2024 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois

• 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

• Bloomington, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  636 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 636 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $30,610

• SAT range 1110-1310

• Lake Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  481 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 481 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $25,126

• SAT range —

• 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 —

• 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

• Monmouth, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  565 reviews

Sophomore: I absolutely LOVE Monmouth College! From the first moment I stepped on campus, I knew that it was home. I am a current sophomore on campus, studying theatre and I have loved every minute of being here. Monmouth College is a home away from home.... Read 565 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $17,935

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Jacksonville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  386 reviews

Senior: Illinois college has become my home away from home, and also has been a place of great growth for me over my 4 years. I have grown both as an individual and as a student. I feel prepared for my future career as a Dentist and Class in Dental School because of the course work level and the amount of effort put in by my professors. Additionally, our campus always has something going on for students, from Student Involvement Center sponsored events to sports events, and Res-life events throughout the week there is always something to do! Additionally, our academics are top notch. During my time at IC I have been an Honors Scholar and participated in Student-Faculty Research looking at Dental Malocclusion. These opportunities would have been so challenging or impossible to get at a larger school. Illinois College remained in person for most of the pandemic, with safety protocols, and it helped me to still feel like a student during a very weird and crazy time. I am forever grateful for IC!... Read 386 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $18,914

• SAT range 950-1150

• Galesburg, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  537 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 537 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $25,476

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Rockford, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  227 reviews

Junior: After transferring to Rockford University, faculty and staff were very welcoming and very attentive to students needs. This is not an all talk school, meaning that when they say they want you to succeed they mean it!... Read 227 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $23,305

• SAT range 880-1120

• Greenville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  428 reviews

Sophomore: Greenville University for me when I first applied and even got accepted was very questionable. Giving that the school is 1,000 miles away from my home, my family, and even my daily living, but as I expand through Greenville became knowledge with professors, coaches, teammates and classmates. I noticed this school isn't bad at all. Actually I notice Greenville may be the only school for me not to be bias but giving the major classroom help and peaceful campus I can't ask for a more demanding way of me about to reach my next step. Following my education at this school definitely will confirm a spot in a successful field in this world for sure.... Read 428 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $21,848

• SAT range 900-1170

• Elsah, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  67 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 67 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $19,816

• SAT range 1020-1220

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  84 reviews

Junior: Passionate teachers often possess a deep understanding of their subject matter. They continuously expand their knowledge, keeping up with the latest development in their field. As a result, they can provide accurate day-to-date information. Teachers who enjoy their profession are more likely to be effective communicators. They understand that students have unique strengths and weaknesses and strive to overcome challenges.... Read 84 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,223

• SAT range —