
East-West University is a private university founded in Chicago in 1980. It was established to expand access to higher education for students from varied educational, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
The university remains centered on undergraduate study in Chicago's South Loop. Its history is relevant to applicants because its stated emphasis on access and its urban location help explain its admissions approach and the practical importance of commuting, work, and other commitments in students' plans.
East-West University offers undergraduate study across the liberal arts, sciences, business, and technology. Fields represented in its academic offerings include business administration, behavioral sciences, biology, English, mathematics, computer and information sciences, and electronics engineering technology.
Applicants should distinguish a field of study from a particular credential: the requirements for an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, and a specific major are not interchangeable. The current academic catalog is the place to check which credentials are offered in a field, required courses, prerequisites, and whether a course sequence fits a planned graduation date.
East-West University is in Chicago's South Loop, near downtown and within reach of the city's transit network. Its urban setting may suit students who want to combine classes with work or activities elsewhere in Chicago.
A commuter should calculate travel time to the particular building where classes meet, not just to the South Loop generally. CTA rail and bus routes and regional commuter rail provide options, but schedules, fares, and late-evening service will matter to students taking night classes. Chicago Midway is a useful airport for some travelers; the better airport depends on the route and destination.
East-West University describes its educational purpose in terms of accessible higher education and learning across cultural backgrounds. Those are institutional goals, rather than independently measured outcomes for every student.
Prospective students can test how the mission works in practice by reviewing the courses required in their intended major, the availability of academic advising, and the schedule of classes they would actually need. The university is a private institution; applicants should not infer a religious affiliation from its name.
Name of the institution
East-West UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
QuartersFoundation year
1980East-West University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.