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2019 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in IllinoisAbout this List

The 2019 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App ranking filters the 2019 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
    • 1,312
    #1 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Alum: Northwestern is that rare institution occupying an incredibly unique space within higher education. It's home to world-class academics and one of the nation's most impressive alumni rosters, but carries about half the pretense or snobbery you might find at any other elite university. It's home to top-notch arts & sciences, but has the added benefit of having a number of highly specialized programs, including its prestigious journalism program; a top-ranked music school; one of the nation's most productive theater departments; and a robust engineering school.

    Add to all that its utterly romantic setting on the shores of Lake Michigan in one of the best college towns in America (Evanston!) and you get Northwestern — a truly remarkable place that shaped my life over the course of four years. It isn't perfect, and those four years were filled with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but the friendships forged and experiences made at Northwestern are truly priceless (forgive the cliche).
    Read 1,312 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
    • 1,142
    #2 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Alum: It's nice to see that the University has increased campus diversity of financial aid resources for families that will make the campus more diverse in terms of student backgrounds. I enjoyed my time in college housing a lot! Get involved with your house - go on house trips, play intramural sports, take on a leadership position. If you need something - speak up and ask for it! You really can have a say in your university. Don't be shy to speak up and ask questions. The University can only continue to improve with that kind of input.
    Read 1,142 Reviews

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

  3. Illinois Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IL
    • 574
    #3 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: I love IWU. The campus is stunning year-round, the food is consistently delicious, and my classes are incredible! My professors are very knowledgeable about the topics they teach, and they try to make class fun. Generally, they make themselves readily available to meet with students for any reason. The Ames Library is a great resource too, and the research librarians are more than happy to help you find anything you need for a class, a paper, or just general reading material. It's also easy to get involved on campus: there are RSOs for just about any interest, so it's easy to find people with common interests.
    Read 574 Reviews

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

    Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,219

    Freshman: I am attending Michigan State University this fall! While on my visit to campus I met quite a few students and teachers who were all very pleasant to chat with and spanned a variety of cultures. I loved that the dorms are bigger than many other universities, I didn't feel claustrophobic like I did on other college tours. The dorms, while nice, can never live up to how beautiful the campus actually is on the outside! With green grass and stunning architecture, there is a place for everyone and everything on campus!
    Read 5,219 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,684 Net Price
    • 1100-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Illinois Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 618
    #4 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 618 Reviews

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

  6. DePaul University

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 3,299
    #5 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Niche User: I am an incoming freshman at DePaul university and as a high school senior making these college plans, I chose this school due to the amount of help I got from the school. DePaul has the feel of a university town; you feel as if you are on a large campus when really you are just within 5 blocks of the city of Chicago. Safety has never seemed like an issue when visiting and they have many opportunities for you to take advantage of during those times where you might not seem so safe including the blue police call poles and free rides to your dorm late at night from campus security. Choosing this school was easy for me because of all of the offers I have received academically and also the amount of safety I feel not only physically but mentally. Applying was a smooth process and after visiting and hearing from the school I had few questions. I look forward to spending the next 5 years at this amazing school and can't wait to call it my own!
    Read 3,299 Reviews

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

  7. Augustana College - Illinois

    • 4 Year
    • Rock Island, IL
    • 668
    #6 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: I love how not only students but also the faculty and staff are extraordinarily welcoming and helpful since the beginning of my freshman year, from moving in to finding great local food, from class registration to dealing with papers/assignments to thrive in courses. There is always something going on around the campus, either a concert or an outdoor activity. Augie students can hop on any local bus for free (one only needs to show the school ID)! And for Asians, there is just a perfect place for you to curb your savory and sweet appetite!
    Read 668 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • Peoria, IL
    • 1,085
    #7 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Senior: Bradley, being a smaller school than a state school, allows students the opportunity to more easily connect with professors in a meaningful way. A mentor or an adviser can easily be found in any of the halls at Bradley. Additionally, getting personalized help from more bureaucratic departments like finances or class registration is easier and more productive for a student just starting to understand how to be assertive (since we all know adulting is hard). It does not lack opportunities to participate in activities and clubs and grow despite being a smaller school. Because of this, Bradley is an engaging school with a lot of benefits!
    Read 1,085 Reviews

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

  10. University of Illinois at Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 2,926
    #8 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Sophomore: I personally have had a great experience at UIC. I go to the school of design and it's such a small group (40-80) that you really get to know everyone and you get to know their style. I would rate the school of design as 5 stars because the professors really know what they are doing. You are getting educated by some of the best in their field. The rest of campus I rate slightely lower. The healthy food options are somewhat lacking. The buildings themselves were done in the brutalist style so they don't incoporate much in the way of natural light. Campus itself is very accessible for commuter students. I've also noticed a lot of diversity and acceptance which is wonderful. I also appreciate how this school really pushes students to get jobs in their feild. Overall, I've had a positive experience at UIC and I'm looking forward to what the next two years in my program brings!
    Read 2,926 Reviews

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

  11. Knox College

    • 4 Year
    • Galesburg, IL
    • 467
    #9 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Senior: Knox College has been the best decision I could have made. I have learned so much about myself and others and I cannot think of a better place to go to school. The atmosphere is small, which is great for classes and getting to know professors. Somethings that I would like to see change are the cafeteria and the athletic facilities. The cafeteria could offer healthier food and more options. The athletic facilities should be updated and I would love to see funding allocated equally. Overall, however, this school is an amazing choice for anyone who is looking to grow and to learn more about themselves and the community around them. Also, if you like community service, Knox is the place!
    Read 467 Reviews

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

  14. Lake Forest College

    • 4 Year
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 425
    #10 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 425 Reviews

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

  15. Illinois College

    • 4 Year
    • Jacksonville, IL
    • 333
    #11 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Senior: I absolutely loved the ability to connect to faculty and become part of their research! It completely changed my life and prepared me for a career (the only reason I put four stars is because politics on campus can get annoying at times, but I also recognize that such is everywhere).
    Read 333 Reviews

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

  16. Monmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Monmouth, IL
    • 513
    #12 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: The school is very good. The professors care a lot about their students and how well they do. It is a liberal arts college meaning that they focus on teaching the students the importance of learning multiple subjects rather than having expertise in only one area. The school has the Integrated Studies course that everyone is required to take. Freshmen take "Introduction to Liberal Arts," sophomores take "Global Perspectives," juniors take "Reflections," and seniors take a course on "Citizenship." These courses help the students become aware of their communities and get them involved in helping to make the world a more welcoming and overall a better place. Because the school is in a very small town, it is not as diverse as other schools closer to the cities and big towns. However, everyone is welcoming and very helpful. They emphasize the importance of helping one another and the professors are excellent in helping their students achieve and reach their highest potential.
    Read 513 Reviews

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

  18. Trinity Christian College

    • 4 Year
    • Palos Heights, IL
    • 280
    #13 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    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 280 Reviews

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

  19. Millikin University

    • 4 Year
    • Decatur, IL
    • 567
    #14 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Alum: I would not trade my 4 years at MU for anything! I absolutely loved it there even though Decatur can be a sketchy area, this campus is beautiful and old which makes it rich in history and tradition. The student body is decently diverse. The theatre program is amazing as well as the music program. The faculty truly cares for every student. The small campus gives you the close knit family vibe. The townies can be ratchet though. Another fun fact is that it is haunted! I have sooo many spooky experiences :) best food spots drunk or sober are Burrito Truck, First Wok, Donnie’s & University Dogs.
    Read 567 Reviews

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

  20. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 652
    #15 Best Colleges that Accept the Common App in Illinois

    Freshman: It was honestly the BEST college ever! It's a memory and quite the story that will remain in my heart forever. You were devoured by creativity walking down those hallways every day. In the mornings, you were welcomed with smiles from your fellow students and teachers, it was so uplifting. I am so proud when I say I went to "The Art Institute of Chicago". I took so much knowledge of what i learned from there with me, and use the skills in my every day life. The professors were so understanding and so positive, paying special attention to every single student in their class.
    Read 652 Reviews

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

  21. McKendree University

    • 4 Year
    • Lebanon, IL
    • 441

    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 441 Reviews

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

  22. Columbia College Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 2,495

    Junior: I liked this teacher who wouldn't mince words when he was trying to teach me how to improve on my storytelling skills as a writer and comic book artist. He's concrete and can back up his teachings with his talents.
    I like Columbia College's financial aid program called CAP. With this program I am able to do things I would not be able to do such as on occasion get something to eat, counseling or someone to talk to about anything, tutoring, and one occasion was able to see my first bulls game for free!
    However the tuition bill could always use some work.
    Read 2,495 Reviews

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

  25. Blackburn College

    • 4 Year
    • Carlinville, IL
    • 105

    Freshman: I have conducted my own research as a freshman psych major, which is not seen in undergrad especially as a freshman plus I presented it at an international conference in Chicago. That research I am publishing now with my psych professor. To have that on my CV and to continue with new research and publications every year is going to add up at the end of 4 years! As a diverse student, I would like to see more diverse students on campus, the school can't really change that unless those diverse students attend.
    Read 105 Reviews

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

  26. Chicago State University

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 593

    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 593 Reviews

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

  27. Principia College

    • 4 Year
    • Elsah, IL
    • 45

    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 45 Reviews

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