Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024

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Interested in attending a STEM school in Illinois? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

10 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024

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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. Illinois State University
  10. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  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. Northern Illinois University
  9. Illinois State University
  10. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  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. Aurora University 86%
  8. Benedictine University 80%
  9. University of Illinois Chicago 79%
  10. Loyola University Chicago 77%
  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. University of St. Francis 13 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. University of St. Francis $35,000
  7. Benedictine University $34,290
  8. Trinity International University $33,298
  9. Roosevelt University $31,493
  10. Aurora University $26,760
  1. University of Chicago $62,640
  2. Northwestern University $56,067
  3. Illinois Institute of Technology $29,052
  4. Roosevelt University $21,275
  5. Loyola University Chicago $18,990
  6. Benedictine University $18,530
  7. DePaul University $17,951
  8. Trinity International University $17,280
  9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,635
  10. Aurora University $14,100
  1. University of St. Francis
  2. National Louis University
  3. Trinity International University
  4. Aurora University
  5. Benedictine University
  6. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  7. Roosevelt University
  8. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  9. Illinois State University
  10. Northern Illinois University
  1. University of St. Francis
  2. Aurora University
  3. Benedictine University
  4. National Louis University
  5. Trinity International University
  6. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  7. Roosevelt University
  8. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  9. Illinois State University
  10. Northern Illinois University
  1. University of Chicago 6%
  2. Northwestern University 7%
  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 60%
  4. Illinois Institute of Technology 66%
  5. University of St. Francis 68%
  6. DePaul University 69%
  7. Northern Illinois University 70%
  8. Loyola University Chicago 77%
  9. University of Illinois Chicago 79%
  10. Benedictine University 80%
  1. University of Chicago 5 to 1
  2. Northwestern University 6 to 1
  3. Trinity International University 8 to 1
  4. Illinois Institute of Technology 10 to 1
  5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11 to 1
  6. Roosevelt University 11 to 1
  7. University of St. Francis 13 to 1
  8. Benedictine University 13 to 1
  9. Loyola University Chicago 14 to 1
  10. National Louis University 16 to 1
  1. Illinois State University $10,932
  2. National Louis University $11,505
  3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $12,219
  4. University of Illinois Chicago $12,253
  5. Northern Illinois University $12,478
  6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,446
  7. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $15,240
  8. Aurora University $26,760
  9. Roosevelt University $31,493
  10. Trinity International University $33,298
  1. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $7,146
  2. Illinois State University $7,805
  3. Northern Illinois University $8,942
  4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $11,268
  5. National Louis University $11,646
  6. University of St. Francis $13,464
  7. University of Illinois Chicago $13,927
  8. Aurora University $14,100
  9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,635
  10. Trinity International University $17,280

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 17 research universities in Illinois. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Best Research Universities 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

    $16K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/25

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. #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

    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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. #11

    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
  11. 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

  12. 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
  13. #14

    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

    $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
  15. 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
  16. 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:

    University of St. Francis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Find the Best Research Universities in Illinois for Your Area of 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. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  5. University of Illinois Chicago
  6. Trinity International University
  7. DePaul University
  8. Loyola University Chicago
  9. Illinois State University
  10. Benedictine University

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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