The University of St. Francis (USF), located in Joliet, Illinois, is a private Catholic university founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Saint Francis. Known for its strong emphasis on Franciscan values, the university fosters a commitment to service, social justice, and a holistic approach to education. The campus promotes a vibrant community where students are encouraged to engage in various service projects, reflecting the university's mission of developing compassionate leaders who contribute positively to society. USF's motto, "Ut omnes unum sint," which translates to "That all may be one," encapsulates its dedication to inclusivity and community building.

In terms of academic offerings, the University of St. Francis provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in nursing, education, business, and social work. The faculty is composed of experienced professionals and dedicated educators who prioritize student success and personalized learning experiences. Additionally, USF's campus features modern facilities, including advanced laboratories, libraries, and recreational amenities, supporting a well-rounded student life. The university also encourages athletic participation, as it is a member of the NAIA, offering various sports that foster teamwork and school spirit. With a focus on both academic excellence and community engagement, the University of St. Francis prepares its graduates for successful careers and lifelong learning.

Commentary on Key Data Trends at University of St. Francis

The data from the University of St. Francis highlights several significant trends that reflect the evolving landscape of higher education. One of the most striking aspects is the consistent increase in tuition fees over the years. For undergraduate students, the tuition has risen from approximately $27,970 in 2014 to $36,000 in 2023, marking an increase of about 29%. This trend is indicative of a broader national pattern where rising costs of higher education have become a pressing concern for students and families, often leading to increased student debt and financial strain.

Moreover, the enrollment figures reveal a concerning decline in undergraduate student numbers, dropping from 1,780 in 2014 to 1,414 in 2023. This decline of nearly 21% could suggest that prospective students are deterred by the high tuition costs or perhaps by other factors such as institutional reputation or available programs. Such trends may necessitate the university to explore innovative strategies to attract and retain students, such as enhanced financial aid packages or diversified academic offerings.

Additionally, the graduation rates show fluctuations, with the percentage of students graduating on time hovering around 38% in 2023. This statistic raises questions regarding the support systems in place for students. A lower graduation rate can impact the institution's reputation and its ability to attract future students.

Lastly, the retention rate has also seen a decline, with figures dropping from approximately 81% in 2020 to 71% in 2023. Retention is critical for maintaining enrollment and ensuring student success, so this trend underscores the need for the university to enhance its support services and engagement strategies to foster a more conducive learning environment.

In summary, the University of St. Francis faces challenges related to rising tuition costs, declining enrollment, fluctuating graduation rates, and retention issues. Addressing these challenges will be essential for the institution to sustain its growth and improve its educational outcomes.

Analysis of Graduation Data from University of St. Francis

The graduation data from the University of St. Francis for 2023 reveals significant trends across various disciplines. Notably, the fields of Education and Health Sciences dominate the master's degree graduates, with Education leading at 155 graduates, followed by Health-related programs contributing significantly to the total as well. This trend aligns with the growing demand for qualified educators and healthcare professionals in a rapidly evolving job market.

Furthermore, the data indicates a noticeable absence of bachelor’s degree graduates in many programs, which could suggest a potential bottleneck in entry-level education for students aiming to advance to higher degrees. The sole exceptions are Psychology and Biology, which recorded 28 and 26 bachelor graduates, respectively. This may reflect a strategic focus on increasing graduate-level education in these fields while potentially discouraging undergraduate enrollments.

The international student representation in several master's programs, particularly in Business Administration, is noteworthy. The data shows 5 international graduates in this area, highlighting the university's appeal to a diverse student body and its commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Overall, the data underscores the University of St. Francis’s alignment with contemporary workforce needs, especially in education and healthcare, while also pointing to areas that may require strategic enrollment management for undergraduate programs. As industries increasingly prioritize specialized skills, universities must adapt their offerings to ensure graduates are well-prepared for future challenges.

Trends in Admission Rates and Rankings at the University of St. Francis

The University of St. Francis has experienced noticeable fluctuations in its rankings and admission rates over the years. From 2020 to 2023, the university's ranking has shown a downward trend, moving from 202nd to 299th. This decline may reflect various factors, including competition among institutions and changes in student preferences, particularly in light of the pandemic's impact on higher education. In terms of admission rates, the university has seen a significant increase in both male and female acceptance rates, particularly from 2021 to 2022, where the rates surged to 55.4% for males and 69.1% for females. This increase might indicate a strategic shift towards attracting a larger applicant pool, potentially influenced by the changing landscape of college admissions where institutions aim to enhance diversity and inclusivity. The enrollment numbers also provide insights into the university's appeal. Despite the fluctuations in rankings, the enrollment figures have consistently hovered around the 200 to 240 range, suggesting a stable interest in the programs offered. However, the rising number of denied applicants, particularly in 2020 with over 1,200 denials, highlights the competitive nature of admissions during this period. As we look ahead, the university will need to address the challenges posed by its declining rank while leveraging its increased acceptance rates to enhance its reputation. By focusing on improving student satisfaction and outcomes, it can work towards reclaiming a stronger position in the higher education landscape.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at the University of St. Francis

The data from the University of St. Francis presents an intriguing picture of the trends in standardized test scores over the years. Notably, the percentage of admitted students submitting ACT scores has remained consistently high, reaching 100% from 2007 to 2009, and continuing to show robust participation in subsequent years.

In terms of SAT scores, there has been a noticeable fluctuation. Initially, there were very few submissions, with only 1% of students submitting scores in 2010, but this gradually improved to 76% by 2021. This upward trend suggests a growing emphasis on SAT scores among applicants, possibly influenced by changes in admission policies or a shift in student preferences.

Moreover, the range of SAT reading and math scores has seen a significant improvement. Scores in the 25th percentile have gradually increased, indicating that the university is attracting stronger candidates over the years. The latest data from 2023 shows a 25th percentile score of 500 in SAT reading, reflecting an upward trajectory in academic preparedness among incoming students.

As universities across the U.S. grapple with the impact of test-optional policies, the University of St. Francis appears to be navigating these changes effectively. The increasing number of students submitting SAT scores, alongside the sustained high percentage of ACT submissions, may indicate a strategic move towards a more holistic evaluation process, balancing test scores with other admission criteria. This trend may also reflect broader societal shifts as students recognize the importance of standardized tests in the college admission landscape.

Student Demographics at the University of St. Francis in 2023

The demographic composition of students at the University of St. Francis in 2023 presents an interesting picture. With 216 incoming freshmen, the majority of this group is female, comprising 56.9%. This trend of higher female enrollment continues among upperclassmen and graduate students, where the female ratios are even more pronounced, at 68.5% and 78.4% respectively. Such a skew towards female students in higher education is consistent with trends observed across many universities nationwide, where institutions are seeing more women than men enrolling.

The university also has a noteworthy presence of underrepresented minorities. The breakdown of students by race shows that while the majority remains white, there is a significant number of students from diverse backgrounds, including Asian, Latinx, and African American communities. This reflects the broader push for inclusivity and diversity in higher education, which has been a focal point in recent years.

Interestingly, the proportion of male students declines as we move to higher academic levels, which raises questions about the factors influencing male enrollment in college. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that men are increasingly underrepresented in higher education settings.

Overall, the University of St. Francis is fostering an environment that not only encourages diversity but also supports a growing female student population. This is a positive reflection of societal changes and educational reforms aimed at creating equitable opportunities for all students. As the university continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor these trends and their implications for future academic and social dynamics on campus.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at the University of St. Francis in 2023

The age composition of students at the University of St. Francis reveals a diverse demographic, particularly in the undergraduate population. The data shows a significant concentration of students aged 18-21, which is typical for universities, as this age group usually comprises the majority of traditional college students. Specifically, 40% of undergraduates fall within the 18-21 age range, indicating a robust influx of young adults pursuing higher education immediately after high school.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable trend in the older age brackets, particularly among graduate students. Those ages 25-29 and 30-34 represent a substantial portion of the graduate demographic, accounting for approximately 29% and 28% of total graduate students, respectively. This suggests that the university is attracting a significant number of non-traditional students seeking further education or career advancement, reflecting a broader societal trend towards lifelong learning.

The gender composition is relatively balanced, with a slight majority of female students across most age categories. This aligns with national trends in higher education, where female enrollment has surpassed that of males in recent years.

Overall, the age and gender distribution at the University of St. Francis illustrates a vibrant educational environment that caters to both traditional and non-traditional students, fostering diversity and inclusivity in its academic community. It is essential for educational institutions to continue adapting to these demographic shifts to meet the evolving needs of their student populations.

Analysis of International Student Trends at the University of St. Francis

The data on international students at the University of St. Francis reveals a fluctuating yet gradually increasing trend in the proportion of international undergraduates over the years. Starting from only 0.08% in 2004, the percentage of international undergraduates has risen to 2.62% by 2023. This growth, although modest, indicates a growing interest among international students in pursuing undergraduate studies at the university.

In contrast, the percentage of international graduate students has shown more variability, with a peak of 1.93% in 2012 before declining to 0.58% in 2023. The fluctuations in graduate enrollment can be attributed to various factors, including changing global conditions, the competitiveness of programs, and the economic climate affecting international students' ability to study abroad. The declining numbers in recent years could reflect the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic or shifts in visa policies that have made it more difficult for international students to pursue education in the U.S.

Overall, the data suggests that while the University of St. Francis has made strides in attracting international students, particularly at the undergraduate level, there remains significant room for growth, especially among graduate programs. The university may benefit from targeted recruitment strategies and enhanced support services for international students to increase these numbers in the future, thereby enriching the campus's diversity and global engagement.

Here are some notable universities near the University of St. Francis:

1. University of Chicago - Ranked 11th in the 2025 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its rigorous academics and distinguished faculty.

2. Northwestern University - With a remarkable ranking of 6th, Northwestern offers a diverse range of programs and is renowned for its research initiatives.

3. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 18th, Notre Dame is famous for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life, particularly in the fields of business and engineering.

4. Purdue University-Main Campus - This university holds the 46th rank and is well-regarded for its engineering and technology programs.

5. Illinois Institute of Technology - Ranked 105th, this institution focuses on engineering, science, and technology education.

6. Wheaton College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Wheaton is ranked 53rd and is known for its strong emphasis on Christian values and liberal arts education.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities, catering to different academic interests and career aspirations.

Analysis of Crime Data at the University of St. Francis

The crime data from the University of St. Francis reveals some notable trends over the years. In 2013, the crime rate per 1,000 students was 2.45, which indicates a relatively low level of crime at the university. However, this figure increased significantly to 4.80 in 2016, marking a peak in reported incidents. The spike can be attributed to various factors, including increased awareness and reporting of crimes, particularly violent offenses such as assault and domestic violence.

Interestingly, after reaching its peak in 2016, the crime rate began to decline, hitting a low of 0.79 in 2021. This decline coincides with a time when many universities shifted their focus towards enhancing campus security and promoting a safer environment for students. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to reduced campus activity, which likely contributed to the drop in crime statistics.

In 2022, the rate rose slightly to 1.23, but it remains significantly lower compared to the highs of previous years. The most recent data for 2023 shows a return to a crime rate of 2.67, suggesting fluctuations may continue as students return to normal campus life post-pandemic.

Overall, the data reflects a university that has experienced challenges with crime but has also taken steps to improve safety. Continuous efforts in crime prevention and awareness are essential to maintain and further lower these rates. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, visit: Crime Rate Calculation Method.