Best Colleges in Illinois (2023 Rankings)

Behold the best of Illinois higher education in 2023! Our carefully curated list of the "Best Colleges in Illinois" is here, in no particular order. 

From bustling urban campuses to serene college towns, each institution on this list brings its unique flavor to the table. So, grab your academic appetite and let's dive into the elite world of Illinois' finest colleges! 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Dive into the awesomeness that is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the flagship school of the Illinois system! This pre-eminent public research hub makes a global impact with a serious land-grant mission. 

It's perfect for STEM enthusiasts, with top-notch engineering and computer science programs that rank high in the U.S. They offer a mind-blowing virtual reality elective that spills all the beans about geometric modeling and VR optics. 

The Stats

• National ranking: No ranking
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 33,600 undergraduate students
• Location: Eastern Illinois in Champaign, a small residential city area
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• 4-year graduation rate: 72%

University of Chicago

Step into the realm of the University of Chicago (UChicago)! Over 125 years of groundbreaking tradition define this urban gem. It's a hub of diverse thought and transformative education, shaping disciplines from science to the arts. 

Admission's a challenge, but worth it. The  high in-state and out-of-state tuition fees? Worth it too. Located in the wonderful Hyde Park, it's an intellectual oasis amid Chicago, IL's bustle. Renowned for research, the university confronts crime, climate change, and more. Choose from 50+ majors, explore abroad in Greece or China, and rub shoulders with 97 Nobel Prize winners. 

The Stats

• National ranking: 14
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 7,000 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Illinois in Chicago, a large residential city area
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• 4-year graduation rate: 91%

Northwestern University

Say hello to Northwestern University - where brilliance meets tradition! With an ACT midpoint score bar set high at 34, getting in is like unlocking a treasure chest. 

Ever heard of Medill School? They're like the grandmasters of journalism grad programs. And let's talk impact: Northwestern's Dance Marathon, launched in '75, is a student-run powerhouse, raising over $23 million for Chicago charities. 

A-list alumni? You bet - from Mayor Rahm Emanuel to Duchess Meghan Markle, they're shining stars. SpaceX's power player, Gwynne Shotwell, walked these halls too.

The Stats

• National ranking: 9
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 8,500 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Illinois in Evanston, a small residential city area
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• 4-year graduation rate: 85%

Illinois State University

Located in the heart of Normal, Illinois State University (ISU) stands out as an elite American institution for higher education. Boasting a diverse student body, including both in-state and out-of-state scholars, ISU offers over 200 degree programs and internships galore. With its leading liberal arts programs and a wide array of bachelor's and doctoral degree options, ISU opens doors to countless career paths. 

Beyond academics, the campus buzzes with 400+ student organizations. Adding a modern twist, Redbird Esports' varsity teams compete at the pinnacle of collegiate esports, making Illinois State the pioneer public institution in the state to have such a team.

The Stats

• National ranking: 330
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 17,900 undergraduate students
• Location: Northern Illinois in Normal, a suburban area
• Acceptance rate: 81%
• 4-year graduation rate: 50%

Wheaton College

Discover Wheaton College, an American gem known as an exceptional Christian liberal arts college. Situated in Norton, IL, near Chicago, Wheaton's 40+ bachelor's degree programs cater to diverse passions, maintaining an intimate class environment with a stellar 10:1 student-faculty ratio. From internships to cutting-edge research opportunities at the Black Hills Science Station, Wheaton nurtures holistic growth. 

Experience top-tier academics in an inclusive community that champions faith and innovation. With its rich history and commitment to integrating faith and learning, Wheaton College remains a cornerstone among America's private universities.

The Stats

• National ranking: N/A
• Size: Four-year, small-sized university with approximately 2,200 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Illinois in Wheaton, a suburban area
• Acceptance rate: 87%
• 4-year graduation rate: 79%

University of Illinois at Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is the bustling mainstay of Chicago's academic scene, with 34,000 students across 16 colleges, known for affordability and excellence. Research is their superpower, especially in health sciences. The UIC Undergraduate Research Experience pairs students with faculty mentors, culminating in the Student Research Forum. 

UIC is the first in Illinois to offer an undergrad degree in neuroscience. The College of Applied Health Sciences shines with interdisciplinary programs. It's one of the top colleges for pursuing bachelor's degree or doctoral degree dreams in Illinois!

The Stats

• National ranking: 91
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 34,000 undergrad and graduate students
• Location: Northeast Illinois in Chicago, a large residential city area
• Acceptance rate: 73%

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Let us introduce you to Southern Illinois University Carbondale! SIU is all about that awesome student-to-faculty ratio (11:1) and a diverse, welcoming vibe. The enrollment rate is a whopping 92%. GPA of 2.75 or better? Get automatic admission.

Plus, this four-year college is committed to making education accessible. Check out the Saluki Commitment - it covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible new and transfer students so that you can focus on learning, not student loans. 

The university's 3,000-acre campus is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. And the education program is top-notch, shaping future teachers and professionals.

The Stats

• National ranking: 242
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 8,300 undergraduate students
• Location: Southern Illinois in Carbondale, a small residential city area
• Acceptance rate: 92%
• 4-year graduation rate: 32%

Loyola University Chicago

Welcome to Loyola University Chicago, a private Catholic institution located in the Windy City! Loyola is known for its sustainability efforts, boasting 13 LEED Silver or Gold rating buildings across campus and a Midwest-leading 55,000+ square feet of lush green roofs. 

As a top-ranking private school, Loyola offers transformative education that blends tradition with innovation, all within a welcoming on-campus atmosphere. The School of Communication's Film and Digital Media program, for instance, offers immersive learning at Resolution Studios, taking cinematography beyond the classroom. 

The Stats

• National ranking: 177
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 11,600 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Illinois in Chicago, a large residential city area
• Acceptance rate: 71%
• 4-year graduation rate: 69%

Illinois Institute of Technology

Explore the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech/IIT), where innovation meets impact! Located in Chicago, Illinois Tech is renowned for its tech-focused approach. With a range of engineering programs, including aerospace, biomedical, and mechanical engineering, along with architecture and sciences, you'll find your niche here. 

The Elevate College Prep program is your ticket to college readiness, offering dynamic pathways through summer programs, dual-enrollment courses, paid apprenticeships, and immersive STEM experiences for high school and middle school students.

The Stats

• National ranking: 107
• Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 3,100 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Illinois in Chicago, a large residential city area
• Acceptance rate: 61%
• 4-year graduation rate: 38%

DePaul University

DePaul University, another elite university in Chicago, stands out as a top-tier institution. With its renowned game design programs and a commitment to service, DePaul has become a beacon of academic excellence. The university's strong Catholic foundation, in partnership with the Catholic Studies Department, emphasizes community and social justice. 

Notably, it boasts a diverse student body exceeding 3,800, all engaged in over 200+ organizations worldwide. The dedication to integral human development extends beyond the classroom, as demonstrated by the DePaul Community Service Association (DCSA).

The Stats

• National ranking: 231
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 14,100 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Illinois in Chicago, a large residential city area
• Acceptance rate: 70%
• 4-year graduation rate: 58%

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Research is huge here, especially for graduate students.
• Principia College. Get a big bang for your buck at this prestigious liberal arts college.
• Lewis University. Attend this liberal arts Catholic institution sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers.
• Lake Forest College. Access amazing laboratories at Lake Forest.
• Bradley University. Come here for a leading undergraduate business education.
• Augustana College. Augustana's pre-medicine major includes high-demand, well-paying healthcare tracks.
• University of St. Francis. Here's a military-friendly school with top online programs.
• Illinois Wesleyan University. Easily get a high-earning job after graduating from IWU.

Confidently choose your Illinois journey with College Rover

As you embark on your educational journey in the great state of Illinois, remember that the path you choose should be as unique as you are. That's where College Rover comes in - your ultimate guide to navigating the maze of schools, programs, and more. 

With College Rover, you're not just choosing a school; you're shaping your future.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.