- Unique strength within diversity. At East-West University, unique sense of identity prevails. Strength of the university comes from its concerned and caring faculty and staff. Within the environment of East-West is a sense of community. Finally, diversity is the real strength of East-West University. East-West University was founded in 1980 with the mission of providing quality, affordable, multi-cultural, and forward-looking higher education to Chicago and the world. The institution has grown and prospered over the years, from a noble idea to a significant institution of higher learning accommodating nearly 1200 students. East-West has repeatedly been cited as having the lowest tuition among private schools in the Chicago area, making a higher education with personal attention more accessible. East-West has one of the highest percentages of international students of any baccalaureate school in the nation; it is the only majority-minority four year college in the state of Illinois; the faculty and staff is among the most diverse of any institution of higher learning in the nation; its graduates have spread throughout the world making a difference; and its close-knit, family atmosphere has been successful in helping students to meet the challenges of making it through college to graduation.
School Highlights
East-West University serves 611 students (100% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 53%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 611 students
- Private-state tuition: $19,545
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Student:teacher ratio: 14:1
- Minority enrollment: 98%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
East-West University ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 43 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
East-West University
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
43 staff
227 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of East-West University has grown by 36% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 has increased from 10:1 over five years.
The East-West University diversity score of 0.75 is more than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 39% over five years.
Total Enrollment
611 students
3,270 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
21:1

# Full-Time Students
611 students
1,007 students

# Part-Time Students
5 students
2,747 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
611 students
328 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
611 students
1,007 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
43 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5 students
3,310 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
18 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students

% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a

% Asian
1%
6%

% Hispanic
33%
26%

% Black
37%
13%

% White
2%
47%

% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a

% Two or more races
2%
3%

% Non Resident races
23%
1%

% Unknown races
1%
4%


Diversity Score
0.75
0.69

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
0.4%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.116%
0.38%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$26,900
$31,800

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $19,545 is more than the state average of $14,511. The private state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$19,545
$14,511

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
82%

Median Debt for Graduates
$28,810
$8,187

Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,386
$4,618

Acceptance Rate
41%
61%
SAT Reading
n/a
390
SAT Math
n/a
360
SAT Writing
n/a
355
ACT Composite (Year 2018)
17
17
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
17
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does East-West University cost?
East-West University's private state tuition is approximately $19,545.
What is the acceptance rate of East-West University?
The acceptance rate of East-West University is 41%, which is lower than the state average of 61%.
What is East-West University's ranking?
East-West University ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Diversity in US community colleges, Average community college minority breakdown and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
In what neighborhood is East-West University located?
East-West University is located in the Chicago Loop neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 4 other community '.colleges.' located in Chicago Loop.
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