Rush University
Rush University has a national rank of #104 (Grade A), with a 82.8% 8-year graduation rate, about 138 undergraduates, and median earnings of $110,508 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Rush University is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions and Medicine.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Rush University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Rush University reports an 8-year award rate of 82.8% and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Rush 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 | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | Not reported |
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 36.7% of Rush University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $110,508
- 10-Year Median Earnings $75,194
- Average Years to Graduate 4.0 years
- Average Student Debt $21,988
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 84.9%
- Employment Rate 94.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Rush 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.
Rush University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Rush University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Rush University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 138
- Full-Time Students 60.1%
- Part-Time Students 39.9%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Rush University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Rush 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 Not reported, Rush University is selective. 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.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Rush University undergraduates. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A draw the most students.
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 61.7%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 38.3%
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A 0.0%
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. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $91,753
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $151,344
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $132,598
- 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $130,931
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $128,712
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $90,310
- 6. Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degree) $85,204
- 7. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degree) $80,786
- 8. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $78,080
- 9. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $73,590
- 10. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $72,089
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $151,344 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Rush 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
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 131 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree, 41 graduates)
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 31 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 (2 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Biotechnology
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Nutrition Sciences
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
Online Doctoral Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 138
- Full-Time Students 60.1%
- Part-Time Students 39.9%
- Male Students 25.4%
- Female Students 74.6%
- Caucasian 27.5%
- Asian 8.7%
- Hispanic 34.1%
- Black 21.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 36.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Rush University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Rush University's undergraduate population. Women make up 74.6% of the student body, while men represent 25.4%.
EDsmart Insight: Rush University has a diverse student body, with 27.5% identifying as White. Women make up 74.6% of undergraduates.
Our Take
Rush University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #104 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $0 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $110,508 median earnings. With 0.0% graduating within 150% of normal time and 0.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Rush University's Positioning
With a A grade and #104 ranking, Rush University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $0 annually, Rush University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 0.0% 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 $0 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $110,508 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $-10,000+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Rush University ranks #104 of 1947 institutions, with 0 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
- Median earnings of $110,508 run about 83% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- 94.1% employment rate within three years is 25.9 points above the national 68.2%.
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- #104 of 1,947 national placement reflects steady performance among comparable institutions.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 94.1% employment rate within three years sits 25.9 points above national outcomes.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- 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
Rush University, a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL, secures a A grade in our latest review. It stands at #104 among 1962 schools Completion earns 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.
The eight-year award rate hovers around 82.8%. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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
Review the charts above for a breakdown of tuition, aid, and typical expenses.
Aid awards vary by student profile, so completing the net price calculator is the best next step.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,988 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 36.7% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $110,508 at the median. This is roughly 83% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 94.1%.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
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 Rush 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rush University's ranking?
Rush University ranks #104 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Rush University's graduation rate?
At Rush University, the College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 82.8%.
What are Rush University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Rush University report median earnings of $110,508 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Rush University's student population?
Rush University enrolls about 138 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Chicago, IL 60612
- Website www.rushu.rush.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$835.1M