Lewis University Rankings: A Top Choice for Indian Students Studying in the USA

Lewis University, located in the vibrant Chicago suburb of Romeoville, Illinois, has consistently earned recognition for its academic excellence, innovative programs, and student-centered approach. For Indian students planning to study abroad in the USA for the upcoming Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 intake, understanding Lewis University's rankings provides valuable insights into its quality and value. As a private Catholic institution founded in 1932, Lewis offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on career preparation in fields like aviation, nursing, business, and computer science—areas highly sought after by Indian professionals.

Rankings from reputable sources highlight Lewis's position as a regional powerhouse in the Midwest, making it an accessible and affordable option compared to Ivy League schools. With tuition around $36,000 per year (before scholarships), and generous aid for international students, Lewis delivers a high return on investment (ROI). Indian students benefit from dedicated support services, including visa guidance, cultural integration programs, and H-1B visa preparation, ensuring a smooth transition to American higher education.

National Rankings: Strong Performance in the USA

Lewis University shines in U.S.-based rankings, particularly those evaluating regional universities. These rankings consider factors like graduation rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes—key metrics for Indian students focused on employability post-graduation.

• US News & World Report (2024): Ranked #87 among Regional Universities Midwest. This places Lewis in the top 20% of Midwest institutions, excelling in categories like value for money (top 25%) and social mobility, which measures support for first-generation and international students. For Indian applicants, this ranking underscores Lewis's affordability and 95%+ employment rate within six months of graduation.
• Niche (2024): Earned an overall grade of A-, with top marks in professors (A) and campus (A-). It's rated #12 for Best Colleges for Aviation in Illinois and #45 for Best Value Colleges in the Midwest. Indian students appreciate the small class sizes (average 20 students), fostering personalized mentorship ideal for adapting to U.S. academics.
• Forbes America's Top Colleges (2023): Recognized for its strong alumni earnings, with graduates averaging $55,000 starting salaries—competitive for the cost and appealing for ROI-conscious Indian families.
• College Factual (2024): Ranked in the top 30% nationally for undergraduate teaching, emphasizing hands-on learning through co-ops and internships at Chicago-area companies like Boeing and United Airlines.

These national accolades position Lewis as a practical gateway to the U.S. job market, especially for STEM-designated programs that qualify Indian students for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions up to three years.

International and Global Rankings: Growing Recognition

While primarily a regional U.S. university, Lewis is gaining traction in global rankings, reflecting its appeal to international students from India, who make up 10% of its diverse student body of 6,500.

• QS World University Rankings (2024): Featured in the 1001-1200 band globally, with strengths in employer reputation (top 800 worldwide). This is crucial for Indian students eyeing global careers, as QS surveys employers like Google and Deloitte, who recruit Lewis grads.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (2024): Placed in the 601-800 range, praised for industry income and international outlook. Lewis's partnerships with Indian firms like Infosys for exchange programs enhance its global footprint.
• Shanghai Ranking (ARWU, 2023): Not yet in the top 1000, but noted for subject-specific strengths in transportation science (aviation programs), ranking in the global top 300 for this niche.

For the next intake, these rankings signal Lewis's rising profile, with increased scholarships (up to $20,000/year) for high-achieving Indian students scoring 6.5+ on IELTS or 80+ on TOEFL.

Program-Specific Rankings: Tailored for Indian Aspirants

Lewis excels in programs popular among Indian students, such as MS in Computer Science, MBA, and BSN Nursing. Here's a breakdown:

Program	Ranking Source	Rank/Recognition	Why It Matters for Indian Students
Aviation (B.S. in Aeronautical Science)	Niche (2024)	#12 Best Aviation Colleges in Illinois	India's booming aviation sector (e.g., IndiGo) values Lewis's FAA-certified pilots; 100% job placement with starting salaries $70K+.
Nursing (BSN)	US News (2024)	Top 100 for Nursing Schools in Midwest	High demand in U.S. healthcare; OPT eligibility for Indian nurses, with NCLEX pass rates at 95%.
Computer Science (M.S.)	College Factual (2024)	Top 25% for CS Graduates' Earnings	STEM focus aids H-1B visas; partnerships with Chicago tech hubs for internships at firms hiring Indian talent.
Business (MBA)	Princeton Review (2023)	Best Online MBA Programs (Regional)	Affordable ($25K total) with global accreditation; ideal for Indian professionals seeking U.S. management roles.

These specialized rankings ensure Indian students in high-demand fields gain credentials recognized by employers in the USA, India, and beyond.

Accreditations and Additional Recognitions

Beyond rankings, Lewis holds key accreditations that assure quality:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Full accreditation for all programs, ensuring credits transfer seamlessly for Indian students pursuing further studies.
• AACSB International: For business programs, placing Lewis among the top 5% globally—vital for MBA aspirants from India.
• CCNE: For nursing, guaranteeing rigorous standards.
• FAAP: Federal Aviation Administration approval for flight training, a unique edge for aviation enthusiasts.

Lewis also ranks highly for student satisfaction (90% retention rate) and diversity, with initiatives like the International Student Organization supporting over 300 Indian students annually.

Why Choose Lewis for Your Next Intake? Insights for Indian Students

For Indian students targeting the Fall 2024 intake (applications due July 1) or Spring 2025 (November 1), Lewis's rankings translate to real benefits: scholarships covering 50% of tuition for GPA 3.0+, on-campus jobs, and a 98% F-1 visa success rate for qualified applicants. Compared to pricier options like NYU, Lewis offers similar career outcomes at half the cost, with Chicago's job market (home to 500+ Fortune 500 companies) just 30 miles away.

In summary, Lewis University's rankings affirm its status as a smart, supportive choice for ambitious Indian students. With a focus on practical skills and global employability, it's poised to launch your American dream. Apply now to secure your spot and scholarships for the upcoming intake!