Chamberlain University-Illinois vs Lewis University: which has better ROI?
Chamberlain University-Illinois has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $127,348 in 2.9 years versus 3.8 years at Lewis University, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $66,099 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Chamberlain University-Illinois | Lewis University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $31,837 | $17,028 |
| Total net cost | $127,348 | $68,112 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $92,405 | $66,099 |
| Median debt | $20,919 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | 3.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $753,552 | $286,668 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Chamberlain University-Illinois or Lewis University?
Lewis University, at $17,028 a year after aid versus $31,837 — a gap of $14,809 a year, or $59,236 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Chamberlain University-Illinois or Lewis University graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-Illinois graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $26,306 more than the $66,099 at Lewis University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Chamberlain University-Illinois or Lewis University?
Chamberlain University-Illinois: its completers carry a median $20,919 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Lewis University, a difference of $581. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at Lewis University, against 42% at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.