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$26,100Tuition
528Students
23%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$29,963Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearLiberal ArtsData: 2023-24

About East-West University

East-West University draws 528 students to Chicago's South Side with a mission focused on serving diverse, first-generation college students. The university built its reputation around career-oriented programs in business, engineering, and computer science. Over 94% of students come from Illinois, reflecting the school's deep community roots. The institution specifically targets students who might not otherwise access higher education.

The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average of $21,055 after aid, with 80% receiving some form of financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $29,963 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,986. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a significant burden given these earning levels. Low-income students pay around $18,975 net price, making college accessible despite the challenging return on investment.

Academic success proves difficult to achieve here. Only 23% of students graduate within six years, and just 37% return for their second year. The 29:1 student-faculty ratio suggests limited individual attention. However, 92% of graduates do find employment, indicating the career-focused programs deliver job-relevant skills even if degree completion remains challenging.

Academics & Faculty

East-West University focuses on career-oriented programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. The university maintains a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes and less individual attention than typical small colleges. Only 23% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face in completing their degrees. The school serves a predominantly diverse, first-generation college population with 80% receiving Pell Grants. Despite academic struggles, 92% of graduates find employment, suggesting the programs do connect to job opportunities. The quarter system allows for accelerated course completion. Students here typically balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing practical degrees in business, technology, and health-related fields.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
29:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
16.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
23.0%
Retention Rate
36.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$29,963
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Behavioral Sciences. Bachelor $32,925
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $26,353

View all 15 programs →

Campus Life

East-West University sits in the heart of Chicago, putting 528 students right in the middle of America's third-largest city. With 94.67% of students coming from Illinois, most already know to pack heavy winter coats for the brutal Chicago winters and lighter clothes for humid summers. The diverse student body reflects the city itself, with 35.42% Black students and 32.39% Hispanic students creating a multicultural campus environment.

The small enrollment means you'll recognize faces across the quarter system calendar, though the 29:1 student-faculty ratio suggests larger class sizes than typical small colleges. Students typically live off-campus since the university doesn't emphasize residential life like traditional colleges. Weekend activities center around Chicago's offerings rather than campus events. Students head to Millennium Park, catch Cubs or White Sox games, or explore neighborhoods like Little Village and Chinatown. The 91.8% employment rate suggests students balance academics with work, often taking advantage of internships and job opportunities throughout the city. The urban setting means campus life blends seamlessly with city life.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–32°F
July Avg
69°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
0.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

East-West University draws students primarily from Chicago and Illinois communities, with 95% coming from in-state. The school serves as an educational gateway for first-generation college students, with over 80% receiving Pell Grants. The student body reflects Chicago's diversity, with Black and Hispanic students making up the majority of enrollment. This demographic profile aligns with the university's mission as an accessible institution focused on career preparation. The slight male majority suggests programs that traditionally attract men, though the gender split remains relatively balanced. Most students work while attending classes on the quarter system.
Men
53.4%
Women
46.6%
White
2.3%
Black
35.4%
Hispanic
32.4%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
94.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
80.2%

Location

East-West University sits in Chicago, one of America's largest metropolitan areas. The campus operates in Illinois' most populous city, home to 2.7 million residents. Chicago's South Loop and downtown districts provide an urban backdrop for the university's 528 students. The city offers extensive public transportation through the CTA system, connecting students to internships and job opportunities across the metropolitan area. Chicago's diverse neighborhoods reflect the university's student body, where 94.67% come from in-state. The urban setting provides access to major corporations, cultural institutions, and a thriving job market that helps explain the 91.8% employment rate among graduates. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare East-West University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Chicago, Illinois 60605

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$29,963
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,989
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$22,500
Loan Repayment Rate
16.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,986

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at East-West University?

East-West University serves 528 students with a diverse population where 35.42% are Black and 32.39% are Hispanic. The university draws almost exclusively from Illinois, with 94.67% of students coming from in-state. This small private institution has built its identity around serving underrepresented communities in Chicago's urban setting.

How much does East-West University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,055 after financial aid, down from the $26,100 sticker price. About 80.15% of students receive financial aid, with many qualifying for Pell Grants due to the university's focus on serving lower-income families. The school offers institutional grants averaging $9,941 to nearly half of all students.

What are the class sizes like at East-West University?

East-West University has a student-faculty ratio of 29:1, which is higher than many small colleges. The university operates on a quarter system calendar, allowing for intensive coursework in shorter terms. Despite the larger class sizes, the small overall enrollment of 528 students means most students still get to know their professors personally.

What happens to graduates of East-West University?

Graduates earn a median salary of $29,963 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's mission to serve first-generation college students entering the workforce. The employment rate reaches 91.8%, showing that most graduates find jobs after completing their career-focused programs. However, only 23% of students graduate within six years, indicating academic challenges that many students face.

Where is East-West University located?

East-West University sits in Chicago, giving students access to internships and job opportunities in America's third-largest city. The urban setting attracts students who want to stay close to home, with 94.67% coming from Illinois. Chicago's diverse neighborhoods mirror the university's own multicultural student body and mission.

Is East-West University a good value for money?

Students graduate with a median debt of $26,986 and face monthly loan payments of $286, but only 16.23% are successfully repaying their loans. The university serves many low-income students, with 80.15% receiving Pell Grants, making college access possible for families who might not otherwise afford it. However, the combination of modest post-graduation earnings and high debt creates financial challenges for many alumni.