Explore Illinois Colleges
Explore 77 colleges and universities in Illinois, including 12 public institutions and 65 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
77
Colleges
12
Public
65
Private
Avg Acceptance Rate
Average acceptance rate for Illinois colleges
Avg Net Price
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
For public universities
Illinois is a diverse state with distinct college regions. Explore schools by area to find the campus environment that fits your lifestyle.
See how Illinois colleges compare head-to-head on acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes.
Browse 77 colleges in Illinois, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
#1 in Communications
Evanston, IL
Acceptance
8%
Total Cost
$83,517
SAT
1510–1570
Northwestern fuses rigorous academics and Big Ten athletics on a chilly Lake Michigan shore, delivering Chicago's energy without the full urban chaos.
#2 in Economics
Chicago, IL
Acceptance
4%
Total Cost
$81,288
SAT
1510–1580
The intellectual playground where quirky minds wrestle big ideas amid Chicago's gritty skyline, earning its 'where fun goes to die' badge with pride.
#16 in Mathematics
Champaign, IL
Acceptance
42%
Total Cost
$28,562
SAT
1310–1520
Engineer the next big thing at this Midwest research behemoth, where massive scale delivers top-tier opportunities amid Big Ten roars and relentless winters.
#33 in Nursing
Chicago, IL
Acceptance
82%
Total Cost
$65,110
SAT
1170–1360
Jesuit institution anchoring rigorous education in Chicago's lakeside neighborhoods and bustling downtown.
#50 in Liberal Arts
Wheaton, IL
Acceptance
87%
Total Cost
$55,000
SAT
1260–1470
Faith-infused liberal arts haven where Billy Graham studied amid Chicago suburbs.
#52 in Computer Science
Chicago, IL
Acceptance
55%
Total Cost
$66,365
SAT
1180–1440
Chicago's modernist tech hub where Mies van der Rohe's steel-and-glass campus sparks engineering and architecture innovation.
#64 in Liberal Arts
Galesburg, IL
Acceptance
71%
Total Cost
$63,189
SAT
1180–1440
In a sleepy Illinois prairie town where Lincoln once debated Douglas, Knox College hands you the reins to craft your own liberal arts adventure amid abolitionist roots and wide-open prairies.
#73 in Liberal Arts
Elsah, IL
Acceptance
48%
Total Cost
$45,110
SAT
1040–1250
Tiny liberal arts college on Mississippi bluffs where students work campus jobs to cover room and board while pursuing global studies.
#75 in Computer Science
Chicago, IL
Acceptance
77%
Total Cost
$27,428
SAT
1130–1350
Chicago's gritty public research engine, fueling diverse go-getters into medicine, engineering, and urban leadership amid the city's pulse.
#85 in Liberal Arts
Lake Forest, IL
Acceptance
57%
Total Cost
$64,700
SAT
1190–1393
Tucked in Chicago's posh northern suburbs, Lake Forest College delivers intimate liberal arts teaching with easy escapes to the city, perfect for students craving personal attention amid Midwestern calm.
University of Chicago is the highest-ranked university in Illinois, ranked #12 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at Illinois colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $27,265 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $28,217. After financial aid, the average net price is $19,744.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in Illinois is 75%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
To qualify for in-state tuition at Illinois public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a Illinois driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
Illinois is located in the Midwest region of the United States. Known for strong public university systems and Big Ten athletics, the Midwest offers affordable education with tight-knit campus communities.
Illinois offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $19,744. Public universities in Illinois provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.