Skip to Main Content

2022 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

About this List
Best Colleges
32 results

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

  1. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • EVANSTON, IL
    • 1,412 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: Northwestern is definitely an academically rigorous school, but the amount of resources provided to its students makes success attainable. The Northwestern faculty goes above and beyond to ensure that their students have the support they need, not only to promote strong academics, but also all facets of health. Also, the student body at Northwestern is incredible! Everyone is extremely kind and inclusive. Thus, despite the rigor of the classes at NU--and the stress that such rigor entails--I have had such a positive experience that has made it all worth it!...Read 1,412 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,196 Net Price
    • 1440-1550 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  2. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • CHICAGO, IL
    • 1,195 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: My favorite part of UChicago is definitely its academics -- students are constantly encouraged to debate, rethink, and most importantly, listen. I was able to take a graduate student course as a first-year, and was amazed by the level of respectful and intellectual discussion that was possible! Students and professors alike are motivated, caring, and inclusive, and there's a strong sense of community everywhere you go, from the UCPD officer on the street corner to the dining hall staff. There's truly something for everyone, from Student Action to University Theater to Circus Club to Greek life. Regardless of extracurricular interests, however, there's an undeniable bond in the love of learning and open-mindedness that ties everyone in UChicago together...Read 1,195 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,719 Net Price
    • 1500-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    • 4 Year
    • URBANA, IL
    • 4,687 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Alum: U of I is a great school for independent ambitious self-starters. If you seek academic support or nurturing faculty, look to your peers, as most profs teach to large lecture halls and rarely know students personally in the larger degree programs (Business, Engineering, etc. ) Made life-long friends at U of I - great people! Ambitious, hardworking, and high caliber.... U of I’s strong academic reputation is largely fueled by the highly selective nature of admissions, where top students produce top results for the school. Research is a priority for many of the profs...Read 4,687 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,660 Net Price
    • 1210-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  4. Wheaton College - Illinois

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

    Freshman: I am so grateful for choosing Wheaton. As a freshman, I already feel very at home here. Even in the midst of a pandemic, Wheaton has been extremely intentional about building community. Also, in my opinion, Wheaton has managed the COVID-19 situation very wisely. Statistically, there have been very few cases and no mass outbreaks on campus. It is a very friendly community with great opportunities for deep relationships with peers and faculty. The faculty care very much about their students. It is a very vibrant academic environment with a focused, analytical, and holistic approach to the liberal arts. Students are overall very academically motivated and genuinely enthused about their coursework. Faith and learning are truly integrated here in a beautiful way. The words “for Christ and His Kingdom” accurately describe life here. I highly recommend visiting!...Read 637 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,795 Net Price
    • 1220-1440 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  5. DePaul University

    • 4 Year
    • CHICAGO, IL
    • 3,530 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: DePaul offers amazing programs across the board. There are an abundance of scholarships, and internship programs through each school. Lots of on campus jobs- just ask the Career Center. You're never board. Student organizations are all over and cover a wide variety of activities. Would recommend the fair trade club and the urban farming org (UFO). It's also the first Fair Trade university in Chicago! The city is never asleep, amazing food,clubs,bars, parks. Also you get a Ventra card with tuition! I loved DePaul. Incredible professors that are strong leaders in their fields...Read 3,530 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,022 Net Price
    • 1050-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  6. Illinois Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • BLOOMINGTON, IL
    • 606 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    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 606 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,912 Net Price
    • 1120-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  7. Lake Forest College

    • 4 Year
    • LAKE FOREST, IL
    • 462 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Junior: I love Lake Forest! This is my first year as a transfer student, and amidst the Pandemic I am still able to access an amazing education. The professors are very knowledgeable and accessible outside of class. I am looking forward to on campus learning, but until then I am so happy with the education I am receiving. I know that the professors care about my success...Read 462 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 55% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,148 Net Price
    • 1020-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  8. Augustana College - Illinois

    • 4 Year
    • ROCK ISLAND, IL
    • 745 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Alum: Augustana College offered a great education in Music and Psychology and prepared me academically for my current graduate studies. The staff care deeply about your well-being and want you to succeed. The smaller class sizes allow for greater interaction between students and professors for deeper understanding of course content. Additionally, a smaller school allows you to get more involved in campus activities and programs, along with meet more people. ...The campus ministries was welcoming, and my faith life was also enhanced greatly through personal relationships with the pastors and getting to know other students on retreats. Finding employment on campus was easy, and working in Admissions was a terrific experience! Areas for improvement at the school include making significant improvements to residential life and updating older dorms and academic buildings...Read 745 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,706 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  9. Illinois Institute of Technology

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

    Freshman: I love my university. The people here are very enthusiastic and are good at keeping up with the workload. It makes the fatigue of studying a lot easier on a lot of us. Not to mention it's awesome to take an adventure to Chicago every weekend since it is so close to us and they give a ton of money in scholarships. When they say don't apply to schools because they have low tuition, they are totally right! IIT had the highest tuition for me when applying, but it ended up being the cheapest school to attend because of my scholarship award. It is amazing for its value too. Since the school is only 3000 undergraduate students it is a lot easier for you to get an opportunity in research or in other student organizations compared to being at a university with 40000 students. The experience is something so much better than you can imagine and you really feel like you are making a difference. I also have never had an issue with safety which is always a perk :))...Read 690 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,708 Net Price
    • 1190-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  12. Loyola University Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • CHICAGO, IL
    • 2,915 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: One of the best things about Loyola is the Lakeshore Campus which comes right up to the edge of Lake Michigan. It is such a beautiful and relaxing view to take in. Loyola also has a campus in the heart of downtown Chicago that can be accessed by university shuttle buses which is very convenient. Another aspect I love about Loyola is the community fostered through the sports teams, specifically men's basketball. The student section always has a lot of energy and is ready to cheer! The food at Loyola is also quite good. While there are a lot of options and virtually something for everyone, the food options tend to be the same every day. I'm really enjoying my time at Loyola and looking forward to spending the rest of my college career here!...Read 2,915 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,388 Net Price
    • 1130-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  13. Bradley University

    • 4 Year
    • PEORIA, IL
    • 1,164 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: I'm really enjoying Bradley so far! The teachers have all been incredibly kind and informative, all of the classes I've taken have been very enjoyable. All of the other students I've met so far have been really nice as well. The campus isn't huge, but I think that's an advantage in Bradley's case because it makes it very walkable. There are quite a few restaurants around campus, also within walking distance. I do wish there was a little more effort to include commuters in campus events, but overall, I've really enjoyed Bradley so far!...Read 1,164 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,791 Net Price
    • 1070-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  14. University of Illinois at Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • CHICAGO, IL
    • 3,293 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    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 3,293 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,322 Net Price
    • 1030-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  15. Knox College

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

    Junior: Being in my third year as a Knox College student, each year that I return to Knox College in the fall reminds me of why I fell in love with the institution in the first place. Being an out-of-state student, it was of major importance that I find a college that has a comforting community environment. From my experiences, I believe that Knox College puts in a great amount of effort to provide each student with a place to flourish and allow students to find areas of interest both academically and socially. No matter your background, there is most likely going to be a class, organization, or club that adheres to your values and interests. However, one area of disapproval that's appeared is the manner in which the institution has handled social issues on campus. Whether it be due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other circumstances, that has been a downfall with the campus administration. But, due to the close community, students have not been afraid to seek improvement on these issues...Read 519 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,476 Net Price
    • 1090-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  16. Trinity Christian College

    • 4 Year
    • PALOS HEIGHTS, IL
    • 303 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Junior: Trinity professors care so much about their students. They are always there to support us academically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally!Read 303 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,177 Net Price
    • 970-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  17. Dominican University

    • 4 Year
    • RIVER FOREST, IL
    • 690 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Junior: I transferred to Dominican after graduating from community college. The semester hasn't ended yet but from the moment I entered, everyone I've come across has been very helpful and friendly. Students and faculty actually look at you and say hello which is a huge change from attending a bigger school in the city. Despite being a new student, it feels like overtime, gaining familiarity and a sense of place won't be an issue here. ...I'm also impressed with how clean they've kept the facility. In terms of Student life and activities, I think they're doing what's feasible and safe during the pandemic.Overall, I've felt very welcomed here and could see myself continuing to complete my Bachelor's!Read 690 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,280 Net Price
    • 1000-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  18. Western Illinois University

    • 4 Year
    • MACOMB, IL
    • 1,701 reviews

    Niche User: WIU is proud to be accessible and affordable. In my opinion they exceed that standard. My daughter ran into a difficult situation during her first semester there; a class was held online, her connection didn't allow her to get more than two-thirds of each lecture, and the instructor wasn't posting the lectures on the website. Her grades in that class were plummeting. (Way back in the Reagan years, as a first-semester freshman, I had an illness that put me in hospital for a week, and my grades did the same.) I thought her situation was "no-win," but I felt I had to do something, so I emailed the department chairperson and the president, asking for advice I could pass to her...The response was swift and positive, and in a matter of a few weeks, my daughter had switched to an in-person section of that class. I am grateful for WIU's clear commitment to students, and I'll be a WIU fan for life. Go Leathernecks!...Read 1,701 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,802 Net Price
    • 950-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  19. North Central College

    • 4 Year
    • NAPERVILLE, IL
    • 876 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    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 876 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,536 Net Price
    • 1030-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  22. Monmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • MONMOUTH, IL
    • 551 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: Once I found this school I instantly fell in love. The schools history and mine are quite similar, seeing as we both have Scottish backgrounds. This school has excited me to finish school like no other university. I can only hope to get admission and pursue the first step of the rest of my life!...Read 551 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,992 Net Price
    • 950-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  23. Millikin University

    • 4 Year
    • DECATUR, IL
    • 604 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Sophomore: I am a commuter at Millikin University and I didn’t expect to even go to this school at first, but now that I’m here I wouldn’t have it any other way! The people at Millikin are the most inviting and kind group of individuals I’ve ever met. The community is so supportive and helpful for upcoming Freshmen and every step is taken to ensure a great first year. The campus is gorgeous and the perfect size to walk around, but not easily get lost. The faculty and staff are all fantastic and very knowledgeable and Millikin breeds the kindest, most well-rounded students I’ve known...Read 604 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,138 Net Price
    • 950-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  24. Lewis University

    • 4 Year
    • ROMEOVILLE, IL
    • 906 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Junior: Lewis is a very great place to go for college. They offer many opportunities for academics, leadership, clubs, and internships. Many students come back for grad school. The campus life is very busy for everyone as students are involved in sports, clubs, and other student activities. This is non-city campus that has a gate— great for safety. The police and professors are always able to listen to concerns and new possibilities for change. I really love being a part of Lewis!...Read 906 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,520 Net Price
    • 1010-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  25. McKendree University

    • 4 Year
    • LEBANON, IL
    • 463 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Sophomore: Overall I love being a student here, but with every college comes some conflicts, one being Costs, and don’t bother going to the business office because they’ll suck more money out of you.I do love how much it feels like home, the close friends you’ll make and close relationship with professors, the small class sizes, and the pretty campus of courseRead 463 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,764 Net Price
    • 860-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  26. Northern Illinois University

    • 4 Year
    • DEKALB, IL
    • 2,635 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Alum: NIU gave me a great life experience, and a great education. Loved my professors, friends I made in my fraternity and in student government, and would recommend NIU to any high school grad.Dekalb is a cool/classic kind of college town, homecoming was great each year, campus has a nice midwest - big10/12 feel to it. Go to the football games if you attend NIU, tailgating was a blast!Read 2,635 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,346 Net Price
    • 940-1170 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  29. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • CHICAGO, IL
    • 688 reviews

    Sophomore: There are too many superficial cool kids in the undergraduate. The teachers are all nice tho, they encourage different ideas and independent thinkings. And SAIC is very different from the other TRADITIONAL WHITE ELITE art school. I suggest taking master there, more price-worthy...Read 688 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $50,167 Net Price
    • 1120-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  30. Illinois College

    • 4 Year
    • JACKSONVILLE, IL
    • 362 reviews

    Alum: My experience at Illinois College was absolutely phenomenal. Going into college can be a terrifying experience for a student who may not have ventured out much of their hometown. However, that was not the case at Illinois College. From my initial college visit with my dad, who was an alum of Illinois College, walking the campus just felt like home. Joining both the cross country and track teams there was also one of the best decisions I could have ever made. I found lifetime friends participating in those sports, and it allowed me to find an avenue that never let me feel that I was alone. Education wise, the professors and instructors there are there to work with you, not make college seem impossible and stress you out. They are always a stop in their office or an email away, no matter what your situation may be...Read 362 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,594 Net Price
    • 820-1120 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  31. Quincy University

    • 4 Year
    • QUINCY, IL
    • 264 reviews

    Freshman: Quincy University offers multiple different majors for students. As an NCAA Division 2 school, our athletics provide students with a great on the field/court learning experience in which each student athlete can learn in every day life (hard-work, determination, effort). The on campus student life is very outstanding. The campus is very warm and welcoming and there is never a moment of boredom- there is always something to do on campus! Around campus there is multiple bars and restaurants in case a student isn't feeling up for our Cafe. Campus security is ALWAYS available at any time of the day which makes the campus life more reassuring and enjoyable...Read 264 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,423 Net Price
    • 950-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
  32. No Essay ScholarshipNo Essay Scholarship
  33. Sponsored

    Millikin University

    • 4 Year
    • DECATUR, IL
    • 604 reviews

    Sophomore: I am a commuter at Millikin University and I didn’t expect to even go to this school at first, but now that I’m here I wouldn’t have it any other way! The people at Millikin are the most inviting and kind group of individuals I’ve ever met. The community is so supportive and helpful for upcoming Freshmen and every step is taken to ensure a great first year. The campus is gorgeous and the perfect size to walk around, but not easily get lost. The faculty and staff are all fantastic and very knowledgeable and Millikin breeds the kindest, most well-rounded students I’ve known...Read 604 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,138 Net Price
    • 950-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour
  34. Find Your Best Fit Colleges 

    Tailor your college search based on what matters most to you.

  36. Sponsored

    Knox College

    • 4 Year
    • GALESBURG, IL
    • 519 reviews

    Junior: Being in my third year as a Knox College student, each year that I return to Knox College in the fall reminds me of why I fell in love with the institution in the first place. Being an out-of-state student, it was of major importance that I find a college that has a comforting community environment. From my experiences, I believe that Knox College puts in a great amount of effort to provide each student with a place to flourish and allow students to find areas of interest both academically and socially. No matter your background, there is most likely going to be a class, organization, or club that adheres to your values and interests. However, one area of disapproval that's appeared is the manner in which the institution has handled social issues on campus. Whether it be due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other circumstances, that has been a downfall with the campus administration. But, due to the close community, students have not been afraid to seek improvement on these issues...Read 519 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,476 Net Price
    • 1090-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour
  37. Sponsored

    South University - Virginia Beach

    • 4 Year
    • VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
    • 112 reviews

    Alum: I attended SU Virginia Beach for my graduate degree. The Admissions team was professional and supportive. The faculty and support staff were always available to assist me. Graduation was great!Read 112 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,395 Net Price
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour