Roosevelt University

Nestled in the bustling Loop of downtown Chicago, Roosevelt University stands as a beacon for students drawn to a dynamic cityscape and a legacy of inclusivity. Founded in 1945 by Edward J. Sparling, a former president of Central YMCA College, the university emerged from a bold stand against discriminatory admissions policies of the time. Sparling and a group of faculty broke away to create an institution named after Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, reflecting a mission to champion fairness and opportunity for all, regardless of background. Today, with nearly 3,000 undergraduates, Roosevelt retains that spirit, attracting students who value a close-knit community within a major urban hub.

This isn’t a sprawling suburban campus with rolling lawns; it’s a vertical university with buildings integrated into Chicago’s iconic skyline, including the striking 32-story Wabash Building. You’ll find yourself surrounded by the pulse of a global city—think towering skyscrapers, Lake Michigan’s shoreline, and endless cultural hotspots like the Art Institute and Millennium Park. However, the urban setting means less of a traditional campus feel, and some students might miss the insulated bubble of a smaller college town. Roosevelt suits independent, city-savvy individuals who thrive on diversity and are eager to weave internships and city experiences into their education.

The tradeoff is real: living and studying in downtown Chicago comes with a high cost of living, and navigating the city’s fast pace can be overwhelming for those unused to urban environments. Parking is scarce and expensive, and public transit, while accessible, requires some adjustment. Still, for students who crave a gritty, real-world backdrop to their college years, Roosevelt offers an unmatched setting where classroom learning spills directly into the streets of one of America’s greatest cities.