Clinton, Iowa. Founded in 1918 and conducted by the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Immaculate Conception. Preparatory school, college of arts and sciences, special courses. In 1967 the school began admitting male students. In 1979 it began conferring B.A. degrees, and was named Mount Saint Clare College. In 2002 the school was renamed The Franciscan University, and in 2004 named The Franciscan University of the Prairies. In 2005 the school was sold to a private concern, became Ashford University, and lost its Franciscan affiliations.