Best
Colleges in Illinois in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Illinois combines coursework in accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business analytics, and organizational behavior. Programs often include internships and team projects with local employers. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations manager, or financial associate. Popular Illinois options include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Northern Illinois University, and Illinois State University. Students can choose programs matching their career goals.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Illinois offers options at institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, DePaul University, and Loyola University Chicago. Courses commonly include developmental, cognitive, social, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and neuroscience. Programs combine theory with laboratory work, research, or internships. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, human resources specialist, behavioral health technician, or research assistant; clinical psychologist and counselor positions typically require graduate study and licensure in Illinois.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Illinois offers access to academic programs and technology employers. Students typically study programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular choices include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, DePaul University, and the University of Chicago. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, data analysts, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, web developers, and machine learning engineers. Internships and research projects can help students build experience.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Illinois can prepare students to support people through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Typical courses include counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, and multicultural practice, alongside supervised fieldwork. Graduates may work as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or behavioral-health staff, depending on their degree, credentials, and state licensure. Illinois options include Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, and Southern Illinois University.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Illinois prepares students to deliver safe patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Coursework typically includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternity care, mental-health nursing, and clinical practice. Graduates may work as registered nurses, emergency nurses, pediatric nurses, or public-health nurses, depending on credentials and experience. Popular Illinois options include the University of Illinois Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, Rush University, and Illinois State University.

Best Colleges in Illinois Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 27,757.0, compared with 50,956.8 at schools in the top 10%, indicating a substantially higher median cost among the highest-ranked group.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 73.34% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 73.34%. Schools receive an average of 8,491.38 applicants, while those in the top 10% average 23,235.4 applicants.
• The median number of male applicants is 1,832.0, compared with 2,227.0 female applicants.
• Average test scores are 1,130.41 on the SAT and 24.65 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 5,431.08. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 378.58 and 477.18, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 54.95%, compared with 75.5% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 51.0% for men and 64.0% for women.
• There are 23 institutions offering associate's degrees, 72 offering bachelor's degrees, 77 offering master's degrees, and 40 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 73 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid to understand likely affordability, and consider how acceptance rates and applicant numbers relate to your admissions plans. Also weigh program availability, enrollment, test-score averages, and graduation rates; the figures show that costs and graduation outcomes differ notably between the overall group and its top 10%.

How much does studying at a college in Illinois cost?

For an Illinois student, the reported average total cost of studying is $28,707.95. Treat this as a typical study-cost figure, not necessarily the full price of completing an entire degree: your total depends on how many years you attend, your college, and whether you live on campus.

For perspective, the separate average cost figures are:

• Tuition and fees average $29,947.73.
• Room and board average $13,547.40.
• Books and supplies average $1,424.00.

These category averages are higher in combination than the reported total, so don't add them to that figure as if they describe one student's bill; actual budgets vary by institution and aid.

You can explore options such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, and Northwestern University; each offers a different campus experience and budget. Comparing tuition, housing, commuting, and financial aid can make planning manageable and help you find an Illinois degree that fits your goals.

How long does it take to finish college in Illinois?

In Illinois, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at a community college usually takes about two. Your timeline can vary with your major, course availability, work, or family commitments. The average graduation rate is 54.95%; among the top 10% of schools, the average is 75.5%. Rates average 48.91% for men and 60.88% for women. These figures can help you compare schools, but ask each college how it defines and measures graduation.

You may finish sooner by taking these steps. Before enrolling, map your requirements with an adviser; a plan can make finishing on time feel really achievable.

• Use qualifying AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits to meet degree requirements.
• Take summer courses or a heavier course load when available and manageable.
• Transfer completed credits or consider an accelerated program at schools such as UIUC, DePaul, or an Illinois community college.

Salary

After graduating from college in Illinois, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $48,622. At schools in the top 10% by alumni earnings, the median is about $75,006 - a promising benchmark as you consider your options.

Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your degree, career path, experience, and location. Whether you're looking at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois Chicago, or Illinois State University, comparing programs and career opportunities can help you choose a path that fits your goals.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Illinois?

By student enrollment, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Chicago, and DePaul University are among Illinois's largest. Recent fall enrollment figures put them at roughly 59,000, 34,000, and 21,000 students, respectively. Their size means plenty of courses, activities, and chances to meet people, though enrollment can change from year to year.

How many colleges are there in Illinois?

Illinois is commonly reported to have about 185 colleges and universities. The exact total varies depending on whether a count includes community colleges, specialized schools, and separate campuses. For students, that range is encouraging: the state offers many options, from large research universities to community colleges and smaller private institutions.

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

Northwestern University, in Evanston near Chicago, offers Illinois students a highly selective, research-focused university experience with access to a major metropolitan area. It enrolls 23,431 students, reports a 95% graduation rate, and admits 8% of applicants. The listed total study cost is $67,158, while median alumni salary is $62,881. Its interdisciplinary academic culture and strengths in fields such as journalism, business, engineering, and performing arts may appeal to students seeking broad choices, campus resources, and Chicago-area internships and local professional connections.

Located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, the University of Chicago gives Illinois students an urban campus and a research-centered academic environment. Enrollment is 16,221, the graduation rate is 96%, and the acceptance rate is 4%. Its listed total cost is $67,446, and median alumni salary is $62,367. The university is known for rigorous inquiry and discussion-based learning, with broad offerings across the arts, sciences, social sciences, and professional fields - an option for students who value intellectual challenge and city access.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a public research university in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, offers Illinois residents a large-campus experience and extensive academic choices. It enrolls 60,848 students, with an 85% graduation rate and 42% acceptance rate. The listed total cost is $36,804, and median alumni salary is $54,871. Known for engineering, computing, agriculture, and research, it may suit students seeking varied programs, active campus life, and comparatively lower listed costs among these options for Illinois students.

Illinois Institute of Technology, based in Chicago, is a private university with a strong emphasis on technology, engineering, architecture, and applied sciences. For Illinois students seeking a city-based education, it combines specialized programs with access to Chicago's employers and cultural life. The school enrolls 7,499 students, graduates 75%, and has a 55% acceptance rate. Its listed total cost is $50,636, and median alumni salary is $73,790, the highest among these five institutions, an outcome worth weighing against affordability and aid.

Northern Illinois University, located in DeKalb, is a public university offering Illinois students a traditional campus setting outside the Chicago metropolitan core. It enrolls 16,078 students, has a 49% graduation rate, and admits 70% of applicants. The listed total cost is $10,232, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $50,097. Students can explore programs across many disciplines and campus activities; its lower listed cost may be attractive, though compare aid, housing, and program-specific expenses before deciding.