Stay Sharp. Serve Students.
Experience Matters
The University of St. Francis has been empowering educators for 100 years. Today, we proudly continue to serve those who serve others. What separates us from other institutions is our ability and willingness to customize offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s educators.
A pioneer in online learning, USF offered its first online courses and degree programs in 1998. More than 20 years later, our engaging online format balances quality learning experiences with flexibility and value. Dedicated educators have filled over 50,000 seats in courses offered through USF's REAL program since its debut.
Partnership Overview and Tuition
The College of Education is pleased to work with O.A. Thorp Scholastic Academy to offer reduced tuition for select graduate courses offered through the REAL program. Educators can choose from eligible course titles in Bilingual Education and ESL, LBSI K–21, and Reading.
District or school issued email must be provided during the registration process to confirm eligibility.
Current tuition rate for designated program course sections is $195* per credit hour. O.A. Thorp will pay 2/3 of the tuition and participants will pay the remaining 1/3 of the tuition at the time of registration for each class.
Courses offered through the REAL program (prefix EEND, REAL, RECT, REND) are not eligible for federal financial assistance.
Courses taken outside of this partnership are billed at standard university tuition rates.
All courses will run 100% online.
Registration is required at least four (4) weeks prior to the initial cohort/course start date and two (2) weeks prior to subsequent course start dates.
*Reflects 30% discount on standard tuition rate for courses offered through the REAL program as of Fall 2023. Tuition subject to university increases.
Registration Process
Partner course sections are filled on a first-to-register basis. Availability is not guaranteed.
Payment in full is due at the time of registration.
Registration works best from a PC or laptop as varied mobile device settings cause issues for some.
Confirmation and subsequent communications occasionally get tangled in firewalls and placed in SPAM or junk folders. Be sure to take a look if you find you have not received confirmation of enrollment within three (3) business days of submitting your course registration.
Earn Credit Now and Apply it Toward a Master's Degree Later
Did you know that educators can roll up to 18 hours of graduate credit earned through REAL at the University of St. Francis into the M.S. Reading and M.S. Teaching & Learning programs.
Application and admission to the university is required.
Standard tuition rates apply for all core courses within the M.S. degree programs.
For additional information, please contact Maggie Stevenson, Graduate Admissions Counselor at mstevenson@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-3389
There's Even More to Explore at USF!
*Per credit hour tuition (PCH) rates as of Spring 2021. May reflect cohort/educator discount. Tuition does not include required books, materials, or applicable fees. All tuition is subject to University increases.