The University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, offers Franciscan Catholic education for approximately 1,400 students in the Chicago metropolitan region. The university maintains strong connections to Franciscan values of service, justice, and community while delivering contemporary undergraduate and graduate education. Located strategically between Chicago and surrounding suburbs, St. Francis provides urban access with a more intimate residential college environment.
The academic program emphasizes Catholic liberal arts education with professional preparation in business, education, health professions, and social sciences. Faculty commitment to teaching and mentorship creates engaged learning environments where students develop both intellectual depth and applied competency. The university's location near Chicago provides internship networks, cultural resources, and proximity to major employers across diverse sectors, enhancing experiential learning opportunities.
Residential life and campus community center on Franciscan ideals of inclusion, service, and mutual support. Students engage through volunteer initiatives, faith-based programming, and student organizations that reflect the university's justice-oriented mission. The Joliet location offers students a manageable campus setting while maintaining access to Chicago's resources, creating an attractive balance for those seeking Franciscan Catholic education within commuting distance of major metropolitan opportunities.