East-West University

Based on the provided data, the ROI score of -71 suggests that the median earnings ten years after entry do not sufficiently offset the cost of attendance and debt incurred, making it a potentially poor financial investment.

The graduation rate at East-West University is 19.8%.

Median debt at graduation is $26,986, while median earnings ten years after entry are $29,963, indicating a narrow margin for debt repayment.

With an Affordability Score of 35, East-West University is considered to have low affordability, suggesting that the cost of attendance is high relative to student financial capacity and outcomes.

East-West University has a small student body of 468, with a diverse demographic profile, including 41.7% Black students and 31.4% Hispanic students.

The acceptance rate for East-West University is not publicly disclosed, making it difficult to definitively state how hard it is to get in. However, given its small size (468 students) and a very low graduation rate (19.8%), it's possible that admissions might be less selective than larger institutions, or that the low graduation rate reflects challenges students face once enrolled rather than initial admission difficulty. Without an official acceptance rate, prospective students should focus on understanding the academic profile of admitted students, if available, and the support systems in place to help students succeed throughout their program. It's advisable to contact the admissions office directly for any available insights into their admissions criteria and the typical academic background of their student body. This will provide a clearer picture than relying solely on the absence of a published rate.

Based on the available data, East-West University appears to be a poor financial investment. The tuition is $25,395 per year, but the median 10-year earnings for graduates are a mere $29,963. This means that, on average, graduates earn less than what they would pay for just one year of tuition over a decade. The median debt of $26,986 further exacerbates this issue, leading to a significantly negative ROI score of -71. The debt payoff timeline would likely be extremely long, potentially stretching beyond 10 years, especially when considering interest and living expenses. Furthermore, the alarmingly low graduation rate of 19.8% suggests that a vast majority of students do not complete their degrees, severely diminishing their earning potential and the overall value of the education. Unless a student can secure substantial scholarships or has a clear, high-paying career path directly linked to a specific program at East-West University that deviates significantly from the median outcomes, it is difficult to justify the cost.

Specific data on the 'best' majors at East-West University, in terms of career outcomes or graduate success, is not readily available. The university's small size and limited public reporting make it challenging to identify high-performing programs. However, given its location in Chicago, majors that align with the city's strong industries might offer better prospects. These could include fields within business (finance, marketing), healthcare-related programs (if offered), social services, or education. Students interested in pursuing higher earnings should research programs that have demonstrated stronger placement rates or higher starting salaries, even if this data isn't specific to East-West University but rather to similar programs at other institutions. It is crucial for prospective students to directly inquire with the university about program-specific career services, internship opportunities, and alumni success stories within their intended field of study to make an informed decision.

Student life at East-West University is likely characterized by its small, intimate campus environment. With only 468 students, the university fosters a close-knit community where students may have more direct interaction with faculty and peers. This can lead to a more personalized academic experience and stronger relationships. However, a smaller student body also means fewer extracurricular activities, clubs, and social events compared to larger universities. Students seeking a vibrant campus culture with a wide range of social options might find it limited. The university's location in Chicago provides ample opportunities for students to engage with the city's cultural attractions, entertainment, and diverse neighborhoods outside of campus. This urban setting can compensate for a potentially quieter campus life, offering a rich external social scene. Prospective students should consider whether they prefer a small, focused academic setting or a larger, more dynamic campus experience, and how they plan to leverage the city of Chicago for their social and personal development.

Information regarding the specific amount and types of financial aid offered by East-West University is not extensively detailed in public reports. However, like most private nonprofit institutions, it is expected to offer a mix of federal aid (Pell Grants, federal loans), state aid, and institutional aid (scholarships, grants). Given the tuition cost of $25,395, financial aid is critical for most students. Prospective students should contact the East-West University Financial Aid Office directly to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information. This includes inquiring about merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, work-study programs, and the average financial aid package awarded to students. Understanding the net price after aid is essential for evaluating the affordability and potential debt burden. It is also advisable to compare the aid packages offered by East-West University with those from similar institutions to ensure competitiveness.

The median earnings for graduates of East-West University after 10 years are reported as $29,963. This figure is notably low and suggests that, on average, graduates do not command high salaries. It is important to note that this is a median, meaning half of graduates earn less, and half earn more. Salary expectations can vary significantly by major. Without specific data broken down by program, it's difficult to provide precise salary ranges for different fields of study. However, given the overall low median earnings, even graduates from potentially stronger programs might face challenges in achieving high salaries compared to graduates from other institutions. Prospective students should actively seek information from the university about the typical starting salaries and 10-year earnings for graduates of their specific intended major. This detailed information is crucial for setting realistic salary expectations and assessing the financial return on investment.

Information regarding the specific dormitories and on-campus housing options at East-West University is not readily available in public databases. As a small university with only 468 students, it's possible that housing options are limited or that the university primarily serves local commuter students. Some small institutions may offer limited dormitory facilities or partner with nearby apartment complexes to provide housing. Prospective students interested in living on campus should contact the university's housing office or student affairs department directly. They can provide details on the types of accommodations available, room and board costs, application procedures, and whether housing is guaranteed or prioritized for certain student groups. Understanding the housing situation is important for budgeting and planning for the overall college experience, especially for students relocating to Chicago.

East-West University's suitability for research is not well-documented publicly. Given its small size and limited student body, the scale of research opportunities may differ significantly from larger universities with extensive research facilities and faculty. While smaller institutions can sometimes offer more personalized research experiences with faculty mentors, the overall volume and scope of research conducted might be less extensive. Students interested in research should inquire directly with the university about faculty research interests, opportunities for undergraduate involvement in research projects, and any available research grants or stipends. It's also important to understand if the university has specific departments or centers dedicated to research that align with their academic interests. Without more specific information, it's difficult to assess its strength as a research institution, but students should be prepared for potentially more individualized, faculty-driven research engagement rather than large-scale, institution-wide research initiatives.

East-West University is a small, private nonprofit institution located in Chicago. Realistic peer institutions that share some similarities in size, type, or location might include other smaller private colleges in the Chicago area or those with a similar focus on specific academic niches. Examples could be Roosevelt University, Columbia College Chicago, or even smaller liberal arts colleges within a reasonable commuting distance. Compared to these peers, East-West University's primary disadvantages appear to be its significantly lower graduation rate (19.8% vs. potentially higher rates at peers) and much lower median 10-year earnings ($29,963 vs. likely higher figures for peers). Its ROI score of -71 is also a stark contrast to what peers might offer. Potential advantages could lie in its even smaller class sizes, potentially leading to more individualized attention, and perhaps a unique curriculum or focus not found elsewhere. However, these potential advantages are overshadowed by the concerning financial outcomes and academic completion rates.

Employer perception of a degree from East-West University is likely influenced by its small size and the limited public data available on its alumni outcomes. For smaller, less widely known institutions, employer recognition can vary. In the immediate Chicago area, local employers familiar with the university might value the specific skills graduates possess, especially if they have had positive experiences with East-West alumni in the past. However, outside of this regional context, employers may have less familiarity with the university's brand and reputation. The low median earnings and graduation rate reported for East-West University graduates could signal to employers that the institution may not provide the same level of rigorous academic preparation or career readiness as larger, more established universities. This could potentially impact hiring decisions, particularly for competitive roles. Graduates may need to actively highlight specific skills, internships, and projects on their resumes to demonstrate their qualifications and overcome any potential lack of brand recognition.