Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University: A Legacy of Social Justice and Academic Excellence
Founded with a strong commitment to social justice, inclusion, and accessibility, the university has grown into a vibrant and diverse academic community that serves students from across the United States and around the world. With its main campus located in one of the most dynamic cities in the world, Roosevelt offers students unique opportunities to engage with real-world issues, build professional networks, and receive a transformative education rooted in values of equity and progress.
Founding and History
Roosevelt University was established in 1945 at a time when the United States was transitioning out of World War II and into a new era of civil rights movements and social change. The university’s founders envisioned a progressive institution where students would be admitted based on merit and character, not on race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic background—a bold stance during a time of widespread segregation and discrimination in higher education.
The university was named after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose New Deal programs inspired hope for a fairer and more inclusive society. Eleanor Roosevelt, a tireless advocate for human rights, was also closely associated with the school’s founding ideals. The institution was created to serve as a beacon for those who believed in democratic ideals, social reform, and educational access for all.
The Chicago Campus: A Center of Urban Opportunity
Roosevelt’s flagship campus is located in downtown Chicago, steps away from iconic landmarks like Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Its historic Auditorium Building is not only an architectural marvel but also a hub of intellectual and cultural activity. The location of the university gives students unparalleled access to professional internships, arts and cultural institutions, government offices, and a wide array of industries that shape the modern economy.
In addition to its urban appeal, the university maintains a suburban campus in Schaumburg, Illinois, which serves students looking for a quieter, more traditional campus experience while still benefiting from Roosevelt’s strong academic reputation.
Academics and Programs
Roosevelt University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across multiple disciplines. The university is organized into several colleges and schools, each dedicated to specific areas of study.
College of Arts and Sciences: Roosevelt University
It offers majors in fields such as psychology, biology, sociology, political science, English, and history. Students are encouraged to think critically, engage in research, and develop a broad-based liberal arts foundation that will serve them in a variety of careers or graduate programs.
College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy
Roosevelt is home to the College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy, which provides rigorous programs in biology, chemistry, nursing, and pharmacy. Its Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is particularly well regarded and is one of the fastest tracks to becoming a licensed pharmacist in the country. This college emphasizes hands-on learning and prepares students to enter healthcare fields that are essential to public wellbeing.
Chicago College of Performing Arts
One of the university’s crown jewels is the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA), which offers highly competitive programs in music and theatre. Drawing on Chicago’s vibrant arts scene, the CCPA provides students with intensive training, performance opportunities, and access to professional connections in the performing arts industry. Whether students aspire to become classical musicians, Broadway performers, or theatre educators, the CCPA offers the tools and mentorship they need to succeed.
Heller College of Business: Roosevelt University
The Heller College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration, accounting, finance, management, and more. It combines rigorous academics with real-world experience, offering internships, networking events, and exposure to Chicago’s business community. Courses are taught by experienced professionals who bring real-life business challenges into the classroom.
College of Education:Roosevelt University
The College of Education prepares students to become educators, school counselors, administrators, and advocates for educational equity. It emphasizes urban education and has strong ties to school districts throughout Illinois, giving students field experiences that prepare them for diverse classrooms.
Student Experience and Campus Life
Roosevelt University prides itself on offering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. With a student body that reflects a wide variety of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, the university fosters an atmosphere where different perspectives are welcomed and valued.
Housing and Residence Life
The Wabash Building, one of the tallest academic structures in the United States, houses residence halls, classrooms, labs, and dining facilities—all under one roof. Living on campus places students in the center of city life while offering the security and community of a close-knit residential setting. The building offers modern amenities, skyline views, and a strong sense of community among residents.
Student Organizations: Roosevelt University
Students also participate in leadership programs, student government, and honor societies that enrich the collegiate experience.
Athletics and Intramurals
Roosevelt University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and fields teams under the Roosevelt Lakers banner. The university promotes wellness and physical activity, offering intramural sports and fitness facilities to all students.
Commitment to Social Justice: Roosevelt University
Social justice is not just a slogan at Roosevelt—it is a guiding principle. The university integrates this mission into every level of education and campus life. Whether through coursework, community engagement, or university policy, students are continually encouraged to confront inequity, participate in civic life, and advocate for meaningful change.
Roosevelt has been recognized for its diversity and dedication to serving first-generation college students and underrepresented populations. Programs and initiatives across the university promote equity in areas like admissions, faculty hiring, curriculum design, and financial aid.
Faculty and Teaching Philosophy
Roosevelt’s faculty are accomplished scholars, artists, practitioners, and researchers who are deeply committed to teaching and mentorship. With small class sizes, students receive individualized attention and build lasting relationships with professors who support their academic and professional goals.
Faculty members are encouraged to engage students in critical thinking, collaborative research, and experiential learning. Many courses incorporate service-learning or community-based projects that connect academic content to real-world issues.
Career Preparation and Internships
Career development is a core focus at Roosevelt University. The Office of Career Services helps students with resume building, interview preparation, job placement, and graduate school applications. Career fairs, employer visits, and networking events are regularly hosted to connect students with opportunities in their fields of interest.
Given its downtown Chicago location, Roosevelt students benefit from proximity to countless internship opportunities in business, government, healthcare, the arts, education, and nonprofit sectors. These experiences often lead to full-time positions and offer a competitive edge in the job market.
Alumni Network and Impact: Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University alumni make a difference in diverse fields including education, healthcare, public service, the arts, and business. The university’s alumni community is active, supportive, and passionate about giving back. Graduates often return to campus to mentor students, speak at events, or serve as partners in internship and employment opportunities.
Notable alumni include educators, musicians, politicians, entrepreneurs, and social justice advocates who carry Roosevelt’s values into their professional lives.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Roosevelt is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. A significant percentage of students receive financial assistance through scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. The university offers merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and special scholarships for transfer students, veterans, and students in specific academic programs.
Financial aid counselors work closely with students and families to demystify the financial aid process and help them build plans to fund their education.
Graduate Studies and Lifelong Learning: Roosevelt University
Roosevelt offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs designed for working professionals and students seeking advanced training. Areas of graduate study include education, public administration, business, performing arts, psychology, and pharmacy. Programs are structured to accommodate busy schedules, with many offering evening, weekend, or online options.
The university also promotes lifelong learning through continuing education and certificate programs that help individuals advance in their careers or explore new interests.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University is one of the most diverse private universities in the Midwest. The institution has received accolades for its commitment to equity and its support for underrepresented and first-generation college students. Diversity is not only reflected in the student body but also in faculty hiring, programming, and curricular development.
Offices dedicated to multicultural affairs, LGBTQ+ support, veteran services, and accessibility services ensure that all students feel welcomed and supported throughout their academic journey.
Sustainability and Campus Responsibility: Roosevelt University
Roosevelt is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The university has implemented green building practices, recycling programs, and educational initiatives to promote ecological awareness. The Wabash Building incorporates energy-efficient design and is a symbol of the university’s commitment to sustainability in urban settings.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Roosevelt students and faculty actively engage with the surrounding community through research, advocacy, volunteer work, and partnerships. The university collaborates with local schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses to improve the lives of Chicago residents and expand educational access and opportunity.
Whether through tutoring children, researching public policy, or creating art for community spaces, Roosevelt students leave a lasting impact on the neighborhoods around them.
Conclusion
Roosevelt University stands as a modern institution with a powerful legacy. Its founding principles of equality, access, and justice continue to shape its mission today. With its prime location in one of the nation’s most important cities, a diverse and inclusive campus culture, and a strong academic foundation, Roosevelt prepares students to become thoughtful leaders and change-makers in their fields.
Whether a student is drawn to business, science, the arts, education, or social advocacy, Roosevelt University offers the tools, experiences, and values to help them thrive. It is not merely a place of learning, but a community of purpose—where students don’t just earn a degree, they build a life of impact.
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