East‑West University: Admissions, Programs, Housing and Campus

East West University brings affordable, career-focused education to Chicago’s historic South Loop. Located amid the city’s theaters, museums, and thriving business district, EWU offers hands-on programs in business, engineering technology, computer science, and the liberal arts. These East West University courses are designed to launch students directly into today’s job market.

With over 50 countries represented among students and faculty, you’ll join a global community that values collaboration and real-world experience. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), EWU blends personalized academic support with modern labs, internship partnerships, and community-driven projects.

Ready to turn your ambition into action? Scroll down to learn how East West University Chicago can be your gateway to success locally and globally.

About East-West University

East-West University opened in September 1980, born from a coalition of educators and community advocates committed to establishing an affordable, multicultural institution in Chicago’s South Loop. From its nonprofit beginnings, EWU has remained true to this mission, expanding access to higher education for students from all backgrounds.

EWU Rankings show that in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report, it was placed at #196 among Top Performers on Social Mobility. Today, EWU enrolls over 1,200 undergraduate students across EWU Courses in bachelor’s degree programs in business, technology, liberal arts, and more. With average class sizes of 16 and a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from individualized instruction and faculty mentorship.

And with Downtown Chicago's Michigan Ave outside your window, internship and cultural opportunities are never far away. As Illinois’s only majority-minority four-year college, East West University Chicago IL, hosts a global campus. More than half of its students are international, and faculty represent diverse countries. Through applied learning, modern technology labs, and capstone and community-focused projects, East West University programs prepare graduates to lead in a dynamic global workforce.

East-West University Admission Requirements

If you are looking to prepare for East West University Admissions, here is a list of all the requirements that you must fulfill:

EWU Application Form: Complete the East-West University online application on the official website or email international@eastwest.edu.
Application Fee: Pay a one-time, nonrefundable $300 application fee by money order or cashier’s check, payable to East-West University.
Affidavit of Support (Proof of availability of funds): Provide a bank statement showing at least $36,000 (in English), or submit a notarized affidavit of support from a sponsor, along with their bank and/or employment letters demonstrating sufficient funding (minimum $36,000).
Transcripts: Submit official and sealed transcripts from all secondary (and post-secondary, if applicable) institutions. All documents must be in English.
- If you are still in school, provide an in-progress transcript showing grades 9-11 and your current senior courses; final senior grades can follow once available.
- If you have already graduated, send your final transcript with your graduation date.
- If your documents are in another language, include a course-by-course evaluation from a recognized U.S. agency (ECE or WES).
Passport: Provide a clear copy of the bio page of your valid passport, showing at least three years of validity beyond your planned U.S. entry date.
English Language Proficiency (Optional, but Recommended): To demonstrate English readiness for course placement, applicants are encouraged (but not required) to submit proof of English proficiency, such as:

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English Proficiency Test	Acceptable Score
TOEFL	≥ 65 (for all) and ≥79 (international transfers)
IELTS	≥ 6.5 (international transfers)
Duolingo English Test	≥ 120 (international transfers)
Pearson Test of English	≥ 53 (international transfers)
SAT (ERW) or ACT (Reading & English)	Only submit the score (international transfers)
U.S. English Composition I & II	Proof of completion with grade B+ (international transfers)

East-West University Application Deadlines

At Eastwest University Chicago, applications are reviewed throughout the year with rolling admissions. Therefore, you can submit your application at your convenience. For international students, it’s best to apply at least two months before your desired start term. This helps you gather all the documents for East West University application requirements before the deadline and allows time for F1 USA Visa processing.

East West University operates on a quarterly calendar with four start dates:

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Session	Start Dates
Fall	Late September
Winter	Early January
Spring	April
Summer	Early July

How to Apply to the East-West University

To guide you on the college application process, we have provided these East West University application steps for you to follow:

Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Reach out by phone or email to discuss your goals, available EWU programs, scholarship options, and any transfer credit questions.

Log in or register

Go to EWU’s Admissions Portal and either sign in (if you’ve applied before) or create a new account to begin your application.

Fill out the five-part online form

Provide your personal details, academic history (high school and any college), planned major and start term, test information (SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS, if available), and permanent address.

Upload Your EWU Application Requirements

Official and sealed transcripts.
Proof of financial support (bank statement or sponsor affidavit).
Copy of your passport bio page

You can upload scans in the portal or have your guidance counselor send sealed copies to the official address.

Pay the application fee

Submit your nonrefundable fee of $300 online by credit/debit card or send a money order/cashier’s check to “East-West University.”

Take Placement Tests (If Needed)

Complete free English and/or Math placement exams unless you transfer in equivalent credits (your admissions counselor will let you know).

Interview

Schedule a brief meeting (in person or virtual) with the Director of Admissions or their designee to review your file and placement results.

Submit and monitor your status

After you hit “Submit,” you’ll receive a personalized checklist and be assigned an admissions counselor. Watch your email for any additional document requests and check the portal to see when a decision is posted.

Once admitted and your deposit is received, EWU will issue your Form I-20 so you can apply for your F-1 visa.

East-West University Tuition Fees

East West University tuition fees represent its mission to provide accessible and affordable higher education to global students. The regular dues for the year 2025 are listed below:

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Fee Component	Amount (USD)
International Student tuition	$8,465 per quarter

Scholarship Opportunities at the East-West University

To make East West University Chicago degrees accessible to all, the university provides various financial aid options and scholarships to support its students. Here are some of the scholarship opportunities at EWU for international students:

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Scholarship Name	Amount	Eligibility
Institutional Academic Scholarship	Up to $7,200 per academic year	Full-time students (≥12 credits/quarter), Maintain a quarterly and cumulative GPA ≥ 2.0, Pass courses with a “C” or better
Continuing Education Scholarship	Up to $6,000 per academic year	Employer‐sponsored full-time students, Maintain a quarterly GPA ≥ 2.5
Graduation Incentive Scholarship	$1,500 total	Full-time students, Maintain a quarterly GPA ≥ 2.0
Merit-5 Scholarship	Up to $1,500 per academic year	Full-time students, Maintain a quarterly and cumulative GPA ≥ 3.5
Merit-3 Scholarship	Up to $1,000 per academic year	Full-time students, Maintain quarterly & cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0
Transfer Merit Scholarship	$4,000 (GPA 3.5-4.0) $3,000 (GPA 3.0-3.49), $2,500 (GPA 2.0-2.99)	Transfer students with ≥ 30 earned credit hours, Maintain a cumulative GPA at or above the admission GPA requirement
Amber Scholar Scholarship	$2,000-$6,000	A compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) by college students planning to study in the UK, USA, Canada, or Ireland

Find Affordable Student Housing Near East West University

The heart of Chicago’s South Loop campus makes East-West University the perfect place to turn your ambitions into action. With modern labs, small classes, and downtown internship opportunities at your doorstep, EWU fuses academic rigor with real-world experience.

However, your academic success depends on more than just a college campus. Amber helps you find welcoming and budget-friendly off-campus East West University housing, whether it’s an apartment near Grant Park or a townhouse in the historic Printer’s Row. Live steps from your classes and Chicago’s best cultural spots, so you can focus on learning, networking, and enjoying city life.

Turn your ambitions into achievements at EWU. Explore off-campus housing near East West University with Amber and start your Chicago journey in style!

Check out these top EWU housing options for students: