2024 Best Colleges for Sports Management in Illinois

• Champaign, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,926 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 4,926 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $14,272

• SAT range 1320-1510

• Macomb, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,763 reviews

Junior: Western Illinois is a tight knit, wonderful community. There is so much diversity here, including a multi-cultural center. All of the professors are more than willing to work with their students. Most will make some personal connection with students to make them feel comfortable and more at home. The campus is beautiful! There are so many events and things to do here if you seek things out. There are many nature reserves within a 10 mile radius of the town. The curriculum is fair and challenging at the same time, so you never feel like you have too much or too little on your plate. The campus has endless resources and friendly staff in each department. The town is not the biggest, but you won't ever be bored.... Read 1,763 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $11,666

• SAT range 950-1150

• 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

• Bloomington, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  636 reviews

Senior: This is school is amazing! I am very happy with my decision to commit to this University. It checked everyone one of my boxes when looking at a school and the pat three years has lived up to every one of those expectations. I have found a place that I feel at home. I am excited to return from every break and I am sad when it is time to leave. I have found forever friends, a community and found my passion that has developed into a future career. Illinois Wesleyan University wants their students to succeed, while in school and beyond. They offer many resources in order for their students to achieve their goals.... Read 636 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $30,610

• SAT range 1110-1310

• Naperville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  907 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 907 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $26,207

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Decatur, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  631 reviews

Graduate Student: Millikin has been great so far! I have really enjoyed getting to know my professors personally. The Masters Entry into Nursing Practice (MENP) program is definitely not a walk in the park, but I feel very challenged and know that at the end, I will be adequately prepared to perform my nursing duties once I begin working. Clinicals at Millikin are well planned and executed, and our professors are always willing and ready to guide us in whatever way they can. My cohort is small but close knit, and we are always ready to help one another. Regarding the campus itself, I particularly love the sense of community felt on campus. One reason I chose this school was because of its small size and the fact that I would have more meaningful interactions with my professors and peers. At Millikin, there are activities for people with different interests and talents, such as the different choirs, cultural associations, sports teams, etc.... Read 631 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $20,055

• SAT range 960-1190

• Charleston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,347 reviews

Niche User: My experience during the tour at Eastern IL University was phenomenal! The staff was patient with each of us and it was a pretty big group! I enjoyed hearing their personal experiences at EIU and the helpful details of what to do in becoming an RA, and other work opportunities on campus. Travis had great insight on where and how to look for scholarship opportunities in which my mother was very impressed! Overall… a fantastic experience!... Read 1,347 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $13,669

• SAT range 900-1140

• Quincy, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.37 out of 5  272 reviews

Sophomore: Quincy University gives amazing opportunities for students, they give you a success coach which is a bit different than other types of schools. My success coach helped me with my classes, she helped me figure out my financial aid, etc. she was great!... Read 272 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $16,423

• SAT range 1060-1240

• 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

• Joliet, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  335 reviews

Freshman: The University of St. Francis campus provides a vibrant and supportive environment for learning and personal growth. The university offers modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces, to support student's academic and extracurricular pursuits.... Read 335 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $16,949

• SAT range 920-1170

• 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

• Carbondale, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  2,059 reviews

Junior: Going to college at SIUC has been so wonderful. The beauty that Southern Illinois has to offer really sealed the deal for me, I enjoy hiking on the weekends and whenever I need a good study break. SIU really has been great to me. They're very considerate and have been very understanding when I reached out for help. There's tons of fun events that the school holds which includes free food and t-shirts which is super fun. My only complaint is that the parking division is rude and hands out tickets left and right, but I think every University is like that. It has been so fun to go to school here and enjoying the beautiful campus and events the school holds. I really appreciate the scholarships that SIU gives out, they're very generous with both scholarships and grants. The dorms are great and the food at the dining hall is actually amazing. Also, Carbondale is so fun! Especially the bars! SIUC is a really safe, fun environment and I couldn't of asked for a better place to go to college.... Read 2,059 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $15,976

• SAT range 930-1160

• 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

• Aurora, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  836 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 836 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,410

• SAT range 960-1130

• Elmhurst, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,015 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 1,015 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,018

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Jacksonville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  386 reviews

Senior: Illinois college has become my home away from home, and also has been a place of great growth for me over my 4 years. I have grown both as an individual and as a student. I feel prepared for my future career as a Dentist and Class in Dental School because of the course work level and the amount of effort put in by my professors. Additionally, our campus always has something going on for students, from Student Involvement Center sponsored events to sports events, and Res-life events throughout the week there is always something to do! Additionally, our academics are top notch. During my time at IC I have been an Honors Scholar and participated in Student-Faculty Research looking at Dental Malocclusion. These opportunities would have been so challenging or impossible to get at a larger school. Illinois College remained in person for most of the pandemic, with safety protocols, and it helped me to still feel like a student during a very weird and crazy time. I am forever grateful for IC!... Read 386 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $18,914

• SAT range 950-1150

• Dekalb, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  2,750 reviews

Alum: Northern Illinois University is a campus full of a diverse student and faculty population. It’s not a perfect place. Some professors have racial biases and harsh grading, you may clash with some students, but you will find a tight knit community, friendly and welcoming staff and students. A variety of majors to choose from. A diverse age range of students - from 18 year old first time students to 30+ year olds returning to college to start a degree or complete previously unfinished degrees. There’s fun activities to take part of, on campus events regularly, great local dining options and it is truly a memorable experience to attend. Go Huskies!... Read 2,750 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $13,265

• SAT range 940-1170

• 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

• Lebanon, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  476 reviews

Freshman: McKendree University is a private university located in Lebanon, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1828 as the Lebanon Seminary, making it the oldest college in Illinois. The school changed its name several times before settling on McKendree University in 2007, in honor of Bishop William McKendree, who was the first American-born bishop of Methodist Episcopal Church. McKendree University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, health professions, liberal arts, and sciences. The university also has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and service-learning projects. The university has a diverse student body, with students from 29 states and 25 countries. The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for personalized attention from professors. McKendree is also known for its commitment to affordability, with over 90% of students receiving some form of financial aid.... Read 476 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $25,492

• SAT range 860-1270

• River Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  497 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 497 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $18,817

• SAT range 990-1180

• Normal, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3,084 reviews

Sophomore: At ISU you get a small town vibe, which I personally love about the campus and the town itself. The campus grounds are pretty, especially in the heart of campus in the arboretum. Professors here are very friendly and willing to help in anyway they can. There are numerous choices of student organizations in various subjects, from the environment, to sports, to Greek societies, religious, and even political, if you enjoy that, and many more! I would say that the food is better at Tri towers(one of the dorms), mostly because the athletes live there. But if you prefer space, and wish to live in dorms, Watterson is the place for you. They’re dorms are bigger than the other two, Tri and Hewett-Manchester. Plus in the winter, it’s connected to a cafeteria, so you don’t have to go outside in the snow to get food. However, if you live out of state, it’s better to live in Hewett-Manchester or Tri because they don’t close during breaks.... Read 3,084 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $21,033

• SAT range 1000-1200

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  962 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 962 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,419

• SAT range 950-1120

• 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

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,757 reviews

Sophomore: I love the diversity, acceptance and creativity found everywhere at Columbia! My innovative major-Contemporary, Jazz and Popular-music allows me to combine jazz studies, performance, production and composition while playing in a wide range of showcase ensembles and independent bands. My instructors all work in their fields and provide hands-on opportunities. As a freshman I was able to work in the field -- rearranging new music for a musical theater project with a composer out of LA-- and get paid due to an internship with a professor. We have wonderful guest artists and composers on campus for workshops and more every semester.A lot of amazing opportunities exist if you are open to them due to the thriving city of Chicago and strong connections/programs in LA. It is a school for artists and creatives from around the world that deserves better rankings on Niche, rankings more in keeping with the kudos it gets from Hollywood Reporter for its music and film programs!... Read 2,757 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $25,262

• SAT range —

• Palos Hills, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  923 reviews

Freshman: For starters; the Palos Hills Campus is beautiful; with impeccable landscaping and scenic views…It’s better than your average 2 yr college. This location has a lot to offer in regards to student life and the staff seemed professional and friendly for the most part! I got a late start in the registration process but I was able to navigate fairly easily to get started on time for the fall semester. The college is diverse when it comes to the student enrollment, and as a minority student, I didn’t feel any bias concerning race etc. The staff especially in the Liberal Arts Department, which is my field of study…was very kind, and helpful. In regards to the things I didn’t like?…I wish they had dorm rooms so I could live on campus Lol! But the staff in the bookstore seemed a bit rude and disorganized! There were only two lines open and our cashier left her station leaving us hang out in line as other students in the other line were served before us. Overall, I would recommend. 2 thumbs up.... Read 923 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $1,831

• SAT range —