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2020 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in IllinoisAbout this List

The 2020 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App ranking filters the 2020 Best Colleges ranking to only include colleges accept the Common Application for admission. Explore the list of common app schools to build your list of colleges to apply to. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,334 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Alum: Northwestern is a well-balanced school--top notch academics, great arts programs, amazing engineering and science facilities, in a minor city (Evanston) and very close to a major one (Chicago), and even a bit of sports culture. NU students tend to be fun-loving, driven and ambitious, both in their academic and extra-curricular pursuits. It's definitely a work-hard-play-hard atmosphere when you're on campus, and while there is danger in this as you can easily over-extend yourself (and many students do at some point), it makes for a fulfilling four years.
    Read 1,334 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,099 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,159 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Sophomore: The University of Chicago has an incredibly welcoming and yet challenging atmosphere that is unlike any other. The Core Curriculum introduces truly applicable frameworks for critical thinking that can the applied in a diverse curriculum. At UChicago you can attend your Physics lecture in the morning, work on your film project until you participate in a religious discussion in the afternoon and rehearse with your traditional African music group in the evening. In spite of the lack of affordability, UChicago does offer various ways of financing, including generous financial aid and merit-based scholarships. However, Uchicago is not need bling to international applicants, which is likely to discourage low-income international students to apply.
    Read 1,159 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,834 Net Price
    • 1480-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Illinois Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 625 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Niche User: Its an amazing university with unlimited opportunities in the great city of Chicago! So much to do, so many options for entertainment. Transportation is a breeze with two L train lines with direct access to the campus. New facilities, architectural buildings with updated and modern interiors. Very diverse student body, lots of groups, clubs and other ways to be involved in student life.
    Read 625 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,324 Net Price
    • 1230-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Illinois Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IL
    • 581 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Sophomore: Illinois Wesleyan is a great place to get your undergraduate degree. The campus is all very centralized with all academic buildings surrounding the main quad within a 5 minute walk from any on campus housing. Professors are very likable, and love to teach. They will know your name and make sure you stay on top of your work. Class sizes are very small which makes your relationship with professors even better. In terms of student life there are a ton of clubs and activities to get involved in. I love going to all of the sports games, which Illinois Wesleyan has many highly ranked sports teams, although the attendance is not as high as I would hope. The majority of students are very friendly, and it is very easy to find your group thanks to the intimate class, orientation activities, and other student life activities. Overall, Illinois Wesleyan is a great place for an undergraduate education.
    Read 581 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,147 Net Price
    • 1200-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. DePaul University

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 3,353 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Junior: I am a commuter at DePaul University and I love it! It is in an area easily accessible from anywhere in the city as the campus is right off the Fullerton CTA train station. Its location gives great opportunity to access many main attractions of the city. Once you step on campus the environment is very welcoming with such friendly staff and faculty. The professors always seem passionate about the classes they're teaching and they are also more than willing to aid you and make themselves available for you. There is always a variety of events happening on campus, even for commuters which engages them to really feel like they belong as a student. There is always great spots like the quad to hang out with friends, and class sizes are relatively small for college classes allowing you to meet great friends and allowing the professors to really get to know their students and personalize their teaching. Overall, a great school!
    Read 3,353 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,927 Net Price
    • 1050-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Bradley University

    • 4 Year
    • Peoria, IL
    • 1,111 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: Don't listen to a lot of these reviews. There is WiFi, but it isn't the best. The campus itself is very safe, but, remember, you'll be near Peoria so exercise additional caution at night. There are some really bad teachers, but they represent the minority here. You can SIGNIFICANTLY cut out costs by joining a fraternity by up to $7,000 a year. It's possible to party here, but you gotta be smart. The university does crack down, but they're not very good at busting parties. The academics here are really good, though Sakai really sucks. Fraternity culture is simply wonderful. If you're looking to become more social, join one! The university dorms are decent, but fraternity houses are much better. I was surprised by the food at the university. Not gourmet, but definitely pay for the same quality at a higher end hotel. The campus, especially during fall, is beautiful. Overall, your experience is highly dictated by how dependent and smart you are with your time.
    Read 1,111 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,857 Net Price
    • 1080-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Augustana College - Illinois

    • 4 Year
    • Rock Island, IL
    • 687 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Sophomore: Overall, I love Augie! I am beyond content with my choice. A few factors that lead me to feel this way are the small class sizes which almost always leads to a strong connection with the Professors. With those connections, one can strive to get their best education. Augie is a small school with a big school feel. You get the best of both worlds. There is an abundance of clubs, sports, or extracurriculars one can join to feel apart of the community. To add, there is always a friendly face around every corner. After one year Augustana is my home away from home. But, with that being said, it does not make me feel as safe as my true home does. There is plenty of money going into the facilities at the school that could also be put towards the student's safety. In my opinion, there are not enough blue light poles around campus. A simple installation of more of these can make a huge difference in making the students feel safe. This would be my one critique of the school.
    Read 687 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,919 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. Lake Forest College

    • 4 Year
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 433 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Senior: I personally love the biology department! It tends to be more collaborative as oppose to competitive like some of the other sciences here. Also, in addition to having a brand new science building, we have a plethora of research opportunities that are harder to come by at larger universities.

    You can take up to three for-credit internships here as well! The career advancement center is extremely helpful in assisting you with finding and setting up internships!

    As for as the student body, I personally have found it overall to be super friendly and accepting! It is fairly close knit as small school.

    The food used to be subpar but we recently got a new food provider and the quality has increased somewhat.

    However, people that are looking for night life might be disappointed here. The town of Lake Forest is pretty quite. Also, it takes about an hour to get to downtown Chicago and usually becomes an all day event.
    Read 433 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,646 Net Price
    • 1020-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. Knox College

    • 4 Year
    • Galesburg, IL
    • 489 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Senior: There is nothing particularly special about Knox on the surface. The campus is small and looks better in the summer than it does in the winter. Old Main (Knox’s oldest building) is the backdrop to the famous Lincoln/Douglas debate where the former president leapt from the window. Other than that, Knox claims home to a small city surrounded by cornfields. Attending Knox was the best decision I’ve made. In every class you take, your professor will know your name and care about your academic success. There are various clubs and activities. The people on this campus are friendly and proud. The library is gorgeous. The cafeteria food is average but the pizzeria nearby has amazing $5 pizza for students on Thursdays. It’s only when you look closer at the Siwash is when you understand why Knox has existed since 1837 and will most likely continue for many more.
    Read 489 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,136 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. University of Illinois at Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 3,015 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Senior: UIC is constantly growing and I love how big the Diversity is here. The university itself provides a lot of resources for both students On and Off Campus. The school has many students coming from many different parts of the world, they offer up a lot of learning opportunities. As well as the Extra Curricular Activities and Student Organizations, always providing a home away from home. Although, I do have to the part of the Academic Curriculum can be very harsh, where some professors aren't as effective since they would expect students to be putting their absolute best in their classes yet many students are going into UIC full-time students, part-time working and extracurriculars as well. At the end of the day, it is up to the student and their motivation to make the best of what they can!
    Read 3,015 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,884 Net Price
    • 1080-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Illinois College

    • 4 Year
    • Jacksonville, IL
    • 345 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: A beautiful campus that made me feel like I was at home. I stepped on to the campus and instantly knew this is where I want to go to college. The staff was wonderful, the athletic department blew me away, and overall it was an amazing first impression. I have been accepted and plan on attending Illinois college in the fall. I cannot wait to start my college experience there!
    Read 345 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 55% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,177 Net Price
    • 820-1120 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Monmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Monmouth, IL
    • 522 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: I really like Monmouth. Its academic programs are very interesting particularly in Economics. I can say that the economics program of Monmouth is a good one for me because of my future aspirations. As a prospective student, I will be very happy to be a part of Monmouth community this Fall. Furthermore, in terms of scholarship, even if I did not receive a full scholarship from Monmouth, what they gave me is very impressive and helpful financially. I love Monmouth!
    Read 522 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,467 Net Price
    • 900-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Millikin University

    • 4 Year
    • Decatur, IL
    • 575 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Sophomore: Millikin University is a spectacular college. They pride themselves on their fine arts education, which is fantastic, but all other academic fields are thoroughly represented. The dorms are clean and well taken care of. The food is great! The classes are challenging, yet save room for being fun and interesting. The majority of the professors on campus work hard to help you achieve success. And lastly, Millikin is filled with great people--students and faculty alike provide a great learning experience.
    Read 575 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,988 Net Price
    • 1080-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. McKendree University

    • 4 Year
    • Lebanon, IL
    • 445 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: The faculty cares about their student both in and outside of the classroom. The extracurricular activities are excellent. The campus scenery is very beautiful. The community on campus feels like a family. Overall, I would like to see the university offer more in terms of financial support and opportunities for financial assistance.
    Read 445 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,890 Net Price
    • 970-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 664 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Niche User: I haven't attended this college but I really want to. SAIC seems like such a good fit for me and I've looked at the website and all the things they have to offer such as studying abroad. I didn't know an art school could have study abroad programs. The campus is set in the urban neighbourhood type atmosphere which makes it very homey. Diversity is also a big thing for me, and the graphs and statistics just blew me away for real!
    Chicago itself isn't very safe but I read other reviews and saw it's a fairly safe school. So if you're looking for a safe and diverse art school, then this is it.
    Read 664 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $45,728 Net Price
    • 1110-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Trinity Christian College

    • 4 Year
    • Palos Heights, IL
    • 287 reviews

    Junior: Ever since my Freshman year, I have found this college to be a 'home away from home'. Located in Palos Heights, it a nice quiet location for those who desire to be away from the bustling and noise from the city. I have found a sense of peace and enjoyment by its location alone! The staff and professors are helpful and offer students both good advice as well as certain student resources that can be utilized at anytime. The only thing that is keeping me from giving this a 5-star rating is that the food quality. It is not terrible, rather it is acceptable but there is room for improvement. That aside, should anyone wish to start off their college studies on campus, I would recommend this college for them.
    Read 287 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,772 Net Price
    • 878-1153 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Columbia College Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 2,539 reviews

    Alum: The best part about Columbia College was the campus... downtown Chicago! The campus was spread throughout the loop, but not too spread out that it takes forever to get to your next class. On your break between classes you could walk amongst the beautiful architecture of Chicago and study or eat lunch in Millennium Park if you wanted. If you love the city, you're going to love this school. I never had any issues with any of the professors, the classes were interesting (at least the classes that had to do with my major), and the administration was decent when compared to other schools. I feel that the tuition was a little high with it being classified as "college" instead of a "university". All in all, I am glad I chose Columbia for my BA in Graphic Design.
    Read 2,539 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,484 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Blackburn College

    • 4 Year
    • Carlinville, IL
    • 108 reviews

    Freshman: I absolutely adore Blackburn College. I started here because it is a small, private, liberal-arts college. And added bonus is the uniqueness of it... it is one of seven work colleges in the country, and we are the only student managed one! I feel such pride and feel so proud to be here. I am a first-year student, and can already say I am a resident assistant and the future president of Student Senate for the 2019-20 school year, and much more. The professors are wonderful, the academics are good because they are challenging, and so much more. I am so proud to be a Blackburn student.
    Read 108 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,037 Net Price
    • 820-1000 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Chicago State University

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 597 reviews

    Niche User: My experience at Chicago State University was Amazing!! The teacher and staff are amazing and very helpful and understanding. The students are also very helpful and understanding. The dorm rooms are great, the food is great, and the parties and events are great too. I love everything about Chicago State University and I'll love to go back.
    Read 597 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,141 Net Price
    • 840-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Principia College

    • 4 Year
    • Elsah, IL
    • 46 reviews

    Sophomore: I grew up attending public schools and knew I wanted to attend a small liberal arts college. I selected this school because (a) I grew up in Christian Science and like the religion, and (b) I am NOT into partying. At all. Some people party here (quietly), but most do not. I'm currently a Sophomore and love it here. I play on the soccer team and have two different jobs, and keep very busy. I didn't think I'd attend a college with only 500 students, since my high school had 1200 students, but I feel very comfortable here. Sometimes it gets super-quiet here on weekends, but I've always been able to find someone to hang out with. Go Panthers!
    Read 46 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,300 Net Price
    • 1030-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  25. Sponsored

    Wheaton College - Massachusetts

    • 4 Year
    • Norton, MA
    • 620 reviews

    Senior: Wheaton College MA is truly my dream school. It is expensive, but we are good about providing need and merit based financial aid. Due to the size of the school, students are able to get one on one attention from professors throughout their 4 year experience. The facilities are expansive for each major, and we have a rapidly growing psychology and business department in particular. Additionally, the support system that you find here on a social basis is extensive and truly makes me feel loved and appreciated. Each professor is remarkably passionate about their subject matter and that energy is transferable to the staff and students. Speaking of the staff, those who work in the dining halls and on maintenance are kind and welcoming. We do not have greek life on campus. Regardless of this, we have a ton of things going on on campus every day. The location is also awesome if you don't mind public transportation or if you have a car. Please come visit Wheaton College MA!
    Read 620 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,814 Net Price
    • 1150-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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