Best Grad Schools Illinois 2026

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 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

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 2026 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 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 Grad Schools 2026 #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 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 Colleges 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 Colleges in Illinois 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Illinois 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

    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

    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

    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 Colleges in 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 Colleges in 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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    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
  16. #14

    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
  18. #15

    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

    Compare school
  19. #16

    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

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Trinity International University

    Deerfield , IL
    #22 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #7 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2026

    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
    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

    National Louis University

    Chicago , IL
    #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #6 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs 2026 #9 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2026 #11 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at National Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $14,601
    Starting Salary: $52,883
    What is National Louis University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    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

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Governors State University

    University Park , IL
    #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #14 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026 #21 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Governors State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,320
    Expenses: $15,460
    Starting Salary: $61,863
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

    Lewis University

    Romeoville , IL
    #4 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2026 #14 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #19 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2026

    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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Dominican University

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

    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

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Olivet Nazarene University

    Bourbonnais , IL
    #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #18 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2026 #22 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026

    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

    Compare school
  31. #26

    Concordia University Chicago

    River Forest , IL
    #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2026 #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

    $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

    Compare school
  32. #27

    University of St. Francis

    Joliet , IL
    #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #25 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026

    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:

    Compare school
  33. #28

    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:

    Compare school
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Resources for Prospective Grad Students

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