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 below.
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics
College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics
College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education
Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition Fees | Alumni Earnings | Student/Teacher Ratio | Gift Financial Aid | Description | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate | # Online Programs | # Total Programs | Placement Services | Credit for Experience |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Carl Sandburg College |
99.7 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
33%
|
26% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
2 |
Illinois Central College |
99.17 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
26%
|
23% | N/A | 3 | N/A | Yes | No | |
3 |
Richland Community College |
98.57 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
31%
|
21% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | No | |
4 |
Rend Lake College |
98.3 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
44%
|
51% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
5 |
Lincoln Land Community College |
96.73 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
11%
|
25% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
6 |
Highland Community College |
96.49 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
30%
|
37% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
7 |
College of Lake County |
96.29 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
9%
|
17% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
8 |
Black Hawk College |
96.28 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
24%
|
19% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
9 |
Shawnee Community College |
96.23 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
44%
|
28% | N/A | 1 | N/A | Yes | No | |
10 |
John Wood Community College |
96.1 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
26%
|
31% | N/A | 2 | N/A | No | Yes | |
11 |
Kankakee Community College |
96.08 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
16%
|
20% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
12 |
Danville Area Community College |
96.06 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
16%
|
29% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
13 |
Parkland College |
95.84 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
11%
|
16% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
14 |
Oakton Community College |
95.77 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
13%
|
14% | N/A | 0 | N/A | No | Yes | |
15 |
Waubonsee Community College |
95.63 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
12%
|
30% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
16 |
Triton College |
95.57 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
8%
|
15% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
17 |
Harper College |
95.05 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
6%
|
24% | N/A | 1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
18 |
College of DuPage |
94.83 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
6%
|
16% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
19 |
Lake Land College |
94.74 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
24%
|
30% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
20 |
Kaskaskia College |
94.67 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
19%
|
46% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | No | |
21 |
Prairie State College |
94.53 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
11%
|
13% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
22 |
Kishwaukee College |
94.51 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
10%
|
18% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
23 |
Lincoln Trail College |
94.4 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
96%
|
43% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
24 |
Moraine Valley Community College |
94.18 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
6%
|
20% | N/A | 1 | N/A | Yes | No | |
25 |
Rock Valley College |
94 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
4%
|
22% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
26 |
Olney Central College |
93.6 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
86%
|
37% | N/A | 3 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
27 |
Elgin Community College |
93.59 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
14%
|
29% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
28 |
South Suburban College |
93.35 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
16%
|
22% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
29 |
Joliet Junior College |
93.13 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
7%
|
13% | N/A | 3 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
30 |
Sauk Valley Community College |
93.06 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
24%
|
29% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
31 |
Morton College |
92.86 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
6%
|
15% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
32 |
Heartland Community College |
92.85 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
8%
|
23% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
33 |
Southwestern Illinois College |
92.68 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
14%
|
27% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
34 |
City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College |
92.62 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
9%
|
8% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
35 |
Spoon River College |
92.37 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
27%
|
22% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
36 |
Lewis and Clark Community College |
92.06 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
12%
|
13% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
37 |
City Colleges of Chicago – Wilbur Wright College |
92.01 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
2%
|
14% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
38 |
Illinois Valley Community College |
90.74 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
6%
|
30% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
39 |
MacCormac College |
90.71 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
32%
|
37% | N/A | 0 | N/A | No | No | |
40 |
Wabash Valley College |
90.42 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
98%
|
44% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
41 |
John A Logan College |
90.17 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
7%
|
26% | N/A | 1 | N/A | Yes | No | |
42 |
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College |
89.73 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
9%
|
26% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
43 |
City Colleges of Chicago – Harry S Truman College |
89.24 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
5%
|
12% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
44 |
McHenry County College |
88.72 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
24% | N/A | 6 | N/A | Yes | No | |
45 |
City Colleges of Chicago – Malcolm X College |
87.56 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
3%
|
8% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
46 |
Frontier Community College |
87.4 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
91%
|
57% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
47 |
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College |
86.44 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
1%
|
9% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
48 |
City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College |
86.01 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
3%
|
9% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
49 |
Southeastern Illinois College |
86 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
28%
|
24% | N/A | 3 | N/A | No | Yes |
Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition Fees | Alumni Earnings | Student/Teacher Ratio | Gift Financial Aid | Description | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate | # Online Programs | # Total Programs | Placement Services | Credit for Experience |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Northwestern University |
99.79 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
54%
|
93% | 13% | 6 | N/A | Yes | No | |
2 |
University of Chicago |
99.25 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
62%
|
92% | 9% | 1 | N/A | Yes | No | |
3 |
Bradley University |
98.32 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
98%
|
78% | 64% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
4 |
Illinois Institute of Technology |
97.98 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
68% | 51% | 17 | N/A | Yes | No | |
5 |
Augustana College |
97.73 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
97%
|
78% | 54% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
6 |
Illinois Wesleyan University |
97.3 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
99%
|
82% | 60% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
7 |
University of St Francis |
97.1 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
56% | 51% | 12 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
8 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
96.93 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
42%
|
84% | 59% | 21 | N/A | Yes | No | |
9 |
Lewis University |
96.91 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
99%
|
59% | 62% | 7 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
10 |
University of Illinois at Chicago |
95.92 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
64%
|
58% | 74% | 4 | N/A | Yes | No | |
11 |
Loyola University Chicago |
95.86 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
93%
|
70% | 63% | 11 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
12 |
Elmhurst College |
95.83 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
93%
|
74% | 68% | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
13 |
Dominican University |
95.83 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
93%
|
66% | 61% | 9 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
14 |
Saint Xavier University |
95.75 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
54% | 50% | 4 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
15 |
Benedictine University |
95.73 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
95%
|
53% | 77% | 9 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
16 |
Millikin University |
95.47 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
99%
|
55% | 63% | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
17 |
DePaul University |
95.18 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
94%
|
68% | 70% | 11 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
18 |
Roosevelt University |
95.18 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
92%
|
42% | 78% | 7 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
19 |
Lake Forest College |
94.93 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
97%
|
70% | 55% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
20 |
North Central College |
94.78 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
99%
|
68% | 60% | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
21 |
Illinois State University |
94.58 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
38%
|
71% | 74% | 2 | N/A | Yes | No | |
22 |
Northern Illinois University |
94.37 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
79%
|
54% | 51% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
23 |
Principia College |
94.29 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
98%
|
77% | 79% | 0 | N/A | No | No | |
24 |
North Park University |
94.28 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$
$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
98%
|
56% | 55% | 5 | N/A | Yes | No | |
25 |
Wheaton College |
94.15 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
69%
|
90% | 69% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
26 |
Knox College |
94.13 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
99%
|
81% | 68% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
27 |
McKendree University |
94.1 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
49% | 61% | 11 | N/A | Yes | No | |
28 |
Illinois College |
93.88 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
62% | 54% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
29 |
Quincy University |
93.76 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
56% | 89% | 7 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
30 |
Trinity Christian College |
93.75 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
97%
|
54% | 90% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
31 |
Judson University |
93.65 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
99%
|
50% | 73% | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
32 |
Eastern Illinois University |
93.6 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
67%
|
60% | 50% | 3 | N/A | No | Yes | |
33 |
National Louis University |
93.51 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
70%
|
44% | 97% | 12 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
34 |
Greenville College |
93.44 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$
$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
94%
|
54% | 56% | 7 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
35 |
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale |
93.38 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
79%
|
48% | 82% | 6 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
36 |
Monmouth College |
93.32 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
58% | 69% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
37 |
Governors State University |
93.17 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
N/A | 94% | 4 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
38 |
Rockford University |
92.93 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
38% | 55% | 0 | N/A | No | No | |
39 |
Olivet Nazarene University |
92.58 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
57% | 74% | 9 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
40 |
Aurora University |
92.54 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$
$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
52% | 81% | 9 | N/A | Yes | No | |
41 |
Trinity International University-Illinois |
92.52 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
55% | 100% | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
42 |
Eureka College |
92.5 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
56% | 64% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
43 |
Western Illinois University |
92.41 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
56%
|
54% | 70% | 5 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
44 |
University of Illinois at Springfield |
92.38 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
93%
|
47% | 62% | 18 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
45 |
Concordia University-Chicago |
92.21 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
49% | 54% | 18 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
46 |
Rush University |
91.56 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
N/A | N/A | 3 | N/A | No | Yes | |
47 |
Blackburn College |
91.45 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
97%
|
45% | 65% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
48 |
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville |
91.15 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
47%
|
52% | 87% | 6 | N/A | Yes | No | |
49 |
Chicago State University |
90.6 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
46%
|
21% | 30% | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
50 |
MacMurray College |
90.16 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$
$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
36% | 78% | 2 | N/A | Yes | No |
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Source: CollegeBoard
Source: IPEDS
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.
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.
Average
Annual Net
Price
Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.
![]() |
Average Annual Net Price |
![]() |
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
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.
Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College
Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
![]() |
Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College |
![]() |
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
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.
Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation
Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.
![]() |
Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation |
![]() |
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
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 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.
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 Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
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. | |||
![]() |
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 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 Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
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. | |||
![]() |
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. | |||
![]() |
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
Below is a list of additional college resources for current and future students researching colleges in Illinois.
Scholarships and grants for Illinois are listed along with financial aid tips and tricks.
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.
Non-citizens can learn more about the Illinois Dream Act here in addition to scholarship resources for immigrant students.
This page is a helpful resource that outlines scholarship opportunities in Illinois with easy to view award sums and deadlines.
ISAC offers a college toolbox where prospective students can easily access tools like financial aid comparison and college checklist.
This website helps students with developmental disabilities go to, and succeed in, college.
ISETTW is a program that helps teachers and academically gifted students pursuing a career in special education waive their tuition costs.