2024 Best Colleges 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  1,287 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

• 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 3.67 out of 5  3,516 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 3,516 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  3,666 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 3,666 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  3,088 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 3,088 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $29,371

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Lake Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  482 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 482 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $25,126

• SAT range —

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  548 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 548 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $21,399

• SAT range 990-1200

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  733 reviews

Freshman: Illinois Tech is full of opportunities and wonderful experiences ranging from research opportunities and internships through the Elevate program. The classes at Illinois Tech are relatively smaller than other schools, which is something I prefer. The professors in STEM are very experienced in their fields. Sometimes professors might not be as proficient in explaining some topics because each student understands concept differently; however, they are very welcoming and appreciate students who are curious and inquirers. I have heard the research in Computer Science at Illinois Tech is cutting edge, and I hope to bring some ideas about navigation and positioning of non-stationary objects. The dorms could be better, though. Overall, the school is great!... Read 733 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $26,789

• SAT range 1230-1410

• Elmhurst, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,073 reviews

Sophomore: Elmhurst University is the best in state college I could've chose! My experience at the university is/was absolutely amazing. The small student body provided me more chances to form close bonds with instructors and fellow students, resulting in a more tailored and interesting learning environment. With a plethora of extracurricular activities, groups, and events to participate in, this sense of community goes beyond the classroom and guarantees you enjoy the "college experience" that I truly do like. The school offers lots of options for research projects, study abroad programs, and internships, so you can broaden your horizons and get experience while pursuing your degree. The campus is a great place to live, learn, and develop because it is lovely and well-equipped with amenities. However, I feel as if they could expand its scholarship and financial assistance programs. It could enable Elmhurst University to serve a wider student body at a lower cost of education.... Read 1,073 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,018

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Palos Heights, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  313 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 313 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $14,700

• SAT range 950-1220

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,196 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 1,196 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $14,133

• SAT range 810-1010

• Gary, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.28 out of 5  732 reviews

Junior: Indiana University Northwest is a great place to pursue higher education. As a college student, I have had a wonderful experience here. The class sizes are small, which allows for more personalized attention from professors. This has helped me establish a better understanding of concepts and succeed in my courses. The university is also affordable, with financial aid and scholarship options available for eligible students. The campus is diverse, and students come from different backgrounds, which has been an enriching experience. The university has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations that cater to different interests. This has provided me with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and build my social network. The only downside to IUN is its location in Gary, which carries a reputation for high crime rates. However, the university has taken measures to ensure the safety of its students, and I have never felt unsafe on campus.... Read 732 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $5,625

• SAT range 940-1140

• Valparaiso, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,133 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 1,133 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $21,997

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Hammond, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,514 reviews

Sophomore: Even though I am currently a sophomore transitioning into a junior student at Purdue University Northwest this upcoming school year, I can already confidently say that my time at Purdue University Northwest has been one of the most delightful educational experiences I've ever had since elementary school. The environment created by both the general student body AND the professors allowed me to easily adapt and, therefore, get along with everybody, leading to a very digestible, excellent learning experience as a result! In addition, help and aide is just around the corner whenever I have any questions, concerns, and/or comments. Purdue University Northwest is truly an excellent choice for anyone looking for secondary education in the state of Indiana, especially in the Lake County!... Read 1,514 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $8,472

• SAT range 990-1190

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  546 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 546 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $14,665

• SAT range —

• 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 3.32 out of 5  646 reviews

Junior: So far my experience at Chicago State University has been a positive experience for the most part. The university is a very good place to learning and growing. The university is very well established and has been very helpful to the students, staff and community. It has been a great opportunity for me to learn and support my community through the process of learning and building relationships with students and staff members. I’m excited about my future as a student at the university. I’m in the undergrad program for Early Childhood Education. The program is an excellent opportunity to learn about how you can help young children learn, grow and improve their skills. The Early Childhood Education department is also providing educational resources to help me with the development process of learning and teaching young children. The department staff are very supportive and helpful to all students in the program.... Read 646 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $4,846

• SAT range 750-1030

• Naperville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  908 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 908 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $26,207

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Joliet, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  337 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 337 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $16,949

• SAT range 920-1170

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,005 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 1,005 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $23,964

• SAT range 860-1120

• Romeoville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  943 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Lewis University so far has been truly amazing. I found the University to be very welcoming, safe, and inclusive. Lewis University truly abide by its La Sallian mission and truly support student all student and makes available all the resources needed for success. Even though overall I would consider Lewis University amazing, some things that I would like to see change are more university-funded activities for students to engage in and to make better use of certain open green spaces.... Read 943 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $18,312

• SAT range 1050-1240

• 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

• Naperville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  2,820 reviews

Other: I am 47 years old and had to raise my son now 20 alone and was not able to go to college. At 46 my son talked me into going back to school, we agreed on online. This is where Devry comes in. I called scared, nervous and confused. They helped me every step of the way. I of course still have nerves and so many questions and 1 year in, they are still there for me. I am taking classes for Medical Billig and Coding. I want to continue for my Bachelors. This had me so worried because I had no idea how I could pay for my current classes let alone future ones. My advisor helped me with Student Aid and since that was nowhere near enough, she guided me through the school loan process. I won't lie, I was a so confused. With a cool, calm and collected attitude, she talked me down from my invisible ledge and helped me understand that the Student Aid was "free" and the loans would have to be paid back of course but not tomorrow, so she helped me decide to keep going and not give up!... Read 2,820 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $29,115

• SAT range —

• University Park, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  399 reviews

Freshman: After going to open house at Governors State I've decided to make this my college of choice. The student to teacher loyalty is something that I'm getting to know, even those who take online courses are treated so fairly. Their faculty is very accommodating and the campus is very modern. Since starting summer school there I've had a blast and I can't wait to begin my journey there this fall. Go Jaguars!... Read 399 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $9,943

• SAT range 830-1060