Rush University is a private health sciences university located on the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois, within the Illinois Medical District. Established in 1972, it serves as the academic arm of Rush University Medical Center. The university comprises Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences, and the Graduate College. Rush University focuses primarily on medical, nursing, allied health, and biomedical research education. Its programs emphasize clinical training, research, and interprofessional collaboration within an academic medical center setting. Students are typically drawn to Rush University for its health care–centered curriculum, close integration with hospital-based learning, and opportunities in patient care, research, and community health initiatives.
Rush University was established in 1972 in Chicago, Illinois, but its roots trace back to 1837, when the Illinois legislature chartered Rush Medical College, the first medical school in Chicago. Founded by Dr. Daniel Brainard, Rush Medical College opened in 1843 and became an important center for medical education in the Midwest. Over the decades, Rush faculty helped establish Presbyterian Hospital in 1883, strengthening clinical training. In 1956, Presbyterian Hospital merged with St. Luke’s Hospital, and in 1969 the medical college merged with the hospital to form Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. Rush University was formally created in 1972 to unify the institution’s academic programs. The College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences joined soon after, followed by the College of Health Sciences in 1975 and the Graduate College in 1981. Today, Rush University continues to operate as a health sciences university integrated with Rush University Medical Center.
Rush University has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which means small class sizes and close interaction with professors. Students often benefit from more personalized attention, accessible faculty mentorship, and greater opportunities for discussion and research collaboration.
Applying to Rush University involves a focused admissions process centered on health sciences programs, including medicine, nursing, allied health and biomedical research. Because Rush University operates within an academic medical center in Chicago, applicants are typically evaluated on academic preparation, clinical exposure and commitment to patient care. Requirements vary by college, with professional programs often requiring prerequisite coursework, recommendations and interviews.
Financial aid at Rush University includes federal loans, scholarships and institutional assistance for eligible students. Given the professional nature of many Rush University programs, students often explore federal aid options and external scholarships specific to health professions. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and review program-specific funding opportunities.
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