University of St. Francis is a private Catholic university in Joliet, Illinois, ranked #293 in the US News Best Colleges 2026 National Universities list. Founded in 1920 by the Sisters of St. Francis, USF Joliet enrols about 3,074 students across four colleges and follows an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
The university offers career-aligned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes in nursing, business, education, social work and health administration. Every degree track is taught in English and runs on Fall, Spring and Summer intakes with rolling admissions across six eight-week modules a year. Indian applicants can also explore adjacent MS universities in USA for benchmarking.
- US News National Rank: #293 in Best Colleges 2026
- Acceptance Rate: 64% (estimated undergraduate admission rate)
- Intakes: Fall, Spring and Summer with rolling deadlines
- MBA Tuition: USD 820 per credit hour (INR 0.78 lakh per credit)
- Average Institutional Aid: USD 28,878 per year (INR 27.62 lakh)
- Test Minimum: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 for direct graduate admission
Also Check: MBA universities in USA
USF Joliet awards up to USD 25,000 per year through institutional scholarships to qualifying first-year and transfer international applicants. Indian students on an F-1 visa may work 20 hours per week on campus and pursue up to 36 months of post-completion OPT for STEM degrees. Cost planning should account for tuition plus Joliet living costs, which run lower than central Chicago rates.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.68 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). USF Joliet accepts graduate applications on a rolling basis, with each cycle closing one week before its eight-week module start. The next Spring 2027 module begins January 2027 and Fall 2027 review opens by early Autumn 2026. International applicants should submit credential evaluations at least six weeks before the target module.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at USF Joliet 2027
- University of St. Francis Admission 2027
- University of St. Francis Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of St. Francis Acceptance Rate 2027
- USF Joliet Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of St. Francis Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- USF Joliet Scholarships 2027
- University of St. Francis Rankings 2027
- University of St. Francis Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of St. Francis vs Peer Universities
- University of St. Francis FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at USF Joliet 2027
USF Joliet publishes per-credit-hour rates and revises them each academic year for the 2026-27 cycle. Master’s programmes range from 30 to 60 credit hours and doctoral tracks span 33 to 60 credits, so total tuition varies by pathway.
USF Joliet PG Fees 2027
As per the USF Tuition and Fees schedule, the following master’s and doctoral rates apply to the 2026-27 academic year, priced per credit hour and totalled using standard programme lengths.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (36 credits) | 29,520 (estimated) | 28.24 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Nursing (MSN) | 32,370 (estimated, 39 credits) | 30.97 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Nursing with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MSW Social Work (60 credits) | 39,000 (estimated) | 37.32 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Health Administration (40 credits) | 28,800 (estimated) | 27.56 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Management (30 credits) | 23,970 (estimated) | 22.94 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Talent Development (33 credits) | 26,367 (estimated) | 25.23 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.Ed with Licensure (36 credits) | 18,540 (estimated) | 17.74 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Ed.D Educational Leadership (60 credits) | 46,500 (estimated) | 44.49 lakh (estimated) | Master’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| DNP Nursing Practice (33 credits) | 27,390 (estimated) | 26.21 lakh (estimated) | MSN or BSN with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Accounting (30 credits) | 23,970 (estimated) | 22.94 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
[Source: University of St. Francis 2026-27 Tuition Schedule]
USF Joliet UG Fees 2027
Traditional full-time undergraduate tuition is fixed at an annual rate that covers 12 to 18 credits per semester across all major tracks.
| Program | Total Annual Fee (USD) | Total Annual Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN Nursing (traditional) | 39,966 | 38.24 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration (traditional) | 39,966 | 38.24 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science (traditional) | 39,966 | 38.24 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| BA Psychology (traditional) | 39,966 | 38.24 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 75% (recommended) |
| BA Education (traditional) | 39,966 | 38.24 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 75% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at USF Joliet cluster in Nursing (MSN, DNP), MBA and MS Health Administration because these programmes align with US work-visa demand and NCLEX or CPA licensing routes.
Read More: USF Joliet Fees and Cost of Living Guide
University of St. Francis Admission 2027
USF Joliet runs a rolling admission calendar built around six eight-week modules per academic year, with the primary Indian intake being Fall (August start).
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 application deadline | Expected August 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Rolling: apply at least one week before Module 1 start |
| Spring 2027 application deadline | January 2027 (one week before module start) | Best for graduate programme January starts |
| Summer 2027 application deadline | Expected May 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Limited programme availability for Indian applicants |
| Credential verification (WES or NACES) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation is mandatory |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | I-20 issued once financial documents clear |
Planning note: Because USF Joliet uses a rolling window, earlier submissions get first priority on institutional aid and F-1 SEVIS processing slots before peak summer visa demand.
Read More: University of St. Francis Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of St. Francis Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants must clear academic, English and financial-proof thresholds before USF Joliet issues an offer or I-20.
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.75 to 3.0 on a 4.00 scale, equivalent to 55% to 60% or CGPA 5.5 to 6.0 on a 10-point Indian scale
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 54 or Duolingo English Test 115 for direct graduate admission
- Credential evaluation: Course-by-course report from a NACES-approved agency such as WES
- Financial documentation: Proof of funds covering tuition plus living costs for the first academic year
Applicants who fall below the direct-admission cutoffs may qualify for conditional admission, which pairs academic coursework with an English support programme. USF also accepts SAT (1030), ACT (20), GRE (Verbal 158, Writing 4.4), iTEP, Cambridge English and EIKEN as alternative test evidence.
Key insight: Indian applicants can waive the English test entirely if they complete a bachelor’s or two semesters at an accredited US institution or hold an English-medium degree from listed Commonwealth countries.
University of St. Francis Acceptance Rate 2027
USF Joliet posts an undergraduate acceptance rate of 64% (estimated) based on the most recent third-party admission data. Graduate admission is programme-specific and generally more selective for nursing and doctoral tracks than for business and education programmes.
| Year | Undergraduate Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 64% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2023 | 64% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2022 | 65% (estimated) | Stable |
The moderate acceptance profile reflects USF’s mission as a Catholic teaching university that prioritises fit and financial readiness over highly selective screening. Indian applicants meeting the GPA and English minimums typically receive an offer within four to six weeks of a complete file.
Reality check: A 64% headline rate does not mean automatic admission for Indian applicants: incomplete transcript evaluations, below-threshold GPA or missing financial proof are the most common file-level rejection triggers.
Read More: University of St. Francis Acceptance Rate
USF Joliet Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian graduate student at USF Joliet ranges between USD 32,000 and USD 55,000 (INR 30.62 to 52.62 lakh), covering tuition plus Joliet-area living expenses.
USF Joliet Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Rates below are annual for undergraduate and per-programme totals for graduate tracks, drawn from the official 2026-27 fee schedule.
| Level | Fee Range (USD) | Fee Range (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (per year) | 39,966 | 38.24 lakh |
| Graduate Master’s (total) | 18,540 to 39,000 (estimated) | 17.74 to 37.32 lakh (estimated) |
| Doctoral (total) | 27,390 to 46,500 (estimated) | 26.21 to 44.49 lakh (estimated) |
Monthly Cost of Living in Joliet for Indian Students
Joliet sits about 40 miles southwest of Chicago and runs 6% below the US national cost-of-living average, making it more affordable than downtown Chicago living.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared 1-bed apartment) | 700 to 900 (estimated) | INR 66,976 to 86,112 |
| Food and groceries | 350 to 450 (estimated) | INR 33,488 to 43,056 |
| Transportation | 90 to 130 (estimated) | INR 8,611 to 12,438 |
| Books and supplies | 80 to 120 (estimated) | INR 7,654 to 11,482 |
| Personal expenses | 150 to 200 (estimated) | INR 14,352 to 19,136 |
| Total monthly | 1,370 to 1,800 (estimated) | INR 1.31 to 1.72 lakh |
| Total annual | 16,440 to 21,600 (estimated) | INR 15.73 to 20.66 lakh |
[Source: RentCafe Joliet cost-of-living data and Numbeo 2026 estimates]
Insider note: Shared apartments near USF campus on Wilcox Street run USD 500 to USD 700 per bed, while independent one-bedroom units downtown cross USD 1,100. Roommate arrangements cut the housing line by 30% to 40%.
Read More: Study in USA guide for Indian students
University of St. Francis Campus, Facilities and Student Life
USF Joliet occupies a compact urban campus on Wilcox Street in downtown Joliet, within a 45-minute Metra train ride to central Chicago.
- Location and transport: Joliet has direct Metra Rock Island line access to Chicago Union Station, with campus shuttles connecting residence halls and academic buildings
- Housing: On-campus residence halls (Marian Hall, Motherhouse) cost USD 6,000 to USD 9,000 per year; housing is available but not guaranteed for graduate international students
- Academic facilities: Leach College of Nursing simulation labs and the Rialto Square Theatre partnership support performing arts and healthcare training
- Indian community: The international office runs orientation and cultural events, and the Joliet-Chicago corridor has established South Asian grocery, temple and restaurant networks
What Indian students say: Small class sizes make faculty access easy, but Indian graduates suggest planning weekend trips to Chicago for community events. Winter clothing needs a serious first-month budget line.
USF Joliet Scholarships 2027
USF Joliet disburses more than USD 16.7 million in institutional funds each year across scholarships, grants and named awards, with a limited slice open to graduate international applicants.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USF International Merit Scholarship | Merit-based, institutional | USD 7,000 to USD 25,000 per year (INR 6.70 to 23.92 lakh) | First-year and transfer international applicants meeting USF academic criteria | Rolling with application |
| Trustee Scholarship | Merit-based, first-year | USD 25,000 per year (INR 23.92 lakh) | Full-time first-year with strong GPA and 22 ACT minimum | Rolling with application |
| Franciscan Values Grant | Values-based | Verify at official page | Undergraduate applicants demonstrating service leadership | Verify at USF scholarships page |
| Duns Scotus Honor Society Award | Academic honours | Verify at official page | High-achieving continuing students | Rolling with application |
[Source: University of St. Francis Financial Aid Services and International Student Funding pages]
Planning note: Indian graduate applicants should also pursue external routes such as the JN Tata Endowment and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation because USF’s institutional aid pool tips heavily toward undergraduate merit awards.
Read More: USF Joliet Scholarships Guide
University of St. Francis Rankings 2027
The strongest current ranking for USF Joliet is #293 in the US News Best Colleges 2026 National Universities list, plus #204 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| US News Best Colleges (National) | 2026: #293 | 2025: #299 | 2024: NA |
| US News Social Mobility | 2026: #204 | 2025: NA | 2024: NA |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #62 of 413 in USA | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, Collegedunia Study Abroad Rankings]
USF Joliet also holds subject recognition from Niche including #85 in Best Colleges for Nursing in America and #44 in Best Colleges for Sports Management. The university is not featured in QS World, THE World, ARWU or US News Best Global Universities editions, so Indian applicants should benchmark it against US regional and national lists rather than global rankings.
Key insight: A US News National ranking still qualifies USF degrees for Indian PSU and PSB education-loan approvals, and for standard F-1 visa credibility screening at US consulates.
Read More: University of St. Francis Rankings Analysis
University of St. Francis Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
USF Joliet does not publish a central placement percentage, but graduate outcomes are strongest in nursing licensure and business track hires.
- NCLEX-RN pass rate: Above the Illinois state average as per Leach College of Nursing data, driving MSN and BSN employability
- Median graduate salary: USD 55,000 to USD 75,000 (INR 52.62 to 71.76 lakh) across nursing, MBA and health-administration cohorts (market median)
- Representative recruiters: Ascension Healthcare, AMITA Health, Joliet Junior College, Presence Health and Chicago-area school districts (sector employers, not officially disclosed lists)
- Career support: USF Career Success Centre offers resume, mock-interview and OPT compliance sessions for F-1 students
- Post-study work: Standard 12-month OPT with a 24-month STEM extension for eligible technology and health-informatics tracks
Insider note: Indian graduates in Nursing and Health Administration cluster around Chicagoland hospital systems because of Illinois licensure reciprocity, while MBA graduates split between local mid-market firms and downtown Chicago financial services.
University of St. Francis vs Peer Universities
Indian applicants often compare USF Joliet with other mid-tier private and Catholic universities in the Midwest offering similar nursing, education and MBA tracks.
| University | US News National 2026 | Collegedunia Study Abroad | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of St. Francis (Joliet) | #293 | #62 in USA | 25,000 to 35,000 / 23.92 to 33.49 lakh (estimated) | Catholic teaching university with strong nursing focus |
| Lewis University | NA | NA | 28,000 to 36,000 / 26.79 to 34.44 lakh (estimated) | Aviation, business and nursing programmes near Joliet |
| Benedictine University | NA | NA | 25,000 to 32,000 / 23.92 to 30.62 lakh (estimated) | Catholic university with health sciences depth |
| Governors State University | NA | NA | 18,000 to 24,000 / 17.22 to 22.96 lakh (estimated) | Public option with lower published tuition |
| DePaul University | #131 | NA | 36,000 to 48,000 / 34.44 to 45.93 lakh (estimated) | Higher-ranked private Catholic in downtown Chicago |
USF Joliet stands out on rolling admissions, credit-hour billing and average institutional aid of USD 28,878 per student. It suits applicants who value small class sizes and a Chicagoland location without central-Chicago pricing.
University of St. Francis works best for Indian applicants targeting a career-aligned graduate degree in nursing, healthcare administration or K-12 education, where the total investment of USD 45,000 to USD 60,000 (INR 43.06 to 57.41 lakh) pays back against a median graduate salary of USD 55,000 to USD 75,000. Its strongest Indian-specific advantage is the combination of institutional merit aid and a Chicago-area F-1 study pathway with standard 24-month STEM OPT extensions on eligible tracks.
It is not the right fit for Indian applicants chasing globally-ranked research prestige, since USF Joliet does not appear on QS, THE or ARWU. Higher-ranked Midwest alternatives such as DePaul University or the University of Illinois Chicago serve that goal better while still keeping the Chicago region as a work-visa base.
University of St. Francis FAQs
Ques. What is the application fee for USF Joliet international applicants?
Ans. USF Joliet requires an application fee along with the online application form, but the exact amount is not published on the international admissions page. Indian applicants should confirm the current fee directly with the USF international admissions office at intladmissions@stfrancis.edu before submitting. Fee waivers are rare and typically limited to partner-programme referrals or specific recruitment events.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at USF Joliet?
Ans. Yes. F-1 visa holders at USF Joliet may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during regular semesters and full time during breaks. Off-campus employment is not permitted during the first academic year but opens through Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training thereafter. STEM-designated graduates qualify for a 24-month OPT extension after the initial 12 months.
Ques. Does University of St. Francis waive the English test for Indian applicants?
Ans. Yes, under specific conditions. Indian applicants who hold a bachelor’s from an English-medium accredited US institution, completed two US college semesters or graduated from designated Commonwealth countries qualify for a waiver. A CEA-accredited English language programme completion also counts. Standard Indian-medium degrees generally do not qualify, so most Indian applicants must submit IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79.
Ques. How does credential evaluation work for Indian transcripts at USF Joliet?
Ans. USF Joliet requires a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-approved agency, with World Education Services being the most common Indian applicant choice. The evaluation converts Indian percentages and CGPA into the US 4.0 GPA scale. Turnaround typically takes three to six weeks, so Indian applicants should start credential evaluation before finalising the application to avoid deadline friction.
Ques. What is the conditional admission pathway at University of St. Francis?
Ans. Applicants scoring below the direct-admission cutoffs for GPA or English tests can enter USF Joliet under conditional admission. The pathway pairs academic coursework with English support until the student reaches proficiency benchmarks. Conditional admission still results in an I-20 issuance for F-1 visa purposes, but progression to full graduate standing depends on completing the required support modules successfully.
Ques. Is OPT available for Indian graduates from University of St. Francis?
Ans. Yes. All degree-completing F-1 students at USF Joliet qualify for 12 months of standard post-completion Optional Practical Training. Graduates from STEM-designated programmes, including several health-informatics and technology tracks, get a further 24-month extension for a total of 36 months. Indian applicants should confirm STEM designation for the specific programme before enrolling, as it directly affects post-study work eligibility.
Ques. Which English language institute options does USF Joliet accept?
Ans. USF Joliet accepts completion of a CEA-accredited English language programme as a proficiency waiver alternative to IELTS or TOEFL. The university also recognises Cambridge English, iTEP and EIKEN scores. Applicants who prefer a bridge route can enrol in an approved pathway programme and progress to full graduate admission once English benchmarks and academic prerequisites are met, avoiding a separate test attempt.
Ques. Are dependent visas allowed for Indian students at University of St. Francis?
Ans. Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of USF Joliet F-1 students can apply for F-2 dependent visas through the standard US consular process. F-2 spouses cannot work in the US but may enrol in part-time academic study. USF issues the required I-20 dependent forms once financial proof covering both the student and dependents is verified by the international office.
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
1546425900.png?h=48&w=101&mode=stretch)
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
University of St Francis Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
University of St Francis Admissions
Application Portal: https://myusf.stfrancis.edu/apply
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
University of St Francis Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| SAT | 1135 | 1030 | 1240 | 6 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 560 | 490 | 630 | - |
| Mathematics | 575 | 540 | 610 | - |
| ACT | 23 | 20 | 25 | 90 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 23 | 20 | 25 | - |
| Mathematics | 22 | 19 | 25 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of St Francis Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1684 | 1357 | 327 | - |
Comments