2024 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in the Chicago Area

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,470 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 1,470 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,288 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 1,288 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $33,727

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Valparaiso, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,134 reviews

Junior: Valparaiso University is a small school in Valparaiso, Indiana who's boasts are its rich history with the Lutheran church, its nationally ranked college of engineering, college of nursing, and meteorology program. When it comes to academics, Valpo has tried its best to support me in both my successes and struggles. While the structural portion of the civil engineering courses seems to be subpar currently, all other classes have been advantageous for my degree. The College of engineering has helpful professors and helping hands offered by other students because of its small size. Socially, Valpo may be a little more difficult to navigate because there is a low student population. But, Valpo does try to offer everything it can to suit your wants and needs. As a christian, I was struggling to find a group. But I found the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a worship service called Celebrate! in which I now participate weekly in both. Valpo has served me well.... Read 1,134 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $21,997

• SAT range 1070-1280

• 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

• Glen Ellyn, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,690 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, the college is great! I was terrified to go to college but I've been fortunate to have good professors and a welcoming environment that made the transition easier! I truly wish they would make it a 4-year school considering its size and creditability. The only complaint I would have is with the cashier and financial aid offices, as they are not very helpful and tend to make you run around in circles to get any questions answered.... Read 1,690 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,440

• SAT range —

• 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  2,764 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 2,764 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $25,262

• SAT range —