Lewis University

A Catholic university on the outskirts of Chicago, Lewis University provides “small class sizes,” “smart and approachable professors,” and especially “strong programs in aviation, nursing, and criminal justice.” Professors are big on “discussions more often than lectures,” and generally “make lessons fun and interesting.” One student praises courses within the Psychology department for having “designed their courses to mimic graduate school courses, and strongly emphasize research…and clinical counseling skills.” Students say their “overall academic experience is a great one” and praise Lewis for “constantly providing more opportunities for research or internships” and for “additional student services,” such as career services, which provides assistance in the way of “resume reviews, mock interviews” and “help applying to graduate school.” These services are made available to students “even after they’ve graduated from Lewis.”

The Lewis student body is “down to earth,” “supportive,” and “typically small-town people dreaming of going to bigger places.” The size of the school and the large commuter population means, “there is a tight-knit community within…disciplines.” Many students transfer in from local junior colleges in the area. There’s also a “large amount of veteran students due to the school being considered a yellow-ribbon school.” Additionally, other non-traditional and older students are attracted to Lewis “because it offers online classes and is close to suburban areas.” One student says, “Though a predominantly Catholic student body, there are still many students of all multicultural backgrounds and religious practices.”

Lewis is largely a commuter school, where it is estimated that “about 40 percent” of the student body lives off campus. Students report a “quiet but focused and determined” environment, with most focused on their studies “in the library or computer lab.” Students may also venture into Romeoville for food or the “nature trail,” but students say it’s important to know that Lewis is in a “quiet town,” so they often have to “make [their] own fun.” On campus, the recreation center provides a “small arcade” and “pool hall,” (called Flyer’s Lounge) along with “decent food.” Students contribute to the school “in one way or another either through sports, STEM committees, or recreational clubs.” Chicago is close by, allowing residential students to get away on weekends and check out what the city has to offer.