Roosevelt University
The Vibe Check
Roosevelt University offers an intensely urban and socially conscious campus vibe, housed in a striking modern skyscraper right in the heart of downtown Chicago. It feels less like a traditional quad and more like a launchpad into city life, where students are immersed in the professional and cultural energy of the Loop. The community is known for being exceptionally diverse and politically active, reflecting the university's founding social justice mission.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠ ️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Academically, Roosevelt is known for strong, practical programs in Business, Performing Arts, and Education, with faculty who are often working professionals in the city. While research opportunities are present, the focus is more on applied learning and professional mentorship than on large-scale laboratory science. Small class sizes ensure direct access to professors and a collaborative learning environment.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Chicago
Student life is defined by Chicago; you are steps away from Millennium Park, the Chicago Theatre, and world-class museums like the Art Institute. Students take advantage of the 'L' train system to explore diverse neighborhoods for food and music, and the lakefront is a popular escape for running and relaxation. The university organizes city-centric events, but the city itself is the main campus for entertainment and socializing.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($48,712):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in the heart of the Loop, which is heavily policed and generally safe during the day and evening, though standard urban awareness is required. Roosevelt utilizes a campus security team and a vast network of cameras, but students must remain vigilant when walking alone at night in the surrounding city blocks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Prime downtown Chicago location offering unparalleled access to internships and corporate headquarters.
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it a strong option for students with average grades seeking a private university experience.
- ✓ Strong focus on social justice and diversity creates an inclusive and politically engaged student body.
- ✓ Lower tuition compared to other private universities in major metros.
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation (41.8%) and retention (61.7%) rates indicate challenges with student persistence and support.
- ✗ The urban campus lacks traditional college town amenities like a football team or sprawling green quads.
- ✗ Graduate earnings ($48,712) are modest for a private institution, requiring careful career planning.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Roosevelt University is historically known for its founding commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and diversity. Academically, it is recognized for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts (including the Chicago College of Performing Arts), and Education. Its most distinct feature is its physical presence; the university is housed in a 32-story vertical campus located directly on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago.
No, Roosevelt University is not hard to get into. With an acceptance rate of 94.27%, it is considered a moderately selective to open-admissions institution. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1000, but the university uses a holistic review process that values essays and recommendations.
Campus life at Roosevelt is non-traditional because the campus is integrated directly into the city of Chicago. There is no sprawling residential campus; instead, students attend classes in a high-rise building surrounded by skyscrapers, restaurants, and theaters. Student life revolves around urban exploration, cultural events in the Loop, and a diverse, commuter-heavy student population rather than a residential 'college town' atmosphere.
It can be worth the cost depending on the student's major and career path. With an average net price of $20,152, it is relatively affordable for a private university, but the return on investment is moderate with median 10-year earnings of $48,712. Students who leverage the downtown location for high-paying internships and finish their degree on time (avoiding extra semesters) will see the best financial return.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,695
- In-State Tuition $20,280
- Zip Code 60605
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
At roughly $20,000 annually for tuition, Roosevelt is priced significantly lower than many private universities, making it a potentially high value for a private degree in a major city. However, with a 41.8% graduation rate, prospective students must be mindful of the risk of debt without degree completion; finishing on time is crucial for the ROI to make sense. The median earnings of $48,712 after ten years are respectable but lag behind the national average for private non-profit institutions, suggesting that the value lies more in the Chicago connections than in immediate high earnings.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.