Rush University: 120 Students

120Students

$75,194Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Rush University

Rush University trains the next generation of healthcare professionals in Chicago's bustling medical district. With just 120 students, this specialized health sciences university offers an intimate learning environment focused entirely on improving human health. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention as students prepare for careers in medicine, nursing, and allied health fields.

The financial picture looks promising for healthcare-focused students. While federal loan rates reach 49.57% of students, the median debt of $21,988 remains manageable compared to earnings potential. Recent graduates earn a median of $88,901 in their first year, jumping to $99,657 by year five. The 84.88% loan repayment rate reflects graduates' ability to handle their debt, with typical monthly payments of just $233.

Women make up 73.33% of the student body, reflecting healthcare's gender demographics. The university serves a diverse population, with 35% Hispanic students, 29.17% Black students, and 20% White students. An impressive 94.8% employment rate demonstrates Rush's strong connections to Chicago's extensive healthcare network. Students benefit from hands-on training in one of America's top medical cities, where major hospitals and research institutions provide abundant clinical opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

Rush University operates as a specialized health sciences institution where students train for careers in medicine, nursing, and allied health professions. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensive, mentorship-driven environment where professors work closely with small cohorts of future healthcare professionals. Students earn a median of $88,901 just one year after graduation, reflecting the strong job market for health science graduates. The university built its reputation around modern medical education and clinical research that directly impacts patient care. With 94.8% of graduates finding employment, Rush's focused curriculum prepares students for immediate entry into high-demand healthcare fields where hands-on training and clinical experience define the academic experience.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $75,194
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (Mixed)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Certificate	$127,831
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$109,604
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$100,069
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$81,031
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies.	Master	$73,829
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$72,274
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$69,338
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$69,208
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Doctoral	$67,660
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Master	$61,218

View all 33 programs →

Campus Life

Rush University sits in Chicago's medical district, where 120 students pursue advanced health science degrees in a city known for brutal winters requiring heavy coats and boots. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know every student's name. Women make up 73.33% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong nursing and health sciences programs.

The campus operates more like a professional training ground than a traditional college experience. Students spend weekends studying in small groups or completing clinical rotations at Rush University Medical Center next door. With 94.8% employment rates, the intensity pays off through immediate career placement. The diverse student population includes 35% Hispanic and 29.17% Black students, creating rich perspectives in healthcare discussions. Chicago's medical corridor offers internships and research opportunities steps from campus. Students often grab deep-dish pizza between study sessions, but social life revolves around shared professional goals rather than traditional college parties. The semester system keeps pace with medical school timelines.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1972

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	19	22
Domestic Violence	12	7
Robbery	1	9
Aggravated Assault	4	4
Dating Violence	3	4
Fondling	2	1
Burglary	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–31°F
July Avg: 67°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.6"
Annual Snowfall: 38.8"

Student Demographics

Rush University draws ambitious students committed to healthcare careers, with women making up nearly three-quarters of the student body reflecting the gender patterns in nursing, physical therapy, and other health professions. The diverse enrollment includes significant Black and Hispanic representation, demonstrating the school's success in attracting underrepresented minorities to medicine and health sciences. About 36% receive Pell Grants, showing Rush serves students from various economic backgrounds who see healthcare as a path to stable careers. The tiny enrollment of just 120 students creates an intimate learning environment focused entirely on preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Men: 26.7%
Women: 73.3%
White: 20.0%
Black: 29.2%
Hispanic: 35.0%
Asian: 8.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.7%

Location

Rush University sits in Chicago, Illinois, the nation's third-largest city with 2.7 million residents. The campus operates in the heart of one of America's major metropolitan areas. Chicago's massive scale means students access strong cultural institutions, internship opportunities, and healthcare networks that smaller cities cannot match. The city's reputation as a medical center aligns perfectly with Rush's health sciences focus. Winter temperatures average 26 degrees, creating a true four-season environment. The urban setting provides extensive public transportation and diverse neighborhoods within walking distance. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Rush University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Chicago, Illinois 60612

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $75,194
Median Earnings (5 years): $99,657
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $67,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 84.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,988

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rush University known for academically?

Rush University is a specialized health sciences institution that focuses exclusively on medical education and research. With a remarkable 5:1 student-faculty ratio, the university provides intensive training in healthcare fields. The small enrollment of just 120 students allows for personalized attention in programs designed to advance human health.

How much debt do Rush University graduates typically have?

Rush University graduates leave with a median debt of $21,988, which is relatively low for a private health sciences program. Monthly loan payments average $233, and the loan repayment rate stands at 84.88%. The manageable debt load reflects the university's focus on preparing students for well-paying healthcare careers.

What are the employment prospects after graduating from Rush University?

Rush University boasts an impressive 94.8% employment rate for its graduates. Within one year of graduation, median earnings reach $88,901, climbing to $99,657 after five years. These strong outcomes reflect the high demand for healthcare professionals in Chicago and beyond.

Is Rush University diverse in its student population?

Rush University has a diverse student body with 35% Hispanic students, 29.17% Black students, and 20% White students. Women make up 73.33% of the enrollment, reflecting the gender distribution common in health sciences programs. The university serves a predominantly minority student population in one of America's most diverse cities.

Where is Rush University located and what is the campus environment like?

Rush University sits in Chicago, Illinois, operating within a large urban setting that provides access to major medical centers and research facilities. The intimate campus serves just 120 students, creating a close-knit academic community. Students benefit from Chicago's extensive healthcare network and research opportunities.

How much financial aid do Rush University students receive?

Only 35.65% of Rush University students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. The federal loan rate is 49.57%, indicating that many students either pay out of pocket or secure alternative funding. The relatively low financial aid percentage may reflect the specialized nature of the programs and student demographics.