Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024
Small colleges in Illinois are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Wheaton College
- Knox College
- Lake Forest College
- University of Illinois Springfield
- Benedictine University
- Chicago State University
- North Central College
- McKendree University
- Governors State University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Wheaton College
- Rockford University
- Knox College
- Lake Forest College
- Chicago State University
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Augustana College
- Eureka College
- University of Illinois Springfield
- Benedictine University 93%
- Trinity International University 91%
- Monmouth College 91%
- Dominican University 90%
- Wheaton College 88%
- Eureka College 87%
- Saint Xavier University 84%
- University of Illinois Springfield 82%
- Illinois College 77%
- Millikin University 75%
- McKendree University 17 to 1
- Saint Xavier University 15 to 1
- Olivet Nazarene University 14 to 1
- Quincy University 14 to 1
- Eureka College 13 to 1
- Illinois Institute of Technology 13 to 1
- Benedictine University 13 to 1
- University of Illinois Springfield 12 to 1
- North Central College 12 to 1
- Lake Forest College 12 to 1
- Illinois Wesleyan University $53,814
- Knox College $53,259
- Lake Forest College $52,902
- Illinois Institute of Technology $50,640
- Augustana College $47,916
- North Central College $43,046
- Wheaton College $42,240
- Monmouth College $42,214
- Millikin University $40,740
- Olivet Nazarene University $37,940
- Illinois Institute of Technology $34,101
- Augustana College $34,000
- Millikin University $20,000
- Dominican University $19,900
- Benedictine University $19,181
- Wheaton College $18,720
- Trinity International University $17,880
- North Central College $15,822
- Lake Forest College $15,816
- Saint Xavier University $15,000
- Trinity Christian College
- Quincy University
- Principia College
- Dominican University
- North Park University
- Monmouth College
- Olivet Nazarene University
- Rockford University
- Illinois College
- Millikin University
- Trinity Christian College
- Olivet Nazarene University
- Dominican University
- Saint Xavier University
- Millikin University
- Quincy University
- Governors State University
- North Park University
- McKendree University
- Monmouth College
- Illinois Wesleyan University 42%
- Principia College 48%
- Chicago State University 49%
- Rockford University 55%
- Governors State University 57%
- Olivet Nazarene University 58%
- Lake Forest College 60%
- Augustana College 61%
- North Central College 61%
- Illinois Institute of Technology 61%
- Principia College 6 to 1
- Knox College 9 to 1
- North Park University 10 to 1
- Monmouth College 10 to 1
- Millikin University 10 to 1
- Trinity Christian College 10 to 1
- Rockford University 10 to 1
- Governors State University 10 to 1
- Chicago State University 11 to 1
- Augustana College 11 to 1
- Governors State University $7,512
- University of Illinois Springfield $9,758
- Chicago State University $12,018
- Eureka College $28,380
- Quincy University $31,940
- Principia College $32,130
- McKendree University $33,430
- Trinity International University $33,898
- North Park University $34,020
- Benedictine University $34,290
- Chicago State University $5,976
- Governors State University $6,354
- University of Illinois Springfield $8,858
- Illinois College $9,000
- McKendree University $9,450
- Trinity Christian College $10,458
- Quincy University $12,000
- Olivet Nazarene University $12,290
- Rockford University $13,680
- North Park University $14,004
Key Takeaways
- The best small colleges in Illinois are excellent choices for college students who want a well-rounded education, a more personalized educational experience, and a more customized approach to skills acquisition (i.e., technical or liberal arts).
- The choice between a public and a private college will depend on your financial capacity, choice in a degree, and desire for campus life. Both types of institutions, however, offer financial aid and, thus, provide students with the opportunity to make their choice based on other non-monetary factors.
- Illinois is an excellent place to pursue higher education, thanks to its world-class colleges and universities as well as its abundant career opportunities.
Standing Out as a Small College in Illinois
The best small colleges in Illinois featured here consist of public and private colleges, a testament to the world-class quality of higher education institutions in the Prairie State. Each of these small colleges has a unique history and continues to make significant contributions to diverse fields, from nursing and computer science to business administration and criminal justice.
The oldest of these small colleges—and the oldest in Illinois—is Mckendree University, established by pioneer Methodists in 1828. It’s also the oldest university in the United States associated with the United Methodist Church.
The second-oldest college in Illinois is Illinois College, established by the Yale Band in 1829. While McKendree University may have beaten it in terms of founding date, it’s the first college in Illinois to award a degree and the state’s first medical school.
Founded in 1837, Knox College uses a unique 3-3 academic calendar instead of the typical semester-based academic calendar. This setup enables students to focus on their studies—each term requires completion of only three courses. This also allows faculty members to provide more personalized professional attention to their students, and is one of the reasons why it’s one of the best small colleges in Illinois.
The #1 in our list of the best small colleges in Illinois, Illinois Institute of Technology, traces its roots to 1890 and has garnered several accolades in its 130-year history. Among its latest is the CAE-CD or National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designation.
The bottom line: While Illinois is chock-full of private school institutions with outstanding academic programs, the small Illinois university and college options featured here are great choices for higher education! Excellent academic standards, credentialed faculty members, and exceptional student support services are among the reasons these small colleges are recognized for their great value.
Public Colleges vs. Private Colleges
But, it’s also important to distinguish between public and private colleges, a distinction that can make or break your academic career. Their differences will greatly impact your ability to earn your degree based on your desired timeline, thanks to factors like total cost of attendance, degree programs, student support services, and class size and diversity. Be sure to carefully consider the unique characteristics of each small college before making your choice.
Funding sources and their effect on tuition and fees.
With funding from the state government, public colleges are more affordable than private colleges. Government subsidies mean students aren’t paying for the actual cost of attendance. In contrast, private colleges don’t receive a single cent from the government and, instead, rely on tuition, fees, alum contributions, endowments, and other sources of revenue. The result: Higher tuition and other fees.
Fortunately, students in accredited public and private colleges can apply for financial aid! Federal and state financial assistance, institutional scholarships, and external grants are available.
Degree programs and research opportunities.
Public colleges are likely to have larger class sizes, more diverse student bodies, and a wider range of degree and certificate programs. Private colleges tend to have smaller class sizes and less diversity among their students, although there are always exceptions. There’s also more emphasis on liberal arts programs with a smattering of STEM and business administration programs.
Due to their limited funding, small private colleges may not offer as many research opportunities as small public colleges. But what they lack in resources can mean better collaborations between students and professors.
In terms of campus life, small public and private colleges feature a more tight-knit community with a fairly wide variety of on-campus activities and organizations.
Ultimately, your choice between a small public college and a private college will depend on your circumstances and preferences. With numerous world-class colleges and universities in Illinois, you will be spoiled for choice!
Great Reasons to Study in Illinois
So why choose the Prairie State for your higher education? First, you will find rich and diverse opportunities to appreciate Illinois’s history, arts and culture! Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Barack Obama, and Ronald Reagan call Illinois home—in fact, it’s where the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the future Barack Obama Presidential Center are located.
Chicago, its largest city, boasts numerous galleries and museums, historical landmarks and attractions, and awe-inspiring architecture and sculptures. There are several fairs and festivals, too, such as the Abe Fest and Illinois State Fair, as well as sports teams to root for—the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox among them.
Did we mention that the cost of living in Illinois is well below the national average? Students will find the fairly reasonable costs of housing, utilities and groceries to be appealing. With the wide range of financial aid programs available in Illinois, pursuing a degree in one of its best small colleges becomes even more attractive!
The employment opportunities in Illinois are also excellent for students and graduates of small colleges. The state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity cites energy, transportation and distribution, and biotechnology and life sciences as among the state’s growth industries.
More than 30 Fortune 500 corporations in Illinois, such as Allstate and Boeing, contribute to its diverse economy. The most profitable industries include finance, insurance, and real estate. And you will be glad to know that Illinois’ minimum wage rate will be $15 in 2025, among the highest in the country!
Colleges and Universities in Illinois
Prospective students searching for colleges in Illinois have plenty of excellent schools to choose from. Illinois offers over 130 higher education institutes throughout the state. Thanks to an expansive public university system and several top private institutions, students can select from an extremely wide array of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Illinois.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois at Chicago, the state’s two largest public universities in Illinois. Students can access a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degrees for in-state tuition rates of $13,000 to $15,000 respectively. Both public universities also offer a full selection of online degree programs.It’s also worth noting that Illinois residents who pursue online degrees at public colleges in Illinois will qualify for in-state tuition rates. Out of state students will generally pay more whether pursuing on-campus or online degrees.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
More than half of the colleges in Illinois are actually private schools. Among these private colleges and universities, the most notable are DePaul University, Northwestern University, and Loyola University Chicago. Tuition from these three private schools can be costly, ranging from $44,000 to $55,000. However, each of these private schools boasts a high graduation rate and excellent professors.
Illinois is also home to many small private schools, including Benedictine University and National Louis University.
Popular disciplines in Illinois include disciplines like criminal justice, social work, nursing, education, religious studies, communications, and medicine. Both traditional and online students have a wide range of options in each of these subject areas.
Degree completion programs are also widely available for lapsed students who have already accumulated some college credits. This is an especially popular online degree option among working professionals in Illinois.
Additionally, Illinois offers several loan forgiveness-based financial aid programs for qualifying students pursuing careers as teachers, public defenders or prosecutors, or nurses.From the skyscrapers in Chicago to the vast prairie lands in the north, Illinois is a place where city meets country. Students can grab a Chicago-style hotdog on the way to a Cubs game, explore the ancient sandstone cliffs in the Shawnee National Forest, or admire an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago, all while attending one of The Prairie State’s universities or colleges.
The higher education institutes in Illinois have also produced many prominent alumni, including Stephen Colbert, Phillip Glass, and Kurt Vonnegut. Students hoping to walk the same streets as these well-known individuals can check out some of the state’s top programs and universities.
What are Illinois’s Colleges & Universities?
- 17 Research Universities
- 36 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 28 Graduate Schools
- 12 Public Colleges & Universities
- 44 Private Colleges & Universities
- 24 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 34 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 15 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 49 Community Colleges
- 28 Online Colleges
Illinois’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Illinois is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 34 small colleges in Illinois. The list below of the 25 best small colleges in Illinois. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2023
- #8 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Illinois 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
75%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1315/30
Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $50,279Expenses: $21,270Starting Salary: $78,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Illinois Institute of Technology known for?
Illinois Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Economics
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Business
- Law
- Social Work
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #5 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
88%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1340/30
Career Outlook for degree at Wheaton College
Cost of Degree: $42,240Expenses: $14,540Starting Salary: $60,500Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wheaton College known for?
Wheaton College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Psychology
- History
- Economics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
75%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1290/30
Career Outlook for degree at Knox College
Cost of Degree: $53,259Expenses: $12,748Starting Salary: $43,500Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Knox College known for?
Knox College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- History
- Sociology
- Biology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
78%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1246/28
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Forest College
Cost of Degree: $52,902Expenses: $15,898Starting Salary: $55,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lake Forest College known for?
Lake Forest College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
53%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1104/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Springfield
Cost of Degree: $12,190Expenses: $14,388Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Illinois Springfield known for?
University of Illinois Springfield’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Medical
- Literature
- Business
- Mathematics
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
University of Illinois Springfield’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 53-55
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Sports Management
- Required Credits: 53-55
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 53-55
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 32
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: 53-55
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 53-55
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024 #19 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
53%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine University
Cost of Degree: $32,441Expenses: $15,042Starting Salary: $56,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Benedictine University known for?
Benedictine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Physics
- Business
- Psychology
- Medical
- Political Science
- Education
- Literature
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Benedictine University’s Online Degrees
BA in Management
Degree Concentrations
- Digital Marketing
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #10 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
28%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Chicago State University
Cost of Degree: $12,018Expenses: $20,700Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Chicago State University known for?
Chicago State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Education
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- History
- Communications
- Medical
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
63%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/25
Career Outlook for degree at North Central College
Cost of Degree: $43,046Expenses: $14,920Starting Salary: $52,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Central College known for?
North Central College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Business
- Psychology
- Medical
- History
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Education
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Illinois 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
Other Rankings
- #4 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
55%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at McKendree University
Cost of Degree: $33,430Expenses: $15,300Starting Salary: $50,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is McKendree University known for?
McKendree University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Education
- Business
- Sociology
- History
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
McKendree University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Accounting
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Sport Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Supply Chain Management And Logistics
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Cyber Defense
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology/Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #11 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
21%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Governors State University
Cost of Degree: $10,468Expenses: $15,100Starting Salary: $44,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Governors State University known for?
Governors State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Education
- Business
- Computer Science
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Governors State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business And Applied Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024 #20 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024 #25 Best RN to BSN Online
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
53%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Xavier University
Cost of Degree: $35,770Expenses: $15,150Starting Salary: $50,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Xavier University known for?
Saint Xavier University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Saint Xavier University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business
- Required Credits: 45
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Applied Communication
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
- Required Credits: 34
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
78%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/24
Career Outlook for degree at Augustana College
Cost of Degree: $47,916Expenses: $14,326Starting Salary: $56,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Augustana College known for?
Augustana College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #25 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/21
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity International University
Cost of Degree: $33,898Expenses: $14,861Starting Salary: $45,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity International University known for?
Trinity International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- History
- Social Work
- Education
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Medical
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Trinity International University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministries
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
42%
Graduation
79%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/27
Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $53,814Expenses: $14,918Starting Salary: $67,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Illinois Wesleyan University known for?
Illinois Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Nursing
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Economics
- Biology
- History
- Political Science
- Physics
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
54%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Eureka College
Cost of Degree: $28,380Expenses: $12,553Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eureka College known for?
Eureka College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Philosophy
- Education
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Biology
- Medical
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
58%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/23
Career Outlook for degree at Millikin University
Cost of Degree: $41,532Expenses: $15,936Starting Salary: $47,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Millikin University known for?
Millikin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Millikin University’s Online Degrees
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #13 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1043/23
Career Outlook for degree at Illinois College
Cost of Degree: $36,346Starting Salary: $49,100What is Illinois College known for?
Illinois College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Illinois College’s Online Degrees
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Agribusiness Management
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 46
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 42-44
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
40%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
963/16
Career Outlook for degree at Rockford University
Cost of Degree: $35,050Expenses: $15,070Starting Salary: $47,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rockford University known for?
Rockford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Education
- Psychology
- History
- Medical
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Rockford University’s Online Degrees
BSMS in Bachelor Of Science In Management Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSAS in Bachelors Of Science In Accounting Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #12 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024 #15 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024 #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
67%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Olivet Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $37,940Expenses: $13,540Starting Salary: $44,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Olivet Nazarene University known for?
Olivet Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
- Sociology
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Olivet Nazarene University’s Online Degrees
BSB in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSL in Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
57%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/26
Career Outlook for degree at Monmouth College
Cost of Degree: $42,214Expenses: $13,790Starting Salary: $46,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Monmouth College known for?
Monmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #15 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024 #25 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
55%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at North Park University
Cost of Degree: $34,020Expenses: $13,825Starting Salary: $45,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Park University known for?
North Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Psychology
- Business
- Nursing
- Sociology
- History
Most Influential Alumni
North Park University’s Online Degrees
BA in Digital Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Nonprofit Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Management And Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
59%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/19
Career Outlook for degree at Dominican University
Cost of Degree: $36,350Expenses: $13,622Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dominican University known for?
Dominican University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
77%
Student body
<1K
What is Principia College known for?
Principia College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- History
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #18 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024 #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Quincy University
Cost of Degree: $31,940Expenses: $13,730Starting Salary: $46,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Quincy University known for?
Quincy University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Quincy University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
69%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/24
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Christian College
Cost of Degree: $34,325Expenses: $14,500Starting Salary: $44,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity Christian College known for?
Trinity Christian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Education
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Illinois’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
- Wheaton College
- Knox College
- University of Illinois Springfield
- Trinity International University
- Principia College
- Monmouth College
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Lake Forest College
- Illinois College
- Dominican University
- North Central College
- Augustana College
- Elmhurst University
- Olivet Nazarene University
- Millikin University
- Benedictine University
- Trinity Christian College
- Quincy University
- Governors State University
- Saint Xavier University
- McKendree University
- North Park University
- Eureka College
- Robert Morris University Illinois
- University of St. Francis
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in New Hampshire and Nevada.