Opportunities at Lewis University

Lewis University, located in the vibrant suburb of Romeoville, Illinois—just 35 miles southwest of Chicago—offers a world of possibilities for Indian students aspiring to study in the USA. As a private Catholic university founded in 1932, Lewis emphasizes holistic education, combining rigorous academics with practical experiences. For the upcoming intake (Fall 2024 or Spring 2025), Indian students can seize diverse opportunities in academics, careers, research, and campus life. With a supportive environment tailored for international students, including dedicated advisors and cultural integration programs, Lewis ensures a smooth transition from India to American higher education. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in high-demand fields like aviation, business, nursing, or computer science, Lewis equips you with the skills to thrive globally.

Academic Excellence and Program Opportunities

Lewis University boasts over 100 undergraduate and 25 graduate programs across six colleges, designed to align with the career goals of ambitious Indian students. The university's small class sizes (average 20 students) foster personalized learning, helping you build strong foundations while adapting to the U.S. academic system.

• STEM Programs: Ideal for Indian students excelling in science and technology, Lewis offers Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with specializations in cybersecurity and data analytics—fields booming in the U.S. job market. Graduate options like the MS in Information Security prepare you for roles at tech giants like Google or Microsoft. For aviation enthusiasts, the renowned Flight Operations program includes hands-on pilot training at the Lewis University Airport, a rare opportunity in the Midwest.
• Business and Management: The College of Business provides AACSB-accredited programs such as the BBA in Finance or MBA, focusing on global business strategies. Indian students benefit from case studies on emerging markets, including India's economy, and networking with Chicago's financial hub.
• Healthcare and Nursing: With a shortage of healthcare professionals in the USA, the BS in Nursing (accelerated track available) and MSN programs offer clinical placements in top Illinois hospitals. These are perfect for Indian students aiming for NCLEX certification and long-term careers.
• Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice: Explore BA in Criminal Justice for those interested in law enforcement or forensics, with ties to the FBI and local agencies—opportunities that can lead to H-1B visa pathways.

For the next intake, apply early to secure spots in competitive programs. Lewis accepts international credits from Indian boards like CBSE/ICSE, and offers conditional admission with English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) support through its ESL program.

Career Development and Internship Opportunities

Lewis University prioritizes employability, with a 95% placement rate for graduates. The Office of Career Services provides tailored support for Indian students, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and visa guidance for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

• Internships and Co-ops: Partner with over 2,000 employers, including Boeing, Caterpillar, and Chicago-area firms. Aviation students complete 200+ flight hours via internships, while business majors intern at Deloitte or local startups. Indian students often secure paid positions in IT and finance, earning $15-25/hour.
• Job Fairs and Networking: Annual career fairs connect you with 150+ companies. Proximity to Chicago's diverse economy—home to Indian diaspora communities—offers part-time jobs in tech, retail, and hospitality to offset living costs.
• Post-Graduation Pathways: 70% of international graduates extend their stay via OPT (up to 3 years for STEM). Lewis alumni have landed roles at Amazon, United Airlines, and Indian multinationals like Infosys in the U.S.

The university's Handshake platform lists exclusive opportunities, and career coaches help navigate F-1 visa extensions, making it easier for Indian students to transition from campus to corporate America.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

Lewis encourages undergraduate and graduate research, especially in STEM and sustainability—areas appealing to research-oriented Indian students. The Center for Research and Innovation funds projects with grants up to $5,000.

• Undergraduate Research: Join the annual Student Research Symposium, presenting on topics like AI ethics or renewable energy. Collaborate with faculty on publications, boosting your grad school applications.
• Graduate Fellowships: MS students in data science or environmental science access labs equipped with cutting-edge tools. Indian students have contributed to NSF-funded projects on climate modeling, relevant to India's environmental challenges.
• Global Collaborations: Partnerships with universities in India (e.g., via exchange programs) allow dual-degree options, enhancing your resume for back-home opportunities.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indian Students

Affordability is key for Indian families. Lewis offers merit-based scholarships covering 20-75% of tuition ($37,000/year for undergrad), renewable for four years.

Scholarship Name	Amount (USD)	Eligibility for Indian Students
International Merit Scholarship	Up to $20,000/year	Based on GPA (3.0+), SAT/ACT scores; automatic consideration upon admission
Flyer Family Scholarship	$10,000-$15,000	For aviation or business majors; essay on career goals required
Graduate Assistantships	Tuition waiver + stipend ($5,000)	MS programs; work 10-20 hours/week in labs or offices
Diversity Grant	$5,000 one-time	For underrepresented internationals; covers cultural adjustment programs

Additional aid includes on-campus jobs (up to 20 hours/week at $12-15/hour) and private loans for F-1 students. For the next intake, deadlines are June 1 (Fall) and November 1 (Spring)—apply via the international portal for priority funding.

Extracurricular and Leadership Opportunities

Beyond academics, Lewis's 100+ clubs and organizations help Indian students build networks and combat homesickness. Join the Indian Student Association for Diwali celebrations, Bollywood nights, and Holi events, or lead initiatives in the International Club.

• Sports and Fitness: NCAA Division II athletics in soccer, basketball, and track—scholarships available for talented Indian athletes.
• Leadership Programs: The Leadership Lewis certificate enhances soft skills, valued by U.S. employers.
• Community Service: Volunteer with local Indian community centers in Chicago, earning credits and building cultural bridges.

The 410-acre campus features modern residences, a multicultural dining hall with Indian cuisine options, and 24/7 wellness support, ensuring a balanced life.

In summary, Lewis University opens doors to transformative opportunities, from cutting-edge academics and lucrative careers to vibrant community life. For Indian students targeting the next U.S. intake, Lewis combines Midwestern affordability (total cost ~$50,000/year with aid) with big-city access. Start your journey today—your American dream awaits at Lewis!