Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing differs from traditional university experiences, as the focused curriculum and clinical demands leave limited time for extracurricular activities. Most students are adults with prior college experience, many balancing nursing school with work and family responsibilities. The college does not maintain residence halls, so students live off-campus in apartments throughout the Peoria area. Study groups form naturally among cohort members who progress through the program together, creating support networks that extend beyond graduation. The Student Nurses Association provides opportunities for professional development, community service, and social connection among classmates. Guest speakers from various nursing specialties visit campus throughout the academic year, offering insights into career paths students might pursue after licensure. The college celebrates significant milestones with ceremonies including the traditional pinning at graduation, when graduates receive pins designed to represent their connection to the Saint Francis nursing tradition. Annual events bring students, faculty, and alumni together to strengthen bonds within the nursing community. While the college lacks the clubs, sports teams, and Greek life found at larger institutions, students find that the intensity of shared academic experiences creates lasting professional and personal relationships.

Location & Surroundings

Peoria sits along the Illinois River roughly 170 miles southwest of Chicago, serving as the commercial and cultural hub of central Illinois. The city of approximately 115,000 anchors a metropolitan area of over 400,000 residents, providing urban amenities while maintaining a manageable Midwestern pace. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center occupies a prominent position in downtown Peoria, putting nursing students at the center of the region's healthcare community. The Peoria Riverfront Museum offers art, science, and history exhibits within walking distance of campus, while the Civic Center hosts concerts, Broadway tours, and sporting events. Caterpillar Inc. maintains its global headquarters in Peoria, and the company's presence has shaped the city's economy and philanthropic landscape for over a century. Bradley University sits just miles from the medical center, providing additional cultural and athletic events for the broader community. Students seeking outdoor recreation explore the Rock Island Trail, a 26-mile path popular with cyclists and joggers, or visit Wildlife Prairie Park to see native Illinois animals in natural habitats. The cost of living in Peoria runs below national averages, with affordable apartments available near campus and throughout the city. Chicago offers big-city experiences for weekend trips, while Springfield's Lincoln historic sites sit less than 90 minutes south by car.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Financial planning is important when considering Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. The institution offers scholarships, grants, work-study, and payment plans to help make education accessible. The financial aid office assists students in identifying funding opportunities. Career services support graduates in launching successful careers across various fields.

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