2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Hebrew Theological College	100	92	1,040 – 1,140	11197	32793	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Hebrew Theological College Skokie, IL Located in Skokie, Hebrew Theological College accepts 92% of applicants and requests $100 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 50% of students attending Hebrew Theological College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 100 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 92.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $11,197 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,793
2	University of Chicago	99	4.48	1,510 – 1,570	27979	80870	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois University of Chicago Chicago, IL The University of Chicago receives 43,600 applications annually and the school is considered extremely selective. It's made up of an undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. UChicago also has campuses all over the world, from Hong Kong to Paris....Read more First Year Retention Rate 99 % Acceptance Rate 4.5% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $27,979 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $80,870
3	Northwestern University	98	7.69	1,510 – 1,560	23341	76844	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Northwestern University Evanston, IL A founding member of the Big Ten Conference, top sports for the Wildcats include Football, Basketball, and Swimming and Diving (combined). Willie the Wildcat cheers them on and the colors are purple and white....Read more First Year Retention Rate 98 % 1.0% Acceptance Rate 7.7% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $23,341 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $76,844
4	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	94.8	42.37	1,380 – 1,530	14297	64802	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL The University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1, and 71% of students will graduate in 4 years. The most popular major is Computer Science. Illinois's motto is "Learning & Labor." First Year Retention Rate 95 % Acceptance Rate 42.4% SAT Score 1,380 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $14,297 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,802
5	Wheaton College	93.84	89.98	1,270 – 1,440	31346	50270	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Wheaton College Wheaton, IL Wheaton College was founded by evangelical abolitionists in 1860 and would become a stop on the Underground Railroad. Clinical Psychology is the most popular major. A NCAA Division III with football school, athletes, wearing blue and orange, are known as The Thunder and compete in the College Conference of Illinois and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 94 % Acceptance Rate 90.0% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $31,346 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,270
6	Moody Bible Institute	90	97.54	930 – 1,140	23950	40210	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Moody Bible Institute Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, Moody Bible Institute accepted 98% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 77% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % 20.3% Acceptance Rate 97.5% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $23,950 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,210
7	Lake Forest College	89.9	56.81	1,240 – 1,410	29894	51324	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Lake Forest College Lake Forest, IL A liberal arts college, Lake Forest College is located just a half mile from Lake Michigan and 30 miles north of Chicago. With over 30 majors available, many students choose to major in Business/Commerce, General, followed by Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, and Speech......Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % Acceptance Rate 56.8% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $29,894 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,324
8	Illinois Institute of Technology	86	54.93	1,200 – 1,410	25001	70803	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology accepted 55% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $100 for graduate applications. About 100% of students attending Illinois Institute of Technology currently receive grant aid from the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % Acceptance Rate 54.9% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $25,001 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $70,803
9	DePaul University	85.5	75.89	1,110 – 1,330	32129	54695	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois DePaul University Chicago, IL Found in Chicago, DePaul University’s acceptance rate is 76% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students at DePaul University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. They receive $24,057 on average. The first year retention rate is 85%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % Acceptance Rate 75.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $32,129 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,695
10	Knox College	83.1	70.79	1,170 – 1,440	25524	37757	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Knox College Galesburg, IL Knox College got its start as the Knox Manual Labor College when founded in 1837 by abolitionists – it would go on to play a role in the Underground Railroad. Students can earn up to Bachelor's degrees, and they follow a quarter academic calendar....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % Acceptance Rate 70.8% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $25,524 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,757
11	Bradley University	82.47	76.75	1,060 – 1,290	24703	59114	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Bradley University Peoria, IL Found in Peoria, Bradley University’s acceptance rate is 77%. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Bradley University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The institution’s first year retention rate is 82% and its four year graduation......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 76.8% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $24,703 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,114
12	Principia College	82.14	42.99	1,060 – 1,250	14904	63721	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Principia College Elsah, IL Principia College offers up to Bachelor's degrees. Found on the Mississippi River, part of the campus is named a National Historic Landmark District. Class sizes are extremely small, with an average 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. 82% of students stay on after the first year and 86% graduate within six years. First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 43.0% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $14,904 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
13	Augustana College	82	62.77	1,040 – 1,290	24695	49849	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Augustana College Rock Island, IL Found in Rock Island, Augustana College accepted 63% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students at Augustana College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 62.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $24,695 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,849
14	School of the Art Institute of Chicago	82	76.42	1,080 – 1,240	55485	26742	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL Found in Chicago, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago accepts 76% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $65 to apply. Approximately 96% of students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 82%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 76.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $55,485 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,742
15	Loyola University Chicago	81.6	81.6	1,220 – 1,390	37592	58411	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL Found in Chicago, Loyola University Chicago accepts 82% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 96% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 81% and around 65% of students will graduate in four years or less. The three......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 81.6% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $37,592 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,411
16	Illinois State University	81.44	88.15	1,010 – 1,220	20871	50599	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Illinois State University Normal, IL Located in Normal, Illinois State University’s acceptance rate is 88% and charges $55 for undergraduate applications. About 94% of students at Illinois State University will receive grant aid from the school. At Illinois State University, there is a 81% first year retention rate and a 48% four year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $20,871 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,599
17	University of Illinois Chicago	80.21	77.35	1,150 – 1,360	11499	53218	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL Based in Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago accepts 77% of applicants. They charge $60 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 69% of students at the University of Illinois Chicago currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 80% and around 36% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 77.4% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $11,499 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,218
18	Elmhurst University	80	73.57	1,020 – 1,280	22760	52803	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Elmhurst University Elmhurst, IL Found in Elmhurst, Elmhurst University accepts 74% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 73.6% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $22,760 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,803
19	Illinois Wesleyan University	80	39.31	1,150 – 1,370	31310	56082	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Illinois Wesleyan University Bloomington, IL Based in Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan University accepts 39% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 98% of students at Illinois Wesleyan University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 39.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $31,310 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,082
20	Lewis University	79	71.28	980 – 1,220	19472	56095	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Lewis University Romeoville, IL Found in Romeoville, Lewis University accepted 71% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $19,472 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,095
21	Trinity Christian College	79	88.65	1,080 – 1,230	17218	48107	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Trinity Christian College Palos Heights, IL Trinity Christian College is interdenominational and students can pursue up to Post-master's certificates. Participating in the NAIA Division I Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, student-athletes are known as the Trolls. Popular sports include Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 3.9% Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $17,218 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,107
22	University of St Francis	79	65.3	900 – 1,160	16455	56648	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois University of St Francis Joliet, IL Based in Joliet, the University of St Francis’s acceptance rate is 65% and requests $20 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students attending the University of St Francis will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of St Francis, there is a 79% first year retention rate and 40% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % Acceptance Rate 65.3% SAT Score 900 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $16,455 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,648
23	Dominican University	78	90.32	940 – 1,180	16969	47907	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Dominican University River Forest, IL Based in River Forest, Dominican University accepted 90% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Dominican University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 90.3% SAT Score 940 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $16,969 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,907
24	North Central College	77.1	77.33	1,090 – 1,320	24190	51762	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois North Central College Naperville, IL North Central College started as Plainfield College in 1861, receiving its current name in 1926 and acquiring Shimer College in 2017. It’s affiliated with the United Methodist Church, and it’s motto is “Lux Veritas” – or “Light of Truth.” 795 athletes are known as the Cardinals and are cheered on by Chippy the Cardinal. First Year Retention Rate 77 % 0.1% Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $24,190 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,762
25	Chamberlain University-Illinois	77	88.57	790 – 900	25875	84533	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Chamberlain University-Illinois Addison, IL Found in Addison, Chamberlain University-Illinois accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $95 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 19% of students at Chamberlain University-Illinois currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 88.6% SAT Score 790 – 900 Avg. Net Price $25,875 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,533
26	Aurora University	76.9	80.85	920 – 1,170	19220	51237	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Aurora University Aurora, IL During the last admissions cycle, Aurora University received 5,380 applications. 15% of accepted students, or 660, decided to enroll. The school’s motto is “Sapientes abscondunt scientiam,” which is Latin for “Wise persons will carry away knowledge.” It offers up to Doctor's degrees. First Year Retention Rate 77 % Acceptance Rate 80.9% SAT Score 920 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $19,220 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,237
27	Methodist College	75	31.11	800 – 1,160	35461	64709	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Methodist College Peoria, IL Found in Peoria, Methodist College’s acceptance rate is 31% and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 0% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. 75% of students continued studying at Methodist College after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 31.1% SAT Score 800 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $35,461 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,709
28	Millikin University	74.8	66.68	890 – 1,150	10078	43100	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Millikin University Decatur, IL Based in Decatur, Millikin University accepts 67% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students at Millikin University will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 74% and around 44% of students will graduate in four years or......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 66.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $10,078 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,100
29	University of Illinois Springfield	74.8	85.88	970 – 1,230	9241	47432	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, IL The University of Illinois Springfield is one of three in the University of Illinois system and is located in the state's capitol city. U of I offers 48 degree programs with Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, General, and Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst being the most sought after....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 7.3% Acceptance Rate 85.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $9,241 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,432
30	Saint Xavier University	74	85.75	1,040 – 1,210	11943	50784	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, Saint Xavier University’s acceptance rate is 86%. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 100% of students at Saint Xavier University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 2.8% Acceptance Rate 85.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,943 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,784
31	Olivet Nazarene University	73	55.86	980 – 1,230	22707	49278	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, IL Olivet Nazarene University got its start as a grammar school when it opened in 1907, becoming a university in 1986. It’s fairly selective. Athletes, known as the Tigers, wear purple and gold and are cheered on by Toby the Tiger. Many compete in Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), Football, and Soccer. First Year Retention Rate 73 % Acceptance Rate 55.9% SAT Score 980 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $22,707 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,278
32	Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	72	97.21	940 – 1,190	15182	46384	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville received 8,900 applications during the last admissions cycle. Many students major in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, and General....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 97.2% SAT Score 940 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $15,182 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,384
33	Eastern Illinois University	71.32	65.35	880 – 1,100	14621	42694	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL Based in Charleston, Eastern Illinois University accepts 65% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $30 for graduate applications. Approximately 90% of students at Eastern Illinois University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % Acceptance Rate 65.4% SAT Score 880 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $14,621 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,694
34	Greenville University	71	97.66	890 – 1,130	21442	40307	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Greenville University Greenville, IL Based in Greenville, Greenville University’s acceptance rate is 98%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 98% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 71%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % Acceptance Rate 97.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $21,442 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,307
35	Judson University	71	62.33	870 – 1,100	21331	45374	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Judson University Elgin, IL Based in Elgin, Judson University accepted 62% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 94% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % Acceptance Rate 62.3% SAT Score 870 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $21,331 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,374
36	Illinois College	70.63	78.19	910 – 1,200	17255	40110	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Illinois College Jacksonville, IL Founded in 1829, Illinois College is the second oldest college in the state. 100% of enrolled students receive grant aid to help offset the cost of attendance, with each package averaging $30,139....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 910 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $17,255 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,110
37	Monmouth College	70	86.6	1,020 – 1,240	19088	43158	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Monmouth College Monmouth, IL Found in Monmouth, Monmouth College accepts 87% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 70% and around 50% of students will graduate within four years. Business......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $19,088 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,158
38	Northern Illinois University	70	69.79	960 – 1,180	13533	46113	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL Northern Illinois University opened in 1895 as the Northern Illinois State School. The 756-acre campus is home to Altgeld Hall, which looks like a castle. Popular areas of study include Psychology, General, and Computer Science. First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 69.8% SAT Score 960 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,533 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,113
39	Rockford University	70	57.04	870 – 1,090	24098	45847	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Rockford University Rockford, IL Located in Rockford, Rockford University’s acceptance rate is 57%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 99% of students attending Rockford University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 6.1% Acceptance Rate 57.0% SAT Score 870 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $24,098 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,847
40	North Park University	69	72.84	1,010 – 1,210	19910	49326	#40 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois North Park University Chicago, IL Based in Chicago, North Park University accepts 73% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 99% of students attending North Park University currently receive institutional grant aid. At North Park University, there is a 69% first year retention rate and 42% of students will earn their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 14.4% Acceptance Rate 72.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,910 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,326
41	McKendree University	68	63.88	920 – 1,300	25200	49439	#41 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois McKendree University Lebanon, IL Located in Lebanon, McKendree University’s acceptance rate is 64% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 87% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 6.8% Acceptance Rate 63.9% SAT Score 920 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $25,200 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,439
42	Southern Illinois University-Carbondale	66.8	86.88	920 – 1,190	16131	43087	#42 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, IL Located in Carbondale, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale’s acceptance rate is 87% and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 78% of students attending Southern Illinois University-Carbondale will receive institutional grant aid. 66% of students continued studying at Southern Illinois......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % Acceptance Rate 86.9% SAT Score 920 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $16,131 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,087
43	Benedictine University	66	95.23	1,010 – 1,300	24570	50222	#43 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Benedictine University Lisle, IL Based in Lisle, Benedictine University accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 94% of students at Benedictine University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % Acceptance Rate 95.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $24,570 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,222
44	Columbia College Chicago	66	75.49	--	29790	32596	#44 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL Based in Chicago, Columbia College Chicago accepts 75% of applicants. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Columbia College Chicago will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % Acceptance Rate 75.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $29,790 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,596
45	DeVry University-Illinois	65	98.37	1,010 – 1,140	31063	42178	#45 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois DeVry University-Illinois Lisle, IL Based in Lisle, DeVry University-Illinois accepts 98% of applicants. They charge $30 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 82% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At DeVry University-Illinois, there is a 65% first year retention rate and around 26% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 98.4% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $31,063 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,178
46	Roosevelt University	62	94.27	860 – 1,130	21503	42896	#46 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Roosevelt University Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, Roosevelt University accepts 94% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 99% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. They are given $20,288 on average. 62% of students continued their studies at Roosevelt University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 4.6% Acceptance Rate 94.3% SAT Score 860 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $21,503 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,896
47	St. Augustine College	62	84.37	--	17008	31348	#47 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois St. Augustine College Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, St- Augustine College’s acceptance rate is 84%. Undergraduates have to pay $50 to apply. Approximately 20% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. At St- Augustine College, there is a 62% first year retention rate and a 3% four year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 8.8% Acceptance Rate 84.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,008 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,348
48	Western Illinois University	61.36	71.18	880 – 1,120	12168	43057	#48 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Western Illinois University Macomb, IL Found in Macomb, Western Illinois University accepts 71% of applicants. They require $30 for undergraduate applications. About 53% of students attending Western Illinois University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Western Illinois University, there is a 61% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 71.2% SAT Score 880 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $12,168 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,057
49	Concordia University-Chicago	61	92.79	1,000 – 1,200	17767	44405	#49 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Concordia University-Chicago River Forest, IL Found in River Forest, Concordia University-Chicago accepts 93% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Concordia University-Chicago currently receive grant aid from the school. At Concordia University-Chicago, there is a 61% first year retention rate and a 36% four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 92.8% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $17,767 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,405
50	Northeastern Illinois University	61	51.69	850 – 1,310	14669	43801	#50 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Found in Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University accepts 52% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 82% of students attending Northeastern Illinois University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Northeastern Illinois University, there is a 61% first year retention rate......Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 51.7% SAT Score 850 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $14,669 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,801
51	Blackburn College	58	80.14	890 – 1,150	21349	36665	#51 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Blackburn College Carlinville, IL Located in Carlinville, Blackburn College accepts 80% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 93% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At Blackburn College, there is a 58% first year retention rate and around 36% of students will earn a degree within four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 58 % 13.4% Acceptance Rate 80.1% SAT Score 890 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $21,349 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,665
52	National Louis University	56	93.12	850 – 930	15724	43562	#52 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois National Louis University Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, National Louis University accepts 93% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 15% of students attending National Louis University will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 56% and 19% of students will graduate in four years. The top three......Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % Acceptance Rate 93.1% SAT Score 850 – 930 Avg. Net Price $15,724 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,562
53	Governors State University	55.1	48.27	760 – 760	10833	45435	#53 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Governors State University University Park, IL Based in University Park, Governors State University accepted 48% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 45% of students attending Governors State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 55 % Acceptance Rate 48.3% SAT Score 760 – 760 Avg. Net Price $10,833 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,435
54	Eureka College	50.4	85	880 – 1,160	20215	42968	#54 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Eureka College Eureka, IL Located in Eureka, Eureka College accepted 85% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 50% and 42% of students will earn their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 50 % Acceptance Rate 85.0% SAT Score 880 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $20,215 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,968
55	Chicago State University	47	40.52	790 – 980	9852	33805	#55 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Chicago State University Chicago, IL Found in Chicago, Chicago State University accepts 41% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications. About 84% of students at Chicago State University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 47 % 14.6% Acceptance Rate 40.5% SAT Score 790 – 980 Avg. Net Price $9,852 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,805
56	East-West University	37	73.53	850 – 1,010	23140	21236	#56 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois East-West University Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, East-West University’s acceptance rate is 74% and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 97% of students attending East-West University will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 37%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 37 % 14.0% Acceptance Rate 73.5% SAT Score 850 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $23,140 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $21,236
57	Trinity International University-Illinois	5	93.18	990 – 1,210	21260	41545	#57 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Trinity International University-Illinois Deerfield, IL Found in Deerfield, Trinity International University-Illinois’s acceptance rate is 93% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Trinity International University-Illinois currently receive grant aid from the school. At Trinity International University-Illinois, there is a 5% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 5 % 92.4% Acceptance Rate 93.2% SAT Score 990 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $21,260 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,545
58	Ambria College of Nursing	0	100	--	0	71643	#58 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Ambria College of Nursing Hoffman Estates, IL First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $71,643
59	Blessing Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences	0	69.32	1,110 – 1,310	0	67602	#59 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Blessing Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences Quincy, IL First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 69.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,602
60	Northwestern College	0	80.65	--	24988	32980	#60 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Northwestern College Oak Lawn, IL First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 80.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $24,988 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,980
61	Quincy University	0	50.93	1,020 – 1,210	17424	43331	#61 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Quincy University Quincy, IL First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 50.9% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $17,424 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,331
62	Rush University	0	79.8	--	0	86865	#62 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Rush University Chicago, IL First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 79.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $86,865
63	Saint Anthony College of Nursing	0	100	--	0	76111	#63 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Saint Anthony College of Nursing Rockford, IL First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $76,111
64	Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing	0	79.8	--	0	69519	#64 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Peoria, IL First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 79.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $69,519