2024 Safest College Campuses in Illinois

• Naperville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  2,822 reviews

Other: I am 47 years old and had to raise my son now 20 alone and was not able to go to college. At 46 my son talked me into going back to school, we agreed on online. This is where Devry comes in. I called scared, nervous and confused. They helped me every step of the way. I of course still have nerves and so many questions and 1 year in, they are still there for me. I am taking classes for Medical Billig and Coding. I want to continue for my Bachelors. This had me so worried because I had no idea how I could pay for my current classes let alone future ones. My advisor helped me with Student Aid and since that was nowhere near enough, she guided me through the school loan process. I won't lie, I was a so confused. With a cool, calm and collected attitude, she talked me down from my invisible ledge and helped me understand that the Student Aid was "free" and the loans would have to be paid back of course but not tomorrow, so she helped me decide to keep going and not give up!... Read 2,822 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $29,115

• 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+

• grade A

• 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

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $14,133

• SAT range 810-1010

• 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

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $14,665

• SAT range —

• Bourbonnais, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,399 reviews

Senior: My overall experience here through out olivet has been awesome. I loved the professor to student ratio and the small school environment. The location is ideal if you want to get away from your hometown/city. And its close enough away to go to Chicago or other schools. The culture of the school is very tight knit family environment. People truly care about each other here even during the toughest of times! I would like to see more Christians living out their faith more boldly here. Don't get me wrong, there is a ton, but the more the merrier.... Read 1,399 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $20,431

• SAT range 970-1200

• 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

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $15,519

• SAT range 920-1160

• Aurora, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  839 reviews

Freshman: My experience with Aurora University has been great. I'm earning my bachelor's degree in psychology online at Aurora University. Their staff is very supportive and helpful with questions you may have, financial aid, your courses, and many other things. My counselors are very friendly, the staff at their bookstore is friendly, and overall their staff is amiable and I haven't had an issue with anyone. I can't wait to continue my 4-year journey with this university!... Read 839 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,410

• SAT range 960-1130

• Joliet, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  337 reviews

Freshman: The University of St. Francis campus provides a vibrant and supportive environment for learning and personal growth. The university offers modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces, to support student's academic and extracurricular pursuits.... Read 337 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $16,949

• SAT range 920-1170

• River Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  500 reviews

Graduate Student: My experience at Concordia University Chicago has been incredible! From dedicated faculty to a vibrant campus community, it's been a journey of growth and learning. The small class sizes, diverse opportunities, and career support have all contributed to a fulfilling college experience.... Read 500 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $18,817

• SAT range 990-1180

• 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

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $18,266

• SAT range 870-1130

• Lisle, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  482 reviews

Junior: I am an incoming student athlete coming from Mesa Community College. Where I previously participated on the NJCAA Softball Team at Mesa Community College. During the transfer process to, Benedictine University in Mesa, Arizona, I have felt at home when it came to making the decision to commit to BenU. The staff and Professors were very warm and welcoming upon my very first arrival. And I more than excited to participate in the many programs that Benedictine University has to offer not only as an athlete but as a student interesting in opening her own business as well.... Read 482 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $24,746

• SAT range 1050-1280

• University Park, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  399 reviews

Freshman: After going to open house at Governors State I've decided to make this my college of choice. The student to teacher loyalty is something that I'm getting to know, even those who take online courses are treated so fairly. Their faculty is very accommodating and the campus is very modern. Since starting summer school there I've had a blast and I can't wait to begin my journey there this fall. Go Jaguars!... Read 399 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $9,943

• SAT range 830-1060

• Charleston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,352 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 1,352 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $13,669

• SAT range 900-1140

• Lebanon, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  477 reviews

Freshman: McKendree University is a private university located in Lebanon, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1828 as the Lebanon Seminary, making it the oldest college in Illinois. The school changed its name several times before settling on McKendree University in 2007, in honor of Bishop William McKendree, who was the first American-born bishop of Methodist Episcopal Church. McKendree University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, health professions, liberal arts, and sciences. The university also has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and service-learning projects. The university has a diverse student body, with students from 29 states and 25 countries. The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for personalized attention from professors. McKendree is also known for its commitment to affordability, with over 90% of students receiving some form of financial aid.... Read 477 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $25,492

• SAT range 860-1270

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  965 reviews

Freshman: This university is very welcoming to all races and religions, and even sexual orientations. Saint Xavier University also provides an abundance of resources to help students with their college experience, whether that be education wise or health wise. The environment is very comforting and safe because of the on-campus security they provide. Also, this university offers a lot of great activities and student led organizations in order to further make students feel involved and included! While some of my experience with some of my professors haven't always been the easiest, overall this is a good university.... Read 965 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,419

• SAT range 950-1120

• 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+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $21,848

• SAT range 900-1170

• 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+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $21,399

• SAT range 990-1200

• 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

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $28,319

• SAT range 1250-1430

• 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

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $4,846

• SAT range 750-1030

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,471 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 1,471 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Romeoville, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  944 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Lewis University so far has been truly amazing. I found the University to be very welcoming, safe, and inclusive. Lewis University truly abide by its La Sallian mission and truly support student all student and makes available all the resources needed for success. Even though overall I would consider Lewis University amazing, some things that I would like to see change are more university-funded activities for students to engage in and to make better use of certain open green spaces.... Read 944 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $18,312

• SAT range 1050-1240

• River Forest, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  746 reviews

Senior: I like that the professors engage the whole class to participate and make sure the students aren't awkward and not talking to each other. I previously went to UIC and when we did group work we would not talk to each other and the professors would not do anything. At Dominican University they allow you to grow and expand your wings! What I would like to see change is allowing scholarships for European immigrant families, I come from a European family and it is a struggle to afford such expensive tuition. Especially when you are taking 22 credit hours and are 4 credit hours at an overload which is 5 thousand dollars extra and they give you no help. European families also struggle yet universities do not see that because many workers have told me that since I am White there is nothing they can do :(... Read 746 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $18,476

• SAT range 910-1160

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  710 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 710 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $20,260

• SAT range 890-1140

• Elmhurst, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,075 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 1,075 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,018

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  3,669 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 3,669 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $31,872

• SAT range 1050-1260