School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Lewis University

Comparable Facts

Compare School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Lewis University in Romeoville, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lewis University is larger than School of the Art Institute of Chicago based on total student enrollment (7,011 students vs. 3,394 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Lewis University is in Romeoville, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lewis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 10:1; Lewis University 13:1.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Lewis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Lewis University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lewis University than School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($18,959 vs. $55,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis University are 26.6% lower than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($12,140 vs. $16,550).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is 43.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lewis University (about $17,220 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $39,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.9% higher at School of the Art Institute of Chicago than at Lewis University (about $17,220 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $39,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis University than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis University students is 43.2% larger than aid received by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students ($28,717 vs. $20,050).

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Lewis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Lewis University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lewis University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1150) is 60 points higher than at Lewis University (1090).
• Incoming School of the Art Institute of Chicago students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Lewis University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1048/1260; Lewis University 960/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 22/25; Lewis University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Test-free; Lewis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Nov 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Lewis University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (3.51).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (77.5%) than Lewis University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. 15.3% at Lewis University.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Lewis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Lewis University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lewis University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (60%).
• Graduates from Lewis University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,500 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis University graduates have a $1,088 lower median loan debt than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates ($24,625 vs. $25,713).
• Among borrowers, Lewis University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates ($254 vs. $265).
• More Lewis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.