
Romeoville, ILprivate nonprofitwww.lewisu.edu/
Admit rate has ranged 64%–74% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Lewis University, a mid-sized Catholic institution in Romeoville, IL, blends practical career preparation with a supportive, close-knit community. Known for its strong aviation and nursing programs, Lewis offers a hands-on education where 71% of applicants get in—but those who enroll find faculty deeply invested in their success. With 23% of students living on campus and a graduation rate of 62%, it’s a school that rewards engagement.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Outcomes & value
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Lewis University is not selective, with a 71.3% acceptance rate (4,493 admits from 6,302 applicants for Fall 2024). The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 960–1200 or ACT composites averaging 23.7. While a high school diploma or GED is required, the admissions process is straightforward, offering early action but no deferred admission option. Contact info includes a toll-free number (800-897-9000) and admissions@lewisu.edu for inquiries.
Lewis offers 80+ undergraduate majors, with standout programs in Aviation Management, Computer Science, Nursing, and Criminal Justice. The faculty are repeatedly praised for being and hands-on, fostering a supportive environment. Graduate programs, including STEM degrees, are expanding, with U.S. News rankings in some fields. Small class sizes and a focus on define the academic culture—graduates are noted for their in professional settings.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Only 23% of students live on campus, but those who do describe a tight-knit community with active traditions and inclusive vibes (check #LewisU on Instagram for snapshots). The International Student Association promotes cross-cultural connections, while Division II athletics (the Flyers) rally school spirit. Reviews highlight the approachability of staff and the ease of finding niche groups, from aviation enthusiasts to nursing cohorts. Romeoville’s suburban location means Chicago’s internships and nightlife are a short train ride away.
The 6-year graduation rate is 62.4%, with 79.2% of freshmen returning for sophomore year—a sign of student satisfaction. Alumni median earnings 10 years out are $66,099, though short-term post-grad earnings hover around $36,427. Nursing graduates report strong licensure pass rates, and the average debt at graduation is $18,750, below the national average. However, ROI critiques note a -23.7% return compared to peer institutions, suggesting outcomes vary by major.
Tuition after aid averages $19,472, with 69% of students receiving financial aid (average package: $37,343). Merit scholarships range from $21,000–$23,000 for top achievers (Presidential to Dean’s awards). The school promotes its ‘financial wellness’ initiatives, including a scholarship calculator for prospective students. Still, Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. tools caution that estimates aren’t binding—actual aid can vary based on FAFSA and institutional policies.
Lewis carves a niche with its aviation program (a rarity in the Midwest) and nursing pipeline, offering direct paths to in-demand careers. The Catholic Lasallian mission infuses campus culture with an emphasis on service, while the suburban-but-connected location appeals to students who want internships in Chicago without urban chaos. It’s a high-access, high-support school—less selective, but with faculty who push students to exceed expectations. For those who engage deeply, the ROI isn’t just monetary: alumni cite mentorship and hands-on learning as lifelong advantages.