2024 Best Colleges with Elementary Education Degrees in Illinois

• 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

• 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

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,496 reviews

Senior: University of Illinois Chicago is very diverse, which allows me to know people with different culture and background. The University is very open to hear students opinions and suggestions to changes that we believe are needed to better the school for everyone. Furthermore, the university takes great care of students overall mental health, thus multiple resources are available for students who needs help. One issue regarding the university is the doors on certain building are quiet heavy, hence student struggle to open them especially those with disability. I believe changing them will make things a lot easier for every students and including professors and adminstrators.... Read 3,496 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $10,725

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Bloomington, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  635 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 635 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $30,610

• SAT range 1110-1310

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 —

• 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

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,189 reviews

Senior: Northeastern Illinois University is a public university located in Chicago, Illinois. The university prides itself on its diverse student body and affordable tuition rates. With a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, Northeastern Illinois University is a great choice for students seeking a quality education in an urban setting. Northeastern Illinois is a small campus, which is ideal for students of all ages who are seeking a very simple college experience. Due to the smaller campus size, students are easily able to find their classes, and get acclimated to the environment. The campus is also extremely safe and peaceful, therefore, it is perfect for students needing that space to really focus.... Read 1,189 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $14,133

• SAT range 810-1010

• 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

• 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

• Des Plaines, IL•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  575 reviews

Graduate Student: My educational and career path has been greatly aided by Oakton Community College. It gave me a strong foundation and priceless experiences that have formed my goals. Going to a community college was the best choice I made. I was fortunate to get a well-rounded education while attending Oakton Community College. The college is well known for its academic offerings, committed professors, and multicultural student body. I gained a comprehensive grasp of my topic of study, and it also assisted me in sharpening vital skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Oakton provided me with a supportive environment and many resources. I remember the panic about choosing a college after finishing High School. As the first person to attend college in America, I needed more knowledge about college and someone to guide me through this process.... Read 575 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,143

• SAT range —

• Springfield, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  493 reviews

Sophomore: As a first-gen college student, my experience at the University of Illinois Springfield was transformative. The university provided me with an opportunity for self-discovery and navigating the challenges of higher education. Joining the Necessary Steps program, designed for first-generation and diverse students, profoundly impacted my journey. Became my support system and family away from home. Through this program, I found a community of individuals who understood my unique obstacles. The resources and guidance offered by the program helped me navigate and thrive academically. The friendships I formed extended beyond the classroom, providing a network of support throughout my college years.The university's inclusive environment fostered cultural exchange, broadening my appreciation for diverse traditions while embracing my own heritage. I want to see more cultural events would enhance inclusivity. Overall university's support and cultural exposure shaped my journey.... Read 493 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $11,965

• SAT range 990-1250

• Normal, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3,080 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 3,080 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $21,033

• SAT range 1000-1200

• 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

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  545 reviews

Freshman: It is a pretty great school. Especially since I will be taking Culinary. I enjoyed the amount of dedication the teachers provided in order to ensure my education and learning is pursued. Therefore, I believe that this school was my best selection. Since transferring, I enjoyed being in this school especially the scenery of being in downtown Chicago. Additionally, the major I am pursuing is in Culinary arts. I enjoy how the teachers help especially since they have 10+ year experience so I can become a great chef when I get older. Great school!... Read 545 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $14,665

• SAT range —

• Edwardsville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,698 reviews

Senior: When it comes to partying, few schools can match the electrifying atmosphere and thriving social scene of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. With an unbeatable reputation for hosting epic parties, this institution knows how to let loose and have a good time. The campus buzzes with excitement as students come together to celebrate life, forging unforgettable memories. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville boasts a wide array of student organizations dedicated to throwing sensational events, ensuring that there's always something happening for every taste and interest. From themed costume parties to live music, the nightlife options are boundless, catering to the diverse preferences of the student body. The local community also adds to the party culture. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has it all. With a commitment to fostering a vibrant social atmosphere, this school knows how to strike the perfect balance between academics and unforgettable party experiences.... Read 1,698 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $15,519

• SAT range 920-1160

• 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

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  645 reviews

Senior: My experience at Chicago State University, allowed me to become a well-rounded, social individual. I made a lot of new friends as well as enjoying the atmosphere of college life. The professors educational standards were excellent and well organized. I also gain a personal relationship with some of the faculty. Not only did these actions occur during class time but sometimes occurring off campus as well, leading to new friendships. With the opportunities I was given I forfilled my life long dream of receiving my degree as well as walking across the stage.... Read 645 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $4,846

• SAT range 750-1030

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Dekalb, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  2,745 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 2,745 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $13,265

• SAT range 940-1170

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,001 reviews

Junior: But what can I say everything at Roosevelt University seems to be everything I've been looking for I was a prior student at Robert Morris University graduated with my associates and felt like I had everything figured out. After doing some soul searching and finding the experiences I needed in my life to continue with college I came across Roosevelt University and read everything about what they offer and what they stand for and I felt like it was the place to be. This may be the first review but I would write another one once I'm done with my classes and my degree. As for now I say go Roosevelt University!... Read 1,001 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $23,964

• SAT range 860-1120