Best 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.
How Were the Top Schools in Illinois Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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An Educational Ideal
A liberal arts college amidst a world-renowned research university, the University of Chicago offers a dynamic education, where over 7,000 students from 50 states and 100 countries encounter great thinkers, sharpen critical...
The classes are very educational and require a lot of focus. The best part is the university understands this, and so there are a lot of opportunities to get help from free tutors and TA's almost every day throughout the quarter.
” – Faisal from Los Angeles, CA
Northwestern University is a 4-year private research institution in the Chicagoland area. Northwestern is home to 12 colleges and schools and is renowned for its Medill School of Journalism, Kellogg School of Management, and Bienen School of Music...
If you can to learn, you will. The professors don't spoon-feed information - instead, they give you the tools to learn the subjects yourself. Also, just hanging out with people (students, and sometimes students hang out with professors) helps you...
” – Allison from Port Barrington, IL
Established in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a 4-year liberal arts university in Bloomington, IL. IWU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic fields of study, as well as an optional May Term, a month-long experiential learning option...
The starting points for classes are well tailored to your high school work. I was placed onto the Analysis track based on my AP scores, but the new information I was acquiring was similar to my sociology class. I have never taken sociology before...
” – Nick from Lexington, IL
Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public institution in central Illinois and the flagship campus of the U of I system. UIUC is home to 15 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 150 areas of...
I've learned things so far in every course I've taken and have met really great professors and instructors. You learn a lot from the people as well. They're from all over the world.
” – Kristen from Chicago, IL
Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1860. Located in Rock Island, IL, Augustana offers more than 90 majors and related study programs in the humanities and fine arts, natural and social sciences, and pre-professional...
The faculty here are intelligent and more than qualified, plus they show a genuine caring attitude towards the students. The tri-mester schedule allows students to take more classes and double and even triple major.
” – Ashley from Dixon, 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
Created by the merger of Lewis Institute and Armour Institute, The Illinois Institute of Technology is a scientific and technical research institution in Chicago. IIT hosts eight colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 40 fields...
Students that attend IIT go to study and become future leaders, not to fool around or party. I am currently learning so much from the architecture program. The professors are practicing architects and although I just ended my first semester, I feel...
” – Christian from Elgin, IL
Choosing the right college is not just about finding the school where you will get the best education. It’s about finding a place where you can build relationships, prepare for your career and discover new opportunities—on campus and beyond. At North...
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
Established by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, the University of St. Francis is a Franciscan Catholic liberal arts college in the Chicagoland area. St. Francis is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business...
It has a diverse population of students and faculty. The environment is very welcoming and hospitality orientated. Also, the college offers many programs and clubs to get you involved around campus.
” – Tyon from Chicago, IL
Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is a Catholic, Jesuit university located in the city of Chicago. Loyola has four campuses in the Chicago area–the main Lake Shore Campus along Lake Michigan, Water Tower Campus in the heart of downtown, the...
As a nursing student at Loyola University I was immediately enrolled in classes directly related to my major. The teachers for my nursing classes encouraged me to take initiative in getting involved early within the nursing field. They taught me...
” – Heather
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
Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, founded by Lydia Moss Bradley, an amazing, future-focused woman in 1897. Here, you’ll have lots of opportunities to discover and learn through study abroad programs, unique...
Wow. Bradley University is a wonderful college for those who want to receive a great education in any chosen field of study. Bradley offers the best of the best college professors who all share the same passion and enthusiasm in not only their...
” – BRITTANY from Matteson, IL
Wheaton College is an explicitly Christian, academically rigorous, liberal arts college and graduate school located just 25 miles west of Chicago. Established in 1860 by abolitionists, Wheaton is guided by its original mission to provide excellence...
The profs are great- very good teachers, love what they're doing, and really want to help you succeed.
” – Andy from Wheaton, IL
Elmhurst University is a liberal arts institution in the Chicagoland area affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Elmhurst offers bachelor’s degrees in over 60 academic majors. Additionally, the school operates the Elmhurst Learning and Success...
I really am learning a lot in this school. I'm not just learning things for my major but also things that I can apply towards life in general. Going to a liberal arts school helps you learn many things that can used for many majors.
” – Liliana from Glendale Heights, IL
Benedictine University was founded in 1887 by Benedectine monks. It is a private institution that has a “selective” admissions process and bases its curriculum on Roman Catholic teachings. It is home to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum which houses...
It is a small university. There is a lot of interaction between the professors and students. Professors are extremely nice and helpful, and they would help you anytime. This way i am learning a lot in every single course i am taking.
” – Mirza from Naperville, IL
DePaul University is one of the largest private universities in the country. Located in Chicago, DePaul has more than 22,000 students, offers more than 300 degree programs over ten academic colleges and schools, and offers two campuses in the heart...
I have just recently transferred to DePaul University in June of this year. I have taken 3 summer classes and found I am able to graduate almost 6 months early due to the University's flexible and accomodating class requirements. In three months I...
” – Ashley from Chicago, 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
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
Trinity Christian College is a private liberal arts institution located in the wooded suburb of Palos Heights, IL, offering degrees in three areas, Arts & Humanities, Natural & Applied Sciences, and Social Sciences. All programs require an internship...
The professors at Trinity are rather wonderful. You can learn a lot from them in and out of the classroom. I have learned a lot of other cultures from international students and by talking to students from across the nation.
” – Christine from Wheaton, 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