Best Illinois Colleges & Universities for 2017-2018

Rankings and Resources to Find the Right School for You

Illinois is a stronghold for higher education with nine public universities, about 50 community colleges, and nearly 100 private not-for-profit schools, the state an ideal location for those looking to pursue a degree or credential at any level. Keep reading to learn more about the educational opportunities Illinois has to offer, including college rankings, cost comparisons, and planning programs specific to the state.

Ranking the 2017-2018 Best Colleges in Illinois

Choosing a school is never easy, so we’ve compiled a list of the best colleges and universities in Illinois to help make the process less daunting. The list has been calculated using important factors like tuition cost, alumni earnings, financial aid availability, student-to-teacher ratio, graduation rate and more. Explore the top-ranking Illinois colleges for 2017-2018 below.

Methodology +

2-Year Colleges
4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Carl Sandburg College	99.70	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,800	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 33%	26%	N/A	0	54	Yes	No
2	Illinois Central College	99.17	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $32,000	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 26%	23%	N/A	3	111	Yes	No
3	Richland Community College	98.57	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,900	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 31%	21%	N/A	2	106	Yes	No
4	Rend Lake College	98.30	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,200	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 44%	51%	N/A	0	79	Yes	No
5	Lincoln Land Community College	96.73	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,800	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 11%	25%	N/A	0	88	Yes	No
6	Highland Community College	96.49	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $25,900	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%	37%	N/A	0	51	Yes	Yes
7	College of Lake County	96.29	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,200	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	17%	N/A	0	137	Yes	No
8	Black Hawk College	96.28	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,000	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 24%	19%	N/A	0	81	Yes	Yes
9	Shawnee Community College	96.23	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $22,000	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 44%	28%	N/A	1	52	Yes	No
10	John Wood Community College	96.10	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,800	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 26%	31%	N/A	2	52	No	Yes
11	Kankakee Community College	96.08	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,900	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 16%	20%	N/A	0	71	Yes	No
12	Danville Area Community College	96.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,700	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 16%	29%	N/A	0	64	Yes	Yes
13	Parkland College	95.84	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,000	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 11%	16%	N/A	0	104	Yes	Yes
14	Oakton Community College	95.77	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,500	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 13%	14%	N/A	0	96	No	Yes
15	Waubonsee Community College	95.63	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,800	23:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 12%	30%	N/A	2	116	Yes	Yes
16	Triton College	95.57	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $33,000	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 8%	15%	N/A	0	95	Yes	Yes
17	Harper College	95.05	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,600	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 6%	24%	N/A	1	115	Yes	Yes
18	College of DuPage	94.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $35,000	24:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 6%	16%	N/A	0	171	Yes	Yes
19	Lake Land College	94.74	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,700	23:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 24%	30%	N/A	0	86	Yes	Yes
20	Kaskaskia College	94.67	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,600	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 19%	46%	N/A	2	97	Yes	No
21	Prairie State College	94.53	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,200	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 11%	13%	N/A	0	62	Yes	Yes
22	Kishwaukee College	94.51	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $32,200	21:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 10%	18%	N/A	0	61	Yes	Yes
23	Lincoln Trail College	94.40	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,500	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 96%	43%	N/A	2	27	Yes	Yes
24	Moraine Valley Community College	94.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $33,000	25:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 6%	20%	N/A	1	97	Yes	No
25	Rock Valley College	94.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $30,900	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 4%	22%	N/A	0	72	Yes	No
26	Olney Central College	93.60	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,200	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 86%	37%	N/A	3	33	Yes	Yes
27	Elgin Community College	93.59	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,300	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 14%	29%	N/A	0	98	Yes	Yes
28	South Suburban College	93.35	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 16%	22%	N/A	0	68	Yes	Yes
29	Joliet Junior College	93.13	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,600	23:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 7%	13%	N/A	3	119	Yes	Yes
30	Sauk Valley Community College	93.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,700	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 24%	29%	N/A	0	60	Yes	Yes
31	Morton College	92.86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,200	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 6%	15%	N/A	0	42	Yes	Yes
32	Heartland Community College	92.85	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,900	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 8%	23%	N/A	0	49	Yes	No
33	Southwestern Illinois College	92.68	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,000	20:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 14%	27%	N/A	0	110	Yes	Yes
34	City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College	92.62	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $29,000	38:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	8%	N/A	0	49	Yes	Yes
35	Spoon River College	92.37	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,600	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 27%	22%	N/A	0	30	Yes	Yes
36	Lewis and Clark Community College	92.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,900	23:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 12%	13%	N/A	0	90	Yes	Yes
37	City Colleges of Chicago – Wilbur Wright College	92.01	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $31,500	33:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 2%	14%	N/A	0	50	Yes	Yes
38	Illinois Valley Community College	90.74	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,600	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 6%	30%	N/A	0	64	Yes	No
39	MacCormac College	90.71	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,400	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 32%	37%	N/A	0	6	No	No
40	Wabash Valley College	90.42	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,900	34:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	44%	N/A	2	41	Yes	Yes
41	John A Logan College	90.17	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $25,400	23:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 7%	26%	N/A	1	85	Yes	No
42	City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College	89.73	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $22,500	27:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 9%	26%	N/A	0	57	Yes	Yes
43	City Colleges of Chicago – Harry S Truman College	89.24	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $27,100	29:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 5%	12%	N/A	0	46	Yes	Yes
44	McHenry County College	88.72	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $28,400	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	24%	N/A	6	75	Yes	No
45	City Colleges of Chicago – Malcolm X College	87.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $23,700	29:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 3%	8%	N/A	0	35	Yes	Yes
46	Frontier Community College	87.40	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $22,900	23:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 91%	57%	N/A	2	37	Yes	Yes
47	City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College	86.44	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $24,900	33:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 1%	9%	N/A	0	42	Yes	Yes
48	City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College	86.01	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $23,700	30:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 3%	9%	N/A	0	36	Yes	Yes
49	Southeastern Illinois College	86.00	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,400	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 28%	24%	N/A	3	48	No	Yes

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Northwestern University	99.79	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $64,100	7:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 54%	93%	13%	6	230	Yes	No
2	University of Chicago	99.25	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $62,800	6:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 62%	92%	9%	1	104	Yes	No
3	Bradley University	98.32	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $52,400	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	78%	64%	0	152	Yes	No
4	Illinois Institute of Technology	97.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $68,200	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	68%	51%	17	102	Yes	No
5	Augustana College	97.73	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $49,600	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	78%	54%	0	75	Yes	No
6	Illinois Wesleyan University	97.30	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $54,600	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	82%	60%	0	40	Yes	No
7	University of St Francis	97.10	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,600	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	56%	51%	12	64	Yes	Yes
8	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	96.93	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $56,600	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 42%	84%	59%	21	245	Yes	No
9	Lewis University	96.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $47,100	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	59%	62%	7	107	Yes	Yes
10	University of Illinois at Chicago	95.92	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $51,600	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 64%	58%	74%	4	178	Yes	No
11	Loyola University Chicago	95.86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $50,600	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	70%	63%	11	180	Yes	Yes
12	Elmhurst College	95.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $48,100	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	74%	68%	2	82	Yes	Yes
13	Dominican University	95.83	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,400	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	66%	61%	9	72	Yes	Yes
14	Saint Xavier University	95.75	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $45,300	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	54%	50%	4	110	Yes	Yes
15	Benedictine University	95.73	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $51,000	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 95%	53%	77%	9	74	Yes	Yes
16	Millikin University	95.47	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,900	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	55%	63%	0	45	Yes	Yes
17	DePaul University	95.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $50,900	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 94%	68%	70%	11	198	Yes	Yes
18	Roosevelt University	95.18	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $44,600	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 92%	42%	78%	7	100	Yes	Yes
19	Lake Forest College	94.93	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $48,100	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	70%	55%	0	36	Yes	No
20	North Central College	94.78	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $45,700	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	68%	60%	0	67	Yes	Yes
21	Illinois State University	94.58	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $45,100	19:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 38%	71%	74%	2	112	Yes	No
22	Northern Illinois University	94.37	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $43,900	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 79%	54%	51%	0	112	Yes	No
23	Principia College	94.29	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. N/A	7:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	77%	79%	0	26	No	No
24	North Park University	94.28	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,400	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%	56%	55%	5	59	Yes	No
25	Wheaton College	94.15	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,600	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 69%	90%	69%	0	51	Yes	No
26	Knox College	94.13	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,600	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	81%	68%	0	35	Yes	No
27	McKendree University	94.10	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $42,500	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	49%	61%	11	55	Yes	No
28	Illinois College	93.88	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,700	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	62%	54%	0	34	Yes	No
29	Quincy University	93.76	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,500	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	56%	89%	7	43	Yes	Yes
30	Trinity Christian College	93.75	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,400	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	54%	90%	0	47	Yes	No
31	Judson University	93.65	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,000	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%	50%	73%	2	56	Yes	Yes
32	Eastern Illinois University	93.60	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,200	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 67%	60%	50%	3	83	No	Yes
33	National Louis University	93.51	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $43,700	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 70%	44%	97%	12	55	Yes	Yes
34	Greenville College	93.44	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,700	11:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 94%	54%	56%	7	64	Yes	Yes
35	Southern Illinois University-Carbondale	93.38	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,500	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 79%	48%	82%	6	165	Yes	Yes
36	Monmouth College	93.32	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $40,700	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	58%	69%	0	36	Yes	No
37	Governors State University	93.17	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,700	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	N/A	94%	4	52	Yes	Yes
38	Rockford University	92.93	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,100	10:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	38%	55%	0	47	No	No
39	Olivet Nazarene University	92.58	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,700	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	57%	74%	9	94	Yes	Yes
40	Aurora University	92.54	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,500	16:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	52%	81%	9	52	Yes	No
41	Trinity International University-Illinois	92.52	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,200	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	55%	100%	0	47	Yes	Yes
42	Eureka College	92.50	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $37,300	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	56%	64%	0	22	Yes	No
43	Western Illinois University	92.41	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,100	15:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 56%	54%	70%	5	103	Yes	Yes
44	University of Illinois at Springfield	92.38	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,800	14:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 93%	47%	62%	18	43	Yes	Yes
45	Concordia University-Chicago	92.21	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $41,500	17:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	49%	54%	18	87	Yes	Yes
46	Rush University	91.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $74,300	5:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A	N/A	N/A	3	25	No	Yes
47	Blackburn College	91.45	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $38,000	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%	45%	65%	0	39	Yes	No
48	Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville	91.15	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $39,800	18:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 47%	52%	87%	6	93	Yes	No
49	Chicago State University	90.60	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $34,200	12:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 46%	21%	30%	2	57	Yes	Yes
50	MacMurray College	90.16	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $36,700	13:1	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%	36%	78%	2	19	Yes	No

Illinois College Search Tool

With so many higher education options to choose from in Illinois, it’s no wonder that learning about each one seems impossible. The tool below allows users to search Illinois colleges and universities by tuition, school name, city or degree type, and compare key attributes to help them make an informed decision.

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Illinois College Outreach & Planning Initiatives

Planning for college can be overwhelming and confusing at times, but the state of Illinois offers a variety of programs aimed at student success. These programs can help students prepare for college financially, learn which career and educational path may suit them best, and more. Here are a few state programs helpful for those planning to go to college in Illinois:

Golden Apple Scholars Program

The Golden Apple Scholars Program identifies academically exceptional high school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores in Illinois pursuing a career in education in high-need schools. The non-profit organization is dedicated to fostering a community of inspired and dedicated teachers. The program offers scholarships for those selected as Golden Apple Scholars as well as summer institutes, mentorship programs and on-site classroom experience. This program is especially concerned with helping increase the number of minority and bilingual teachers.

Illinois Dream Fund

There are over 11 million undocumented workers for whom higher education may be inaccessible. But the Illinois Dream Fund is a program dedicated to making a post-secondary degree financially possible for the growing undocumented community. By making financial resources available to students who meet the Fund’s requirements, the educational and professional careers of the next generation of leaders are made possible, regardless of their immigration status.

How Much It Costs to Attend Colleges in Illinois

With the annual fee and tuition costs at public universities in Illinois rising to nearly $14,000 in 2015, it’s important to understand how much you can expect to pay. The charts below illustrate the average cost of attending college in Illinois compared to the national average. They also provide a comparison of financial aid availability, a key component of overall cost.

Average Illinois Tuition &
Fees at 4-Year Public Colleges

Source: CollegeBoard

% of Illinois Students
Receiving Financial Aid

Source: IPEDS

Average Financial Aid Award
for Illinois Students

Source: IPEDS

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.

* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Illinois’ Most Cost-Efficient Colleges

While knowing how a state’s average college costs and aid compare nationally is important, the next step is learning which colleges in Illinois are the most affordable overall. Continue on to see the six-school ranking of the most affordable colleges in Illinois based on net price, how they compare to other Illinois colleges, and where they stand nationally.

4

University of Illinois at Springfield$10,799
5

Blackburn College$13,536
6

University of Illinois at Chicago$13,545

Average
Annual Net
Price

Illinois College Net Price vs. National Average

$20,309

Average
Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Illinois Colleges With the Top-Paid Grads

One of the biggest benefits of going to college is a higher salary in the workforce, but some Illinois colleges produce higher-earners than others. Below is a six-school ranking highlighting which colleges produce the highest paid alumni ten years down the line. It also includes a helpful comparison between the state and the national average.

1

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science$166,200
2

Midwestern University-Downers Grove$117,000
3

Illinois College of Optometry$81,400

4

Rush University$74,300
5

Illinois Institute of Technology$68,200
6

Northwestern University$64,100

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Illinois Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$46,860

Annual Median Earnings
10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Colleges in Illinois Featuring Lowest Student Debt

Increasing college debt is an emerging stress for new college graduates. Knowing what colleges are affordable is the first step to minimizing financial strain; the next is knowing which Illinois colleges’ graduates carry the lowest average educational debt. The following schools top the chart.

1

National University of Health Sciences$11,334
2

Lincoln College$12,000
3

Northeastern Illinois University$15,000

4

Blessing Rieman College of Nursing$15,995
5

Governors State University$17,000
6

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing$17,500

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Illinois College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$23,326

Median Federal Student
Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

More Financial Factors: Illinois’ Cost-of-Living

Generally speaking, the cost of living in Illinois is just below average. Though cost of living is something that many prospective students overlook when looking for their perfect school, it’s actually an incredibly important consideration as it determines how much money will be spent on food, housing, utilities and more. Take a look at the chart below to see average living expenses for the largest metropolitan areas in Illinois.

area	composite index	housing	groceries	utilities	transportation	health care	misc.
Statewide Average	95%	88%	99%	98%	103%	99%	97%
Chicago	117%	139%	115%	103%	114%	100%	106%
Joliet-Will County	101%	102%	105%	98%	108%	106%	95%
Peoria	98%	98%	97%	104%	98%	97%	97%
Rockford	92%	79%	94%	93%	104%	104%	95%
Springfield	89%	76%	100%	76%	96%	102%	96%

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Accreditation & Quality in Illinois Colleges

Accreditation is a vital, yet often overlooked factor for students considering colleges in Illinois – and or anywhere else. Accreditation is the mark of approval by a national accrediting agency certifying that the rigor and curriculum of a program meet professional standards. In other words, accreditation is an integral part of the quality assurance process for universities. Illinois universities regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which oversees much of the Midwestern states. However, there is also programmatic accreditation that applies to specific disciplines offered within a college. These organizations ensure that individual programs meet high quality. Below are two examples of programmatically accredited schools in schools.

Northwestern College’s Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Illinois Central College’s School of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.

Illinois’ Major College Cities

Champaign

Located 135 miles south of Chicago, the city of Champaign offers a completely different student experience. Champaign is home to the state's oldest public university, the University of Illinois, and has a strong tradition of fostering the education. In that respect, Champaign is what one might imagine a college town to be.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College
University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign	Public	$18,798	$56,600
The University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign is a land-grant institution known for its innovation and successful alumni. With over 44,000 students from around the country and world, the university emphasizes diversity. Not only is it a large, diverse campus, but the university is also becoming a pre-eminent research institution. Its success is visible with 25 Pulitzer-Prize-winning alumni, and was the birthplace of the first graphical web browser.
Parkland College	Public	$6,376	$31,000
Parkland College is an accredited two-year community college in Champaign, Illinois. It's home to approximately 20,000 students. The college was built in 1967 to accommodate Illinois's largest community college district at the time. The school offers vocational and technical training to students, and is known nationally for its high academic standards and sprawling campus.

Chicago

Chicago is a hub for top-tier institutions of all kinds, from prestigious universities to high-quality community colleges. The city's higher education tradition is one of the oldest in the country and, as such, had plenty of time to flourish and develop into one of innovation. That spirit fits right in with the industrious city.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College
University of Chicago	Private not-for-profit	$25,335	$62,800
The University of Chicago is a prestigious private, non-profit university. The non-denominational university is home to 15,700 undergraduate and graduate students, and prides itself on being an elite, but diverse institution. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach to research, and has been at the forefront of breakthroughs like discovering a link between genetics and cancer. Well-known research at the university also extends to economic theory and the development of urban educational tools.
Loyola University Chicago	Private not-for-profit	$28,237	$50,600
Loyola University Chicago is a well-known, Jesuit Catholic institution serving nearly 16,500 students across five campus locations in and around the city. As Loyola is a Catholic university, it pursues a mission in academics with an emphasis on social responsibility. However, it should be noted that Loyola is open to students of all faiths. The university is comprised of 11 colleges and schools of different disciplines.
Malcolm X College	Public	$7,211	$23,700
Malcolm X College is a community college located near the Illinois Medical District, making it the premier choice for students looking to work in the healthcare field. There are nearly 16,000 part-time and full-time students enrolled at the two-year college, and the school prides itself on its commitment to launching the professional careers in the healthcare industry. The college is the ideal place to continue adult education, gain a professional certificate or receive an associate's degree.

Source: College Scorecard

Find More Information on Colleges in Illinois

Below is a list of additional college resources for current and future students researching colleges in Illinois.

College Scholarships

Scholarships and grants for Illinois are listed along with financial aid tips and tricks.

Illinois Board of Higher Education

The Illinois Board of Education is an excellent resource for those that want more information about general programs and resources on post-secondary schools in the state.

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Non-citizens can learn more about the Illinois Dream Act here in addition to scholarship resources for immigrant students.

Illinois Scholarships

This page is a helpful resource that outlines scholarship opportunities in Illinois with easy to view award sums and deadlines.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

ISAC offers a college toolbox where prospective students can easily access tools like financial aid comparison and college checklist.

Think College Illinois

This website helps students with developmental disabilities go to, and succeed in, college.

Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program

ISETTW is a program that helps teachers and academically gifted students pursuing a career in special education waive their tuition costs.