What Verdica's 750 score means for University of St Francis
University of St Francis received a Verdica composite score of 750 out of 850, placing it in the "strong" performance band (740–799). This score reflects consistent compliance with federal and state education regulations, reliable accreditation standing, and measurable institutional stability based on regulatory filings.
A score in the strong band indicates that the institution meets baseline expectations across most compliance dimensions and poses minimal regulatory risk to students, partners, or funding bodies. For a prospective student, employer, or organization considering partnership, a 750 suggests a provider that has demonstrated accountability to oversight bodies and maintains operational standards aligned with federal requirements.
The score is not perfect—it leaves room for improvement, particularly in student outcomes—but it signals that an institution is actively managed and monitored within the regulatory system. Readers should interpret this as a "proceed with confidence, but verify specific program details" signal rather than a blanket endorsement.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 845. This near-excellent score reflects a strong standing with accrediting bodies that oversee academic quality and institutional mission. In the education sector, accreditation is the primary third-party validation that an institution meets educational standards, maintains financial stability, and operates in good faith. A score of 845 indicates no major sanctions, loss of accreditation, or restrictions on the institution's ability to grant degrees or access federal aid.
Student Outcomes: 585. This score falls in the "elevated" risk band, the lowest of the three sub-scores. Student outcomes typically measure graduation rates, employment placement, earnings post-graduation, and retention rates as reported to the Department of Education via IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System). A mid-range score here suggests outcomes that are present but may lag benchmarks for similar institutions or regional peer groups. This is the area flagging the most caution and warrants further investigation if student success metrics are a priority.
Compliance: 830. This strong sub-score indicates solid adherence to Title IV requirements (federal student aid rules, financial responsibility standards, and reporting accuracy). Compliance scores measure whether an institution has audit findings, repayment issues, or breaches in federal recordkeeping. An 830 reflects few red flags in regulatory audits and accurate submission of enrollment and financial data to oversight agencies.
What regulators in IL track for education providers
Illinois education providers are monitored primarily through three federal and state pathways:
Accreditation Status: Accrediting bodies such as the Higher Learning Commission conduct periodic reviews of institutional mission, governance, financial health, and educational quality. Loss of accreditation or conditional status is a major red flag that cascades into loss of federal aid eligibility.
Title IV Compliance: The U.S. Department of Education requires all institutions receiving federal student aid to maintain financial responsibility, accurate enrollment reporting, and timely responses to student loan servicers. Violations can include misreporting of graduation rates, improper disbursement of aid, or default rates exceeding thresholds. Serious infractions result in loss of aid eligibility or mandatory financial reserves.
IPEDS Data: Institutions submit enrollment, financial, and outcome data annually to the National Center for Education Statistics. These data feed public reporting (College Scorecard, institution websites) and inform regulatory risk assessments. Gaps, inconsistencies, or concerning trends in retention, graduation, or loan repayment can trigger audits.
In Illinois specifically, the Illinois Board of Higher Education also oversees public institutions and coordinates with regional accreditors.
Bottom line
University of St Francis scores in the strong performance range and presents low regulatory risk based on accreditation and compliance metrics. However, the notably lower student outcomes sub-score warrants a closer look at graduation rates, employment data, and program-specific results before enrollment or partnership decisions. Prospective stakeholders should review IPEDS data and the institution's own outcomes reporting directly.