Best Grad Schools Illinois 2024

Badge for BEST IN ILLINOIS GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Illinois offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Illinois

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  1. University of Chicago
  2. Northwestern University
  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  4. University of Illinois Chicago
  5. Illinois Institute of Technology
  6. Loyola University Chicago
  7. DePaul University
  8. Northern Illinois University
  9. Wheaton College
  10. Illinois State University
  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. Concordia University Chicago 93%
  3. Benedictine University 93%
  4. National Louis University 92%
  5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 91%
  6. Trinity International University 91%
  7. Dominican University 90%
  8. Roosevelt University 88%
  9. Wheaton College 88%
  10. Illinois State University 86%
  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 21 to 1
  2. Illinois State University 19 to 1
  3. University of Illinois Chicago 18 to 1
  4. Aurora University 18 to 1
  5. DePaul University 17 to 1
  6. McKendree University 17 to 1
  7. National Louis University 15 to 1
  8. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 15 to 1
  9. Northern Illinois University 14 to 1
  10. Lewis University 14 to 1
  1. University of Chicago $64,260
  2. Northwestern University $63,468
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology $50,640
  4. Loyola University Chicago $49,498
  5. DePaul University $42,840
  6. Wheaton College $42,240
  7. Olivet Nazarene University $37,940
  8. Lewis University $36,530
  9. Dominican University $36,500
  10. University of St. Francis $36,000
  1. University of Chicago $65,145
  2. Northwestern University $51,869
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology $34,101
  4. Roosevelt University $22,764
  5. DePaul University $21,719
  6. Dominican University $19,900
  7. Loyola University Chicago $19,440
  8. Benedictine University $19,181
  9. Wheaton College $18,720
  10. Trinity International University $17,880
  1. University of St. Francis
  2. Concordia University Chicago
  3. Judson University
  4. Dominican University
  5. Olivet Nazarene University
  6. Lewis University
  7. National Louis University
  8. Trinity International University
  9. Governors State University
  10. Aurora University
  1. Judson University
  2. University of St. Francis
  3. Concordia University Chicago
  4. Olivet Nazarene University
  5. Dominican University
  6. Lewis University
  7. Governors State University
  8. McKendree University
  9. Aurora University
  10. Benedictine University
  1. University of Chicago 5%
  2. Northwestern University 7%
  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 45%
  4. Chicago State University 49%
  5. Governors State University 57%
  6. Judson University 58%
  7. University of St. Francis 58%
  8. Olivet Nazarene University 58%
  9. Illinois Institute of Technology 61%
  10. McKendree University 68%
  1. University of Chicago 5 to 1
  2. Northwestern University 6 to 1
  3. Judson University 10 to 1
  4. Governors State University 10 to 1
  5. Chicago State University 11 to 1
  6. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11 to 1
  7. Dominican University 11 to 1
  8. Roosevelt University 11 to 1
  9. University of Illinois Springfield 12 to 1
  10. Concordia University Chicago 12 to 1
  1. Governors State University $7,512
  2. University of Illinois Springfield $9,758
  3. Illinois State University $10,907
  4. National Louis University $11,580
  5. Chicago State University $12,018
  6. University of Illinois Chicago $12,396
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $12,558
  8. Northern Illinois University $12,662
  9. Western Illinois University $14,406
  10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,542
  1. Chicago State University $5,976
  2. Governors State University $6,354
  3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $7,402
  4. Illinois State University $7,694
  5. Western Illinois University $8,609
  6. University of Illinois Springfield $8,858
  7. Northern Illinois University $9,066
  8. Concordia University Chicago $9,399
  9. McKendree University $9,450
  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


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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.

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Best Grad Schools in Illinois 2023

  1. #1

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    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: $62,940
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $103,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    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: $63,468
    Expenses: $25,926
    Starting Salary: $93,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    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: $17,782
    Expenses: $16,420
    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

  4. Other Rankings

    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: $50,279
    Expenses: $21,270
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    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: $49,498
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $63,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #7

    DePaul University

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    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: $43,100
    Expenses: $19,713
    Starting Salary: $60,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $12,472
    Expenses: $15,160
    Starting Salary: $49,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. Other Rankings

    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: $15,416
    Expenses: $14,673
    Starting Salary: $49,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #12

    Roosevelt University

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    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: $33,068
    Expenses: $20,625
    Starting Salary: $47,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. 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: $11,748
    Expenses: $14,304
    Starting Salary: $50,800
    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

  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chicago State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,018
    Expenses: $20,700
    Starting Salary: $38,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #19

    Aurora University

    Aurora , IL
    Other Rankings

    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: $27,420
    Expenses: $16,602
    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

  13. #20

    Governors State University

    University Park , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Governors State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,468
    Expenses: $15,100
    Starting Salary: $44,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  14. 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: $33,898
    Expenses: $14,861
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #24

    Olivet Nazarene University

    Bourbonnais , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Olivet Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $37,940
    Expenses: $13,540
    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

  16. #25

    Dominican University

    River Forest , IL

    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: $36,350
    Expenses: $13,622
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  17. #26

    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: $15,090
    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:

  18. #27

    Concordia University Chicago

    River Forest , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $34,964
    Expenses: $13,362
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  19. 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: $36,000
    Expenses: $15,230
    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:

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Illinois’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  4. University of Illinois Chicago
  5. Illinois Institute of Technology
  6. DePaul University
  7. Wheaton College
  8. Illinois State University
  9. Loyola University Chicago
  10. University of Illinois Springfield
  11. Western Illinois University
  12. Trinity International University
  13. Olivet Nazarene University
  14. Dominican University
  15. Lewis University
  16. Benedictine University
  17. Governors State University
  18. McKendree University
  19. Aurora University
  20. University of St. Francis
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