Best Colleges in Illinois 2026

Badge for BEST IN ILLINOIS COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Illinois. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Key Takeaways

  • With many Illinois colleges located near Chicago, students benefit from proximity to the city’s major industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare, providing ample opportunities for internships, networking, and job placements in prestigious firms and organizations.
  • Colleges like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University are known for their strong emphasis on research, offering students access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities, where they can engage in cutting-edge projects across disciplines such as science, engineering, and social sciences.
  • Come of the top colleges in Chicago offer strong arts programs and are located in the heart of Illinois’ rich cultural hubs, giving students access to theaters, museums, galleries, and performance spaces that enhance both their academic and extracurricular experiences.

10 Best Colleges in Illinois in 2026

  1. University of Chicago
  2. Northwestern University
  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  4. Illinois Institute of Technology
  5. University of Illinois Chicago
  6. Loyola University Chicago
  7. DePaul University
  8. Wheaton College
  9. Northern Illinois University
  10. Illinois State University

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

This curated list highlights the top 25 Illinois colleges that award bachelor’s degrees, drawn from 53 fully accredited public and private institutions that meet our selection criteria. The ranking emphasizes academic quality and institutional reputation while also directing readers to practical factors—program strength, campus resources, affordability, and geographic fit—that matter when choosing a school. Use the list as a starting point to compare institutions by major, cost, student experience, and post-graduate opportunities rather than a definitive single answer; the best college for you depends on your academic goals, learning style, and career plans.

Best Colleges in Illinois

  1. #1

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #5 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $65,619
    Expenses: $23,421
    Starting Salary: $103,872
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Chicago known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $104,255
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Champaign , IL
    #2 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #15 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #15 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    42%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cost of Degree: $18,060
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $87,599
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign known for?

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago , IL
    #12 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $50,917
    Expenses: $21,228
    Starting Salary: $90,804
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Illinois Institute of Technology known for?

    Illinois Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Illinois Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #2 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2026 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $15,816
    Expenses: $22,026
    Starting Salary: $73,666
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Illinois Chicago known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026

    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
    What is Loyola University Chicago known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    DePaul University

    Chicago , IL
    #2 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #15 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026

    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
    What is DePaul University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Wheaton College

    Wheaton , IL
    #2 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #20 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026

    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
    What is Wheaton College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Northern Illinois University

    Dekalb , IL
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #3 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $12,506
    Expenses: $16,936
    Starting Salary: $61,351
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northern Illinois University known for?

    Northern Illinois University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Illinois State University

    Normal , IL
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #4 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,121
    Expenses: $18,288
    Starting Salary: $67,557
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Illinois State University known for?

    Illinois State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale

    Carbondale , IL
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #5 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2026 #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

    Cost of Degree: $13,244
    Expenses: $16,165
    Starting Salary: $57,388
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Illinois University Carbondale known for?

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Roosevelt University

    Chicago , IL
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026 #1 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2026 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Roosevelt University

    Cost of Degree: $20,280
    Expenses: $23,135
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Roosevelt University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Roosevelt University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 147
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Health Science Administration
    • Required Credits: 131-135
    • Completion Time: 2-3 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Bachelor'S In Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: 2-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sustainability Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Bradley University

    Peoria , IL
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Bradley University

    Cost of Degree: $39,680
    Expenses: $16,290
    Starting Salary: $76,013
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bradley University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Columbia College Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026 #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia College Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $32,520
    Expenses: $21,768
    Starting Salary: $48,427
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia College Chicago known for?

    Columbia College Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Knox College

    Galesburg , IL
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Knox College

    Cost of Degree: $55,587
    Expenses: $13,039
    Starting Salary: $56,244
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Knox College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Lake Forest College

    Lake Forest , IL
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1291/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Forest College

    Cost of Degree: $54,202
    Expenses: $17,148
    Starting Salary: $70,470
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lake Forest College known for?

    Lake Forest College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Chicago State University

    Chicago , IL
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #6 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chicago State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,754
    Expenses: $18,950
    Starting Salary: $48,395
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Chicago State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Edwardsville , IL
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #7 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026 #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2026 #9 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Cost of Degree: $12,025
    Expenses: $17,324
    Starting Salary: $59,436
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Illinois University Edwardsville known for?

    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Western Illinois University

    Macomb , IL
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #8 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $14,085
    Expenses: $13,896
    Starting Salary: $57,175
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western Illinois University known for?

    Western Illinois University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Western Illinois University’s Online Degrees

    BB in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BB in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Fire Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Interpersonal Communication And Processes
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Social Influence
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Illinois Springfield

    Springfield , IL
    #8 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #9 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Springfield

    Cost of Degree: $12,472
    Expenses: $16,188
    Starting Salary: $64,479
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Illinois Springfield known for?

    University of Illinois Springfield’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Illinois Springfield’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Science Program
    • Required Credits: 82
    • Completion Time: 1-2 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Eastern Illinois University

    Charleston , IL
    #10 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2026 #10 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2026 #2 Best Online Master’s in Human Services #8 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $13,124
    Expenses: $14,216
    Starting Salary: $55,885
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern Illinois University known for?

    Eastern Illinois University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Eastern Illinois University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Organizational Development
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication In Organizations
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion Time: 14 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Promotion
    Degree Concentrations
    • Emergency Management And Disaster Preparedness
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    North Central College

    Naperville , IL
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026 #21 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2026

    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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Benedictine University

    Lisle , IL
    #14 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #12 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026 #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026

    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
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Aurora University

    Aurora , IL
    #5 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #12 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Aurora University

    Cost of Degree: $28,220
    Expenses: $17,644
    Starting Salary: $64,180
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Aurora University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Aurora University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    McKendree University

    Lebanon , IL
    #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Illinois 2026 #8 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs 2026

    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
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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.

  1. University of Chicago
  2. Northwestern University
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology
  4. Wheaton College
  5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  6. University of Illinois Chicago
  7. Knox College
  8. University of Illinois Springfield
  9. Trinity International University
  10. DePaul University
  11. Principia College
  12. Loyola University Chicago
  13. Monmouth College
  14. Illinois Wesleyan University
  15. Lake Forest College
  16. Illinois State University
  17. Illinois College
  18. Bradley University
  19. Dominican University
  20. Eastern Illinois University
  21. North Central College
  22. Augustana College
  23. Elmhurst University
  24. Olivet Nazarene University
  25. Millikin University
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