Best Grad Schools Illinois 2025

Badge for BEST IN ILLINOIS GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois’ top grad schools offer advanced research labs and state-of-the-art technology, providing students with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research across various fields.
  • Many grad schools in Illinois have robust partnerships with industries, offering students internships, practical experience, and networking opportunities that enhance career prospects in competitive markets.
  • These institutions emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to collaborate across departments and fields, fostering innovation and a comprehensive approach to problem-solving.

10 Best Grad Schools in Illinois in 2025

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

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

The top 3 positions in our 2025 ranking update of the best grad schools in Illinois remain unchanged from last year. The University of Illinois Chicago and the Illinois Institute of Technology swapped places for the 4th and 5th position this year as well.

There are 28 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Illinois. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Illinois is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Illinois

  1. #1

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $65,619
    Expenses: $23,421
    Starting Salary: $103,000
    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 Private Grad Schools 2025 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $93,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 2025 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #18 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    62K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cost of Degree: $18,060
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $70,900
    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

    Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago , IL
    #12 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2025

    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: $50,917
    Expenses: $21,228
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    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
  6. #5

    University of Illinois Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #2 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Illinois 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $15,816
    Expenses: $22,026
    Starting Salary: $61,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    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 2025 #11 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $51,716
    Expenses: $19,694
    Starting Salary: $63,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    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 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/27

    Career Outlook for degree at DePaul University

    Cost of Degree: $44,174
    Expenses: $22,338
    Starting Salary: $60,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Wheaton College

    Wheaton , IL
    #2 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2025

    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: $43,936
    Expenses: $15,740
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 2024 #3 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Illinois 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $12,506
    Expenses: $16,936
    Starting Salary: $49,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 2024 #4 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Illinois 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,121
    Expenses: $18,288
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 2024 #5 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2025 #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

    Cost of Degree: $13,244
    Expenses: $16,165
    Starting Salary: $49,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 2025 #1 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Roosevelt University

    Cost of Degree: $20,280
    Expenses: $23,135
    Starting Salary: $47,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Chicago State University

    Chicago , IL
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2025 #6 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chicago State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,754
    Expenses: $18,950
    Starting Salary: $38,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
  16. #14

    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Edwardsville , IL
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #7 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025 #8 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Cost of Degree: $12,025
    Expenses: $17,324
    Starting Salary: $50,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  18. #15

    Western Illinois University

    Macomb , IL
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $14,085
    Expenses: $13,896
    Starting Salary: $47,500
    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

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Illinois Springfield

    Springfield , IL
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2025 #10 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science

    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: $12,472
    Expenses: $16,188
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Trinity International University

    Deerfield , IL
    #25 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2025 #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: $12,320
    Expenses: $10,177
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Trinity International University known for?

    Trinity International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Benedictine University

    Lisle , IL
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024 #19 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine University

    Cost of Degree: $32,546
    Expenses: $15,654
    Starting Salary: $56,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Aurora University

    Aurora , IL
    #4 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #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

    $27K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1089/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Aurora University

    Cost of Degree: $28,220
    Expenses: $17,644
    Starting Salary: $46,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    National Louis University

    Chicago , IL
    #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #8 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs 2025 #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025 #16 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at National Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $14,601
    Starting Salary: $50,800
    What is National Louis University known for?

    National Louis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Governors State University

    University Park , IL
    #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #11 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024 #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #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: $11,320
    Expenses: $15,460
    Starting Salary: $44,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Governors State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    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 2025 #8 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at McKendree University

    Cost of Degree: $34,070
    Expenses: $15,980
    Starting Salary: $50,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Dominican University

    River Forest , IL
    #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois

    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: $37,694
    Expenses: $14,602
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Lewis University

    Romeoville , IL
    #4 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #16 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #20 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Lewis University

    Cost of Degree: $37,882
    Expenses: $15,830
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Olivet Nazarene University

    Bourbonnais , IL
    #12 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #17 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025 #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: $37,940
    Expenses: $15,024
    Starting Salary: $44,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

    Compare school
  31. #26

    Concordia University Chicago

    River Forest , IL
    #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2025 #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration #12 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs #16 Best Online Master’s in Human Services

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $36,258
    Expenses: $13,740
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

    Compare school
  32. #27

    Judson University

    Elgin , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Judson University

    Cost of Degree: $30,910
    Expenses: $15,590
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Judson University known for?

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

    Compare school
  33. #28

    University of St. Francis

    Joliet , IL
    #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #21 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of St. Francis

    Cost of Degree: $37,000
    Expenses: $15,780
    Starting Salary: $56,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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:

    Compare school
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Resources for Prospective Grad Students

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