Colleges in Illinois
Illinois balances world-class private universities like Northwestern and the University of Chicago with an excellent public system anchored by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — one of the top engineering and computer science programs in the country. Chicago's massive economy creates outstanding post-graduation opportunities across every field.
Top Colleges in Illinois by Enrollment
| School | |
|---|---|
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public | View → |
University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL · Public | View → |
Illinois State University Normal, IL · Public | View → |
DePaul University Chicago, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Chamberlain University-Illinois Addison, IL · For-Profit | View → |
Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL · Public | View → |
Northwestern University Evanston, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL · Public | View → |
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, IL · Public | View → |
University of Chicago Chicago, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Western Illinois University Macomb, IL · Public | View → |
National Louis University Chicago, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL · Public | View → |
Lewis University Romeoville, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL · Public | View → |
Aurora University Aurora, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Bradley University Peoria, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Frequently Asked Questions — Colleges in Illinois
How many colleges are in Illinois?
Illinois has 68+ bachelor's degree-granting colleges and universities. UIUC's computer science program consistently ranks among the top five in the US, making Illinois a top destination for aspiring software engineers.
What is the cheapest college in Illinois?
Average net prices at Illinois colleges range from under $10,000/year at some public schools for in-state students to over $35,000 at private institutions. Use the DecideMyCampus search to filter IL schools by net price and find the most affordable option for your income level.
What is the best public university in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is widely considered the flagship public university in Illinois. However, "best" depends on your major, budget, and priorities. Use DecideMyCampus to compare all IL public schools by graduation rates, earnings, and cost.
Do Illinois colleges offer in-state tuition?
Yes — public universities in Illinois offer significantly lower tuition for residents. In-state tuition savings can be $10,000–$25,000 per year compared to out-of-state rates. The DecideMyCampus school pages show both in-state and out-of-state tuition costs.
College Cities in Illinois
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