Roosevelt University and Loyola University Chicago are both respected private institutions located in downtown Chicago, but they differ significantly in their academic focus, campus culture, size, and religious affiliation. Choosing between them depends on what you value most in your college experience, such as program offerings, campus environment, costs, and extracurricular opportunities.
Background and Institutional Overview
Roosevelt University was founded in 1945 with a mission rooted in social justice and inclusivity, named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. It has historically served a diverse, largely first-generation student population, emphasizing access and affordability. The university is known for its commitment to social equity and urban engagement.
Loyola University Chicago, established in 1870, is a private Jesuit Catholic university and one of the largest Jesuit institutions in the United States. Its mission encompasses academic excellence, faith-based education, service, and leadership. Loyola has a strong national reputation, especially in health sciences, law, and business.
Campus Locations and Facilities
Both universities have primary campuses in Chicago, but their settings and amenities differ:
- Roosevelt University: The main campus is in downtown Chicago (the Loop), with the iconic Wabash Building, which is one of the tallest academic buildings in the country. Roosevelt also has a suburban campus in Schaumburg, offering additional programs and flexibility for commuters.
- Loyola University Chicago: Loyola’s main Lake Shore Campus is in the Rogers Park neighborhood, right on the shore of Lake Michigan. It also operates the Water Tower Campus in downtown Chicago, as well as a Health Sciences Campus in Maywood (west of Chicago). The Lake Shore Campus is known for its traditional collegiate feel, green spaces, and lakefront views.
Academic Programs and Strengths
Both universities offer a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their academic strengths and areas of focus differ:
- Roosevelt University: Known for programs in performing arts (Chicago College of Performing Arts), education, business, hospitality, and the social sciences. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and social justice themes across its curriculum.
- Loyola University Chicago: Particularly strong in health sciences (nursing, biology, pre-med), law (Loyola University Chicago School of Law), business (Quinlan School of Business), psychology, and social work. Loyola’s Jesuit tradition shapes its core curriculum, with a focus on ethics, service, and leadership.
Both schools are regionally accredited and offer honors programs, study abroad opportunities, and research experiences, but Loyola typically has more resources for research and specialized graduate programs.
Student Life and Campus Culture
The student experience at Roosevelt and Loyola reflects their different histories and missions:
- Roosevelt University: The student body is highly diverse, with many first-generation college students and a strong focus on social activism and community engagement. Campus life is urban and integrated into the city, with fewer traditional residence hall experiences and more commuter students or those living in city apartments. Student organizations often center on issues of equity, diversity, and the arts.
- Loyola University Chicago: While Loyola is also diverse, it has a more traditional residential campus life, especially at the Lake Shore Campus. Many students live on campus in the first two years, and there are robust intramural sports, Greek life, and faith-based organizations. Jesuit values are a visible part of campus life, with service-learning and spiritual growth opportunities.
Both universities are located in vibrant Chicago neighborhoods, offering easy access to internships, cultural events, and the city’s resources.
Admissions and Selectivity
Admissions standards and selectivity vary between the two institutions:
- Roosevelt University: Generally has a more accessible admissions process, with a higher acceptance rate and a holistic review that considers academic potential, personal background, and extracurricular involvement. It is considered moderately selective.
- Loyola University Chicago: More selective, with higher average GPAs and standardized test scores among admitted students. Loyola tends to attract students with strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to service or leadership.
Both universities are test-optional for undergraduate admissions, reflecting a broader trend in higher education.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Costs
As private universities, both Roosevelt and Loyola charge higher tuition than public institutions, but costs and financial aid packages differ:
- Roosevelt University: Tuition is generally lower than Loyola’s, and the university offers substantial need-based aid as well as merit scholarships. Roosevelt is known for working with a significant number of Pell Grant recipients and providing support for first-generation students.
- Loyola University Chicago: Tuition is higher, but the university offers a wide range of merit-based scholarships and need-based aid. Loyola’s endowment is larger, which can translate to more institutional grant funding for qualified students. However, the overall cost of attendance (including room and board) tends to be higher than at Roosevelt.
Both schools participate in federal and state financial aid programs, and offer payment plans and work-study opportunities.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Networks
Career support and alumni connections are important factors when choosing a university:
- Roosevelt University: The university’s Career Development Center provides job search support, internships, and networking events, with particular strength in Chicago’s nonprofit, arts, and hospitality sectors. Graduates often find roles in education, public service, and the performing arts.
- Loyola University Chicago: Loyola has a strong reputation for producing graduates in healthcare, law, business, and education. Its alumni network is extensive, especially in Chicago, providing connections for internships, mentoring, and employment. The university’s pre-professional advising and career fairs are well regarded.
Both institutions report that a significant percentage of graduates are employed or pursuing graduate study within six months of graduation, though Loyola’s outcomes are often higher due to its professional programs and network.
Campus Safety and Student Support
Safety and support services are priorities for both universities, particularly given their urban locations:
- Roosevelt University: The campus has 24/7 security, card-access buildings, and emergency alert systems. The university offers counseling, health services, and support for underrepresented students, including multicultural student services and accessibility resources.
- Loyola University Chicago: Loyola’s campuses also have round-the-clock security, blue-light emergency phones, and regular safety patrols. Loyola invests in wellness programs, mental health services, and has dedicated offices for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as spiritual support for students of all faiths.
Both universities work closely with Chicago police and local authorities to ensure student safety on and off campus.
How to Choose Between Roosevelt and Loyola
Choosing between Roosevelt University and Loyola University Chicago depends on your priorities, interests, and learning style. Consider these factors:
- Academic Focus: If you are interested in performing arts, hospitality, or social justice, Roosevelt may be a better fit. For health sciences, law, or business, Loyola offers deeper resources and reputation.
- Campus Environment: Prefer an urban, integrated city experience? Roosevelt’s Loop campus is in the heart of downtown. Want a more traditional campus with green space? Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus offers that.
- Religious Affiliation: Loyola is a Jesuit Catholic institution with faith-based values, while Roosevelt is secular and strongly focused on social justice and diversity.
- Cost: Consider the total cost of attendance, scholarships, and financial aid offers. Roosevelt tends to be more affordable, but Loyola may offer more aid for high-achieving students.
- Student Life: Want a traditional residential college experience with lots of campus activities? Loyola may be more appealing. Looking for activism, diversity, and city engagement? Roosevelt excels here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Loyola University Chicago a religious school?
Loyola is a Jesuit Catholic university. While students of all faiths are welcome, the school’s mission and many programs are informed by Jesuit values like service, ethics, and reflection. Religious requirements are minimal, but spiritual life is a visible part of campus culture. - Can I live on campus at Roosevelt University?
Yes, Roosevelt offers on-campus housing in its downtown Wabash Building, but the majority of students are commuters or live in city apartments. The residence life experience is less traditional than at Loyola, which has multiple residence halls and a larger proportion of students living on campus. - Which university is better for pre-med or nursing?
Loyola University Chicago is generally considered stronger for pre-med, nursing, and other health sciences, with dedicated advising, research opportunities, and hospital affiliations. Roosevelt offers science programs, but its strengths are in other areas. - How do class sizes compare?
Both universities emphasize small classes and accessible faculty. Roosevelt’s classes are typically smaller, especially in upper-level courses. Loyola, being larger, may have some larger introductory courses, but most classes remain under 30 students. - Are there notable alumni from either university?
Both schools have produced successful alumni. Roosevelt is known for leaders in the arts, politics, and social justice. Loyola’s alumni include prominent physicians, lawyers, business leaders, and public officials, particularly in the Chicago area. - Is it hard to transfer between the two?
Both universities accept transfer students and have articulation agreements with community colleges. However, transferring between the two may require careful planning to ensure credits transfer smoothly, especially for specialized programs.
Alternatives in Chicago
Chicago is home to many other higher education options, both public and private. If you are considering Roosevelt and Loyola, you might also look at:
- DePaul University: Another large private university with a strong business school and urban campus.
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): A major public research university with lower tuition for Illinois residents and extensive research opportunities.
- Columbia College Chicago: Best known for arts, media, and communications programs.
- Northwestern University: A highly selective private research university in nearby Evanston, with top-ranked programs but much higher admissions standards.
Each school has its own strengths, campus culture, and admissions process, so it’s worth visiting campuses, talking to current students, and comparing program offerings before making your decision.
See the main Loyola University Chicago pros and cons.