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Lewis University

Lewis University, a private school of 7,000 students, is about 35 miles southwest of Chicago. Founded as a Catholic school in 1932 with just 15 students, today Lewis welcomes students of all faiths.

The school offers more than 80 undergrad majors and fields of study, including data science, digital marketing and music industry. Students say their professors are committed, helpful and accessible, and they benefit from a student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1. The university also has a school for professional and continuing education.

But Lewis' standout department may be its well-recognized aviation program and on-campus airport (not to mention its proximity to O'Hare International — one of the busiest in the country). Students can study air traffic control management, aviation administration and more.

Lewis’s 410-acre campus is a bonafide arboretum and is home to more than 2,400 trees. There are 11 residence halls for students and more than 20 club sports teams, including archery, chess and Dungeons & Dragons.