2024 Best Colleges with Art History Degrees in Illinois

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,471 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 1,471 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,287 reviews

Senior: At UChicago, I found the ideal blend of rigorous academics, preprofessional resources, and an extensive alumni network, which has paved the way for my dream job in private equity investment post graduation. The academic program here is intellectually stimulating, challenging me to think critically and hone analytical skills. Collaborations with Booth Business School and the Harris School of Public Policy (YES! you can take classes at these schools during college!) have been instrumental, offering practical courses and diverse perspectives. The university's preprofessional support at Career Advancement Office has been outstanding, guiding me through internships and career development. The alumni network, filled with successful professionals, has provided invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities. The University of Chicago has been the perfect launchpad for my education and career development, and I never regret taking the offer during RD a few years back.... Read 1,287 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $33,727

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Champaign, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,947 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 4,947 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $14,272

• SAT range 1320-1510

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3,518 reviews

Freshman: The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is an amazing university for easing into the college life. You're not just thrown into all of the many college responsibilities at once, and they provide many resources for incoming and returning students to be successful during their four years at UIC. Even though a lot of students that attend this university are commuters, like myself, UIC provides a space for us to do work and it still feels like a community. They always have events taking place on campus and sometimes in other places around Chicago. The people here are nice for the most part and they ensure that no one has to deal with sexual misconduct, harassment, peer pressure, hazing, or anything else along those lines. UIC also has astounding programs that help keep students on track, express themselves and their identity through sexuality and or culture, and help sharpen skills in things that students are interested in. The campus is very diverse with all walks of life. Come join UIC!... Read 3,518 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $10,725

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  3,671 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 3,671 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $31,872

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,089 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 3,089 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $29,371

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Lake Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  483 reviews

Senior: I had a great experience at LFC! The location is very local at first, but I grew to love it and take advantage of how gorgeous Lake Forest is. You kind of have to see with a Gilmore girls kind of lenses to truly appreciate it. And of course being near Chicago was also a lot of fun - trying new dinner spots and especially having the chance to have an internship a short train ride away. Definitely would recommend getting an apartment for later years (junior and senior) after making your friends - if you haven’t met your people by sophomore year, keep holding out on campus to ensure you are able to meet new people before graduating. I never attended the campus events other than HOCO, I just went to parties on campus or to the bars near by when I wanted to socialize. And the career center is incredible, we have many connections to great companies. Classes are great and small, but like any school there are the good and bad professors.... Read 483 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $25,126

• SAT range —

• Rock Island, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  797 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 797 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $24,472

• SAT range —

• Peoria, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,232 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 1,232 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $25,312

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Naperville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  909 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 909 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $26,207

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Dekalb, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  2,760 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 2,760 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $13,265

• SAT range 940-1170

• River Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  746 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 746 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $18,476

• SAT range 910-1160

• Galesburg, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  541 reviews

Junior: I genuinely love Knox. The professors truly care about their students and despite them being busy with research/ teaching, they will ABSOLUTELY make time for you. The school does a pretty good job hosting events and there are also many clubs that host events. Yes, Galesburg is small which is not for everyone but personally I enjoy it— food is pretty cheap/ surprisingly good & the old architecture is beautiful. I have met amazing people at Knox, it’s so easy to meet people (and get good housing!) since we are a small school. Finally, there are some issues with Greek life, but much less than at larger schools as only 30% of the campus is involved. Please do not write off knox just because it seems laid back or easy to get into. Most students here are extremely smart, hardworking, humble, and friendly, and the classes & extracurriculars are vigorous but rewarding! I rate knox 4/5 stars because it is not perfect, but it always strives to be better and that is what makes it so amazing!... Read 541 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $25,476

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Rockford, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  232 reviews

Junior: My experience at Rockford University has overall been great! My professors have been very knowledgeable and helpful. I have been thriving at Rockford University and have maintained a 4.0 since starting classes here. I have learned a great amount of information that will carry into my career. The only thing I do not like about Rockford University is how confusing financial aid is. It's never clear how much money I owe, when my financial aid will be disbursed, and how much I should anticipate to spend for each semester. I thought I had taken out enough in loans to cover my expenses for the year, but I still owe money. I have never had a problem with financial aid at my other institutions because everything was very straightforward.... Read 232 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $23,305

• SAT range 880-1120

• Decatur, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  633 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 633 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $20,055

• SAT range 960-1190

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  725 reviews

Sophomore: If you want to grow as an artist and establish connections, this is the school for you! It's a diverse platform where you can meet and collab with other students, meet other artists, visit art shows and galleries, and more! When I first came here, I was very anxious about meeting new people in an unfamiliar environment. But as I continued to stay, I started to change my understanding of where my social anxiety is coming from. And I began to meet other artists as passionate as me. Chicago is a great place too. The people are so nice and open minded. I would highly recommend coming here for personal growth and the grow as an artist.... Read 725 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $50,214

• SAT range 1120-1360

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,766 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 2,766 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $25,262

• SAT range —

• Elsah, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  68 reviews

Alum: It may sound trite, but I truly enjoyed my education! As a prospective engineering student, I had underestimated the importance of character education, social education, physical education, and writing. My Prin experience prepared a firm foundation for my career as a Technology and Acoustical Consultant.... Read 68 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $19,816

• SAT range 1020-1220