Understanding USF Joliet Tuition Fees and Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing a university is a significant decision, and understanding the financial implications is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition fees, costs, and financial aid options at the University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet, Illinois, to help prospective students and their families make informed decisions.

Overview of the University of St. Francis

Established by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, the University of St. Francis is a Franciscan Catholic liberal arts college located in the Chicagoland area. Celebrating over 100 years of higher education rooted in Franciscan values, USF serves close to 4,000 students nationwide. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs in arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and social work. With over 51,000 USF alumni across the globe, the university prides itself on "bigger thinking" and a "brighter purpose."

Tuition and Fees

Tuition Costs

As of a recent freeze implemented by the university, both in-state and out-of-state tuition are set at the same rate. According to available data, the tuition is $38,110. This freeze was implemented to ease the financial pressure on students and families, especially considering the disruptions caused by events in recent years.

Additional Costs

Beyond tuition, students should also budget for additional expenses such as room and board, books, and supplies. The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is $11,980. Books and supplies are estimated to cost around $800.

Financial Aid and Grants

Gift Aid

A significant percentage of undergraduate students at USF receive gift aid, which includes grants and scholarships from federal, state, and institutional sources. The university provides a substantial amount in total needs-based scholarships and grants, totaling $19,766,440, as well as $1,718,972 in non-need-based scholarships and grants.

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Average Net Price

The average net price, which is the actual cost students and families pay after taking grants and scholarships into account, is a crucial factor to consider. The average net price is $16,761.

Student Loans

For many students, loans are an essential part of financing their education. USF students have access to federal and private loan options to help cover the costs of tuition and living expenses. The average federal loan amount per year is $5,477, while the average other loans per year amount to $13,956. It's important to note that these figures represent averages and individual loan amounts may vary.

Loan Default Rate

The loan default rate is an important metric to consider when evaluating the financial health of a university's graduates. The national loan default rate is 8%.

Median Monthly Loan Payment

The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed their studies, assuming a 10-year repayment plan at a 5.05% interest rate, is another important factor.

Institutional and Federal Refund Policies

Understanding the refund policies of the University of St. Francis is essential for students who may need to withdraw from their courses. Both institutional and federal policies dictate how tuition and financial aid are handled in such situations.

Institutional Refund Policy

The institutional refund policy specifies the percentage of tuition refunded based on the timing of the withdrawal. Refunds are processed only after completed withdrawal forms are received. The refund schedule for full-term courses is as follows:

1st or 2nd Week: 100% refund
3rd or 4th Week: 75% refund
5th Week and after: 0% refund

For modular courses, the refund schedule is:

1st Week: 100% refund
2nd Week: 75% refund
3rd Week and after: 0% refund

Resident room and board rates follow the same refund structure as full-term courses, as outlined in the housing contract. Refunds are payable to students thirty days after the official date of withdrawal. Students dropped or suspended from the University of St. Francis are not eligible for refunds.

Federal Refund Policy

The federal refund policy applies to students receiving Title IV assistance who completely withdraw from the university. The policy calculates the amount of unearned assistance to be returned to the federal programs. The steps involved are:

Determine the Last Date of Attendance: This is determined by class records, attendance records, or the date the student initiates the withdrawal. If the student withdraws without notifying the institution, the midpoint of the semester is used.

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Determine the Percentage of the Term Completed: This is calculated by dividing the number of calendar days completed by the number of calendar days in the term.
Determine the Percentage of Federal Title IV Assistance Earned: This is calculated by multiplying the percentage in step 2 by the total amount of federal Title IV assistance. The amount of unearned assistance is also calculated.
Return of Funds: The unearned assistance is returned to the federal programs in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans
- Subsidized Federal Direct Loans
- Perkins Loan
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal SEOG
- Other Title IV Assistance

Funds must be returned to the federal programs within 30 days. Students may owe a refund to the Department of Education, making them ineligible for further Title IV assistance from any institution until the refund is settled.

College of Business & Health Administration Refund Notice for Georgia Students

For Georgia students in the College of Business & Health Administration, a specific refund policy is in place, as required by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission. Students wishing to cancel their course registration must contact the Registrar’s Office by the end of the second week of the semester for a full refund. Students who have not attended class during the first three weeks will have their registration canceled and be eligible for a full refund.

The tuition charges are assessed according to the following schedule:

Cancellation during weeks 1-2: No charge
Cancellation during weeks 3-4: 75% of tuition refunded
Cancellation during weeks 5-7: 50% of tuition refunded
Cancellation after week 7: Full tuition charged

Campus Life and Student Experience

Outside of academics and finances, the University of St. Francis offers a vibrant campus life and a supportive community.

Campus Environment

The community at the University of St. Francis provides a "welcoming and friendly environment." The people who are here, from students to staff and faculty, all work to ensure everyone feels safe and accepted." One student describes their peers as "truly made of a different caliber than the rest. We care about helping our community and motivating those around us to achieve their full potential." Another student points out that "the student body at the University of St. Francis is very diverse and supportive of one another. There are many events for students to meet people…

Social Activities

Students point to "intramurals, athletic events, social activities organized by the clubs on campus, music concerts, [and] coffee talks" as favorite social activities.

Academics and Learning Environment

Education at the University of St. Francis centers on "lab-based and research-based assignments" and within this environment, "hands-on learning" opportunities abound. Ask a student from any department how they feel about it, and they'll probably be enthusiastic, like a science student who calls their department "one of the greatest strengths of the school" and values the emphasis on "research rather than lecture." You'll also hear about the advantages of "Business Research classes where we deal directly with clients," how the "robust nursing program" offers labs that are "quite exciting…learning how to truly care for someone is something St. Francis does well," or how the College of Education has "very vigorous and quality programs for undergrads." Another education student agrees, saying "There are no free grades, [and] each semester has challenged me academically and will make me a better person and future educator." Look to the professors for some credit in that regard: "Every teacher I have had has made themselves available to students, placing a high priority on their success, trust, and mental and physical health.

Admissions

Key Admissions Stats

The University of St. Francis has a rolling admissions policy, which means applications are accepted throughout the year. The application fee is $20, with fee waivers available. The university accepts the Common Application.

Important Deadlines

Fall Regular Decision: September 1 (Application Deadline), June 1 (Reply Deadline)

Admitted Student Stats

The average ACT composite score for admitted students is 25, and the average SAT composite score is 1140.

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