Students at Roosevelt University benefit from earnings beyond expectations that consistently outperform similar institutions, reflecting the university's effectiveness in translating education into career advancement.
The combination of strong access for underrepresented students and solid financial outcomes makes Roosevelt a reliable pathway to economic mobility in Chicago's dynamic job market.
Roosevelt University ranks as a private nonprofit institution in Chicago that serves as a "Mobility Engine," combining strong access for underrepresented students with meaningful upward mobility outcomes. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and about 37% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse populations in one of America's major metropolitan areas.
The university delivers solid long-term value despite modest absolute earnings levels. Graduates earn a median of $48,712 ten years after enrollment, with the institution providing about $5,326 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage places Roosevelt in the 34th percentile nationally for return on investment, demonstrating consistent value creation for its student body.
As a medium-sized private university in downtown Chicago, Roosevelt offers the personalized attention of a smaller institution while providing access to internships, networking, and career opportunities in one of the nation's largest job markets. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs in business, psychology, and the arts creates pathways for students who might not otherwise access private higher education, making it a valuable option for families seeking both affordability and urban professional opportunities.
Roosevelt University's program portfolio reflects its urban mission and diverse student body, with strong outcomes in business-oriented fields and meaningful opportunities in creative disciplines. Accounting Technology stands out as the highest aggregate return program, graduating 64 students who earn around $49,918 ten years out, demonstrating the value of practical, professionally-focused education in Chicago's financial services sector.
Psychology represents the university's largest program with 99 graduates earning about $30,554, reflecting the field's focus on graduate school preparation and social services careers rather than immediate high earnings. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates achieve the strongest early earnings at approximately $48,563, while Acting graduates earn around $23,108, illustrating Roosevelt's commitment to arts education despite challenging creative industry economics.
The program mix reflects Roosevelt's role as an accessible private university serving diverse career aspirations. Business and finance programs provide clear pathways to Chicago's professional economy, while psychology and arts programs serve students pursuing mission-driven or creative careers. This balance allows Roosevelt to maintain its mobility engine status by supporting both high-earning professional tracks and meaningful career paths that prioritize purpose alongside financial stability.
Roosevelt University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings with meaningful advantages over expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $48,712, and the university delivers about $5,326 in earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings premium reflects Roosevelt's ability to help students translate their education into career advancement, particularly in Chicago's diverse professional landscape.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Accounting Technology graduates, representing the university's highest aggregate return program with 64 graduates, earn around $49,918 ten years out and demonstrate strong career stability in finance and business services. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates achieve the highest early earnings at approximately $48,563, while Psychology majors, the university's largest program with 99 graduates, earn about $30,554 but often pursue graduate education or social services careers. Acting graduates earn around $23,108, reflecting the challenging economics of creative fields but also the university's commitment to arts education in a major cultural center.
The university's location in Chicago provides graduates access to diverse industries and career pathways, from financial services and healthcare to education and the arts. Roosevelt's focus on practical, professionally-oriented programs helps students build networks and gain experience in one of America's most dynamic job markets, contributing to the consistent earnings advantages graduates experience over time.
Roosevelt University maintains relatively affordable pricing for a private institution, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $15,863 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $19,274 per year. Even high-income families pay approximately $30,033, which represents reasonable pricing for private education in a major metropolitan area like Chicago.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Roosevelt graduates. Typical students leave with about $22,000 in federal loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns with the university's focus on accessibility. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,446, reflecting family contributions that help keep student debt levels reasonable. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, supported by Chicago's robust job market and the earnings advantages Roosevelt provides.
The combination of reasonable net prices, moderate debt levels, and consistent earnings beyond expectations creates a sustainable financial model for most Roosevelt families. Students benefit from private university resources and personalized attention while avoiding the debt burdens often associated with private education, making Roosevelt an attractive middle ground between public affordability and private educational quality.
Roosevelt University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
