Lewis University

About Lewis University

Lewis University brings together Catholic intellectual tradition with practical career preparation on a suburban campus southwest of Chicago. Located in Romeoville, Illinois, the university enrolls approximately 3,700 students in undergraduate and graduate programs spanning business, education, nursing, aviation, and the liberal arts. The De La Salle Christian Brothers founded the institution in 1932, and their commitment to accessible education for working-class students continues shaping the university's mission and culture. The 73% acceptance rate reflects Lewis's commitment to welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds while maintaining standards that ensure student success. Many students are first-generation college attendees who find in Lewis a supportive community that helps them navigate higher education. The suburban campus provides green space and modern facilities while remaining connected to Chicago's cultural and economic opportunities just 30 miles away. What distinguishes Lewis from other regional universities is its combination of Catholic values, professional programs, and personal attention. Aviation programs rank among the nation's best, with students training at the university's own airport. Nursing graduates pass licensing exams at rates exceeding state and national averages. Business programs connect students with Chicago-area employers through internships and networking events. The Lasallian heritage emphasizes teaching as a vocation and relationship as the foundation of learning. Faculty members know students by name and invest in their success beyond the classroom. This personal approach helps students from all backgrounds reach their potential and launch meaningful careers.

Applying to Lewis University begins with demonstrating academic preparation and genuine interest in the educational community. Admissions counselors evaluate high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), and personal statements explaining your goals and interests. Strong applicants show solid academic performance alongside involvement in activities that demonstrate leadership, service, or particular talents. The holistic review process considers the whole person, not just grades and test scores. Admissions counselors understand that students come from different backgrounds and that potential matters alongside past performance. First-generation students receive particular attention, as Lewis has long served families without college experience. Campus visits help prospective students experience Lewis's welcoming community firsthand. Tours, information sessions, and opportunities to attend classes introduce the campus environment. Overnight visits for admitted students allow deeper exploration before making enrollment decisions. Transfer students are particularly welcome at Lewis, which has strong articulation agreements with Illinois community colleges. Credits from accredited institutions transfer smoothly, and advisors help transfers create efficient paths to graduation. Many Lewis students begin at community colleges before transferring. Financial aid packages should be reviewed carefully, as Lewis offers significant institutional scholarships that reduce costs for most students. Complete the FAFSA as early as possible, and apply for Lewis scholarships through the admission application. The financial aid office works with families to make attendance affordable.

Lewis University offers more than 80 undergraduate programs and 35 graduate programs across colleges of aviation, business, education, nursing, and arts and sciences. The aviation program stands out nationally, operating from Lewis University Airport where students learn to fly and maintain aircraft. Graduates work for major airlines, corporate flight departments, and aviation companies worldwide. The program benefits from Chicago's position as a major aviation hub with two international airports. The College of Nursing prepares students for healthcare careers through rigorous clinical training in partnership with hospitals and healthcare systems throughout the Chicago region. Nursing students complete extensive hands-on experience before graduation, and licensing exam pass rates consistently exceed state averages. Graduate programs in nursing prepare nurse practitioners and nurse educators. Business programs emphasize ethical leadership consistent with the university's Catholic identity. Students complete internships with Chicago-area companies, building experience and connections that lead to employment after graduation. The MBA program serves working professionals seeking advancement, with evening and weekend scheduling that accommodates full-time employment. Education programs prepare teachers for careers in elementary, secondary, and special education. Extensive field experiences and student teaching requirements ensure graduates enter classrooms well prepared. Many alumni teach in Catholic schools throughout the Chicago archdiocese. Sciences and liberal arts programs provide strong foundations for graduate study and careers in various fields. Pre-professional advising guides students toward medical school, law school, and other graduate programs. Research opportunities allow undergraduates to work alongside faculty on projects in their disciplines.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Lewis University reflects the Lasallian values of community, respect, and service that guide the institution. Residence halls house about one-third of students, creating living-learning communities where friendships form naturally. Commuter students from throughout the Chicago suburbs participate actively in campus activities, with events scheduled to accommodate various schedules. Athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II and have won numerous conference championships and national titles. The Flyers field teams in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, and many other sports. Student athletes balance competitive schedules with academic demands, learning discipline and teamwork that serve them after graduation. Intramural sports and fitness facilities provide recreation for students not competing at the varsity level. Service remains central to Lewis's identity, with students completing thousands of hours of community service annually. Alternative spring break trips take students to serve in communities facing challenges. Local partnerships connect students with opportunities to tutor children, serve meals, and support neighbors in need. This service emphasis reflects the university's mission of forming people who contribute positively to their communities. Student organizations cover interests from professional development to cultural celebration to faith exploration. Campus ministry provides opportunities for spiritual growth through retreats, service projects, and faith-sharing groups. The university welcomes students of all faiths while maintaining its Catholic character. Chicago's attractions lie within easy reach, with professional sports, world-class museums, and entertainment venues accessible by car or commuter rail.

Location & Surroundings

Lewis University is located in Romeoville, IL, United States, an area that offers unique advantages for students. The surrounding community provides cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities that complement the educational experience. Students benefit from local partnerships and networking opportunities that prepare them for life after graduation.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Lewis University graduates enter careers across industries, drawing on strong academic preparation and the personal connections formed in the Lasallian community. The career services office supports students from first year through graduation and beyond, helping with career exploration, internship placement, resume development, and job search strategies. Aviation graduates find positions with major airlines, regional carriers, corporate flight departments, and aviation companies. The program's strong reputation and the university's location near Chicago's aviation hub create abundant opportunities. Alumni fly for every major U.S. airline and hold leadership positions in aviation organizations worldwide. Nursing graduates work in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems throughout the Chicago area. High licensing exam pass rates and strong clinical training make Lewis graduates attractive to employers. Many advance to leadership positions or pursue graduate education in nursing. Business graduates enter corporate positions throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, one of the nation's largest business centers. Accounting, finance, marketing, and management majors find opportunities with employers ranging from major corporations to small businesses to nonprofit organizations. Education graduates teach in schools throughout Illinois and beyond, with many serving in Catholic schools. The university's reputation for producing well-prepared teachers creates demand for alumni. Alumni networks span every industry and provide mentorship and job connections for current students. The Lasallian tradition creates lasting bonds that alumni draw upon throughout their careers. Career services maintains relationships with employers who actively recruit Lewis students and graduates.