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For international students, the cost of studying abroad can quickly become overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider — tuition fees are usually higher for non-citizens, and then there’s visa processing, accommodation, and day-to-day expenses to think about, too. For Oladayo Apata, the investment seemed too high to reach — until he came across Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Apata initially considered schools in Boston and New York, where his cousins had studied. However, the costs in those cities were prohibitive. Lewis stood out not only for its affordable tuition but also for its campus housing options, which he found to be significantly cheaper than off-campus living in other areas. Plus, with a free shuttle to Chicago, Apata could enjoy city life in his free time without breaking the bank.
This all became a reality thanks to a substantial scholarship from Lewis based on his National Examination scores. “I studied for this a lot,” says Apata. “So I was happy that my hard work and high scores were recognised.”
Today, he’s expanding his skills through a paid internship as a Data Analyst — one of Lewis’s many practical training offerings that allow students to gain professional experience on campus while completing their studies.
Stories like his explain why this Catholic institution ranks 25th in the US News & World Report’s list of best-value schools among regional universities and 34th for social mobility in the region. The university’s affordability grants unrivalled accessibility to students of all economic backgrounds.
Lewis University offers plenty career opportunities, providing a high return on investment when it comes to their education. Source: Lewis University
Still, quality is never compromised. Lewis consistently ranks among the Midwest’s top 15 regional universities. Throw a faculty of industry-experienced professors, extensive educational facilities, and a convenient 30-minute commute to Chicago into the mix and international students have themselves the study abroad experience of a lifetime. Perhaps the best part of all is that the university has something for everyone, offering programmes in law enforcement, nursing, aviation, business, the sciences, teaching, and the arts.
It pretty much has it all, which is precisely what Kaushika Neupane from Nepal was after when she first set out to study in the US. Specifically, she had two priorities: a strong programme in Business Analytics and a scholarship to help make it feasible. Through a consultancy, she learned about the university’s scholarship programme and received the full US$18,000 award — renewable each year throughout her degree.
“Studying at Lewis saved me a lot of money — tuition was affordable with the scholarships, and I lived on campus, which was great,” shares the graduate. “The campus has everything that students need, and all the services such as the medical clinic, tutors, career advisors, and everything is free to students.”
Lewis University offers something unique in regards to tuition and scholarship – international students and US Citizens are pay equal amounts. That’s right, there is no higher tuition asked of international students. Regardless of your citizenship, all students pay the same rates at Lewis. With scholarships that can cover up to 40% of the undergraduate tuition, awarded based on a 4.0 GPA scale – students can expect full0time undergraduate tuition around US$22,000 per year.
Romeoville boasts a lower cost of living than Chicago, which is just 30 minutes away from Lewis University’s campus. Source: Lewis University
Regardless, professional development is part of the package. With 170 partnerships and fieldwork placement partners, Lewis ensures each student achieves career readiness. Through Career Practical Training (CPT) and with help from the university’s career services, international students can take on internships to put knowledge into practice.
After graduating, they can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — a temporary employment period in the US that spans between one to three years, depending on each student’s specialisation.
Since Neupane went for a STEM designated programme, she graduated eligible for a three-year OPT extension, giving her ample time to build a career and life in the US. Now based in Chicago, she’s fully settled into her OPT role.
Such moves are typical of graduates who spent their academic years near big cities with even bigger opportunities. Lewis University’s location offers a unique advantage: access to Chicago’s major industries without the high cost of city living. With Romeoville’s cost of living about 15.8% lower than Chicago’s, students benefit from more affordable housing and utilities while enjoying convenient access to the Windy City.
“I liked Lewis because I could live on campus, which was much cheaper than living in the local apartments,” says Apata. “Many students then take the free shuttle bus into Chicago on the weekends for fun and entertainment.”
Get the best of both worlds at Lewis University.
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