Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University has an acceptance rate of 97.2%, an average net price of $21,512, and an overall rank of #1445 (Grade C+). About 34.0% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $59,041 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Roosevelt University is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies and Humanities and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and 61.6% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 68.6%, roughly 18.7 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Roosevelt University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Roosevelt University graduates 34.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 49.7% and keeps 61.6% 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 Roosevelt 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: $15,606 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 | $23,154 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,502 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,498 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $37,118 |
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 56.0% of Roosevelt 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 $19,101 to $27,989 depending on family income. Use Roosevelt University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,974/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,989/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $59,041
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,800
- Average Years to Graduate 4.0 years
- Average Student Debt $20,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~33.9%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 45.6%
- Employment Rate 90.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Roosevelt University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Roosevelt University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Roosevelt University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Roosevelt University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 465-600
- SAT Math 430-575
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,849
- Full-Time Students 88.3%
- Part-Time Students 11.7%
- Retention Rate 61.6%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 34.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 49.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Roosevelt University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Roosevelt 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 97.2%, Roosevelt 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 97.2% acceptance rate, Roosevelt 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 895 and 1175 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Roosevelt University undergraduates. Business/Commerce, General, Psychology, General, and Accounting and Related Services draw the most students.
- Business/Commerce, General 14.9%
- Psychology, General 10.1%
- Accounting and Related Services 6.5%
- Hospitality Administration/Management 5.5%
- Biology, General 5.2%
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 5.2%
See more majors
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A 4.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.5%
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. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $88,995
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $75,948
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $75,822
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $75,231
- 5. Marketing $72,354
- 6. Human Resources Management and Services $70,329
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $66,723
- 8. Legal Support Services $66,600
- 9. Biology, General $63,705
- 10. Computer Science $63,092
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $100,024
- 2. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $97,844
- 3. Biotechnology (Master's Degree) $89,530
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $88,486
- 5. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $83,120
- 6. Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degree) $81,047
- 7. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $80,824
- 8. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degree) $70,211
- 9. Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education (Master's Degree) $69,833
- 10. Business/Corporate Communications (Master's Degree) $68,476
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities grads earn $88,995—41% more than Computer Science ($63,092). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $100,024 median earnings. 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 Roosevelt 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
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 93 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 57 graduates)
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Music (Master's Degree, 49 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 (52 programs)▼
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Accounting and Related Services
- Music
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Marketing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Computer Science
- Legal Support Services
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Business/Commerce, General
- Sociology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Mathematics
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Real Estate
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Sustainability Studies
- Education, General
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Social Sciences, General
- Philosophy
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Public Administration
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Journalism
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Online Master's Degrees (38 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Music
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Special Education and Teaching
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Real Estate
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Administration
- Dispute Resolution
- Psychology, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- History
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Biotechnology
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Journalism
- Information Science/Studies
- Human Services, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Education, Other
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Business/Commerce, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (9 programs)▼
- Music
- Psychology, General
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
- Education, Other
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Dispute Resolution
- Legal Support Services
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,849
- Full-Time Students 88.3%
- Part-Time Students 11.7%
- Male Students 37.1%
- Female Students 62.9%
- Caucasian 27.3%
- Asian 4.2%
- Hispanic 34.7%
- Black 21.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 56.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Roosevelt University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Roosevelt University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Roosevelt 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 Roosevelt University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Roosevelt University has a diverse student body, with 27.3% identifying as White. Women make up 62.9% of undergraduates. 56.0% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Roosevelt 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 Roosevelt University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Roosevelt University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #1445 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,512 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $59,041 median earnings. With 34.0% graduating within 150% of normal time and 61.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Roosevelt University's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1445 ranking, Roosevelt University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,512 annually, Roosevelt University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 61.6% 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 $15,058 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $59,041 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,512+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Roosevelt University ranks #1445 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
- 34.0% graduation rate sits 28.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 61.6% first-year retention is 15.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $59,041 run about 4% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $21,512 is roughly $1,604 higher than the national median of $19,908.
- 90.6% employment rate within three years is 22.4 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 61.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.6% employment rate within three years sits 22.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,512 is about $1,604 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- 53.4% 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.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Roosevelt University is a private nonprofit university based in Chicago, IL and earns a C+ overall grade. It holds a #1445 overall ranking Category results include Completion (C), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B-), 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: 61.6% retention, 34.0% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 49.7% 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 $21,512 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $37,118.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $15,606 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 56.0% 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 $59,041 five years after graduation. This is roughly 4% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 90.6% of alumni working within three years.
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
97.2% 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 Roosevelt 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). Roosevelt University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/roosevelt-university/
MLA (9th): “Roosevelt University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/roosevelt-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Roosevelt University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/roosevelt-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roosevelt University's acceptance rate?
Roosevelt University's acceptance rate is 97.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Roosevelt University cost?
At Roosevelt University, listed tuition and fees are $23,154 per year, and the average net price after aid is $21,512. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Roosevelt University's ranking?
Roosevelt University ranks #1445 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Roosevelt University's graduation rate?
At Roosevelt University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 34.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 49.7%, and first-year retention is 61.6%.
What are Roosevelt University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Roosevelt University report median earnings of $59,041 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Roosevelt University's student population?
Roosevelt University enrolls about 2,849 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 430 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605-1394
- Website www.roosevelt.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$137.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.1%