Most
Popular Colleges in Illinois in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Illinois builds skills in management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, and organizational behavior. Programs often include business law, data analytics, operations, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning, with internships or projects offering practical experience. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations supervisors, or sales managers. Popular Illinois options statewide include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Chicago.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Illinois offers coursework in research methods, developmental psychology, cognition, social behavior, abnormal psychology, and statistics. Students explore how people think and interact while building skills in assessment, communication, and data analysis. Popular choices include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and Illinois State University. Graduates pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, human resources specialist, behavioral technician, or community support worker, though licensure requirements vary.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Illinois offers a mix of theory and hands-on learning. Typical courses include programming, data structures and algorithms, operating systems, databases, computer networks, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Popular Illinois schools include University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and DePaul University. Graduates often pursue roles as software developers, web or mobile application engineers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or research and technology consultants.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Illinois typically combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and research methods with supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles such as substance-use counselor, school counselor, mental-health counselor, or case manager, depending on degree level, licensure, and employer requirements. Illinois colleges offering related programs include Northwestern University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Check accreditation and placements.

Nursing

Illinois nursing students study anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and community health, alongside supervised clinical rotations. Programs at the associate, bachelor's, and graduate levels prepare graduates for roles such as registered nurse, emergency department nurse, public health nurse, or, with further education, nurse educator and advanced practice positions. Popular Illinois choices include the University of Illinois Chicago, Rush University, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois State University, and Southern Illinois University. Students gain.

Best Colleges in Illinois Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 29,043.0, compared with 52,150.8 at schools in the top 10%, making cost an important point of comparison.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 73.34% at schools in the top 10%. Students should compare aid availability alongside the cost of attendance.
• The average acceptance rate is 73.34%. Schools receive an average of 8,628.34 applicants, while schools in the top 10% receive an average of 23,443.2. The median applicant counts are 1,873.5 for men and 2,297.5 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,130.9 on the SAT and 24.64 on the ACT; students can use these figures when considering how their academic profiles compare with the reported averages.
• The average number of enrolled students is 6,520.56. The reported averages for enrolled men and women are 378.58 and 477.18, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 56.48%, compared with 75.1% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 52.0% for men and 65.0% for women. Students may want to weigh graduation outcomes and how they vary across schools.
• There are 15 institutions offering associate's degrees, 59 offering bachelor's degrees, 53 offering master's degrees, and 30 offering doctor's degrees. Students should check that a school offers the degree level they plan to pursue.
• There are 61 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, potential students should compare total cost and financial aid, consider admissions selectivity and test-score averages, and examine graduation rates, enrollment, and available degree levels to find the option that best fits their priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Illinois cost?

On average, the reported total cost of studying in Illinois is $30,380.95, a useful starting point for estimating what a degree may cost. The figures also list average tuition and fees of $31,656, plus room and board of $13,720.19 and books and supplies of $1,301.75. Because these categories may reflect different reporting methods or student circumstances, treat them as planning estimates rather than a guaranteed bill.

Your personal total depends on the school, housing choice, and financial aid. For example, students considering the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, or Northwestern University should compare each campus's current cost of attendance and aid offers. Scholarships, grants, commuting, and shared housing can make Illinois study more affordable and help you plan with confidence.

At public and private colleges alike, ask about in-state rates, fees, and whether books or housing are included; comparing net price after aid gives a clearer picture than tuition alone for you.

How long does it take to finish college in Illinois?

Most bachelor's degrees in Illinois take about four years of full-time study; an associate degree at a community college usually takes about two. Your timeline depends on major, credits, course availability, and enrollment pace. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul, or the University of Chicago, check each program's degree map to plan courses and stay on track. A bachelor's program commonly requires roughly 120 credits, often completed over eight semesters.

Illinois' average graduation rate is 56.48%; the top 10% of schools average 75.1%. Rates average 49.77% for men and 62.8% for women; these are group rates, not individual predictions.

You may shorten your path by:

• Taking summer or winter courses, if your Illinois college offers them and they count toward your degree.
• Transferring approved community-college credits or using prior-learning or placement credit where accepted.
• Choosing an accelerated program, heavier course load, or credit-by-exam option after confirming requirements with an adviser.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Illinois earn a median alumni salary of $47,512. At schools in the top 10% for alumni salaries, the median rises to $60,106 - a promising benchmark if you're comparing where to study in the state.

Your own earnings can vary depending on your field, experience, and the school you attend. Popular choices such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Illinois State University offer different paths into the workforce, so compare programs as well as salary outcomes when deciding where to pursue your degree.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Illinois?

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is generally the state's largest college by enrollment, with close to 60,000 students in recent years. Its size means there's a wide range of majors, student organizations, and campus activities to explore - so students can find both a strong academic community and plenty happening beyond class.

What is the most popular school in Illinois?

There isn't one official measure of "popularity," but the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a strong answer if you mean a school that attracts many prospective students. Its broad academic offerings and lively campus make it a frequent choice for Illinois applicants. The best fit still depends on your goals, budget, and preferred campus feel.

What is the most famous university in Illinois?

The University of Chicago is arguably Illinois's best-known university internationally, thanks to its longstanding academic reputation and influential work across fields such as economics, science, and the humanities. Northwestern University is also widely recognized, especially for its research and professional programs. Which name feels most familiar can depend on the subject or audience.

What is the hardest university to get into in Illinois?

The University of Chicago is generally considered one of the hardest Illinois universities to enter, with recent first-year acceptance rates around five percent. Northwestern is also exceptionally selective, so applicants should consider both reaches. Strong grades and thoughtful applications help, but admissions remain competitive; building a balanced college list can make the process feel more manageable.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Illinois Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of Chicago is a research-focused institution in Chicago, known for rigorous academics and a vibrant urban setting. It enrolls 16,221 students, and its 96% graduation rate and 4% acceptance rate reflect strong outcomes alongside highly selective admission. Reported total study costs are $67,446, while median alumni salary is $62,367. For an Illinois student, studying close to home can mean access to Chicago's cultural and professional opportunities, though the listed cost warrants careful budgeting and financial-aid planning before enrollment.

Northwestern University, based in the Chicago area, combines research, broad academic offerings, and access to a major metropolitan region. Its 23,431 enrolled students graduate at a rate of 95%, while admission is selective at 8%. Total study costs are $67,158, and median alumni salary is $62,881. For Illinois residents, its nearby location may support staying connected to home while pursuing campus life and internships. Compare aid packages and commuting or housing expenses, since the published total cost is substantial for families.

The Chicago School at Chicago offers a focused higher-education setting in Illinois's largest city, with programs associated with professional and applied study. It enrolls 1,100 students, and its acceptance rate is 34%; graduation-rate data are unavailable. Listed total study costs are $19,512, the lowest figure among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $57,178. For an Illinois student, its urban location and comparatively lower reported cost may be appealing, but carefully confirm program details, aid, and outcomes directly.

Illinois Wesleyan University is a private liberal-arts institution in Bloomington, offering a smaller-campus experience in central Illinois. It enrolls 1,683 students, with a 75% graduation rate and a 39% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of study is $57,500, and median alumni salary is $52,260. For Illinois students, Bloomington provides an in-state option outside Chicago, with a close-knit campus feel. Consider travel, housing, scholarships, and your intended major when weighing its cost against the benefits of a smaller university.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a large public research university in central Illinois, with extensive academic choices and a lively campus community. Its 60,848 students make it the largest institution in this group. The graduation rate is 85%, acceptance rate 42%, total study cost $36,804, and median alumni salary $54,871. For an Illinois resident, in-state access and a broad campus environment may be attractive. Carefully compare the published cost with your aid offer, housing plans, and preferred field before deciding.