Lewis University
Lewis University is a private nonprofit university in Romeoville, IL ranked #261 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 3,665 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 72.7%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Air Transportation.
Day to day, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.6% first-year retention, and 62.6% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,370, about $1,372 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -23.7%, roughly 109.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $56,095. That's about $12,407 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Lewis University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lewis University graduates 62.6% of students within six years and keeps 83.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lewis University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $37,882 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,140 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,190 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,843 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 30.9% of Lewis University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,995 to $24,497 depending on family income. Use Lewis University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,501/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,497/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $56,095
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,095
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.9%
- Employment Rate 92.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lewis University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lewis University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lewis University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lewis University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lewis University graduates earn $56,095 median, the -23.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-610
- SAT Math 500-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,665
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.6%
- Graduation Rate 62.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Lewis University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lewis University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 72.7%, Lewis University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 72.7% acceptance rate, Lewis University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lewis University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Air Transportation draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 10.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 9.5%
- Air Transportation 9.2%
- Computer Science 8.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.9%
- Psychology, General 6.5%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.2%
- Special Education and Teaching 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $86,450
- 2. Air Transportation $78,785
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $75,797
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Human Resources Management and Services $68,827
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $64,649
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $64,595
- 7. Marketing $61,979
- 8. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $61,464
- 9. Computer Science $60,726
- 10. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $57,984
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $123,620
- 2. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $108,294
- 3. Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degree) $96,484
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $89,109
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $87,368
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $81,905
- 7. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $71,216
- 8. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $67,197
- 9. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $64,864
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $58,030
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $86,450—49% more than Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($57,984). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $123,620 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lewis University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree, 105 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 90 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 74 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (51 programs)▼
- Air Transportation
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Marketing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Social Work
- Security Science and Technology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physics
- History
- Chemistry
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Computer Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Legal Support Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Journalism
- International Business
- Design and Applied Arts
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Transportation and Materials Moving, Other
- Sociology
- Public Administration
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Music
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Communication and Media Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Online Master's Degrees (15 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Social Work
- Special Education and Teaching
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Physics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,665
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.5%
- Female Students 48.5%
- Caucasian 53.1%
- Asian 7.6%
- Hispanic 25.2%
- Black 6.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 30.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lewis University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lewis University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lewis University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lewis University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lewis University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lewis University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lewis University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -23.7% ROI. Ranked #261 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,370 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $56,095 median earnings. With 62.6% graduating within six years and 83.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Lewis University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #261 ranking, Lewis University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,370 annually, Lewis University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $12,859 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -23.7% ROI and $56,095 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,370+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Lewis University ranks #261 of 1973 institutions, with 415 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 62.6% six-year graduation rate sits 0.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.6% first-year retention is 6.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -23.7% return on investment is 109.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $56,095 run about 28% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,370 is roughly $1,540 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.7% employment rate within three years sits 24.5 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 30.9% trails the national share by 2.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Lewis University is a private nonprofit university based in Romeoville, IL and earns a A- overall grade. It holds a #261 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 83.6% retention and 62.6% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -23.7% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,370 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,843.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,473 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $56,095 six years after enrollment. That sits about 28% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 92.7% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -23.7%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
72.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lewis University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Illinois campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Romeoville, IL 60446-2200
- Website www.lewisu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$100.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.3%