Rush University
The Vibe Check
Rush University feels like a focused, close-knit professional hub rather than a traditional undergraduate campus. The atmosphere is intensely collaborative and career-driven, with a quiet, serious energy centered entirely on the health sciences. You'll feel like a colleague-in-training from day one, immersed in a world-class medical ecosystem.
Academics & Majors
The academic environment is defined by its deep integration with the world-renowned Rush University Medical Center, providing unparalleled hands-on clinical and research opportunities. Teaching quality is exceptionally high, with professors who are also leading clinicians and researchers actively working in their fields. Students benefit from small, cohort-based classes and direct mentorship, with a primary focus on producing practice-ready professionals.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Chicago
Students have direct access to world-class dining, museums, and cultural attractions in Chicago's Loop, just a short train ride away. Weekends often involve exploring neighborhoods like the West Loop for trendy restaurants or catching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. The city's vibrant energy provides a perfect counterbalance to the intense academic schedule.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($75,194):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in the Illinois Medical District, a well-patrolled and secure area with its own police service and extensive security measures. While the surrounding West Side of Chicago has a reputation for higher crime rates, the campus itself is generally considered safe, with students advised to remain aware of their surroundings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unparalleled clinical and research integration with a top-tier academic medical center.
- ✓ Extremely small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty who are leaders in their fields.
- ✓ Strong career outcomes and high median earnings in high-demand healthcare professions.
- ✓ Location in the heart of Chicago's Illinois Medical District provides vast networking and professional opportunities.
Cons
- ✗ Extremely limited undergraduate offerings; primarily a graduate and professional studies institution.
- ✗ Campus life is highly focused on academics with little of the traditional undergraduate social scene.
- ✗ The urban setting and location on the West Side may not appeal to students seeking a classic college town or suburban environment.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Rush University is nationally recognized for its excellence in health sciences education, research, and patient care, all centered around the Rush University Medical Center. It is particularly renowned for its nursing, health sciences, and biomedical research programs, offering highly specialized training with a strong emphasis on hands-on, clinical experience from the very beginning of a student's education.
As a specialized graduate and health sciences institution, Rush's admissions are highly competitive, particularly for its medical, nursing, and health professions programs. While undergraduate data is limited, the university's focus on top-tier clinical training means it seeks candidates with outstanding academic records, significant healthcare experience, and a clear commitment to the field. The small enrollment size of 120 underscores a selective and intimate academic community.
Campus life at Rush is highly focused and professional, lacking the traditional undergraduate social scene of a large university. Students are deeply immersed in their studies and clinical rotations, with a community feel built around shared academic and professional goals. Social activities often revolve around student-led organizations within the health professions, and students take advantage of Chicago's vast cultural and recreational offerings outside of campus.
For students pursuing high-demand healthcare careers, a degree from Rush can offer a strong return on investment, as reflected in the $75,194 median earnings. The direct access to elite clinical training at a top medical center provides a significant advantage in the job market. The value is particularly high for those who secure robust financial aid, making the investment worthwhile for a long-term career in health.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1972
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 149
- Zip Code 60612
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a 10-year median earnings of $75,194, a degree from Rush provides a strong return on investment, especially given its focus on high-demand healthcare fields. The high Pell Grant rate suggests a degree of socioeconomic diversity and potential for robust financial aid packages. For students entering well-compensated health professions, the significant initial cost can be offset by strong post-graduation earning potential.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.