“Illinois first bilingual college — bridging languages and opportunity in the heart of Chicago.”
Saint Augustine College was founded in 1980 by the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago as Illinois first bilingual institution of higher education. Designed to serve Chicago Hispanic, immigrant, and working-adult communities, the college pioneered a model where students may begin their coursework entirely in Spanish and gradually transition to English-medium instruction — a deliberate bridge for first-generation learners navigating linguistic and cultural transitions simultaneously. In December 2023 the college joined Lewis University through a multi-phase merger, completing the process in September 2025 and now operating as St. Augustine College at Lewis University, continuing its bilingual access mission under a more financially stable institutional umbrella. Academically, the college is best known for its open-access, community-centered approach. Degree programs span business administration, early childhood education, respiratory therapy, psychology, and liberal arts and sciences, delivered across five campus locations throughout Chicago. Class sizes are intentionally small, and students receive one-on-one advising support from learning facilitators throughout their academic journey. The institution has earned national recognition from U.S. News and World Report as the #1 Regional College in the Midwest for Social Mobility, reflecting its track record of transforming life outcomes for underserved students. With locations in Humboldt Park, Wicker Park, Pilsen, and other Chicago neighborhoods, Saint Augustine College connects students directly to the city healthcare, education, and business employment sectors. The urban campus culture is collaborative and community-oriented, drawing students who balance school with work and family responsibilities. For international students — particularly Spanish-speaking newcomers to Chicago — the bilingual model and open admission policy make this a uniquely welcoming entry point into American higher education.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Regional Colleges Midwest — Social Mobility
US News 2025
Test Free — No test scores needed — they won't be reviewed even if submitted.
Official SourceRolling Admission (Fall)
Applications accepted continuously; contact admissions for semester-specific cut-off dates
Rolling Admission (Spring)
Rolling admission year-round
This university does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$13,688
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Programs in business administration, accounting, computer information systems, hospitality management, and construction management.
Hands-on programs in respiratory therapy, pharmacy technology, medical assisting, and psychology.
Associate and bachelor programs in early childhood education and liberal arts and sciences, delivered bilingually.
2 years
Accredited AAS preparing students for clinical licensure in one of Chicago highest-demand allied health fields, with bilingual instruction support.
4 years
BA with a liberal arts foundation emphasizing practical business skills for Chicago diverse employment market, available in Spanish and English.
2 years
AAS aligned with Illinois state requirements for childcare and pre-K settings, delivered bilingually to serve Spanish-speaking communities.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $13,688
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
