Lexington College

Chicago, Illinois, United States · Est. 1977 · Private Non-profit

About

Official

A Catholic women's college dedicated to hospitality management education, now closed.

  • Founded in 1977 by three Chicago-area laywomen inspired by Opus Dei
  • Private women's college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church
  • Located in Chicago, Illinois; closed in 2014
  • Specialized exclusively in hospitality management with liberal arts curriculum
  • Notable for diversity: ranked 7th nationally among women's colleges for Black student enrollment
  • Smallest institution in Illinois offering Bachelor's degrees in 2007 with 56 students

Academics

Lexington College offered a specialized curriculum focused entirely on hospitality management studies combined with liberal arts education. Students could major in Hospitality Management with concentrations in culinary arts, hotel/restaurant management, event planning, or health care and wellness. The curriculum included courses in accounting, literature, housekeeping, afternoon tea etiquette, table manners, and religious teachings. All students completed internships (one for Associate degrees, two for Bachelor's degrees) during their enrollment.

Degrees & Programs

The college awarded Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees. Approximately 200 students passed through the college each year. The institution maintained a small student body to provide focused education and training.

Admissions & Student Life

Lexington followed an open admissions process, requiring only a 2.0 high school GPA, an admission essay, and high school transcript. The college was noted for its diversity, with a 2007 student body composition of 44% Black/Non-Hispanic, 39% Hispanic, 11% White/Non-Hispanic, and 6% Non-Resident Alien. It was designated a Hispanic-serving institution. Daily Opus Dei masses were offered, and the college emphasized service to others and Catholic social teachings.

Closure & Legacy

Lexington College closed at the end of the 2013–2014 academic year. Student transcripts were transferred to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and students in the Bachelor's program were eligible to transfer to Kendall College or Roosevelt University to complete their degrees.

Founded
1977
Type
Private Non-profit
Courses
5
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationRoman Catholic; affiliated with Opus Dei
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
5
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources