East-West University
East-West University has an average net price of $18,499, and an overall rank of #1896 (Grade D-). About 18.1% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $46,034 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
East-West University is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Behavioral Sciences.
Academically, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, and 37.1% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 49.8%. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is East-West University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
East-West University graduates 18.1% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 18.5% and keeps 37.1% 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 East-West 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
Est. annual aid gap: $13,554 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $25,395 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $32,053 |
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 61.3% of East-West University students receive Pell Grants — well above 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 $15,628 to $24,979 depending on family income. Use East-West University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $46,034
- 10-Year Median Earnings $34,926
- Average Years to Graduate 5.0 years
- Average Student Debt $25,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~54.3%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 16.2%
- Employment Rate 83.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for East-West University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
East-West University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how East-West University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes East-West 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 468
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Retention Rate 37.1%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 18.1%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 18.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into East-West University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: East-West 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, East-West 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 East-West University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Computer and Information Sciences, General, and Behavioral Sciences draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 37.5%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 23.2%
- Behavioral Sciences 17.9%
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Tec 7.1%
- English Language and Literature, General 7.1%
- Biology, General 7.1%
See more majors
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engine 0.0%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 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. Business Administration, Management and Operations $47,174
- 2. Behavioral Sciences $37,135
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $47,174—27% more than Behavioral Sciences ($37,135). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for East-West 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Behavioral Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
- English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degree, 4 graduates)
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree, 3 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (7 programs)▼
- Behavioral Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- English Language and Literature, General
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Biology, General
- Mathematics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 468
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Male Students 50.0%
- Female Students 50.0%
- Caucasian 1.5%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 31.4%
- Black 41.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 61.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects East-West University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of East-West University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does East-West 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 East-West University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: East-West University has a diverse student body, with 1.5% identifying as White. 61.3% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does East-West 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 East-West University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
East-West University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #1896 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,499 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $46,034 median earnings. With 18.1% graduating within 150% of normal time and 37.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: East-West University's Positioning
With a D- grade and #1896 ranking, East-West University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,499 annually, East-West University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 37.1% 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 $12,949 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $46,034 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,499+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: East-West University ranks #1896 of 1934 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
- 18.1% graduation rate sits 44.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 37.1% first-year retention is 39.7 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $46,034 run about 25% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $18,499 is roughly $1,408 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 83.9% employment rate within three years is 15.7 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 37.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 83.9% employment rate within three years sits 15.7 points above national outcomes.
- 61.1% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- 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
EDsmart rates East-West University—a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL—at D- overall. It is currently ranked #1896 overall Grades by category break down as Completion D, Support D, Career Outcomes C-, 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: 37.1% retention, 18.1% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 18.5% earning an award within eight years. 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
Families pay about $18,499 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $32,053.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,554 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 61.3% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $46,034 five years after graduation. This is roughly 25% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 83.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
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 East-West 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). East-West University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/east-west-university/
MLA (9th): “East-West University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/east-west-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “East-West University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/east-west-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does East-West University cost?
At East-West University, listed tuition and fees are $25,395 per year, and the average net price after aid is $18,499. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is East-West University's ranking?
East-West University ranks #1896 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of D-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is East-West University's graduation rate?
At East-West University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 18.1% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 18.5%, and first-year retention is 37.1%.
What are East-West University's job outcomes?
Graduates of East-West University report median earnings of $46,034 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is East-West University's student population?
East-West University enrolls about 468 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 816 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
- Website www.eastwest.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)