2024 Best Test Optional Colleges in Illinois

• 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

• Champaign, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,946 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 4,946 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 3.67 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

• Bloomington, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  637 reviews

Freshman: I am an international student and I do like this University. I should note that weather and the environment here is pretty good, trees, greenery and fresh air can be found here. Regarding academics, professors are to the most part good with willingness to help and courseload is manageable. One more thing, if you are an international student Illinois Wesleyan is really generous when it comes to scholarships and financial aid. Definitely, do consider applying here!... Read 637 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  3,667 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 3,667 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  3,089 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 3,089 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $29,371

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Lake Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  483 reviews

Senior: I had a great experience at LFC! The location is very local at first, but I grew to love it and take advantage of how gorgeous Lake Forest is. You kind of have to see with a Gilmore girls kind of lenses to truly appreciate it. And of course being near Chicago was also a lot of fun - trying new dinner spots and especially having the chance to have an internship a short train ride away. Definitely would recommend getting an apartment for later years (junior and senior) after making your friends - if you haven’t met your people by sophomore year, keep holding out on campus to ensure you are able to meet new people before graduating. I never attended the campus events other than HOCO, I just went to parties on campus or to the bars near by when I wanted to socialize. And the career center is incredible, we have many connections to great companies. Classes are great and small, but like any school there are the good and bad professors.... Read 483 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  1,074 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 1,074 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  797 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 797 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $24,472

• SAT range —

• 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  1,197 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 1,197 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $14,133

• SAT range 810-1010

• Peoria, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,232 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 1,232 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $25,312

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Macomb, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,767 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 1,767 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $11,666

• SAT range 950-1150

• Springfield, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  495 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 495 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $11,965

• SAT range 990-1250

• Normal, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3,108 reviews

Junior: Illinois State University holds a special place in my heart for numerous reasons. Firstly, my brother and sister were enrolled here, creating a unique connection that enhanced our educational journey. The sense of unity and camaraderie extended beyond my immediate family, as I had the privilege of being a part of the vibrant Greek life community on campus. This allowed me to forge lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful community service. Moreover, the academics at Illinois State University are truly top-notch. The dedicated and passionate faculty members foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. Their commitment to student success is evident through their accessibility and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure students reach their full potential. The university's robust programs and research opportunities enable students to explore their passions and prepare for future careers.... Read 3,108 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $21,033

• SAT range 1000-1200

• Charleston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,350 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 1,350 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $13,669

• SAT range 900-1140

• 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 —

• Edwardsville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,708 reviews

Senior: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is an amazing school for students all over the world. There is value, culture, quality education, and diversity. They spend a lot of time supporting, honoring, and welcoming students by providing resources for those in vulnerable populations, the LGBTQ+ community, multicultural backgrounds, and low income families. There is great food on campus, access to transportation, mental health services, and community involvement. For students with children, there is a center on campus to allow students to work and work on their education. The professors seem to be more than properly educated and passionate. They use their time on campus to help and value students. If SIUE could change anything, they should try to provide more students with opportunities to afford the daily necessities that come with college living (transportation, fees, food, etc).... Read 1,708 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 3.32 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

• Carbondale, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  2,066 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 2,066 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $15,976

• SAT range 930-1160