Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024

Badge for BEST IN ILLINOIS PRIVATE COLLEGES

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.

10 Best Private Colleges in Illinois

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  1. University of Chicago
  2. Northwestern University
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology
  4. Loyola University Chicago
  5. DePaul University
  6. Wheaton College
  7. Bradley University
  8. Roosevelt University
  9. Columbia College Chicago
  10. Knox College
  1. University of Chicago
  2. Northwestern University
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology
  4. Loyola University Chicago
  5. DePaul University
  6. Wheaton College
  7. Rockford University
  8. Knox College
  9. Roosevelt University
  10. Bradley University
  1. National Louis University 97%
  2. Columbia College Chicago 96%
  3. Roosevelt University 92%
  4. Trinity International University 91%
  5. Eureka College 87%
  6. Aurora University 86%
  7. Wheaton College 86%
  8. Saint Xavier University 85%
  9. Benedictine University 80%
  10. McKendree University 78%
  1. Aurora University 20 to 1
  2. DePaul University 17 to 1
  3. National Louis University 16 to 1
  4. Saint Xavier University 16 to 1
  5. Loyola University Chicago 14 to 1
  6. McKendree University 14 to 1
  7. Bradley University 14 to 1
  8. Columbia College Chicago 14 to 1
  9. Lewis University 14 to 1
  10. North Central College 13 to 1
  1. University of Chicago $62,241
  2. Northwestern University $60,768
  3. Illinois Wesleyan University $52,512
  4. Knox College $51,576
  5. Lake Forest College $51,002
  6. Illinois Institute of Technology $50,490
  7. Loyola University Chicago $47,808
  8. Augustana College $46,189
  9. North Central College $42,206
  10. DePaul University $42,012
  1. University of Chicago $62,640
  2. Northwestern University $56,067
  3. Augustana College $33,000
  4. Illinois Institute of Technology $29,052
  5. Roosevelt University $21,275
  6. Millikin University $20,000
  7. Loyola University Chicago $18,990
  8. Benedictine University $18,530
  9. Wheaton College $18,096
  10. DePaul University $17,951
  1. Lewis University
  2. Rockford University
  3. Illinois College
  4. Millikin University
  5. National Louis University
  6. Eureka College
  7. Illinois Wesleyan University
  8. Trinity International University
  9. Augustana College
  10. Saint Xavier University
  1. Lewis University
  2. Saint Xavier University
  3. Millikin University
  4. McKendree University
  5. Aurora University
  6. Benedictine University
  7. North Central College
  8. National Louis University
  9. Trinity International University
  10. Illinois College
  1. University of Chicago 6%
  2. Northwestern University 7%
  3. Illinois Wesleyan University 45%
  4. Lake Forest College 64%
  5. Illinois Institute of Technology 66%
  6. Rockford University 67%
  7. North Central College 68%
  8. Augustana College 69%
  9. DePaul University 69%
  10. Knox College 70%
  1. University of Chicago 5 to 1
  2. Northwestern University 6 to 1
  3. Trinity International University 8 to 1
  4. Millikin University 10 to 1
  5. Illinois Institute of Technology 10 to 1
  6. Rockford University 10 to 1
  7. Knox College 10 to 1
  8. Wheaton College 10 to 1
  9. Eureka College 11 to 1
  10. Augustana College 11 to 1
  1. National Louis University $11,505
  2. Aurora University $26,760
  3. Columbia College Chicago $27,786
  4. Eureka College $28,360
  5. Roosevelt University $31,493
  6. McKendree University $33,050
  7. Trinity International University $33,298
  8. Rockford University $34,000
  9. Benedictine University $34,290
  10. Saint Xavier University $35,060
  1. Columbia College Chicago $1,174
  2. Illinois College $9,000
  3. McKendree University $9,756
  4. National Louis University $11,646
  5. Rockford University $13,500
  6. Aurora University $14,100
  7. Lewis University $14,760
  8. Saint Xavier University $15,000
  9. Lake Forest College $15,252
  10. North Central College $15,822

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Illinois's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Illinois

  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

    $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
  4. 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

    Loyola University Chicago’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Web Technologies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Strategic Digital Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    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

    DePaul University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Decision Analytics
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computing
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #8

    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

    Roosevelt University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 147
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Science Administration
    • Required Credits: 131-135
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Bachelor'S In Psychology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia College Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $31,026
    Expenses: $22,690
    Starting Salary: $39,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #10

    Knox College

    Galesburg , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Knox College

    Cost of Degree: $53,259
    Expenses: $12,748
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #11

    Lake Forest College

    Lake Forest , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Forest College

    Cost of Degree: $52,902
    Expenses: $15,898
    Starting Salary: $55,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. 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

    Benedictine University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Digital Marketing
    • Human Resources Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #13

    North Central College

    Naperville , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for degree at North Central College

    Cost of Degree: $43,046
    Expenses: $14,920
    Starting Salary: $52,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  12. #14

    McKendree University

    Lebanon , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1074/23

    Career Outlook for degree at McKendree University

    Cost of Degree: $33,430
    Expenses: $15,300
    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

    McKendree University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Supply Chain Management And Logistics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Cyber Defense
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology/Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #15

    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

    Aurora University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Xavier University

    Cost of Degree: $35,770
    Expenses: $15,150
    Starting Salary: $50,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Communication
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #17

    Augustana College

    Rock Island , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Augustana College

    Cost of Degree: $47,916
    Expenses: $14,326
    Starting Salary: $56,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. 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

    Trinity International University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministries
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #19

    Illinois Wesleyan University

    Bloomington , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $53,814
    Expenses: $14,918
    Starting Salary: $67,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #20

    Eureka College

    Eureka , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Eureka College

    Cost of Degree: $28,380
    Expenses: $12,553
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at National Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $14,244
    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

    National Louis University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Sciences
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BABS in Communications
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Leadership
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #22

    Millikin University

    Decatur , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Millikin University

    Cost of Degree: $41,532
    Expenses: $15,936
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #23

    Illinois College

    Jacksonville , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois College

    Cost of Degree: $36,346
    Starting Salary: $49,100

    Illinois College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Agribusiness Management
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 42-44
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #24

    Rockford University

    Rockford , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Rockford University

    Cost of Degree: $35,050
    Expenses: $15,070
    Starting Salary: $47,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Rockford University’s Online Degrees

    BSMS in Bachelor Of Science In Management Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSAS in Bachelors Of Science In Accounting Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. #25

    Lewis University

    Romeoville , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Lewis University

    Cost of Degree: $36,530
    Expenses: $15,590
    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

    Lewis University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Sales
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Security Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Illinois’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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. 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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