University of St Francis

Student life at the University of St. Francis revolves around a close-knit, welcoming campus community of nearly 3,200 students of all ages, including those studying online. The university fosters a "rich and stimulating living and learning environment" and explicitly works to acknowledge, respect, and value a variety of cultural systems through its Office of Campus Culture. The residential experience is promoted as a key enhancer of college life, with students hailing from local to international backgrounds. However, it remains a predominantly commuter campus; only 21% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 79% live off campus. The campus culture emphasizes belonging, faith, learning, leadership, and service, aiming to support all students by embracing differences. The university fields athletic teams (competing as the Fighting Saints), adding a traditional collegiate element to the campus vibe.

The University of St. Francis demonstrates a strong record of guiding students to graduation and into promising early careers. The six-year graduation rate is reported at 70%, and students typically earn their degree in about 4.1 years. The first-year retention rate stands at 74.4%, indicating students are generally satisfied and engaged after their initial year. The payoff for that persistence is clear in earnings data: early career earnings for graduates average $75,000. This strong outcome contributed to the university's recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, which factor in graduation/retention rates and student outcomes. The institution's focus on practical, in-demand fields like nursing and health administration directly translates into this robust financial return for graduates.

Making a USF education accessible is a stated priority, and the university backs this with substantial financial aid. A significant 67.84% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package totaling $28,200. Incoming first-year students who meet admission criteria are eligible for academic awards and scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per year, and the university currently offers five different merit-based scholarships. All students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal and state programs, which can provide awards ranging from $840 to $8,400 annually. The institution provides a Net Price Calculator to help families estimate their out-of-pocket costs, which is the amount a family pays for one year of college after aid and scholarships are applied.

The University of St. Francis stands out for its unapologetic and highly effective focus on channeling its Catholic, service-oriented mission into concrete professional pathways—particularly in healthcare. This isn't a liberal arts college with a strong nursing program; nursing is the program, making up nearly a third of each graduating class and defining the campus culture. That singular focus creates a clear value proposition: students come for a supportive, close-knit community and leave with a highly employable degree that commands a strong early-career salary, evidenced by the $75,000 average early earnings. It successfully operates in a practical niche, offering a direct, hands-on education that gets graduates into the workforce quickly and debt-conscious, thanks to robust scholarship offerings and a manageable net price. In a landscape of colleges searching for an identity, USF knows exactly what it is: a reliable launchpad for the next generation of nurses, health administrators, and community-serving professionals.