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. National Louis University 97%
  3. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 95%
  4. Illinois State University 92%
  5. Roosevelt University 92%
  6. Trinity International University 91%
  7. Concordia University Chicago 88%
  8. Aurora University 86%
  9. Wheaton College 86%
  10. Dominican University 81%
  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. National Louis University 16 to 1
  7. Northern Illinois University 16 to 1
  8. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 16 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. Illinois Institute of Technology $50,490
  4. Loyola University Chicago $47,808
  5. DePaul University $42,012
  6. Wheaton College $40,820
  7. Olivet Nazarene University $37,440
  8. Dominican University $35,570
  9. Lewis University $35,472
  10. University of St. Francis $35,000
  1. University of Chicago $62,640
  2. Northwestern University $56,067
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology $29,052
  4. Roosevelt University $21,275
  5. Dominican University $19,943
  6. Loyola University Chicago $18,990
  7. Benedictine University $18,530
  8. Wheaton College $18,096
  9. DePaul University $17,951
  10. Trinity International University $17,280
  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 6%
  2. Northwestern University 7%
  3. Chicago State University 47%
  4. Governors State University 52%
  5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 60%
  6. Olivet Nazarene University 61%
  7. Judson University 62%
  8. Illinois Institute of Technology 66%
  9. University of St. Francis 68%
  10. DePaul University 69%
  1. University of Chicago 5 to 1
  2. Northwestern University 6 to 1
  3. Trinity International University 8 to 1
  4. Chicago State University 9 to 1
  5. Illinois Institute of Technology 10 to 1
  6. Judson University 10 to 1
  7. Dominican University 10 to 1
  8. Wheaton College 10 to 1
  9. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11 to 1
  10. Governors State University 11 to 1
  1. Chicago State University $7,488
  2. Governors State University $7,512
  3. University of Illinois Springfield $9,645
  4. Illinois State University $10,932
  5. National Louis University $11,505
  6. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $12,219
  7. University of Illinois Chicago $12,253
  8. Northern Illinois University $12,478
  9. Western Illinois University $13,669
  10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,446
  1. Chicago State University $5,850
  2. Governors State University $6,354
  3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $7,146
  4. Illinois State University $7,805
  5. Western Illinois University $8,319
  6. University of Illinois Springfield $8,375
  7. Northern Illinois University $8,942
  8. Concordia University Chicago $9,090
  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


Illinois's Best Grad Schools Badge
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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

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    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

    $61K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    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

    60%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    60K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/30

    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

    $50K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    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

    $48K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/28

    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

    $42K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    26K

    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

    $12K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    19K

    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

    95%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/23

    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

    $31K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/22

    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

    $12K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    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

    $34K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine University

    Cost of Degree: $32,441
    Expenses: $15,042
    Starting Salary: $56,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    856/17

    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
  13. #19

    Aurora University

    Aurora , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    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

  14. #20

    Governors State University

    University Park , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    940/19

    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

  15. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1005/23

    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
  16. #24

    Olivet Nazarene University

    Bourbonnais , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    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

  17. #25

    Dominican University

    River Forest , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/21

    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

  18. #26

    Judson University

    Elgin , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    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:

  19. #27

    Concordia University Chicago

    River Forest , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    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

  20. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/23

    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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