About Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University attracts students who want to make a difference in the world through its strong commitment to social justice education. With 2,583 students on its downtown Chicago campus, the university has produced notable graduates like former Chicago mayor Harold Washington and Broadway star Audra McDonald. The school's performing arts programs draw talent from across the region, while its social justice mission permeates academic offerings throughout the full university.
Students pay an average net price of $20,152 after financial aid, making Roosevelt one of the more affordable private options in Chicago. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds. Graduates earn a median of $48,712 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $22,000. The monthly loan payment of $233 represents a manageable burden relative to graduate earnings.
Roosevelt's student body reflects urban Chicago's diversity, with 36% Hispanic students and 21% Black students creating a multicultural learning environment. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 42% four-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to complete degrees. The Lakers compete in 14 varsity sports, providing athletic opportunities beyond the classroom for the university's 407 student-athletes.
Students pay an average net price of $20,152 after financial aid, making Roosevelt one of the more affordable private options in Chicago. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds. Graduates earn a median of $48,712 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $22,000. The monthly loan payment of $233 represents a manageable burden relative to graduate earnings.
Roosevelt's student body reflects urban Chicago's diversity, with 36% Hispanic students and 21% Black students creating a multicultural learning environment. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 42% four-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to complete degrees. The Lakers compete in 14 varsity sports, providing athletic opportunities beyond the classroom for the university's 407 student-athletes.
Academics & Faculty
Roosevelt University built its reputation around social justice education and performing arts training. The Chicago College of Performing Arts houses nationally recognized theater and music programs that have produced Broadway stars like Audra McDonald. Students work closely with faculty in an 11:1 ratio, getting personalized attention in small classes. The university's commitment to accessibility shows in its 88% acceptance rate and diverse student body where 35% are Hispanic and 21% are Black. However, only 42% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many first-generation college students face. Strong programs in education, psychology, and business complement the arts focus.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 28.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.0%
- Retention Rate
- 61.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,712
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $64,990 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,350 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,082 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $55,577 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $54,531 |
| Biotechnology. | Master | $53,358 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Master | $52,107 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $50,105 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,918 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $48,563 |
Campus Life
Roosevelt sits right in Chicago's Loop, putting students steps away from Michigan Avenue shopping and Grant Park. With housing for only 855 students and total enrollment of 2,583, most Lakers commute from around the city rather than live on campus. The university draws 70.56% of its students from Illinois, creating a heavily local feel.
Chicago winters demand serious coats and boots, with temperatures often below freezing from December through February. Students spend weekends exploring the city's music venues, museums, and neighborhoods via the nearby train stations. The performing arts focus means you'll regularly see student productions and hear practice sessions echoing through halls. With 61.40% women and strong representation from Hispanic (35.19%) and Black (20.98%) communities, the campus reflects Chicago's diversity. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment despite the urban setting. Many students work part-time jobs downtown, balancing city life with coursework in the university's social justice-oriented programs.
Chicago winters demand serious coats and boots, with temperatures often below freezing from December through February. Students spend weekends exploring the city's music venues, museums, and neighborhoods via the nearby train stations. The performing arts focus means you'll regularly see student productions and hear practice sessions echoing through halls. With 61.40% women and strong representation from Hispanic (35.19%) and Black (20.98%) communities, the campus reflects Chicago's diversity. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment despite the urban setting. Many students work part-time jobs downtown, balancing city life with coursework in the university's social justice-oriented programs.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 855 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1945
Campus Safety (2023)
27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–31°F
- July Avg
- 67°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
Roosevelt draws students who want to make a difference in the world, with 46% receiving Pell Grants reflecting its commitment to access and affordability. The student body is majority women at 61%, which aligns with the university's social justice mission and strong programs in education and performing arts. Students of color make up over 60% of enrollment, creating a diverse campus that mirrors Roosevelt's progressive values. Most students come from Illinois, attracted by the school's reputation for hands-on learning in downtown Chicago and its legacy of serving working-class communities.
- Men
- 38.6%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 28.0%
- Black
- 21.0%
- Hispanic
- 35.2%
- Asian
- 4.7%
- In-State Students
- 70.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.4%
Location
Roosevelt University sits in downtown Chicago, Illinois, placing students directly in America's third-largest city. The campus operates in the heart of the Loop business district, steps from Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Students have immediate access to strong museums, theaters, and internship opportunities that only a major metropolitan area can provide. The urban setting means no traditional college town atmosphere, but rather immersion in a diverse city of 2.7 million people. Public transportation connects students to all corners of Chicagoland's sprawling metropolitan area of nearly 10 million residents. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Roosevelt University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60605-1394
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,712
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,619
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $233/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Roosevelt University?
Roosevelt University accepts 88.32% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 960, reflecting the school's mission to serve students from diverse academic backgrounds in downtown Chicago.
How much does Roosevelt University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Roosevelt University is $20,152 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $15,863, while the university provides institutional grants averaging $24,602 to 19.43% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Roosevelt University?
Roosevelt University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 2,583 students. This small class environment supports the university's focus on social justice education and performing arts programs in the heart of Chicago.
What are the graduation rates at Roosevelt University?
Roosevelt University has a 41% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $48,712 ten years after enrollment. The 61.73% retention rate reflects challenges common among urban universities serving diverse student populations.
Where do Roosevelt University students live on campus?
Roosevelt University houses students in downtown Chicago with on-campus capacity for 855 students. Room and board costs $15,525 annually, placing students in the middle of one of America's major cultural and business centers.
Is Roosevelt University known for diversity?
Roosevelt University enrolls a highly diverse student body with 35.19% Hispanic students, 20.98% Black students, and 27.99% White students. The university was founded in 1945 with a commitment to social justice and continues that mission with 46.42% of students receiving Pell Grants.
