Lewis University
Lewis University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lewis University at a Glance
Lewis University is a private Lasallian university in Romeoville, Illinois, United States, enrolls approximately 7,000 students in over 80 undergraduate programs, 35 graduate programs, and offers accelerated programs for working adults. The National Weather Service's Chicago/Romeoville office is also situated on campus.
1932
94 years old
$99M
$98.8 million (2025)
7,011
4,326 undergrad · 2,685 grad
410 acres
Identity
Is Lewis University Worth It?
Lewis University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $17,028/year, it's priced 16% below average, while graduates go on to earn $66,099 — 23% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 65% graduation rate means roughly 35% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Lewis University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IL
Ranked #3 of 48 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #3 | Lewis University | 63 | $17,028 | $66,099 |
| #4 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #5 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #6 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lewis University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in IL.
Best Programs at Lewis University
The highest-earning program at Lewis University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $65,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $29,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Lewis University earns $65,900, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $29,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,028/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $65,900 | $65,900 | $24,292 |
| Marketing | $45,700 | $45,700 | N/A |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $44,700 | $44,700 | $25,228 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,700 | $43,700 | $24,374 |
| Air Transportation | $38,400 | $38,400 | $23,999 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,500 | $35,500 | $19,236 |
| Psychology, General | $33,300 | $33,300 | $24,037 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,000 | $29,000 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Romeoville, IL
- Student Body
- 4,015 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,028
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $66,099
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500