2024 Best Colleges for Religious Studies in Illinois

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,240 reviews

Sophomore: UChicago certainly lives up to the rumors of its academic rigor but it pays off because each of my classes has been full of highly engaged students excited to study and discuss the material! Unfortunately for students not very very well versed in time-management, the academic work really can take over your life and fulfill the “where fun goes to die” catch-phrase for this school so it requires some serious practice to balance fun and work. In terms of on-campus living, their “Hogwarts” style housing makes for an amazing built-in community even as a freshman. I love living in the dorms and plan to stay through graduation! I’d recommend this college only to students who genuinely enjoy dedicating over 50% of their time to their academics.... Read 1,240 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $33,727

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,464 reviews

Junior: Northwestern University is a great college for students hoping to find a wide array of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Northwestern offers a wide range of courses on many different topics and because of the number of courses required to complete most majors (12-16), students in the College of Arts and Sciences are able to explore classes outside their majors at their leisure. The Quarter System can feel intimidating at first because of how fast-paced the courses can be but it also allows students to take more classes each year than a semester system which means students get to learn even more! Campus is also beautiful, located right next to Lake Michigan, so students are able to spend time outside of class at the beach and walking on the Lakefill.... Read 1,464 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  544 reviews

Niche User: I recently visited Moody Bible Institute on campus in the center of Chicago IL. I must inform you if you are considering Moody for application. Moody Bible Institute has an amazing faith-grounded community. Students will have lunch with professors from time to time. Moody is a place that offers likeminded people that work together as the hands and feet of Jesus. With that said, Moody has a weekly ministry requirement of 3 hours of service per week for enrollment. Moody also requires a pastoral reference from your home church pastor directly. With that being said, Moody is an choice if you are looking for top tier ministry driven community where God transforms the world through you! Thank you.... Read 544 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $21,399

• SAT range 990-1200

• Wheaton, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  674 reviews

Freshman: I have been extremely blessed to be able to go to Wheaton College! One of the aspects of Wheaton that really attracted me was the community and they do it really well. There so many different clubs and groups that you can join, and I love all the groups that I am a part of so far! The food is great, though it can get pretty tiring after the eating similar food for a while. Nevertheless, the food and the people who serve it are amazing. The "ring by spring" culture here can be very intimidating so I suggest you take it slow and don't put pressure on yourself to date. College can be hard and lonely, but floor life can be amazing if you invest in it! I have met someone of the most amazing people, but again, don't put pressure on yourself to be friends with everyone. Pro tip: bring a humidifier; the air is DRY, especially in the winter!... Read 674 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $28,319

• SAT range 1250-1430

• Lincoln, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  73 reviews

Sophomore: LCU is a good small Christian college. The staff is friendly, and the sports facilities are very good.... Read 73 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,595

• SAT range —

• Deerfield, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  380 reviews

Alum: I could not have picked a better college to attend! I grew in my faith, made meaningful connections with my professors (who are amazing) and made lifelong friends here. The people here are very genuine and I felt a deep sense of community even as a commuter. The professors are very helpful, and since it is a small school, they are often available to answer questions. They have helped me find internships and care greatly about their students. There are a lot of opportunities, but sometimes you have to ask. Trinity wants to help you pursue in your interests!... Read 380 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $20,328

• SAT range 980-1120

• Bourbonnais, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,394 reviews

Sophomore: Personally I like olivet, it is a great place to make life long friends and become very close with your roommate. Honestly I hate that they lock you in the building at night with an alarm after midnight, if you are late, you sleep in your car. I don’t like the rules about no guys in girl dorms, I feel like we should be allowed to have men over whenever we want, as friends or as relationships. The food in ludwig center is not that great, the lasagna is good, but everything else is cheap and should be better for what is paid for. Going to a private university the food should be better. The rules here suck, but the overall friendship experience is great! The school is great for learning opportunities, and the professors are very ready to help their students. The class sizes are nice because you are able to get the help you need.... Read 1,394 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $20,431

• SAT range 970-1200

• Elgin, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  263 reviews

Niche User: Located along the Fox River, the campus has ample natural beauty. If I'm being totally honest, the dorms here are average so it may be worth commuting if you live in nearby suburbs, Chicago, or southern Wisconsin. The community here is super friendly and tight-knit, it is very common that you'll find mutual connections here whether it be with students or even staff. Here at Judson, the programs that seem to receive the most attention here are music (choir or orchestra), architecture, and design. The music building is one of the nicest on campus and features many amenities. Judson's choir and orchestra departments are great and you get the opportunity to travel aboard for seasonal tours. The sports here could be better as the building needs some major renovations but it is rapidly improving as they just built a new football stadium. If you plan to play soccer or volleyball, you'll be in good hands. Overall, Judson University is a great liberal arts college, can't wait to apply!... Read 263 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $18,266

• SAT range 870-1130

• Palos Heights, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  312 reviews

Sophomore: I love my college because of the friendships and the professor relationships I have made- the community here is absolutely incredible! That being said, because we are a smaller school, we lack in some areas, like a nicer dining hall or nicer dorm buildings. I also think communication between the departments could be significantly better. It's often an issue with the financial aid department, but they send me to student life or to the registrar. But once I talk to them, they send me back to financial aid. Overall, I am glad to be here, but there are some things I wish could be improved.... Read 312 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $14,700

• SAT range 950-1220

• Champaign, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,922 reviews

Freshman: This college has a fun and lively campus with copious amounts of clubs, athletic opportunities, and areas to explore. The student body contains some of the kindest people I've ever met. The campus itself is very accessible for people with disabilities, and the bus system is perfect for whether you are traveling on or off campus. there's a huge promotion of wellness all across campus, making the environment feel very hospitable. In terms of my major, graphic design, all of the professors I've had are some of the most brilliant artists I've ever met. My peers and I all agree that we have learned such a large amount of new art concepts in what feels like a brief amount of time. This school also contains a massive art museum on campus which boasts many different styles of painting, sculpture, etc. As I graphic design major, I would say that UIUC is a wonderful school to attend and take the first steps into adulthood!... Read 4,922 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $14,272

• SAT range 1320-1510

• Greenville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  428 reviews

Sophomore: Greenville University for me when I first applied and even got accepted was very questionable. Giving that the school is 1,000 miles away from my home, my family, and even my daily living, but as I expand through Greenville became knowledge with professors, coaches, teammates and classmates. I noticed this school isn't bad at all. Actually I notice Greenville may be the only school for me not to be bias but giving the major classroom help and peaceful campus I can't ask for a more demanding way of me about to reach my next step. Following my education at this school definitely will confirm a spot in a successful field in this world for sure.... Read 428 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $21,848

• SAT range 900-1170

• Rock Island, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  789 reviews

Sophomore: From an academic perspective, Augustana has exceeded my expectations! The courses, professors, and career counselors are top-notch and dedicated to supporting student success and growth. It's common for students to develop long-lasting connections with professors, which results in research opportunities, study-abroad experiences, and mentorship. From the social perspective, I'd give it a more mixed review. First and foremost the school is small enough to where it almost feels like high school all over again. It's not that it's terribly difficult to make friends, but once the first year has gone by (and many people join Greek Life -- I did not) your chances at being exposed to new people greatly diminish. Also, from an off-campus life perspective, there is almost nothing to do -- Rock Island, Il is not the liveliest of college towns, and unless you have a car, there is no easy way to get to Davenport, Iowa (the largest of the Quad Cities).... Read 789 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $24,472

• SAT range —

• River Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  496 reviews

Sophomore: Honestly CUC has really been a great place to start my collage experience. I got to meet new people and play the sport I love. And there is a lot of great major options. Including the great education department which I get to choose to study. Having a school support you in so many ways and the staff supporting you always helps, my first year was great and cannot wait for more to come!... Read 496 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $18,817

• SAT range 990-1180

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,073 reviews

Freshman: I really love how valued as a student I feel here. The esteemed faculty and other students continue to make me feel at home and reaffirm my choice to enroll here at Loyola. The one-on-one instruction that is provided here is unlike any other. Additionally, the opportunities offered are endless! The straight connection to the city of Chicago is immensely helpful for not only internships but the overall college experience. Loyola provides its students with the facilities to travel within the city safely and passes for the train. Loyola's emphasis on diversity inclusion is another feature that I value greatly and makes me proud to be a part of this establishment.... Read 3,073 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $29,371

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Peoria, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,225 reviews

Sophomore: I love the small feel of the campus and classrooms! I never have to ride a bus to get to my classes and I can get by without bringing a car. The food could be better but they have lots of options for all lifestyles (vegan, vegetarian, allergy friendly) and there's a Chick-fil-a on campus! They professors are excellent as well--always available and create a more personalized classroom experience with the smaller class sizes. I have also seen people get certain career opportunities over students from other schools simply because of Bradley's good academic reputation.... Read 1,225 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $25,312

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  3,658 reviews

Sophomore: Getting registered can be one of the most frustrating and stressful parts of returning to school. As a non-traditional student, I have had experiences at other schools that made me weary of returning. DePaul’s registration and acceptance process was a breeze! Every person that I have encountered at DePaul University has been extremely helpful and supportive. Attending DePaul University has been the best college experience that I have ever had. The staff are knowledgeable and are genuinely interested in helping the student achieve their goals. Overall my experience has been no less than awesome!... Read 3,658 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $31,872

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Aurora, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  835 reviews

Freshman: My experience with Aurora University has been great. I'm earning my bachelor's degree in psychology online at Aurora University. Their staff is very supportive and helpful with questions you may have, financial aid, your courses, and many other things. My counselors are very friendly, the staff at their bookstore is friendly, and overall their staff is amiable and I haven't had an issue with anyone. I can't wait to continue my 4-year journey with this university!... Read 835 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,410

• SAT range 960-1130

• Romeoville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  937 reviews

Freshman: I enjoy the campus a lot. The staff and students have been welcoming and caring. Also, I enjoy the food they have here. My room did have an ant issue, but I have had so much support here. Everyone is respectful here at Lewis. It’s been my dream to attend this university and player here. Now, it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made!... Read 937 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $18,312

• SAT range 1050-1240

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  959 reviews

Sophomore: My first year at Saint Xavier University couldn't have been better! I met so many wonderful people. I loved my first year there because going to a smaller sized school, you get to connect with everyone. I'm very close to a lot of my peers and professors for that reason. I'm also very involved on campus, so I met new people that way as well. There are so many clubs, activities, athletics, and resources at Saint Xavier University that helped guide me. I've always been indecisive about my future, but after joining many clubs I've found my interests. All in all, I am super happy with my decision of accepting my offer to SXU and can't wait for my upcoming years!... Read 959 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,419

• SAT range 950-1120

• Elmhurst, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,013 reviews

Freshman: I have been loving Elmhurst University ever since I started attending here. I am an international freshman from Nepal, majoring in BS in Computer Science. Currently, I am in my second semester at Elmhurst, and the experience has been amazing. The campus community is small which makes it easier for students to interact with friends. Moreover, the classes are small as well, leading to an amazing teacher-student cooperative learning environment. There are two Starbucks coffee shops on campus - so you can grab your cup of coffee before and after attending a class (I work at both of them, and it has been a great experience). Furthermore, the food in the cafeteria is really good and affordable -- they also provide meal plans and customized dining options. Overall, I have had a very lively experience so far. I would definitely recommend the prospective students out there to have a visit to the campus!... Read 1,013 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,018

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Naperville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  906 reviews

Junior: Great experience so far. I enjoy the connection I have With the professors. The campus is easy to navigate. My experience right now is better than my previous college. I don’t mind taking 4 courses. I wish it was closer to home but I don’t mind traveling to school. I haven’t tried the campus food or delis yet cause my classes are in the evening. It’s also easy to reach out to ask any sort of questions. There’s a campus safety center, and the campus is actually beautiful. I planned on graduating 2025 and I believe my experience will definitely be way better. Something I’d change is the process of actually applying and register to classes were very complicated. If there was a better system for things like that, I’d definitely would like that for everyone else’s experience. The complicated process actually discourage me to even continue with the process. Other than that, everything is good so far and I’m enjoying my attendance at this school!... Read 906 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $26,207

• SAT range 1030-1230

• River Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  738 reviews

Senior: I like that the professors engage the whole class to participate and make sure the students aren't awkward and not talking to each other. I previously went to UIC and when we did group work we would not talk to each other and the professors would not do anything. At Dominican University they allow you to grow and expand your wings! What I would like to see change is allowing scholarships for European immigrant families, I come from a European family and it is a struggle to afford such expensive tuition. Especially when you are taking 22 credit hours and are 4 credit hours at an overload which is 5 thousand dollars extra and they give you no help. European families also struggle yet universities do not see that because many workers have told me that since I am White there is nothing they can do :(... Read 738 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $18,476

• SAT range 910-1160

• Lisle, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  482 reviews

Junior: I am an incoming student athlete coming from Mesa Community College. Where I previously participated on the NJCAA Softball Team at Mesa Community College. During the transfer process to, Benedictine University in Mesa, Arizona, I have felt at home when it came to making the decision to commit to BenU. The staff and Professors were very warm and welcoming upon my very first arrival. And I more than excited to participate in the many programs that Benedictine University has to offer not only as an athlete but as a student interesting in opening her own business as well.... Read 482 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $24,746

• SAT range 1050-1280

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  709 reviews

Senior: North Park is incredibly gifted at preparing students for practical knowledge needed in healthcare, and stem-related jobs. The small class structure allows for students to develop a plan with faculty for their future, and brings more opportunities such as research to more of the student body than many larger schools where it is more competitive for those positions. Overall, a wonderful experience at NPU, and would recommend the school for someone who cares solely about developing academically, and having a close-knit student body.... Read 709 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $20,260

• SAT range 890-1140

• Lake Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  481 reviews

Sophomore: Lake Forest College is small liberal arts school in northern Illions. Found of the coast of lake Michigan and 30 minutes from Chicago the school offers a variety of majors, sports, clubs, and activites for students. With a train running right outside campus its a gateway to the second city for students to go explore more outside of campus. As a rising sophmore I love the tight knit enviorment with studntes and faculty along with the quite, cozy town of Lake Forest surroundin the campus. I am excited to start my second year here!... Read 481 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $25,126

• SAT range —