Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024

Badge for BEST IN ILLINOIS PUBLIC COLLEGES

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Illinois provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

10 Best Public Colleges in Illinois

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  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  2. University of Illinois Chicago
  3. Northern Illinois University
  4. Illinois State University
  5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  6. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  7. Western Illinois University
  8. University of Illinois Springfield
  9. Eastern Illinois University
  10. Chicago State University
  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  2. University of Illinois Chicago
  3. Northern Illinois University
  4. Illinois State University
  5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  6. Chicago State University
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  8. Western Illinois University
  9. Eastern Illinois University
  10. University of Illinois Springfield
  1. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 98%
  2. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 91%
  3. Illinois State University 86%
  4. University of Illinois Springfield 82%
  5. University of Illinois Chicago 79%
  6. Western Illinois University 75%
  7. Northern Illinois University 71%
  8. Eastern Illinois University 68%
  9. Northeastern Illinois University 63%
  10. Governors State University 57%
  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. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 15 to 1
  5. Eastern Illinois University 15 to 1
  6. Northern Illinois University 14 to 1
  7. Western Illinois University 13 to 1
  8. University of Illinois Springfield 12 to 1
  9. Chicago State University 11 to 1
  10. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11 to 1
  1. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $15,416
  2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,542
  3. Western Illinois University $14,406
  4. Northern Illinois University $12,662
  5. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $12,558
  6. University of Illinois Chicago $12,396
  7. Chicago State University $12,018
  8. Illinois State University $10,907
  9. Northeastern Illinois University $10,091
  10. University of Illinois Springfield $9,758
  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,891
  2. University of Illinois Chicago $14,181
  3. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $11,268
  4. Northern Illinois University $9,066
  5. University of Illinois Springfield $8,858
  6. Western Illinois University $8,609
  7. Northeastern Illinois University $7,790
  8. Illinois State University $7,694
  9. Eastern Illinois University $7,691
  10. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $7,402
  1. Northeastern Illinois University
  2. Governors State University
  3. Chicago State University
  4. Eastern Illinois University
  5. University of Illinois Springfield
  6. Western Illinois University
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  8. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  9. Illinois State University
  10. Northern Illinois University
  1. Governors State University
  2. Northeastern Illinois University
  3. University of Illinois Springfield
  4. Eastern Illinois University
  5. Western Illinois University
  6. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  7. Chicago State University
  8. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  9. Illinois State University
  10. Northern Illinois University
  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 45%
  2. Chicago State University 49%
  3. Governors State University 57%
  4. Northeastern Illinois University 63%
  5. Eastern Illinois University 68%
  6. Northern Illinois University 71%
  7. Western Illinois University 75%
  8. University of Illinois Chicago 79%
  9. University of Illinois Springfield 82%
  10. Illinois State University 86%
  1. Northeastern Illinois University 9 to 1
  2. Governors State University 10 to 1
  3. Chicago State University 11 to 1
  4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11 to 1
  5. University of Illinois Springfield 12 to 1
  6. Western Illinois University 13 to 1
  7. Northern Illinois University 14 to 1
  8. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 15 to 1
  9. Eastern Illinois University 15 to 1
  10. University of Illinois Chicago 18 to 1
  1. Governors State University $7,512
  2. Eastern Illinois University $9,417
  3. University of Illinois Springfield $9,758
  4. Northeastern Illinois University $10,091
  5. Illinois State University $10,907
  6. Chicago State University $12,018
  7. University of Illinois Chicago $12,396
  8. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $12,558
  9. Northern Illinois University $12,662
  10. Western Illinois University $14,406
  1. Chicago State University $5,976
  2. Governors State University $6,354
  3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $7,402
  4. Eastern Illinois University $7,691
  5. Illinois State University $7,694
  6. Northeastern Illinois University $7,790
  7. Western Illinois University $8,609
  8. University of Illinois Springfield $8,858
  9. Northern Illinois University $9,066
  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

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 Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 12 public universities in Illinois. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Illinois, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2023

  1. 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

  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $15,472
    Expenses: $21,826
    Starting Salary: $61,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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

  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $13,661
    Expenses: $13,721
    Starting Salary: $47,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Western Illinois University’s Online Degrees

    BB in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BB in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interpersonal Communication And Processes
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1104/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Springfield

    Cost of Degree: $12,190
    Expenses: $14,388
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Illinois Springfield known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Illinois Springfield’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $12,809
    Expenses: $13,696
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Eastern Illinois University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Development
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication In Organizations
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Promotion
    Degree Concentrations
    • Emergency Management And Disaster Preparedness
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. 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
  10. #11

    Governors State University

    University Park , IL

    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

    Governors State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business And Applied Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northeastern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $12,101
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $41,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
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Illinois’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  2. University of Illinois Chicago
  3. University of Illinois Springfield
  4. Northern Illinois University
  5. Illinois State University
  6. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  8. Eastern Illinois University
  9. Western Illinois University
  10. Governors State University

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

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