Colleges in Illinois

Illinois is a Midwestern state with largely hot, humid summers and cold winters. While Chicago may be the most widely-known city, considered a microcosm of the US, the state capital is actually Springfield, a city in the Southern part of the a state. Colleges in Illinois include 2-year, 4-year, and technical institutions, among non- and for-profit options. The largest institution in the state is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, while the highest-ranking is the University of Chicago. Illinois is a hotbed for business. Home to the CME Group and the Chicago Board Options Exchange, financial and business services are top industries in the Land of Lincoln. Advanced manufacturing (primarily of machinery), education, and agriculture all play significant roles in the Prairie State’s economy. The Magnificent Mile, Starved Rock State Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Dana-Thomas House built by Frank Lloyd Wright are just a few attractions Illinois offers.

Chicago, IL

Founded in 1866, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the most historically significant accredited independent schools of art and design in the world. SAIC is consistently ranked among the top art and design schools by QS World...

“…

If there is anything I am learning about the art world at SAIC, its everything! Experimenting in different mediums and art types is daily routine. Film, sculpture, plaster, and sound are just a few things that I have dipped my hands into since being...

” – Cassie from Papillion, NE

average act composite

1238

average sat composite

81%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$51,606

average net price

3,559

number of students

Save to list

Knox College

Galesburg, IL

Located in Galesburg, Illinois, Knox College is a 4-year liberal arts institution. On top of traditional bachelor programs, Knox has cooperative programs with other colleges, immersion terms for hands-on exploration of a single field for a full term...

“…

Knox College is a fantastic school for the case in favor of liberal arts education. Even though the format of classes is drastically different than most traditional high schools, the less concrete and more philosophical topics that are usually...

” – Grant from Arlington Heights, IL

average act composite

1255

average sat composite

70%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$23,266

average net price

1,156

number of students

Save to list

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL

Northeastern Illinois University is a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution located in Chicago, Illinois. NEIU offers a Tuition Guarantee Program for all students up to six years. The school has three unique campus locations in the Chicago...

“…

Northeastern has a very comfortable environment. Teachers that you don't even have will ask you about your day and classes, they'll even offer any help that you would need. As well with the students, everyone is very talkative and welcoming.

” – Migdalia from Chicago, IL

average act composite

1011

average sat composite

62%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$15,843

average net price

6,440

number of students

Save to list

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL

Lake Forest College is a private liberal arts college located north of Chicago, Illinois, near Lake Michigan. The school offers over 200 study abroad programs in places such as Argentina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Poland, and Vietnam. Top fields of study...

“…

If you really want to learn, then you should consider Lake Forest College. Its small class sizes enables for the students to easily establish a relationship with the professor. When one’s stuck, they could easily talk to the professor because (1)...

” – Kelly

average act composite

average sat composite

64%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$26,426

average net price

1,690

number of students

Save to list

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Lewis University is a private institution based in Romeoville, Illinois. The university operates two regional sites in Oak Brook and Tinley Park, as well as a satellite campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The school is affiliated with the Roman...

“…

Lewis is an amazing school. There are many different types of majors and degrees offered and it has the top rated Aviation and Nursing programs in the Midwest. Lewis is a small, close knit and friendly community.

” – Martina from Burbank, IL

average act composite

1131

average sat composite

71%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$18,664

average net price

6,183

number of students

Save to list

Millikin University

Decatur, IL

Affiliated with the Presbyterian church, Millikin University is a 4-year private school in central Illinois. Millikin encompasses colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Fine Arts, and Professional Studies conferring degrees in over 100 academic...

“…

The professors are extremely knowledgeable in their respected subject areas. I feel like I am at the best school for my major and will get a great education that will set me up for a successful career. Most classes are under thirty students, so each...

” – Kristin from Springfield, IL

average act composite

1112

average sat composite

75%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$19,948

average net price

1,906

number of students

Save to list

Aurora University

Aurora, IL

Aurora University is a private liberal arts college based in Aurora, Illinois. AU offers more than 50 academic programs. At Aurora University, we strive to help students discover what matters and build a life around it both in and out of the...

“…

If you take the time to work towards good grades, your professors will too. They truly care about your success.

” – Becca from Illinois

average act composite

1052

average sat composite

86%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,653

average net price

6,165

number of students

Save to list

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL

The College of DuPage is a two-year community college situated in the suburban town of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The school has an open admissions policy and nontraditional students can gain college credits based on life experience. Top fields of study...

“…

This college has surprisingly good academics. I wasn’t expecting much from a junior college, but COD really delivers. They offer a wide variety of courses and a high quality curriculum. The professors are competent and helpful. I have heard of some...

” – Benjamin from Carol Stream, IL

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$7,566

average net price

20,849

number of students

Save to list

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Founded in 1907, Olivet Nazarene University is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Olivet Nazarene confers bachelor’s degrees in over 140 academic areas of study. As a Christian institution, ONU holds twice...

“…

Because I was an undeclared major my freshman year I took a lot of different classes. I learned a lot of things in all of them. All the teachers that I had were very good and really cared about their students.

” – Andy from Peoria, IL

average act composite

1098

average sat composite

61%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$20,006

average net price

3,462

number of students

Save to list

Lincoln College

Lincoln, IL

Lincoln College is a private institution in Illinois, which serves as both a 2-year and 4-year establishment. Lincoln has two separate campuses, both of which maintain their own catalog of academic programs from approximately 20 fields of study...

“…

Students will learn a lot here because there are smaller classes and teachers can help students one on one during or after class. Also there are many tutors in the library that can be signed up for.

” – Jasmine from Romeoville, IL

average act composite

809

average sat composite

74%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$21,797

average net price

888

number of students

Save to list

North Central College

Naperville, IL

North Central College is a private comprehensive institution located just 30 miles west of Chicago in Naperville, Illinois. Founded in 1861, North Central offers nearly 100 different majors, minors and programs that serve the needs and interests of...

“…

The classes have been small and very informative. I have had no problems scheduling classes when I want them or changing time/day if I need to. I was also allowed to apply to the teacher education program before starting my sophomore year. The...

” – Tyler from Sandwich, IL

average act composite

1161

average sat composite

58%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$24,190

average net price

2,856

number of students

Save to list

Illinois College

Jacksonville, IL

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Illinois and the first college in the state to offer a degree. Illinois confers undergraduate degrees in over 45 academic fields of study. For students who wish to learn in...

“…

Illinois College offers majors in a wide variety of subjects, whether your field be science, art, English, theater, education, etc. Pretty much you name it and they can probably find a way to make it work for you. As a liberal arts school, students...

” – Sarah from Virginia, IL

average act composite

1084

average sat composite

75%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,544

average net price

1,097

number of students

Colleges in Illinois

Create a free account to find, finance and attend the college that's right for you.

Colleges by State