Lewis University

Chicago, USA

Recommended

Type of institution:

University

Age range:17+

Type of training:

Full-time
Part-time
Hybrid
Online

Language of instruction:

english

Year of foundation:1932

About the Lewis University

Lewis University is a private Catholic university located in Romeoville, Illinois. The main campus is situated approximately 56 kilometers southwest of downtown Chicago. This allows students to study in a peaceful suburban environment while also taking advantage of the career, cultural, and professional opportunities offered by one of the largest cities in the United States. The university follows the Lasallian educational tradition, combining academic preparation, professional development, social responsibility, and attention to individual student needs. Despite its Catholic origins, Lewis University welcomes students from different cultures, nationalities, and religious backgrounds. The university has around 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, allowing students to receive personalized support, regularly interact with professors, and participate in practical and research projects. The main campus covers approximately 410 acres and includes: - Academic buildings; - Science and computer laboratories; - Aviation facilities; - University-owned airport; - Library; - Student center; - Athletic and recreational complex; - Chapel; - Student residences; - Sports fields; - Spaces for creative and social activities. Lewis University is particularly known for its programs in aviation, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, business, nursing, healthcare, criminal justice, education, and psychology. The university's aviation programs focus on practical training for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, aviation management, unmanned systems, and aviation safety. Many aviation programs are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, and some have specialized accreditation. Lewis University's educational model combines fundamental academic preparation with practical training. Students complete laboratory assignments, participate in research, internships, group projects, and interact with employers. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate programs and majors and over 35 graduate programs. Accelerated, online, and hybrid programs are also available.

Admission conditions in Lewis University

To enroll in the first year of a bachelor's degree program, a foreign applicant must complete high school and provide documents confirming academic preparation and knowledge of the English language. Main documents For admission, the following are required: - completed application for bachelor's degree; - high school diploma; - transcript of grades for the period of study in high school; - results of national final exams, if provided by the country's education system; - document confirming completion of secondary education; - results of the English language exam; - a copy of a valid foreign passport. Documents not in English must be accompanied by an official translation. The university may require an evaluation of foreign academic documents by a specialized organization. This evaluation helps determine the equivalence of a foreign diploma to American secondary education and translate grades into a format understandable to the university. After receiving the decision on admission, foreign students must provide financial documents to process the I-20 form and F-1 student visa. Confirmation of funding may require: - completed financial support form; - bank statement; - sponsorship letter; - confirmation of the ability to pay tuition, living expenses, and other costs for at least one academic year. English language requirements To enroll, one of the following results must be provided: - TOEFL iBT - minimum of 79 points; - IELTS Academic - minimum of 6.5 points; - PTE Academic - minimum of 52 points; - Duolingo English Test - minimum of 105 points; - GTEC - minimum of 1200 points; - ELS Level 112 certificate. The requirement may be waived if the applicant studied in a country where English is the official language, or meets other language exemption conditions set by the admissions committee. The university reserves the right to conduct additional written English testing for applicants and assign language courses if enhanced preparation is needed. SAT and ACT For most programs, SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory. However, they may be required for: - applicants planning to participate in NCAA university sports teams; - applicants to biology programs; - applicants to biochemistry programs; - applicants to chemistry programs; - applicants to environmental science programs. Certain professional programs, including nursing, aviation, and medical fields, may have additional requirements, entrance tests, or prerequisites.

Minimum rating for admission to Lewis University

Lewis University does not publish a minimum required average score that would apply to all international applicants and all undergraduate programs. The decision is made based on a comprehensive assessment of the application. The admissions committee takes into account: - the average score of the school certificate; - grades for the last years of study; - the complexity of the school curriculum; - results in specialized subjects; - academic performance dynamics; - completion of secondary education; - level of English language proficiency; - SAT or ACT scores, when required; - compliance of academic preparation with the chosen program. For a competitive application, it is recommended to have a stable academic performance equivalent to an American GPA of approximately 2.5 out of 4.0. This figure should be considered as a guideline rather than an officially established universal minimum. For more challenging or regulated programs, requirements may be higher. This is especially relevant for: - nursing; - biology and biochemistry; - chemistry; - engineering; - aviation programs; - medical sciences; - programs preparing for professional medical education. Good grades in math and physics are particularly important for technical programs. For biological and medical programs, results in biology, chemistry, and math are taken into account. Overall admission statistics can be used as an additional guideline. In the fall of 2024, the university received 6,302 applications from first-year students and accepted 4,493. The overall enrollment rate was 71.3%. This figure reflects the overall availability of the university but is not a minimum rating and does not guarantee admission to a specific program. The mandatory minimum criteria for most international applicants remain confirmation of English language proficiency: - TOEFL iBT - 79; - IELTS Academic - 6.5; - PTE Academic - 52; - Duolingo English Test - 105.

Prospects after completing studies in Lewis University

Graduates of Lewis University can start a professional career, continue their education in graduate school, or enter medical, legal, and other professional schools. The location near Chicago expands opportunities for internships, professional projects, employment, and interaction with major employers. The career center at Lewis University helps students: - define professional goals; - prepare a resume and cover letter; - create a profile for job searching; - prepare for interviews; - find an internship; - search for job openings; - communicate with employers; - participate in career events; - prepare for admission to graduate school. Over 300 employers participate annually in the recruitment of Lewis University students. The university's alumni network includes over 40,000 people, providing additional opportunities for professional connections. According to published data from the university on the graduating class of 2022, 96% of bachelor's degree graduates who provided information about their status were employed or continuing their education. Among the mentioned employers are American Airlines, Amazon, Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago Public Schools, ComEd, CDW, Advocate Health, and other organizations.