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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Highland Community College is a 2-year institution in northwest Illinois. Highland features four academic divisions granting degrees and certificates in over 60 fields of study and an honors program. Beyond the classroom, Highland hosts the...
South Suburban College is a 2-year community college with two campuses offering classes in 16 academic departments. SSC recognizes outstanding students with admission to its Honors Program as well as naming them to its Dean’s List and as Presidential...
i have learn a lot from this college. I have learn how to a be successful college student. Not only that, but I've learn something I have never had a chance to learn in high school an that's studying.
” – Shaunte' from Phoenix, ILCAAN Academy of Nursing is a nurse-training academy in the Chicagoland area with a focus on increasing diversity in the nursing workforce. CAAN offers certification-granting programs in Licensed Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing. In addition...
Richland Community College is a 2-year community college with a main campus and two extension sites in central Illinois. Richland is home to six academic divisions offering degrees and certificates in over 80 fields of study. For environmentally...
All of my teacher are very knowledgeable, and they demonstrate that in each class. The ways they teacher makes going to class enjoyable and they are very eager to help all the students learn.
” – Jessica from Bethany, ILHebrew Theological College is a school of Orthodox Jewish scholarship in the Chicagoland area dedicated to training rabbis and Torah scholars. Known informally as “Skokie Yeshiva,” HTC is home to the Beis Midrash & College Program for Men and...
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, ILThe College of Lake County is a public, 2-year institution established in Grayslake, Illinois, with additional campuses in Waukegan, Vernon Hills, as well as satellite facilities throughout the region. CLC prepares students for career placement and...
Since the classes are small you are in a cozier environment and you have much more one on one time with the teacher. The curriculum is complex and yet easy to work with and you achieve a much higher educational experience then you think you would get...
” – Leslie from Waukegan, ILElgin Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Illinois, with satellite locations in Hanover Park, Burlington, and Streamwood. ECC offers 138 degree and certificate programs, including over 25 different fields of study for...
ECC has such a great variety of classes, there's pretty much something for everyone. In my experience, the teachers are easily contacted, and very knowledgeable about their subjects.
” – Alaina from Elgin, IL
Illinois Central College is a public, 2-year institution established in East Peoria, with satellite facilities located in Pekin and Peoria. ICC offers over 200 associate’s degree and certificate programs, many of which feature opportunities for...
I think Illinois Central College is a great learning environment . I love going to this school this has changed my life for the better. All thanks to Illinois central College
” – Steven from Peoria, ILIllinois Valley Community College is a 2-year institution serving an eight county area and the second oldest community college in Illinois. Illinois Valley’s academic offerings feature a Wind Energy program that utilizes the college’s prairie...
Joliet Junior College is a 2-year community college based in Joliet, Illinois. It is a public college that offers professional certifications and associate degrees in a wide range of subjects. The most popular majors are automotive mechanics. nursing...
This is a GREAT place to get started if you are planning to go on to a four year college or university. It's a wonderful learning environment!
Also, JJC has well respected Associate of Applied Science programs that allow you to streamline into a...
Kishwaukee College is a 2-year community college serving three counties in the northern Illinois area. In addition to over 70 associate degree and certificate programs, Kish offers five transfer degrees and its Health and Education department...
All the classes I'm taking are doing a great job at giving me critical information. The teachers here are extremely smart. I would strongly recommend Mrs. Anderson for anything she teaches in chemistry and Dr. Thomas for any of his philosophy/ethics...
” – Nicholas from Oregon, ILFounded in 1862, Rockford Career College is a for-profit vocational-centered college in northern Illinois. The state’s fifth-oldest college, Rockford hosts degree and certificate-granting academic programs in five career-focused areas of study. In...
Moraine Valley Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on a 297-acre campus in Palos Hills, Illinois, with satellite locations in Tinley Park and Blue Island. The college offers over 140 academic programs, including transfer...
The classes are small, 30 students max. This makes for great communication between you and the professor (no teacher assistants here!). All of my teachers are excited to teach each day, and make the material exciting (even math). I don't believe...
” – angelika from Orland Park, ILOriginally housed in a local high school, Morton College is a 2-year institution and the second oldest community college in Illinois. Morton is home to eight academic departments offering associate degrees and certificate programs. Additionally...
I absolutly love Morton College. The staff here actually cares about each individual student and does not act like the education of people should be treated as just a business.
” – Zitlali from Chicago, ILThe National University of Health Sciences is a school of integrative and alternative health care with two campuses in the Chicagoland area and western Florida. NUHS offers a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science as well as an associate degree in...
Oakton Community College is a two-year college with two locations near Chicago’s North Shore, in Des Plaines and Skokie, Illinois. Offering 80 associate’s degrees and certificates, Oakton Community College offers facilities in the arts, health care...
The professors are great and i do enjoy my time here! They have learning center where students can go and study with tutors.
” – Khandkar from Niles, ILOlney Central College is a public, 2-year institution associated the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges organization. OCC offers over 40 career-oriented and transferable degree and certificate programs, which students can earn in order to advance to...
Triton College is a public, 2-year institution established on an urban, 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Triton offers over 100 associate’s degree and certificate programs, with flexible learning options available including online courses...
One of the best junior colleges around. Triton has a variety of classes to choose from. Located in a very convenient location, lots of transportation near by.
” – Frank from Chicago, IL
Waubonsee Community College is a public, 2-year institution with a main location near Chicago, Illinois, in Sugar Grove. Waubonsee has three satellite locations, as well, two in Aurora and one in Plano. The community college offers two types of...
Best choice before transferring to a 4 year school. Their dual placement program with 4 year institutions is awesome! You will save alot of money by going this route. Instead of paying $1000-$2000 a class you'll pay about $300. (not including books)
” – Sandy from Aurora, IL