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Continuing a Legacy of Discovery

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Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) is named for a pioneer in scientific research. Today, we’re carrying her legacy forward by sustaining an innovative, collaborative environment for advanced healthcare education and research.

Campus courtyard from the Morningstar Interprofessional Education Center

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 1,900-plus students at RFU carry on Dr. Franklin’s legacy of discovery every single day. We do that through a combination of:

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:

RFU by the Numbers

Enrollment for 2023-2024

773 Chicago Medical School
511 College of Health Professions
156 College of Nursing
150 College of Pharmacy
334 Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
26 School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
1,950 RFU Total Enrollment

Degrees Conferred in 2023

173 Master of Science
177 Doctor of Medicine
87 Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
51 Doctor of Physical Therapy
16 Doctor of Philosophy
49 Doctor of Pharmacy
36 Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Anesthesia

Faculty & Staff

164 Full-time faculty
194 Part-time faculty
573 Administration and staff

Data as of November 2023

Alumni

8,803 Chicago Medical School (est. 1912)
7,084 College of Health Professions (est. 1970)
523 College of Pharmacy (est. 2011)
5,523 Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (est. 1912)
730 School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (est. 1968)

Scholarships

During the 2022-23 academic year, a total of $8.9 million in gift assistance (internal and external scholarships and tuition waivers) was awarded to over 1,000 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.
  • 95% of employees feel RFU is a good place to work.
  • 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, not just "keeping up."
  • 264 students volunteered at the ICC in 2023 across 8 different programs.
  • 6 Simulation Labs on RFU's campus create a virtual health system. Interprofessional teams of RFU students practice more than 40,000 hours of simulation each year, improving their procedural, problem-solving, safety and communication skills before they work with human patients.
  • 100+ 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.
  • 44 U.S. Patents Held and 33 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.
  • 695 uninsured patients served at our pro bono Interprofessional Community Clinic in 2023, a 55% 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 that diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into all aspects of our work.
  • 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.
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