Best Colleges in Illinois 2024

BEST IN ILLINOIS COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

10 Best Colleges in Illinois

Sort by:
  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
  1. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 98%
  2. Columbia College Chicago 96%
  3. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 95%
  4. Illinois State University 92%
  5. Roosevelt University 92%
  6. Aurora University 86%
  7. Wheaton College 86%
  8. Benedictine University 80%
  9. University of Illinois Chicago 79%
  10. University of Illinois Springfield 79%
  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 20 to 1
  2. Aurora University 20 to 1
  3. Illinois State University 19 to 1
  4. University of Illinois Chicago 18 to 1
  5. DePaul University 17 to 1
  6. Northern Illinois University 16 to 1
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 16 to 1
  8. Eastern Illinois University 14 to 1
  9. Loyola University Chicago 14 to 1
  10. McKendree University 14 to 1
  1. University of Chicago $62,241
  2. Northwestern University $60,768
  3. Knox College $51,576
  4. Lake Forest College $51,002
  5. Illinois Institute of Technology $50,490
  6. Loyola University Chicago $47,808
  7. North Central College $42,206
  8. DePaul University $42,012
  9. Wheaton College $40,820
  10. Bradley University $36,360
  1. University of Chicago $62,640
  2. Northwestern University $56,067
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology $29,052
  4. Roosevelt University $21,275
  5. Loyola University Chicago $18,990
  6. Benedictine University $18,530
  7. Wheaton College $18,096
  8. DePaul University $17,951
  9. Bradley University $17,100
  10. North Central College $15,822
  1. McKendree University
  2. Benedictine University
  3. North Central College
  4. Aurora University
  5. Eastern Illinois University
  6. University of Illinois Springfield
  7. Western Illinois University
  8. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  9. Chicago State University
  10. Lake Forest College
  1. University of Chicago 6%
  2. Northwestern University 7%
  3. Chicago State University 47%
  4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 60%
  5. Lake Forest College 64%
  6. Illinois Institute of Technology 66%
  7. North Central College 68%
  8. DePaul University 69%
  9. Knox College 70%
  10. Northern Illinois University 70%
  1. University of Chicago 5 to 1
  2. Northwestern University 6 to 1
  3. Chicago State University 9 to 1
  4. Illinois Institute of Technology 10 to 1
  5. Knox College 10 to 1
  6. Wheaton College 10 to 1
  7. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11 to 1
  8. Roosevelt University 11 to 1
  9. University of Illinois Springfield 12 to 1
  10. Lake Forest College 12 to 1
  1. Chicago State University $7,488
  2. Eastern Illinois University $9,207
  3. University of Illinois Springfield $9,645
  4. Illinois State University $10,932
  5. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $12,219
  6. University of Illinois Chicago $12,253
  7. Northern Illinois University $12,478
  8. Western Illinois University $13,669
  9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,446
  10. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $15,240
  1. Columbia College Chicago $1,174
  2. Chicago State University $5,850
  3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $7,146
  4. Eastern Illinois University $7,691
  5. Illinois State University $7,805
  6. Western Illinois University $8,319
  7. University of Illinois Springfield $8,375
  8. Northern Illinois University $8,942
  9. McKendree University $9,756
  10. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $11,268

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?

Illinois’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Illinois' Best Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

We’ve identified 53 colleges and universities in Illinois that meet our criteria. This list of the top 25 colleges in Illinois below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Illinois.

Back to Top

Best Colleges in Illinois 2023

  1. #1

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #6 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $60,963
    Expenses: $21,885
    Starting Salary: $70,036
    Salary after 4 years: $92,857
    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
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $60,768
    Expenses: $23,070
    Starting Salary: $70,355
    Salary after 4 years: $101,704
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
    #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #13 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #16 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cost of Degree: $17,634
    Expenses: $16,194
    Starting Salary: $55,494
    Salary after 4 years: $71,711
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

    University of Illinois Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $15,603
    Expenses: $17,050
    Starting Salary: $52,807
    Salary after 4 years: $70,219
    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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago , IL
    #8 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $50,375
    Expenses: $20,590
    Starting Salary: $72,596
    Salary after 4 years: $82,344
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  7. #6

    Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #11 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $47,808
    Expenses: $17,980
    Starting Salary: $51,659
    Salary after 4 years: $72,580
    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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Web Technologies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Strategic Digital Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    DePaul University

    Chicago , IL
    #3 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #19 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at DePaul University

    Cost of Degree: $42,012
    Expenses: $18,759
    Starting Salary: $51,781
    Salary after 4 years: $66,334
    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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computing
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Northern Illinois University

    Dekalb , IL
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $14,738
    Expenses: $14,740
    Starting Salary: $47,332
    Salary after 4 years: $58,721
    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
  14. #12

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale

    Carbondale , IL
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

    Cost of Degree: $15,240
    Expenses: $14,663
    Starting Salary: $43,015
    Salary after 4 years: $54,668
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  15. #13

    Roosevelt University

    Chicago , IL
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #2 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Roosevelt University

    Cost of Degree: $31,493
    Expenses: $20,275
    Starting Salary: $44,865
    Salary after 4 years: $52,541
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Science Administration
    • Required Credits: 131-135
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Bachelor'S In Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Columbia College Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia College Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $27,786
    Expenses: $20,912
    Starting Salary: $28,509
    Salary after 4 years: $40,051
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  17. #15

    Knox College

    Galesburg , IL
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Knox College

    Cost of Degree: $51,576
    Expenses: $12,643
    Starting Salary: $32,145
    Salary after 4 years: $48,142
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Forest College

    Cost of Degree: $51,002
    Expenses: $15,398
    Starting Salary: $36,065
    Salary after 4 years: $57,422
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Edwardsville , IL
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Cost of Degree: $11,496
    Expenses: $13,788
    Starting Salary: $50,827
    Salary after 4 years: $62,654
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
  21. #18

    Western Illinois University

    Macomb , IL
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    985/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $13,297
    Expenses: $13,731
    Starting Salary: $43,976
    Salary after 4 years: $50,262
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BB in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interpersonal Communication And Processes
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    University of Illinois Springfield

    Springfield , IL
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Springfield

    Cost of Degree: $12,053
    Expenses: $14,310
    Starting Salary: $49,093
    Salary after 4 years: $58,560
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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: 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
    Compare school
  23. #20

    Eastern Illinois University

    Charleston , IL
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $12,297
    Expenses: $13,240
    Starting Salary: $40,164
    Salary after 4 years: $51,189
    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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Development
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication In Organizations
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Promotion
    Degree Concentrations
    • Emergency Management And Disaster Preparedness
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Benedictine University

    Lisle , IL
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine University

    Cost of Degree: $32,280
    Expenses: $14,898
    Starting Salary: $50,728
    Salary after 4 years: $64,558
    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
    • 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
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Chicago State University

    Chicago , IL
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    856/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Chicago State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,204
    Expenses: $14,975
    Starting Salary: $45,307
    Salary after 4 years: $56,947
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  27. #23

    North Central College

    Naperville , IL
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for degree at North Central College

    Cost of Degree: $42,206
    Expenses: $14,800
    Starting Salary: $42,545
    Salary after 4 years: $56,834
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  28. #24

    McKendree University

    Lebanon , IL
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2024 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1074/23

    Career Outlook for degree at McKendree University

    Cost of Degree: $33,050
    Expenses: $14,680
    Starting Salary: $48,594
    Salary after 4 years: $56,945
    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
    • 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
    Compare school
  29. #25

    Aurora University

    Aurora , IL
    #4 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #12 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Aurora University

    Cost of Degree: $26,760
    Expenses: $14,922
    Starting Salary: $48,849
    Salary after 4 years: $59,023
    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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
Back to Top

Illinois’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here
This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Read the Privacy Policy for more.