Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026

Badge for BEST IN ILLINOIS PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Illinois.

Key Takeaways

  • Small class sizes and favorable student-to-faculty ratios foster close relationships with professors, creating supportive and individualized academic experiences in the best private colleges in Illinois.
  • The colleges in our ranking often have well-established partnerships with businesses and organizations, offering students robust internship opportunities and career support that enhance job prospects after graduation.
  • With a wide range of academic offerings that blend liberal arts with professional studies, students at one of the best private colleges in Illinois can pursue diverse interests and prepare for various career paths, all within a single institution.

10 Best Private Colleges in Illinois in 2026

  1. University of Chicago
  2. Northwestern University
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology
  4. Loyola University Chicago
  5. DePaul University
  6. Wheaton College
  7. Roosevelt University
  8. Bradley University
  9. Columbia College Chicago
  10. Knox College

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 41 private universities in Illinois. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Illinois, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Below you’ll find a ranked selection focused on academic quality, program breadth, student outcomes, and relative value — criteria that matter for students choosing a private institution in Illinois. Use the list to compare campus size, signature majors, and admission profile quickly; consider location and cost alongside the rankings to match each school to your academic and career goals.

Best Private Colleges in Illinois

  1. #1

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 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 Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 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

    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 #4 Best Colleges in Illinois 2026 #4 Best Research Universities 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
  4. #4

    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

    Loyola University Chicago’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Web Technologies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Applied Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Strategic Digital Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 1 year
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    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 #7 Best 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

    DePaul University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Decision Analytics
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computing
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: 2 years
    BA in Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    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
  8. #7

    Roosevelt University

    Chicago , IL
    #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 #4 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 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

    Roosevelt University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 147
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Health Science Administration
    • Required Credits: 131-135
    • Completion Time: 2-3 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Bachelor'S In Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: 2-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sustainability Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Bradley University

    Peoria , IL
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026 #13 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Bradley University

    Cost of Degree: $39,680
    Expenses: $16,290
    Starting Salary: $76,013
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bradley University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Columbia College Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026 #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia College Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $32,520
    Expenses: $21,768
    Starting Salary: $48,427
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
  12. #10

    Knox College

    Galesburg , IL
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Knox College

    Cost of Degree: $55,587
    Expenses: $13,039
    Starting Salary: $56,244
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  13. #11

    Lake Forest College

    Lake Forest , IL
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1291/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Forest College

    Cost of Degree: $54,202
    Expenses: $17,148
    Starting Salary: $70,470
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  14. #12

    Augustana College

    Rock Island , IL
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Augustana College

    Cost of Degree: $49,834
    Expenses: $15,014
    Starting Salary: $67,144
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Augustana College known for?

    Augustana College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Illinois Wesleyan University

    Bloomington , IL
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $55,704
    Expenses: $15,430
    Starting Salary: $76,193
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Illinois Wesleyan University known for?

    Illinois Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Eureka College

    Eureka , IL
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eureka College

    Cost of Degree: $28,400
    Expenses: $12,992
    Starting Salary: $51,381
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eureka College known for?

    Eureka College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    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

    Trinity International University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 3-4Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 3-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 3-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 3-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Illinois College

    Jacksonville , IL
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #10 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1031/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois College

    Cost of Degree: $37,470
    Starting Salary: $57,546
    What is Illinois College known for?

    Illinois College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Illinois College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Agribusiness Management
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: 18 months for core courses
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 42-44
    • Completion Time: 15 months for core courses
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: 12-18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    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

    National Louis University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Sciences
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Format: Fully online
    BABS in Communications
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Services
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Leadership
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  21. #18

    North Central College

    Naperville , IL
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026 #21 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1182/26

    Career Outlook for degree at North Central College

    Cost of Degree: $44,394
    Expenses: $15,568
    Starting Salary: $65,646
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  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

    Benedictine University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Digital Marketing
    • Human Resources Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in General Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion Time: 1 Year
    • Format: Fully online
    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

    Aurora University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Rockford University

    Rockford , IL
    #16 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Rockford University

    Cost of Degree: $37,000
    Expenses: $15,600
    Starting Salary: $58,999
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rockford University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Rockford University’s Online Degrees

    BSMS in Bachelor Of Science In Management Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: 1.5-2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSAS in Bachelors Of Science In Accounting Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: 1.5-2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    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

    Lewis University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Professional Sales
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Security Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Saint Xavier University

    Chicago , IL
    #20 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #19 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026 #24 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Xavier University

    Cost of Degree: $36,840
    Expenses: $16,008
    Starting Salary: $64,661
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Xavier University known for?

    Saint Xavier University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Saint Xavier University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: 1.5 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Applied Communication
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: 1-1.5 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion Time: 205 Years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Millikin University

    Decatur , IL
    #20 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Millikin University

    Cost of Degree: $43,570
    Expenses: $16,430
    Starting Salary: $57,738
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Millikin University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Millikin University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    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

    McKendree University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Accounting
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Entrepreneurship
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Sport Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Supply Chain Management And Logistics
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Format: Fully online
    BBA in Cyber Defense
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology/Criminal Justice
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Completion Time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Format: Fully online
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Illinois’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. Knox College
  6. Trinity International University
  7. DePaul University
  8. Principia College
  9. Loyola University Chicago
  10. Monmouth College
  11. Illinois Wesleyan University
  12. Lake Forest College
  13. Illinois College
  14. Bradley University
  15. Dominican University
  16. North Central College
  17. Augustana College
  18. Elmhurst University
  19. Olivet Nazarene University
  20. Millikin University
  21. Benedictine University
  22. Trinity Christian College
  23. Quincy University
  24. Saint Xavier University
  25. Lewis University

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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