2023 Best Colleges in Illinois

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,449 reviews

Junior: Northwestern is a wonderful academic institution. The professors and one of a kind programs are incredibly engaging. Northwestern provides students with so many opportunities within their undergraduate career. The campus is in an ideal location with its proximity to Chicago and lakefront access. Additionally, Northwestern has hundreds of clubs that fit any and all interests. The only downsides to Northwestern include the competitive atmosphere, cold winters, and lackluster party scene. If you are someone who is willing to brave the cold and explore Chicago for your fun and parties, then Northwestern is the place for you!... Read 1,449 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $28,344

• SAT range 1430-1550

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,225 reviews

Sophomore: UChicago certainly lives up to the rumors of its academic rigor but it pays off because each of my classes has been full of highly engaged students excited to study and discuss the material! Unfortunately for students not very very well versed in time-management, the academic work really can take over your life and fulfill the “where fun goes to die” catch-phrase for this school so it requires some serious practice to balance fun and work. In terms of on-campus living, their “Hogwarts” style housing makes for an amazing built-in community even as a freshman. I love living in the dorms and plan to stay through graduation! I’d recommend this college only to students who genuinely enjoy dedicating over 50% of their time to their academics.... Read 1,225 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $36,584

• SAT range 1500-1570

• Urbana, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,841 reviews

Graduate Student: As a working adult and someone who is somewhat cautious about recent COVID complications, a program that is online seemed the best route for me. I looked at a lot of different Universities that offered online programs, but price also was a big concern for me too. Through my searches I came across the University of Illinois and their iMBA program. After looking into the program and realizing what a great university the school was, I was also happy knowing it was within my home state of Illinois. Further, the iMBA program was offered at a reasonable price that ultimately made me go with University of Illinois. This is a great University that is well know and that offers a nationally top ranked learning experience! Their online iMBA program was just what I was looking for to continue my education. The are a lot of fellow working adults from all aspects of varying careers. Its a great opportunity to work with and learn from so many others who can offer a different view and perspective.... Read 4,841 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $13,517

• SAT range 1200-1460

• Wheaton, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  664 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 664 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $27,474

• SAT range 1210-1450

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  3,616 reviews

Sophomore: Based on my experience at DePaul, the academic programs, professors, and students have been amazing! Not only is everyone friendly, but connections between classmates and professors are also quickly made due to intimate-sized classes. We run on a 10-week quarter system so the course material will move at a quick pace. There are events for students to attend on the regular where students can get free university merch, food, and other things. Extracurriculars wise there are so many clubs and organizations to join. I believe some require payment and others are free. Other student resources, like tutoring or accessing the alumni network, are also available. These are good options if you need help or insight about your major or help with concepts taught in class. Also, ask your counselor or resident advisor for information if you are housing on campus. Financially, I think DePaul offers great scholarships, but to get more educational value be engaged and use RateMyProfessor ratings.... Read 3,616 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $33,319

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Bloomington, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  622 reviews

Senior: Illinois Wesleyan University puts a focus on academics and not partying and I love that! The courses are rigorous, making it the perfect campus for people who love to learn. There is very high job and grad school placement as a result. There are many music ensembles, clubs, and sports teams so that everyone can find their niche. The school is extremely small, so everyone knows everyone, not just people in their major. The professors know students by name and know their interests, and there are no grad students teaching. The school offers a lot of financial aid, making the school much more accessible than public universities. My only issues are that the school has an overt political bias when it should be neutral and most of our foreign language programs have been cut. Overall, it is a great school that is career-driven with great opportunities!... Read 622 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $32,545

• SAT range 1100-1300

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  3,426 reviews

Junior: This is my first academic year at The University of Illinois at Chicago. I transferred to this University after attending to previous institutions. Prior to my time at UIC I didn't enjoy learning however, now I'm beyond excited to complete my degree. I'm a transfer student who felt completely welcomed into the UIC community from day one. Even with COVID restrictions and protocols I still felt welcomed by the student base and from my professors. Overall, I find UIC to be a great environment and feel safe while on campus. There's attentive leaders and faces throughout my campus which is also comforting. In general, Chicago isn't the safest area but, while in the quad or walking to classes it feels like you're not even exposed to the dangers outside of the learning bubble which I like. I would wholeheartedly recommend friends, family, and future students to attend UIC because this institution does not miss when it comes to receiving an education. Can't wait to be done with my studies!... Read 3,426 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $12,614

• SAT range 1030-1250

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  536 reviews

Alum: Moody Bible Institute is located in the heart of Chicago, IL. Moody Bible is known for its education and for individuals who want to go into ministry. Moody's professors are very caring and personal. They take their time to get to know their students personally and professionally. Moody has a fantastic study abroad program with trips to Europe, Israel, and the UK. Moody' campus has been around for a very long time and does need updating in the dorms and the main buildings. The food in the Student dining room was very below average when I went with limited options.... Read 536 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $18,790

• SAT range 990-1200

• Lake Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  473 reviews

Alum: This school is amazing! It is an undiscovered gem. The professors are very available and form personal relationships with students because they don't have graduate students to deal with. They know students by their names. Professors have high expectations but provide personal one-on-one support. A brand new state-of-the-art science building has just been completed and has so much to offer. There are internships and class credits offered from the many local medical facilities. Set in a residential neighborhood, the campus is gorgeous with notable architecture. It is located only a couple of blocks from Lake Michigan, the beach, and park. The city of Lake Forest is one of the most comfortable and safest cities in Illinois.... Read 473 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $26,968

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  3,020 reviews

Niche User: When it came down to choosing between schools, Loyola ranked very high for me. I remember on October 2nd, I was invited to an orientation/tour of the campus and I absolutely loved the whole experience. I got to talk to the teachers and got a better image of what I wanted to actually pursue, more importantly to clarify things, before I went to that tour, I did not truly what field of engineering I wanted to take a deeper dive into, but as I talked to the professionals, they really opened my eyes on all the fields and how interesting and unique each one is. Other than the academics, the campus truly amazed me on how beautiful it was and how it looked nothing like any of the other schools that I was looking at, the image that I keep going back to is the library on the water and each one of the buildings just sprawled around the city with all their glory. The things that this university offers to the students and community is second to none. Go Ramblers!... Read 3,020 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $37,731

• SAT range 1130-1330

• Rock Island, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  772 reviews

Alum: Augustana College is one of the best school's in the Midwest. The campus is beautiful and absolutely stunning with Fall foliage. The unique configuration of the Quad Cities allows for ample off campus opportunities, especially in the form of internships with the help from campus staff. The Greek Life on campus is strictly local but still lots of fun for the members. The school is very supportive of student initiatives, i.e. a club I helped form while on campus is now a varsity sport! Post graduation, there is a very high job/grad school placement. Graduating in the recession, my peers and I had much more success in finding jobs than friends from other schools. As an employer now, I love hiring Augie students because of their diverse skillset developed through all the extracurricular activities they are able to lead and the multiple majors they are able to pursue.... Read 772 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $24,233

• SAT range —

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  714 reviews

Sophomore: Illinois Institute of Technology is a great university for students who like a more mellow, immersive college experience. The university is located very close to the heart of Chicago, Downtown and The Magnificent Mile. This gives you an opportunity to explore the city. The university is very diverse with people from all over the world creating a community filled with people who are accepting. The friends I have made at this college are now who I can call some of my closest friends! I myself am a part of greek life at Illinois Tech. I am a part of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and the Quad is definitely my favorite part of this university... Read 714 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $28,161

• SAT range 1200-1390

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  703 reviews

Alum: Excellent academics, especially for pre-meds. Teachers are excellent and make a great effort to teach and mentor students. As an academic physician, I'd say the opportunities offered at NPU and the supportive environment were key in both my personal and professional success. In addition, the costs are very reasonable (relative to other private liberal arts schools).... Read 703 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 44%

• Net price $19,320

• SAT range 940-1150

• Palos Heights, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  308 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 308 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,177

• SAT range 980-1180

• Joliet, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  332 reviews

Senior: Love it so much the atmosphere is amazing! The nursing program is so amazing it’s so helpful and has so many resources for students to utilize when in need. The nursing campus is separate from the main campus which is also great because it has a sense of privacy.... Read 332 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $16,761

• SAT range 970-1180

• Elmhurst, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  884 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 884 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $21,776

• SAT range 980-1170

• Normal, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  3,026 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 3,026 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $20,933

• SAT range 1020-1220

• Naperville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  894 reviews

Senior: The small class size was extremely beneficial for me because I tend to get distracted in large class sizes so this allowed me to stay on top of my studies. It also allowed for the development of professor-student relationships. Having these relationships is great because you in turn understand the course material better, have options for letter of recommendation writers, and feel more connected to campus. North Central also has many options for student, on-campus jobs. They are flexible with hours and understand the responsibilities of a full time student. There are options for students interested in research to take part in research and gain that experience. Additionally, North Central College it right next to Downtown Naperville which provides students with a great way to obtain jobs and get out and have fun! Finally, the sporting events are a lot of fun as you are able to interact with the team players and form deeper bonds with your peers. North Central is great place for anyone!... Read 894 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $26,053

• SAT range 1050-1230

• Edwardsville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,671 reviews

Sophomore: SIUE is such a safe, clean, and beautiful campus. Everyone will have different opinions about every school but I would never choose another school. At SIUE, every single professor I have had cares about their students. At some colleges, many say their professors do not even know their names, but here even in a lecture with 100 kids, I have had professors learn their students names and get to know them. SIUE is very modern with beautiful buildings, inside and out, they are constantly making improvements, the dorms are super nice, and everyone is very friendly! Edwardsville itself is VERY nice and safe with lots of stores and restaurants. Many college towns are run down or not safe, but Edwardsville is beautiful with many things to do and there are many nice off campus apartments too for students such as Axis and The Reserve.... Read 1,671 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $14,506

• SAT range 1010-1220

• Springfield, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  483 reviews

Graduate Student: I appreciate the schools' communicative and relationship skills. The school has exceptional lecturers who are not only good in teaching but treat proper relationship with students and other members of staff as paramount. University of Illinois Springfield is very accommodating as they are always open to receive students from all parts of the world irrespective of their race, religion, culture and beliefs and background. University of Illinois offers several courses and has three branches located at Springfield, Urbana and Chicago. This gives room to accommodate more students. University of Illinois Springfield is located in the heart of the Illinois town and has so many beautiful places for adventure and sight seeing. In other to help international students and students from other states settle properly in safety, the school provides very affordable accomodations and food for the students. Students at the school are exposed to activities that are inter-relational.... Read 483 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $11,628

• SAT range 980-1190

• Galesburg, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  529 reviews

Freshman: This is a very welcoming friendly college, everyone supports each other and there are great resources like the career center helping you with your resume and cover letter while also providing free Domino's pizza. In addition, there's a share shop where you can find free clothes, necessities, and shoes accessible to all students. However, if you're looking for stores and a big city area you would have to travel a bit farther since Galesburg is a small quiet town. But overall, it is a great college for students who are looking for a liberal arts school!... Read 529 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $23,266

• SAT range 1080-1320

• Lebanon, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  473 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 473 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $20,869

• SAT range 860-1270

• Peoria, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,200 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 1,200 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $25,850

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Charleston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,332 reviews

Senior: In my past 4 years here at EIU, there's been a lot of change. The campus pre-COVID was a completely different atmosphere, a lot more fun and there seemed to be a lot more students out and about. Now, it seems to be on the rebound but it seems like it will be a little bit before things like Greek Life make a full comeback (would recommend btw). The classes here aren't difficult and the smaller class sizes really do make it easy to get to know your professors personally. The dorm buildings and food do leave something to be desired, but I have seen improvements in the past couple of years. There is some issues now with staffing due to the budget and the administration's willingness to pay their workers a livable wage, but from the student perspective I would still highly recommend coming here! Lots of graduate assistantships available as well if you're interested in coming here for grad school!... Read 1,332 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $13,551

• SAT range 960-1140

• Romeoville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  924 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 924 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $20,022

• SAT range 1010-1220