, online resources, and its more than 150 print and digital books published by Penguin Random House. The company’s Tutor.com brand is one of the largest online tutoring services in the U.S. It comprises a community of thousands of tutors who have delivered more than 21 million one-to-one tutoring sessions. The Princeton Review is headquartered in New York, NY. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University. For more information, visit PrincetonReview.com and the company’s Media Center.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 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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