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East-West University

Grad Rate
16.2%
Enrollment
528
Tuition
$26,100
Median Salary
$29,963
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
B+
Aid

The Vibe Check

East-West University offers an intimate, close-knit urban campus experience where students receive personalized attention from faculty. The atmosphere is focused and supportive, fostering a strong sense of community among its diverse student body within the bustling city of Chicago.

Academics & Majors

The university's academic strengths lie in its Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Biology programs, which blend theory with practical application. With a small enrollment, students benefit from direct interaction with professors and small class sizes, though formal research opportunities may be more limited compared to larger institutions.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
25%
Multidisciplinary Studies
25%
Computer Science
21.4%
English & Literature
14.3%
Biology & Biomedical
3.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

16.2%
Graduation Rate
36.5%
Retention Rate
528
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$26,100
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,055
After financial aid
Total Cost
$30,062
Cost of attendance/year
80.2%
Receive Pell Grants
86%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Chicago

Students can easily access Chicago's world-class museums, vibrant music scene, and diverse culinary offerings via public transit. For fun, many explore nearby neighborhoods like the Loop or Hyde Park, attend lakefront festivals, or take advantage of student discounts at city venues.

Local Rent Check

$1,507 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Chicago
Explore Chicago

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$104,400
$0Est. 4 Years: $104,400

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($29,963):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus, located in Chicago's South Side, has its own security team, but students should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. It is advisable to utilize campus safety escorts when traveling at night and to stay informed about the immediate neighborhood.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ 100% acceptance rate makes admission accessible for most applicants.
  • โœ“ High Pell Grant rate indicates a supportive environment for low-income students.
  • โœ“ Small enrollment ensures personalized attention from faculty.
  • โœ“ Located in Chicago providing access to urban internships and cultural experiences.

Cons

  • โœ— Low retention rate (36.5%) suggests potential challenges with student satisfaction or support.
  • โœ— Graduation rate (16.2%) is significantly below national averages.
  • โœ— 10-year median earnings ($29,963) are relatively low for a private university degree.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Mantill Williams
Notable figure in education and community leadership, recognized for contributions to urban education.
Dr. Patricia A. Brown
Distinguished educator and administrator who has served in leadership roles within the Chicago Public School system.
Dr. Jong H. Kim
Key figure in the establishment and development of East-West University, contributing to its mission and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

East-West University is known for its commitment to providing accessible higher education to a diverse student body, particularly first-generation and low-income students. It is recognized for its core programs in Business, Computer Science, and Multidisciplinary Studies within a small, intimate urban setting.

No, East-West University has an open admissions policy with a 100% acceptance rate, meaning it is not hard to get into academically. The university focuses on providing access to higher education for a broad range of students, though applicants must still submit standard application materials.

Campus life is defined by its small scale, with a total enrollment of around 528 students, fostering a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Students are immersed in the urban energy of Chicago, balancing campus-based activities with the endless opportunities the city offers for entertainment and exploration.

This depends on your financial situation and career goals. While the net price is lower than many private schools, the low graduation rate and median earnings ($29,963) suggest that the immediate financial return on investment is challenging. However, for students who utilize the supportive environment to graduate debt-free, it can be a valuable stepping stone.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Chicago Public Schools City of Chicago Northwestern Medicine Bank of America Amazon
Smart Start Score
37

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 611
  • In-State Tuition $26,100
  • Zip Code 60605

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 53.4% โ™€ 46.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $21,055 and tuition rates lower than many private institutions, the upfront cost is relatively manageable. However, the 10-year median earnings of $29,963 suggest that graduates may face a challenging return on investment compared to national averages, requiring careful financial planning post-graduation.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $26,100
Housing (12 mo) $18,084
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $51,384
With avg financial aid:
$21,055/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.