Roosevelt University in Chicago has an acceptance rate of approximately 90 to 97%, depending on the source, making it one of the least selective four-year universities in the United States. The 2026 US News Best Colleges ranks it #395-434 in National Universities, but with a much stronger #247 placement in Top Performers on Social Mobility, which reflects Roosevelt's founding mission. Total enrollment sits at around 4,000 students, with about 2,500 to 2,857 undergraduates. Tuition is approximately $21,280, with the average net price after financial aid sitting around $20,000 to $22,000.

The harder question, and the one driving most searches for Roosevelt's acceptance rate, is whether a 90%+ acceptance rate means it is or is not a good school. The honest answer is: it depends entirely on what you mean by "good." The rest of this guide is that nuanced answer, with current 2026 rankings, the founding context that explains Roosevelt's identity, the genuinely strong programs, and the things to be honest about.

Roosevelt University at a glance

Roosevelt University acceptance rate, in detail

The published acceptance rate at Roosevelt University varies meaningfully between sources, which is worth understanding:

• uniRank: 90-99% range
• EDsmart (2026): 94.3%
• GyanDhan: approximately 92%
• EduRank: 97%

The variation reflects different methodologies and different cycles, but the consistent signal is that Roosevelt accepts the great majority of applicants who apply. It sits in the bottom quartile of selectivity nationally and is among the easier US universities to gain admission to.

Important context for what that means in practice:

Roosevelt is test-optional. SAT and ACT scores are not required for most applicants. If submitted, the middle 50% range historically falls around SAT 895-1175 and ACT 18-26.

The Common Application is accepted, which makes Roosevelt one of the more administratively straightforward US universities to apply to from abroad.

Admissions decisions are largely based on academic transcripts and GPA. A high school GPA of around 3.0 or higher will typically pass the academic threshold; supplementary materials (essay, recommendations) shape the final decision.

International applicants are welcomed during both Fall and Spring semesters, with the same standards applied as for domestic students. About 492 international students enrol at any time.

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Roosevelt University ranking: the multi-metric picture

The picture of Roosevelt by ranking is more interesting than a single number. The major sources for 2026:

US News Best Colleges 2026

• National Universities: #395-434
• Top Performers on Social Mobility: #247
• Tuition placement: mid-range private

Other rankings

• Shiksha Popularity Ranking: #377 nationally
• EDsmart (national bachelor's cohort): #1323 (different methodology)
• US News global ranking 2026: #395

The interesting story is the divergence between the National Universities ranking (#395-434) and the Social Mobility ranking (#247). National Universities is heavily weighted on selectivity, research output and graduation rates. Social Mobility weights how well an institution helps students from lower-income backgrounds graduate and progress to good outcomes. Roosevelt sits in the lower half of national universities by the first measure but in the upper third of national universities by the second. This is a real distinction that goes to the heart of what Roosevelt is.

Is Roosevelt University a good school?

The honest answer depends on what you weight.

If "good school" means selective and prestigious by US News National Universities ranking: No, Roosevelt is not at the top of that list. It sits in the #395-434 range, which is the lower mid-tier of US national universities. It does not compete with the Ivy League, the major flagship state universities (Michigan, UCLA, Berkeley, Virginia) or the elite private universities (MIT, Stanford, Northwestern). If your priority is the institution name on your degree being instantly recognised in highly competitive job markets, look elsewhere.

If "good school" means strong specific programs in an accessible institution: Yes, Roosevelt has genuinely strong areas. The Chicago College of Performing Arts is one of the best urban music conservatories in the Midwest, with a strong reputation in classical music, jazz and music theatre. The Heller College of Business is accredited by ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs). The College of Education has long-standing strengths in teacher preparation.

If "good school" means an inclusive, accessible institution with strong social mobility outcomes: Yes, and this is Roosevelt's actual identity. The #247 Social Mobility ranking reflects what the institution has done well since its 1945 founding: opening doors that other institutions kept closed. Roosevelt was founded by educators who dissented from racial quotas at Central YMCA College in Chicago. Its non-discriminatory admissions policy was progressive for 1945 and remains foundational to the institution. For students who need a path into US higher education with realistic admission standards and meaningful financial aid, Roosevelt is one of the country's stronger options.

If "good school" means return on investment: Here Roosevelt has honest weaknesses. EDsmart's 2026 calculation shows a return on investment of -46.8%, which means the typical Roosevelt graduate's lifetime earnings minus their cost of attendance falls below the national norm. Median earnings six years after enrolling sit at $42,896, which is below the national bachelor's median. This matters when comparing total cost ($48,000 published, ~$20,000 net after aid) against expected outcomes. If your priority is maximising income relative to college spending, examine the ROI numbers carefully.

What Roosevelt is genuinely good at

A short, honest list of where Roosevelt earns its reputation.

Chicago College of Performing Arts. Classical music, jazz, music theatre, opera. Faculty includes working Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians, Lyric Opera professionals and active jazz performers. The conservatory model gives undergraduates direct performance training that larger universities cannot match.

Heller College of Business. ACBSP-accredited business programs at undergraduate and graduate level, with strengths in finance, accounting and management. The Chicago Loop location gives students direct access to Chicago's financial and business community for internships and recruiting.

Social Mobility. Roosevelt's #247 US News ranking on this metric is a real signal. The institution genuinely helps students from lower-income backgrounds graduate and progress.

Smaller class sizes. The 11:1 to 13:1 student-faculty ratio is meaningfully better than large state universities, with smaller classes and more direct faculty contact across most programs.

Chicago Loop location. The main campus at 430 South Michigan Avenue sits in the historic Auditorium Building, one of Chicago's most important architectural landmarks (designed by Adler and Sullivan, 1889), and places students at the centre of Chicago's cultural and professional life.

What to be honest about

A short, honest list of where Roosevelt has real challenges.

Lower graduation rates. The four-year graduation rate is approximately 37%; the six-year rate is approximately 41%. These are below US national averages and well below selective private universities. For students entering Roosevelt, planning for the full degree pathway and engaging with academic support resources matters more than at higher-graduation institutions.

Lower-mid-tier ranking position. The #395-434 National Universities placement is below the institutions most prospective international students compare against (Northwestern, University of Chicago, University of Illinois system, Loyola Chicago).

Return on investment data. EDsmart's -46.8% ROI signal is worth taking seriously, particularly for international students paying full international tuition without financial aid.

No flagship research reputation. Roosevelt is a teaching-focused private university, not a research-intensive institution. The R1 or R2 Carnegie classification does not apply, and major research funding is limited.

The Chicago location factor

This deserves a section because Roosevelt's Chicago location is the single best non-academic case for choosing it. The main campus at 430 South Michigan Avenue sits in the Auditorium Building in the Chicago Loop, directly adjacent to Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Lake Michigan waterfront. The CTA L (the Chicago elevated railway) provides direct campus access from across the city. The campus is within walking distance of major Chicago employers, cultural institutions and entertainment venues.

For a US-based student studying arts, business or social sciences, the urban Chicago location is a genuine asset that provides internship and career opportunities a smaller-city institution cannot match. For an international student, Chicago is one of the most globally-connected US cities and a major Midwestern hub.

Read Also: York College: Admission, Fees & Campus 2026

Who Roosevelt University actually suits

A direct read:

Strong fit: Students seeking music or performing arts training at conservatory level; students valuing social mobility and inclusion; students who want a Chicago-based urban university experience; students who would not be admitted to more selective institutions but want a path into a real US bachelor's degree; international students looking for accessible US admission with manageable test requirements.

Marginal fit: Students focused primarily on undergraduate research output; students who would qualify for top-100 US universities and are price-sensitive; international students prioritising graduate outcomes that justify a high net cost.

Not a fit: Students focused on prestige rankings as the deciding factor; students requiring large-class research-intensive environments; students seeking competitive admission as a credential signal.

How to apply

Roosevelt accepts the Common Application. Most applicants apply through that route. The annual application fee is $40. Both Fall and Spring intake are available, with most students starting in Fall (September). Required materials typically include:

• Common Application or Roosevelt direct application
• High school transcripts (translated and evaluated if international)
• Personal statement or essay
• Two letters of recommendation
• SAT or ACT scores (optional)
• TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers
• Application fee

Decision timeline is typically rolling, with most decisions returned within four to six weeks of a complete application.

FAQs

What is the Roosevelt University acceptance rate?

The Roosevelt University acceptance rate is approximately 90 to 97%, depending on the source. It is among the least selective four-year universities in the United States, accepting the great majority of applicants who meet basic academic thresholds.

What is Roosevelt University's ranking?

Roosevelt University ranks #395-434 in National Universities in the 2026 US News Best Colleges. It ranks #247 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, which is its strongest ranking and reflects its institutional mission.

Is Roosevelt University a good school?

It depends on priority. By selectivity and prestige rankings, Roosevelt is lower mid-tier. By social mobility and program-specific strengths (Chicago College of Performing Arts, Heller College of Business), Roosevelt is genuinely strong. It is a good fit for students valuing accessibility, urban Chicago location and specific programs rather than national prestige.

Where is Roosevelt University located?

The main campus is at 430 South Michigan Avenue, in the Chicago Loop, occupying the historic Auditorium Building. A branch campus is in Schaumburg, Illinois, about 30 miles north-west.

How much does Roosevelt University cost? Tuition is approximately $21,280 per year, with total published cost around $48,000 before aid. The average net price after financial aid is approximately $20,000 to $22,000.

Is Roosevelt University test-optional?

Yes. SAT and ACT scores are not required for most applicants in the 2026 cycle. Submitted scores are considered if included, with middle 50% ranges typically around SAT 895-1175 and ACT 18-26.

What is Roosevelt University known for?

The Chicago College of Performing Arts (conservatory-level music, opera and music theatre), the Heller College of Business, its strong social mobility outcomes, and its founding mission of inclusive higher education established in 1945.

Does Roosevelt University accept international students?

Yes. About 492 international students enrol at Roosevelt at any time. The university welcomes international applicants in both Fall and Spring semesters, with TOEFL or IELTS scores required for non-native English speakers.

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