Best
Public Colleges in Illinois in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Illinois offers practical preparation for managing organizations across industries. Programs typically cover accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and data analytics, with projects or internships building workplace skills. Graduates often pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations manager, or sales representative. Popular Illinois options include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University. Formats vary widely.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Illinois offers coursework in developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Students may explore counseling, neuroscience, and human behavior through labs, internships, and community placements. Popular options include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and Illinois State University. Graduates with bachelor's degrees pursue roles in human resources, social services, case management, or behavioral health support; advanced study can lead to clinical practice.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Illinois offers access to respected universities and a growing technology sector. Programs typically cover programming, data structures, algorithms, computer systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build practical skills through projects, internships, and research. Popular choices include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and DePaul University. Graduates commonly pursue software developer, data analyst, systems administrator, cybersecurity analyst, or application developer roles across industries.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Illinois typically combines theory, supervised practice, and preparation for state licensure. Courses often cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and clinical techniques. Graduates may pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, behavioral health clinicians, addiction counselors, or career counselors, depending on degree and credentials. Illinois options include Northwestern University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, and Illinois State University, which offer counseling-related programs.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Illinois offers pathways from associate to bachelor's and advanced degrees. Programs typically cover anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, ethics, community health, and clinical practice. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or public health settings; advanced study can lead to nurse practitioner or educator roles. Popular Illinois options include the University of Illinois Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, Rush University, DePaul University, and Illinois State University.

Best Colleges in Illinois Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 11,331.0, compared with 27,772.3 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure substantially higher.
• An average of 98.7% of students receive financial aid, compared with 70.75% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 70.75%. Schools receive an average of 17,769.92 applicants, while schools in the top 10% receive an average of 26,741.6.
• The median number of male applicants is 4,332.5, compared with 6,613.5 female applicants.
• The average SAT score is 1,110.0, and the average ACT score is 24.12.
• Schools have an average of 13,936.64 enrolled students. On average, 973.67 enrolled students are men and 1,166.25 are women.
• The average graduation rate is 45.5%, compared with 64.1% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 43.5% for men and 52.5% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, 12 offer bachelor's degrees, 12 offer master's degrees, and 10 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 14 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, applicant and enrollment figures, and graduation outcomes. They may also want to consider available degree levels and compare their own academic goals with the reported average SAT and ACT scores.

How much does studying at a college in Illinois cost?

Average total study costs in Illinois are $16,384.14 per student, including an average $13,616.57 for tuition and fees. Treat this as a budgeting benchmark, not the complete lifetime price of a degree: your actual amount depends on your college, program, housing, financial aid, and how many years you attend.

• Tuition and fees: $13,616.57
• Room and board: $12,598.64
• Books and supplies: $1,491.43
• Average total study cost: $16,384.14

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern, DePaul, or the University of Chicago, check current cost-of-attendance estimates because prices vary by campus and program. Room and board averages $12,598.64, so comparing residence halls, apartments, or living at home may help you save. Books and supplies average $1,491.43. Ask financial-aid offices about grants, scholarships, and payment plans, and compare net prices after aid. A thoughtful budget can make studying in Illinois feel more achievable, while a nearby college can keep you connected to your community.

How long does it take to finish college in Illinois?

In Illinois, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two; part-time schedules can extend either timeline. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern, or DePaul, your actual pace depends on your major, course availability, and completed credits. The state's average graduation rate is 45.5%, so finishing on schedule can be challenging, but the top 10% of schools average 64.1%. Reported rates are 42.07% for men and 48.21% for women.

To finish sooner, consider options such as:

• Transfer eligible credits from community college or prior coursework, after confirming acceptance with your Illinois school.
• Use Advanced Placement, CLEP, or other approved exams to earn credit where your institution permits.
• Take summer or winter courses, choose a manageable full-time load, and meet an adviser early to map prerequisites; accelerated or year-round study may help you graduate ahead of schedule while protecting your wellbeing.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Illinois earn a median alumni salary of about $49,032. At schools ranked among the top 10%, the median is about $54,213 - a promising benchmark as you plan for life and work after college.

Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your field, experience, and location. Illinois offers many paths to a degree, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University to DePaul University and Illinois State University. Comparing programs and career opportunities can help you find a school that fits your goals and puts you on a strong path toward your desired salary.

People also ask

What is the most prestigious college in Illinois?

The University of Chicago is often regarded as Illinois's most prestigious college, thanks to its international reputation for academic research and rigorous study. Northwestern University is also exceptionally prestigious, so the answer can depend on the field and the ranking you value. For an Illinois student, both offer strong opportunities and distinct campus experiences.

Which city in Illinois has the best public schools?

Naperville is frequently named among Illinois's strongest places for public schools, with highly regarded schools in Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204. School quality varies by neighborhood and by what matters to your family, so check the assigned school for a specific address. It's a promising place to start your search.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in Illinois Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a large public research university in central Illinois, offering students a broad campus experience and extensive academic choices. With 60,848 enrolled students, it is the largest institution in this group. Its 85% graduation rate and 42% acceptance rate provide useful context for applicants. Estimated total study cost is $36,804, while median alumni salary is $54,871. Illinois residents comparing options should weigh campus scale, cost, and outcomes alongside their preferred field and learning environment before applying.

Northern Illinois University is a university in DeKalb, giving Illinois students an option beyond the Chicago area. It enrolls 16,078 students, a substantially smaller community than UIUC. Its 49% graduation rate and 70% acceptance rate offer useful measures for comparing admission and completion. The total cost of studying is $10,232, and median alumni salary is $50,097. Prospective students can consider whether its setting, academic offerings, and affordability align with their goals while planning to earn a degree in Illinois.

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a public university in Chicago, offering an urban setting for students who want to study in Illinois. Its enrollment of 35,869 places it between UIUC and NIU in size. The graduation rate is 62%, and acceptance rate is 77%. Total study cost is $28,849; median alumni salary is $50,221. Applicants can compare these figures with their intended major, commute or housing plans, and budget to decide whether a city campus suits them.

Chicago State University is a public institution on Chicago's South Side, giving Illinois students a smaller campus option within the city. It enrolls 2,238 students, the smallest total among these five schools. Its graduation rate is 15%, and its acceptance rate is 43%. The total cost of studying is $8,040, while median alumni salary is $47,003. Students considering Chicago State can weigh the cost against the graduation and salary figures, then explore whether its programs fit their interests and plans.

Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, offering a smaller-town setting for students pursuing a degree in Illinois. It enrolls 6,332 students, with a 45% graduation rate and a 71% acceptance rate. The cost of studying is $9,662, and median alumni salary is $43,887. These figures make it a comparatively affordable option among the schools listed. Applicants should also consider their intended program, preferred campus atmosphere, and expenses beyond tuition when deciding whether Western Illinois fits their goals.