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Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL·Private nonprofit·2,583 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 2,583 students.

94%
Accept
2,583
Students
$20,152
Net Price
41%
Grad Rate
$47,700
Earnings
10 yr
$14,667
Debt

About This School

Roosevelt University is a private nonprofit institution located in Chicago, Illinois with approximately 2,583 undergraduate students enrolled. Roosevelt University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,152 per year. The graduation rate is 41%, and the typical graduate earns $47,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Roosevelt University is a private university in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1945, it was named in honor of United States president Franklin Delano Roosevelt and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The university consists of four colleges: the Chicago College of Performing Arts; the College of Humanities, Education & Social Sciences; the College of Science, Health and Pharmacy; and the Walter E. Heller College of Business.

The numbers here tell a mixed story — the Chicago location and affordable net price of around $20,000/year are genuine draws, and the performing arts and business programs benefit from real access to a major city. But the 41% graduation rate and 62% freshman retention rate are hard to overlook, suggesting many students either struggle to finish or transfer out before getting there. Worth considering if you have a clear program fit and a plan to stay engaged, but go in with eyes open.

Founded
1945
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing27%
Visual & Performing Arts14%
Health Professions12%
Education12%
Psychology9%
Biological Sciences6%
Computer Science4%
Social Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Amy MadiganAnthony BraxtonHerschell Gordon LewisBobby RushCarla HaydenRick YanceyEddie HarrisMerle DandridgeLouis ZorichRobert LammHarold WashingtonMike Quigley

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1000
Reading 75th %ile550
Math 75th %ile540

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$20,280
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,280
Avg Net Price
$20,152
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants46%
Median debt at graduation$14,667

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
41%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
62%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,667
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,667
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.3x

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

White28%
Black21%
Hispanic/Latino35%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,583 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Roosevelt University

430 S Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60605-1394

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.
Trademarks

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