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East-West University

Chicago, IL·Private nonprofit·528 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; fewer than half of freshmen return for sophomore year. 80% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

N/A
Accept
528
Students
$21,055
Net Price
23%
Grad Rate
$29,000
Earnings
10 yr
$7,334
Debt

About This School

East-West University is a private nonprofit institution located in Chicago, Illinois with approximately 528 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $21,055 per year. The graduation rate is 23%, and the typical graduate earns $29,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

East–West University is a private liberal arts college in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1980 and offers associate and bachelor's degrees. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The numbers here tell a concerning story: only 23% of students graduate, and just 37% of freshmen return for sophomore year, which suggests many students struggle to finish what they start. On the upside, median debt at graduation is a low $7,334, and the Chicago location offers real urban opportunities for a small school. That said, median earnings of $29,000 a decade after enrollment make it hard to recommend without serious consideration of whether this environment — and not a community college or another affordable option — is the right fit for you.

Founded
1996
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing25%
Computer Science21%
English14%
Biological Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$26,100
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,100
Avg Net Price
$21,055
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants80%
Median debt at graduation$7,334

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
23%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
37%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$29,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$7,334
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$7,334
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$22,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$29,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.0x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White2%
Black35%
Hispanic/Latino32%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (528 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

East-West University

816 S Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60605

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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