Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026

Badge for BEST IN ILLINOIS CHRISTIAN COLLEGES

Key Takeaways

  • Christian colleges are bound by the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, the association that spearheads and oversees these institutions’ accreditation status and curriculum design.
  • Illinois has a diverse population base, which explains why they also have high-powered colleges and universities, including Bible and Christian colleges.
  • Almost all states have Christian Colleges, and some of the most exceptional ones are found in Illinois.

The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 24 Christian colleges in Illinois. In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.

Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025

  1. Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $51,716
    Expenses: $19,694
    Starting Salary: $78,431
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Loyola University Chicago’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Web Technologies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Applied Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Strategic Digital Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1 year
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  2. #2

    DePaul University

    Chicago , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/28

    Career Outlook for degree at DePaul University

    Cost of Degree: $44,174
    Expenses: $22,338
    Starting Salary: $75,602
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    DePaul University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Decision Analytics
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computing
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: 2 years
    BA in Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  3. #3

    Wheaton College

    Wheaton , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Wheaton College

    Cost of Degree: $43,936
    Expenses: $15,740
    Starting Salary: $68,390
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Augustana College

    Rock Island , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Augustana College

    Cost of Degree: $49,834
    Expenses: $15,014
    Starting Salary: $67,144
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    Eureka College

    Eureka , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eureka College

    Cost of Degree: $28,400
    Expenses: $12,992
    Starting Salary: $51,381
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eureka College known for?

    Eureka College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. #6

    Elmhurst University

    Elmhurst , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Elmhurst University

    Cost of Degree: $41,628
    Expenses: $17,808
    Starting Salary: $67,398
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Elmhurst University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Logistics And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: 2-3 years
    BS in It
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Programming
    • Required Credits: 36
  7. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Trinity International University

    Cost of Degree: $12,320
    Expenses: $10,177
    Starting Salary: $51,278
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Trinity International University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 3-4Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 3-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 3-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 3-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
  8. #8

    Illinois College

    Jacksonville , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1031/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois College

    Cost of Degree: $37,470
    Starting Salary: $57,546

    Illinois College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Agribusiness Management
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: 18 months for core courses
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 42-44
    • Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: 12-18 months
    • Format: Fully online
  9. #9

    North Central College

    Naperville , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1182/26

    Career Outlook for degree at North Central College

    Cost of Degree: $44,394
    Expenses: $15,568
    Starting Salary: $65,646
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is North Central College known for?

    North Central College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #10

    Monmouth College

    Monmouth , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Monmouth College

    Cost of Degree: $43,520
    Expenses: $14,366
    Starting Salary: $54,098
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine University

    Cost of Degree: $32,546
    Expenses: $15,654
    Starting Salary: $67,314
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Benedictine University known for?

    Benedictine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Benedictine University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Digital Marketing
    • Human Resources Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in General Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion Time: 1 Year
    • Format: Fully online
  12. #12

    North Park University

    Chicago , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Park University

    Cost of Degree: $35,325
    Expenses: $14,275
    Starting Salary: $61,717
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is North Park University known for?

    North Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    North Park University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Digital Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Nonprofit Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Organizational Management And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Format: Fully online
  13. #13

    Quincy University

    Quincy , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Quincy University

    Cost of Degree: $35,740
    Starting Salary: $55,330
    What 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: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
  14. #14

    Lewis University

    Romeoville , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Lewis University

    Cost of Degree: $37,882
    Expenses: $15,830
    Starting Salary: $59,389
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lewis University known for?

    Lewis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Lewis University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Sales
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Security Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Xavier University

    Cost of Degree: $36,840
    Expenses: $16,008
    Starting Salary: $64,661
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Xavier University known for?

    Saint Xavier University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Saint Xavier University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: 1.5 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Applied Communication
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: 1-1.5 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion Time: 205 Years
    • Format: Fully online
  16. #16

    McKendree University

    Lebanon , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at McKendree University

    Cost of Degree: $34,070
    Expenses: $15,980
    Starting Salary: $63,391
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is McKendree University known for?

    McKendree University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    McKendree University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Accounting
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Entrepreneurship
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Sport Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Supply Chain Management And Logistics
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Cyber Defense
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology/Criminal Justice
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Completion Time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Format: Fully online
  17. #17

    Dominican University

    River Forest , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Dominican University

    Cost of Degree: $37,694
    Expenses: $14,602
    Starting Salary: $66,693
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dominican University known for?

    Dominican University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #18

    Olivet Nazarene University

    Bourbonnais , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Olivet Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $37,940
    Expenses: $15,024
    Starting Salary: $58,865
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Olivet Nazarene University known for?

    Olivet Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Olivet Nazarene University’s Online Degrees

    BSB in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSL in Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: 1.5 Years
    • Format: Fully online
  19. #19

    Concordia University Chicago

    River Forest , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $36,258
    Expenses: $13,740
    Starting Salary: $56,714
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia University Chicago known for?

    Concordia University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Concordia University Chicago’s Online Degrees

    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sports Recreation Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Format: Fully online
    BA to MBA in Business Administration Dual Degree
    • Completion Time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA to MA in Sports Leadership Dual Degree
    • Completion Time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA to MA in Triton College 3+1: Sports And Recreation Management
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Kinesiology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Format: Fully online
    BA to MA in Triton College 3+1: Sports Leadership
    • Completion Time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Fully online
  20. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of St. Francis

    Cost of Degree: $37,000
    Expenses: $15,780
    Starting Salary: $69,137
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of St. Francis known for?

    University of St. Francis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of St. Francis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: 1 Year
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: 1 Year
    • Format: Fully online
  21. #21

    Trinity Christian College

    Palos Heights , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Christian College

    Cost of Degree: $20,325
    Expenses: $17,500
    Starting Salary: $60,507
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Trinity Christian College known for?

    Trinity Christian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. #22

    Judson University

    Elgin , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    967/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Judson University

    Cost of Degree: $30,910
    Expenses: $15,590
    Starting Salary: $59,095
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Judson University known for?

    Judson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  23. #23

    Blackburn College

    Carlinville , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Blackburn College

    Cost of Degree: $26,758
    Expenses: $12,320
    Starting Salary: $48,794
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. #24

    Greenville University

    Greenville , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Greenville University

    Cost of Degree: $30,598
    Expenses: $14,966
    Starting Salary: $49,304
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Greenville University known for?

    Greenville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Greenville University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Agribusiness
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Yeras
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Yeras
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Yeras
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
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