Understanding the Cost of Attendance at Lewis University

Planning for college expenses is a crucial part of the application process. Knowing what a school costs is the first step in managing these costs. This article breaks down the cost of attendance at Lewis University, a medium-sized private institution in Romeoville, IL, and explores available financial aid options.

What is the Cost of Attendance?

The "Cost of Attendance" represents the total amount of money the average student pays, without any financial aid, to attend a particular school. It's essentially the school's sticker price.

Tuition and Fees

Lewis University's tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students are relatively high compared to other institutions.

Undergraduate Tuition: The annual tuition for full-time in-district undergraduates is $37,592, placing it in the top 25% for costliness.
Undergraduate Fees: Fees are relatively low at $290, which is in the bottom 25%.
Block Rate Tuition: All traditional full-time undergraduate students enrolling for 12-18 hours/semester are charged a block rate of tuition. Students enrolling for more than 18 hours will pay the per-credit hour charge for all hours exceeding 18.
Tuition Variations: Tuition rates vary for online programs, employer-discounted programs, and Albuquerque students.
Graduate Tuition: Graduate tuition is more moderate, averaging $15,210 for full-time in-district and in-state students, categorized as average and positioned around the median cost percentile.
Part-time Charges: Part-time undergraduate hourly rates are $1,094 for in-district and in-state students, considered average to slightly above average in cost.

Room and Board

Room and board expenses are a significant component of the annual cost. The total room and board charge is approximately $12,630, which is average and on the lower end compared to national figures.

Total Estimated Annual Cost

When combined, tuition, fees, and room and board at Lewis University result in an estimated total annual cost of about $40,700. This places Lewis University's overall costs below the average total annual expenses faced by students attending private non-profit four-year colleges (about $54,501) but above the costs typical for public two-year and four-year colleges, especially for in-state attendees.

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Other Costs

Beyond tuition, fees, and room and board, students should also budget for:

Books and Supplies: Approximately $1,500 per year
Personal Expenses: Approximately $1,986 per year
Transportation: Approximately $300 per year

Financial Aid Options

The Cost of Attendance can be intimidating, but Lewis University offers various financial aid options to help students manage costs.

Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are the most desirable forms of financial aid because they don't need to be repaid.

Undergraduate Scholarships: Undergraduate scholarships are based on the student’s GPA from their previous school and can be awarded up to $18,000 per year for full-time students at the Main Campus in Romeoville.
Institutional Aid: Because more Lewis University students get institutional aid, it likely offers relatively competitive financial aid.
Financial Aid Statistics: 69.24% of students receive financial aid, and 99.62% of freshmen with need receive financial aid.
Average Aid Package: The average aid package awarded is $37,343.
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $25,785
Average Non-Need-Based Aid: $17,138

Student Loans

Loans are another major way to pay for college, but it's important to minimize student debt.

Federal Loans: At Lewis University, 76% of all students take out federal loans, with an average annual federal loan amount of $6081.
Private Loans: 12% of students take out private loans, with an average private loan amount of $14376.

Work-Study Programs

Lewis University offers work-study opportunities designed to support students financially while helping them gain practical experience. Eligible students can find on-campus employment in different departments, developing valuable professional skills related to their fields of study. The university also assists students in connecting with internships that complement their academic programs, providing exposure to real-world professional environments and enhancing post-graduate employment prospects.

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Payment Plans

Lewis University also offers payment plans, so students can pay their tuition in installments.

Graduate Assistantships

Students enrolled in a graduate program are eligible for employment on campus through Graduate Assistantships. These part-time jobs offer a small salary and a tuition reduction.

International Student Financial Aid

International students have several financial aid options to explore:

Foreign Government Sponsored Scholarships: Many foreign governments offer scholarship programs for international students seeking to study in the United States. Contact your local EducationUSA office to find out if such scholarships are available.
Hagan International Scholarship: Apply for the Hagan International Scholarship by May 1st each year. This scholarship is available to first-semester international graduate students.
International Student Loans: International students are eligible for international student loans, specialized private education loans. These loans often require a U.S.-based co-signer.
Mpower Financing: Lewis University is an approved school with Mpower Financing, which offers student education loans and Mpower Scholarships.

Net Price

The Net Price is the total cost (Cost of Attendance) minus the total aid given (grants and scholarships). It represents the price you have to pay out of pocket.

Average Net Price: The average net price is $19,472 per year.*Note: The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The US government has developed a standardized way to calculate how much a typical family can afford to pay without help, known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Colleges use this number as a guideline to decide how much aid to give you, but it's just a guideline.

Value of Lewis University

Lewis University is a decent value, and attending college here will likely pay off over time. As a regional school, Lewis University may not be a household name nationwide, but it's known to people in the local area as a solid school.

Financial Aid Application Details

Financial Aid Application Due: May 1st
Average Aid Packages Awarded: $37,343
Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $25,785
Need-Based Loan Amount: $4,357
Debt at Graduation: The typical amount of loans a student must pay back is $33,234.

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