About Lewis University
Lewis University draws students who want a close-knit Catholic education without the pressure of highly selective admissions. With 3,665 students on a suburban campus in Romeoville, Illinois, this university accepts 74% of applicants and welcomes students with SAT scores averaging 1105. The school has built a strong reputation in aviation, nursing, and business programs since its founding in 1932.
The financial picture tells a positive story for most families. While tuition costs $37,882, the average student pays just $18,370 after aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $66,099 ten years after graduation, well above the $21,500 in typical debt students carry. Families earning under $30,000 pay only $10,995 per year, and even middle-income families earning $75,000-110,000 pay around $21,501.
Lewis competes in NCAA Division II with 19 varsity sports and awards over $5 million in athletic scholarships to 457 student athletes. The student body is 87% from Illinois, creating a regional community feel. With an 83.64% retention rate and 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention that helps explain the strong employment rate of 96.6% after graduation.
The financial picture tells a positive story for most families. While tuition costs $37,882, the average student pays just $18,370 after aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $66,099 ten years after graduation, well above the $21,500 in typical debt students carry. Families earning under $30,000 pay only $10,995 per year, and even middle-income families earning $75,000-110,000 pay around $21,501.
Lewis competes in NCAA Division II with 19 varsity sports and awards over $5 million in athletic scholarships to 457 student athletes. The student body is 87% from Illinois, creating a regional community feel. With an 83.64% retention rate and 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention that helps explain the strong employment rate of 96.6% after graduation.
Academics & Faculty
Lewis University focuses heavily on career preparation, with strong programs in aviation, nursing, and criminal justice that connect directly to job opportunities. The school operates one of the largest university-owned airports in the country and trains pilots for major airlines. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention from professors who often have industry experience. The 62.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's practical approach, where students sometimes take longer to finish because they're completing internships or clinical rotations. Business and education programs also have solid reputations in the Chicago area. This Catholic university emphasizes hands-on learning over theoretical study, making it ideal for students who want clear career paths rather than abstract academic exploration.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.6%
- Retention Rate
- 83.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,099
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,168 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $84,653 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,995 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $63,005 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,071 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $55,964 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,527 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $49,019 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,667 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $48,563 |
Campus Life
Lewis University sits in Romeoville, about 40 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago, giving students access to internships and jobs in the city while living on a quieter suburban campus. With housing capacity for 1,093 students and total enrollment of 3,665, about 30% of students live on campus, creating a close-knit feel where you'll recognize faces walking between classes. Illinois winters mean you'll need a good coat from November through March, with snow and temperatures often below freezing.
The Catholic identity shapes campus life without being overwhelming. Students gather for weekend activities ranging from Division II athletic events (19 varsity sports with 457 total athletes) to service projects in nearby communities. Many students work part-time jobs since 87% are from Illinois and often stay connected to home. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the suburban setting creates a safe environment where students often study outside when weather permits. Weekend trips to Chicago are common, but many students stick around for campus events and intramural sports.
The Catholic identity shapes campus life without being overwhelming. Students gather for weekend activities ranging from Division II athletic events (19 varsity sports with 457 total athletes) to service projects in nearby communities. Many students work part-time jobs since 87% are from Illinois and often stay connected to home. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the suburban setting creates a safe environment where students often study outside when weather permits. Weekend trips to Chicago are common, but many students stick around for campus events and intramural sports.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,093 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1932
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–30°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 32.3"
Student Demographics
Lewis University draws students who want a Catholic education close to home, with 87% coming from Illinois. The student body reflects the Chicago suburbs where it sits, with about half white students and a quarter Hispanic students. Many students come from working families, as shown by the 31% receiving Pell Grants for low-income students. The nearly even gender split comes from Lewis balancing traditional liberal arts with career-focused programs like aviation and nursing. Most students picked Lewis because they wanted small classes and Catholic values without leaving the state.
- Men
- 51.5%
- Women
- 48.5%
- White
- 53.1%
- Black
- 6.3%
- Hispanic
- 25.2%
- Asian
- 7.6%
- In-State Students
- 87.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.9%
Location
Lewis University sits in Romeoville, Illinois, about 30 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. The campus occupies 410 acres in a large suburban community that gives students access to both quiet residential neighborhoods and the economic opportunities of the Chicago metropolitan area. About 87% of students come from Illinois, many drawn by the proximity to internships and jobs in Chicago while still having a traditional college campus experience. The area around Romeoville includes several other colleges and universities, creating a region where higher education plays a major role in the local economy. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Lewis University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Romeoville, Illinois 60446-2200
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,099
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,878
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lewis University?
Lewis University accepts 74% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1105. This Catholic university in Romeoville draws most of its 3,665 students from Illinois, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.
How much does Lewis University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,370 despite a sticker price of $51,522 for total attendance. The school is known for making Catholic higher education accessible, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,995 annually.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lewis University?
Lewis maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, reflecting its commitment to personalized attention. The university built its reputation on close mentorship and small class sizes that help students succeed in competitive fields like aviation and nursing.
What do Lewis University graduates earn after college?
Lewis graduates earn a median salary of $66,099 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $228. The university's strong career services and industry connections help achieve a 96.6% employment rate for recent graduates.
Where do Lewis University students live on campus?
Campus housing accommodates 1,093 students at $12,140 annually for room and board. Lewis is known for its tight-knit residential community where students often form lasting friendships through shared Catholic values and traditions.
Does Lewis University offer athletic scholarships?
Lewis awards $5.1 million in athletic scholarships across 19 NCAA Division II sports with 457 total athletes. The university has built a strong reputation in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, particularly in baseball and women's volleyball.
