Roosevelt University – Chicago

Roosevelt University – Chicago is a private university located in the heart of downtown Chicago, one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the United States. Founded in 1945 with a mission to promote social justice and access to education, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across business, science, the arts, education, health, and more.

Known for its student-centred approach, Roosevelt provides a welcoming and supportive environment where academic success and personal growth go hand in hand.

Students at Roosevelt benefit from small class sizes and individual attention. With an average class size of just 19 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students are encouraged to participate, ask questions and engage with their professors.

This close-knit learning environment helps international students adapt more easily to the U.S. education system and build strong academic relationships.

Roosevelt has a global student community, welcoming learners from more than 60 countries. Whether studying science, business, music or anything in between, students will be part of a vibrant and diverse campus.

The university values cultural exchange and promotes inclusion, offering many opportunities to meet people, join student organizations, and make friends from around the world.

Chicago offers a fantastic backdrop for student life. The city is known for its beautiful lakefront, over 570 parks, and world-class attractions such as museums, theatres and music venues. It's easy to explore by public transport, and students have access to everything from international cuisine to professional sports - all within minutes of campus.

Roosevelt also offers strong support for international students. Services include visa and immigration advice, academic tutoring, career planning, English language support, and wellbeing resources.

Roosevelt University – Chicago is known for its high teaching standards, with a strong focus on student success, real-world learning and inclusive education. Classes are taught by experienced professors who are active in their professional fields and passionate about helping students reach their goals. Teaching at Roosevelt is designed to be supportive, engaging and career-focused, helping students build knowledge that can be applied in the workplace.

Many courses, especially in areas like business, education and healthcare, include practical experience such as internships or placements. For example, education students take part in full-year teaching placements in local schools and benefit from one-to-one support from faculty mentors. Roosevelt's education programs have received strong results, including a 100 percent pass rate on the Illinois teaching assessment.

The university is regularly recognized for its commitment to student diversity and helping students succeed no matter their background. Small class sizes mean that students get to know their professors and can receive personalized feedback and support. Many international students also say they feel welcomed by staff and are supported in adapting to the U.S. academic system.

Overall, teaching at Roosevelt combines expert instruction with a friendly, student-centered approach that helps learners develop the skills and confidence needed for success in their chosen career.

Roosevelt University – Chicago is home to four main colleges. These are:

• Chicago College of Performing Arts
• College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
• College of Science, Health & Pharmacy
• Heller College of Business

There are over 70 different undergraduate programs that students can choose from when applying to Roosevelt University – Chicago, as well as over 40 graduate programs for students who have already completed their undergraduate degree elsewhere before applying to RU, or who wish to further their learning upon completion of their RU undergraduate degree.

Several of these programs fall under STEM classification, with examples including Biology, Chemistry, Information Technology, Mathematics, and Management. But there are also options for creative degrees, such as Acting or Musical Theatre, along with options in Education, Medicine, Economics, Marketing and more.

Most study programs are taught at the Chicago campus. Very few are exclusive to the Schaumburg location, and those are Graduate-level programs only. There are some undergraduate options available at Schaumburg but those can also be studied at the Chicago campus.

International students are welcome to apply for any degree program at Roosevelt, provided they are studying full-time and on campus. All applications are made through the university's online portal, which will help students through the process.

Students must provide their high school transcripts in English. Copies are permitted during the application process, but the original document(s) must be provided when students arrive on campus. They must also include a USD 40 application fee when applying.

International students must also provide an English language test score when applying, as proof of their ability to understand English (since all study programs are taught in English).

Acceptable test scores include DuoLingo, IELTS, TOEFL, the Pearson Test of English, the Michigan English Test, and the WASSCE (for African students). Full information on the entry requirements, including the scores needed to meet English language requirements, can be found on the university's website before applying.

Roosevelt University – Chicago's downtown Chicago campus offers modern, comprehensive facilities designed to support both academic success and student well-being in the heart of the city.

The state-of-the-art Wabash Building serves as a 32-storey vertical campus. It houses purpose-built classrooms, contemporary science labs, the Lillian and Larry Goodman Center athletic facility, state-of-the-art fitness amenities and 634-bed student residences with panoramic city and lake views.

The Barry Crown Fitness Center is situated on the fifth floor of the Wabash Building. It includes cardio and weight-training equipment, a dance studio, locker rooms and free fitness classes - including yoga and Zumba.

Students also benefit from two Learning Commons locations, with the Chicago campus library on the tenth floor of the Auditorium Building, offering peer tutoring, one-to-one success coaching, testing accommodation and disability support.

On-campus dining is available at the McCormick Dining Centre, ensuring convenience for those living in residence. Through this blend of academic, residential and recreational facilities, all centrally located, Roosevelt creates a cohesive, supportive environment conducive to student success.

Course fees at Roosevelt University – Chicago are not standardized, and so students are encouraged to view the full range of tuition costs and fees on the university's website before applying. This covers not just the costs of tuition but also has information on residential fees for students living in the Wabash building or University Center, including meal plan costs, and other fees such as application fees, activity fees and more.

The university does not offer any full scholarships to international students, but there are a limited number of merit scholarships provided to undergraduate and graduate students. These can cover a percentage of the costs of tuition, and students will be advised in their acceptance letter on whether they are eligible. If no mention is made, it means students are not eligible.

• Undergraduate Scholarship: Up to a maximum of $46,000
• Graduate Scholarship: Up to a maximum of $2,000

Otherwise, international students are expected to provide proof of funding for their chosen study program when they apply. Despite this, there is support available at the university for students struggling with financial management, which may include help finding part-time work that fits around studies.

Roosevelt University – Chicago is constantly adapting and developing its study programs, working closely with major employers and other partners to ensure that graduates are equipped to meet the ever-changing needs of the job market.

The university also continues to invest its own money in new facilities and learning resources, whilst partnering with other organizations for grants to expand its offerings. A recent example of this is the significant USD 2 million grant received from the National Science Foundation to allow the university to improve access to STEM programs, along with developing mentorship programs and new research opportunities.

The smaller scale of the university is a benefit in that it can offer the grander facilities needed for the student population, but also develop more niche features tailored to different needs. The university's new Mental Health Garden, promoting wellness amongst students and staff, is a perfect example of this.