Continuing a Legacy of Discovery

In 1952, British scientist and researcher Dr. Rosalind Franklin altered humankind’s understanding of biology. Her work in X-ray diffraction during the preceding years helped her capture “Photograph 51” of the “B” form of DNA while at King’s College in London. This discovery directly led to the development of the double-helix model of DNA that same year.

The faculty, staff and 2,100-plus students at RFU carry on Dr. Franklin’s legacy of discovery every single day. We do that through a combination of:

• Rigorous academics, with interprofessionalism as a foundation
• Advancements in health, wellness and medicine at our Innovation and Research Park
• Groundbreaking approaches to community service

RFU provides a place where students, faculty, practitioners, researchers and entrepreneurs converge around a common goal: improve the quality and delivery of health and wellness for all. And we offer a wealth of student support services to ensure we cultivate an inclusive campus.

By embodying our namesake’s traits of inquiry, diligence and academic excellence, we’re continuing to shape the future of health care. Come to RFU and be a part of it.

Six Unique Schools, One Great Campus

Our beautiful 97-acre campus is located in North Chicago, Illinois, approximately 35 miles north of downtown Chicago. We offer graduate-level health degrees through our six specialized schools:

• Chicago Medical School
• College of Health Professions
• College of Nursing
• College of Pharmacy
• Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
• School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

RFU by the Numbers

Enrollment for Fall 2026

823	Chicago Medical School
531	College of Health Professions
343	College of Nursing
146	College of Pharmacy
302	Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
26	School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
2,171	RFU Total Enrollment

Degrees Conferred in 2025-2026

207	Master of Science
175	Doctor of Medicine
78	Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
44	Doctor of Physical Therapy
15	Doctor of Philosophy
27	Doctor of Pharmacy
37	Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Anesthesia

Faculty & Staff

156	Full-time faculty
256	Part-time faculty
571	Administration and staff

Data as of October 2026

Alumni

9,065	Chicago Medical School (est. 1912)
7,121	College of Health Professions (est. 1970)
443	College of Nursing (est. 2022)
606	College of Pharmacy (est. 2011)
5,590	Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (est. 1912)
730	School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (est. 1968)

Scholarships

During the 2025-2026 academic year, a total of $9.3 million in financial assistance (institutional and donor-funded scholarships as well as tuition waivers) was awarded to nearly 800 students.

The RFU Difference

• Academic Seal of Quality: 100% of all clinical programs and the university have been granted the maximum years of accreditation possible.
• 96% of students say they have a comprehensive understanding of interprofessionalism.
• Groundbreaking Research in 12 major areas is being conducted by RFU scientists. As a university we are leading and shaping the future of health care.
• Our new Virtual Health System is a 23,000+ square foot fully immersive training space where students practice complex, hands-on clinical simulations before stepping into real-world healthcare environments. This year we will deliver nearly 50,000 learner contact hours.
• 80+ Student Clubs and Organizations are registered through our campus life office. Getting involved offers opportunities to have fun, get exercise, give back to the community, get hands-on practice, gain leadership experience and build your professional network.
• 45 U.S. Patents Held and 35 U.S. Patents issued in the past 10 years, with an additional 16 patents pending. Our discovery work is nationally and internationally recognized in several critical areas, from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases to genetic diseases, cancer, behavioral disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Service Learning is part of an RFU education. RFU students have many opportunities to learn beyond the classroom while helping others, giving them practical experience serving community members as part of an interprofessional team.
• 1,000+ uninsured patients served at our pro bono Interprofessional Community Clinic in 2025, a 20% increase over the previous year for services that include primary care, podiatry, behavioral health, physical therapy, ophthalmology, dermatology, pelvic health and psychiatric services to the uninsured.

Mission

To improve the wellness of all people through innovative, interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery and implementation of knowledge.

Vision

To lead the nation in developing interprofessional healthcare education and biomedical discovery to advance an equitable, healthy society.

Core Values

Collaboration, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Justice, Respect and Scholarship.

• Collaboration: We actively engage in interprofessional and respectful teamwork toward shared goals.
• Excellence: We continuously embody and elevate world-class scientific research, education, and clinical care.
• Innovation: We cultivate discovery and adapt our thinking to solve emerging problems and critical issues.
• Integrity: We act with courage, honor and accountability demonstrating the highest ethical and moral standards.
• Justice: We commit to treating all individuals with fairness and respect.
• Respect: We treat those we serve and those with whom we work with the highest civility and dignity.
• Scholarship: We cultivate an environment where the creation, dissemination, and implementation of knowledge and continuous learning are embraced by our community.