The University of St. Francis is a Catholic, Franciscan university, serving more than 3,300 students at locations throughout the nation. USF's main campus is located at 500 Wilcox Street in Joliet, Illinois. It is located about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Chicago in a residential neighborhood and serves 1,300 students. The University of St. Francis was founded in 1920 by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for the education of its own members. In 1925, under the name Assisi Junior College, it began accepting women outside the congregation. With the start of the fall term of 1930, a senior college curriculum was formed and a new name, the College of St. Francis was adopted. In 1971, the college became co-educational, and the first off-campus degree programs were started in the fall of 1972. In 1980, a master’s program in health services administration was offered followed in the early 90’s by various other graduate offerings.