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	University of Chicago	99	4.48	1,510 – 1,570	28060	80870	#1 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 $28,060 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $80,870
2	Northwestern University	98	7.69	1,500 – 1,560	26830	76844	#2 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 1,500 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $26,830 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $76,844
3	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	95	42.37	1,330 – 1,520	13973	64802	#3 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 72% 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 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 42.4% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $13,973 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,802
4	Wheaton College	93	87.4	1,280 – 1,460	31356	50270	#4 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 93 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 87.4% SAT Score 1,280 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $31,356 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,270
5	Lake Forest College	90	56.81	1,240 – 1,410	31225	51324	#5 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 % 4.7% Acceptance Rate 56.8% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $31,225 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,324
6	DePaul University	86	75.89	1,160 – 1,350	34135	54695	#6 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 $24,831 on average. The first year retention rate is 86%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 75.9% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $34,135 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,695
7	Hebrew Theological College	86	57.14	1,040 – 1,140	16158	32793	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Hebrew Theological College Skokie, IL Located in Skokie, Hebrew Theological College accepts 57% of applicants and requests $100 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 67% of students attending Hebrew Theological College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % Acceptance Rate 57.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $16,158 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,793
8	Illinois Institute of Technology	86	54.93	1,200 – 1,440	24796	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 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 54.9% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $24,796 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $70,803
9	Moody Bible Institute	84	82.69	980 – 1,180	21614	40210	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Moody Bible Institute Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, Moody Bible Institute accepted 83% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 78% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 6.7% Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score 980 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $21,614 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,210
10	School of the Art Institute of Chicago	84	77.47	1,080 – 1,240	55631	26742	#10 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 77% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $65 to apply. Approximately 99% of students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 84%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 77.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $55,631 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,742
11	Bradley University	83	76.76	1,120 – 1,330	23787	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 83% and its four year graduation......Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 76.8% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $23,787 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,114
12	Knox College	83	70.79	1,160 – 1,440	25709	37757	#12 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 % 3.8% Acceptance Rate 70.8% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $25,709 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,757
13	Principia College	83	44.4	1,030 – 1,220	18248	63721	#13 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. 83% of students stay on after the first year and 77% graduate within six years. First Year Retention Rate 83 % 10.7% Acceptance Rate 44.4% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,248 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
14	Augustana College	82	62.68	1,040 – 1,290	24714	49849	#14 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 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 62.7% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $24,714 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,849
15	Loyola University Chicago	82	81.6	1,220 – 1,390	39147	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 82% and around 67% of students will graduate in four years or less. The three......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 81.6% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $39,147 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,411
16	Illinois State University	81	88.15	1,010 – 1,230	21369	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 51% four year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $21,369 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,599
17	Elmhurst University	80	73.64	1,020 – 1,280	24629	52803	#17 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 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 5.3% Acceptance Rate 73.6% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $24,629 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,803
18	Illinois Wesleyan University	80	39.31	1,150 – 1,350	28644	56082	#18 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 100% of students at Illinois Wesleyan University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 5.9% Acceptance Rate 39.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $28,644 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,082
19	University of Illinois Chicago	80	77.35	1,150 – 1,360	10852	53218	#19 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 70% 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 40% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 77.4% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $10,852 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,218
20	Lewis University	79	71.29	980 – 1,220	18959	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 % 6.0% Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,959 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,095
21	University of St Francis	79	65.29	1,040 – 1,250	14045	56648	#21 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 unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 97% 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 47% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 8.2% Acceptance Rate 65.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $14,045 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,648
22	Dominican University	78	90.32	890 – 1,120	13402	47907	#22 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 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 90.3% SAT Score 890 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $13,402 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,907
23	Aurora University	77	80.85	920 – 1,170	19053	51237	#23 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. 16% of accepted students, or 680, 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 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 80.9% SAT Score 920 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $19,053 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,237
24	North Central College	77	77.33	1,090 – 1,320	23276	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 % 6.1% Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $23,276 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,762
25	Saint Xavier University	76	84.3	960 – 1,140	11318	50784	#25 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 84%. They request unknown 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 76 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 84.3% SAT Score 960 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $11,318 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,784
26	Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	76	97.5	980 – 1,220	17115	46384	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville received 10,000 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 76 % 5.6% Acceptance Rate 97.5% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $17,115 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,384
27	Millikin University	75	66.68	890 – 1,150	22813	43100	#27 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 75% and around 47% of students will graduate in four years or......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 66.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $22,813 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,100
28	University of Illinois Springfield	75	85.88	980 – 1,220	10809	47432	#28 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 % 7.4% Acceptance Rate 85.9% SAT Score 980 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $10,809 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,432
29	Monmouth College	74	90.93	1,010 – 1,230	17768	43158	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Monmouth College Monmouth, IL Found in Monmouth, Monmouth College accepts 91% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 74% and around 51% of students will graduate within four years. Business......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 5.7% Acceptance Rate 90.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $17,768 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,158
30	Chamberlain University-Illinois	73	82.64	790 – 900	31599	84533	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Chamberlain University-Illinois Addison, IL Found in Addison, Chamberlain University-Illinois accepted 83% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $95 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 73% of students at Chamberlain University-Illinois currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 5.2% Acceptance Rate 82.6% SAT Score 790 – 900 Avg. Net Price $31,599 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,533
31	Eastern Illinois University	72	65.35	880 – 1,090	13787	42694	#31 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 91% of students at Eastern Illinois University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 65.4% SAT Score 880 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $13,787 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,694
32	Greenville University	71	97.5	820 – 1,260	20799	40307	#32 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 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 71%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 97.5% SAT Score 820 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $20,799 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,307
33	Illinois College	71	78.19	920 – 1,200	17375	40110	#33 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 $31,609....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 920 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $17,375 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,110
34	Olivet Nazarene University	71	55.86	980 – 1,230	21281	49278	#34 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 71 % 4.4% Acceptance Rate 55.9% SAT Score 980 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $21,281 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,278
35	Northern Illinois University	70	69.79	960 – 1,180	14243	46113	#35 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 $14,243 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,113
36	Quincy University	70	50.93	1,020 – 1,210	19477	43331	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Quincy University Quincy, IL Located in Quincy, Quincy University accepts 51% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Quincy University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 9.4% Acceptance Rate 50.9% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,477 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,331
37	Blackburn College	67	63.19	890 – 1,150	18460	36665	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Blackburn College Carlinville, IL Located in Carlinville, Blackburn College accepts 63% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At Blackburn College, there is a 67% first year retention rate and around 25% of students will earn a degree within four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 15.5% Acceptance Rate 63.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $18,460 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,665
38	McKendree University	67	71.72	920 – 1,300	22444	49439	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois McKendree University Lebanon, IL Located in Lebanon, McKendree University’s acceptance rate is 72% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 93% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 71.7% SAT Score 920 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $22,444 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,439
39	Southern Illinois University-Carbondale	67	86.88	920 – 1,170	13473	43087	#39 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 81% of students attending Southern Illinois University-Carbondale will receive institutional grant aid. 67% of students continued studying at Southern Illinois......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 86.9% SAT Score 920 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $13,473 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,087
40	Benedictine University	66	95.23	1,030 – 1,300	23139	50222	#40 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 99% of students at Benedictine University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 95.2% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $23,139 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,222
41	Columbia College Chicago	66	89.46	--	29473	32596	#41 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL Based in Chicago, Columbia College Chicago accepts 89% of applicants. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Columbia College Chicago will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 3.1% Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $29,473 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,596
42	DeVry University-Illinois	65	98.38	680 – 1,020	30889	42178	#42 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 83% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At DeVry University-Illinois, there is a 65% first year retention rate and around 23% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 98.4% SAT Score 680 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $30,889 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,178
43	Rockford University	65	92.91	870 – 1,080	23642	45847	#43 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Rockford University Rockford, IL Located in Rockford, Rockford University’s acceptance rate is 93%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 47% of students attending Rockford University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 7.1% Acceptance Rate 92.9% SAT Score 870 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $23,642 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,847
44	North Park University	62	68.51	1,010 – 1,140	20372	49326	#44 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois North Park University Chicago, IL Based in Chicago, North Park University accepts 69% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending North Park University currently receive institutional grant aid. At North Park University, there is a 62% first year retention rate and 41% of students will earn their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 10.1% Acceptance Rate 68.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $20,372 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,326
45	Roosevelt University	62	97.16	910 – 1,190	22366	42896	#45 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Roosevelt University Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, Roosevelt University accepts 97% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 92% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. They are given $6,203 on average. 62% of students continued their studies at Roosevelt University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % Acceptance Rate 97.2% SAT Score 910 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $22,366 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,896
46	Concordia University-Chicago	61	92.79	1,000 – 1,200	19073	44405	#46 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 95% 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 33% four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 3.2% Acceptance Rate 92.8% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $19,073 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,405
47	Western Illinois University	61	71.18	910 – 1,120	14208	43057	#47 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 % 3.4% Acceptance Rate 71.2% SAT Score 910 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $14,208 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,057
48	Judson University	59	47.59	870 – 1,160	18673	45374	#48 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Judson University Elgin, IL Based in Elgin, Judson University accepted 48% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 20.3% Acceptance Rate 47.6% SAT Score 870 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $18,673 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,374
49	Chicago State University	57	43.26	790 – 980	10441	33805	#49 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Chicago State University Chicago, IL Found in Chicago, Chicago State University accepts 43% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications. About 85% of students at Chicago State University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % 21.3% Acceptance Rate 43.3% SAT Score 790 – 980 Avg. Net Price $10,441 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,805
50	Governors State University	56	48.27	830 – 1,060	12756	45435	#50 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 44% of students attending Governors State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 48.3% SAT Score 830 – 1,060 Avg. Net Price $12,756 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,435
51	Northeastern Illinois University	52	74.6	820 – 1,020	14140	43801	#51 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Found in Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University accepts 75% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 78% of students attending Northeastern Illinois University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Northeastern Illinois University, there is a 52% first year retention rate......Read more First Year Retention Rate 52 % 14.8% Acceptance Rate 74.6% SAT Score 820 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $14,140 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,801
52	St. Augustine College	52	0	--	8310	31348	#52 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois St. Augustine College Chicago, IL First Year Retention Rate 52 % 16.1% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,310 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,348
53	Eureka College	50	84.99	880 – 1,160	19128	42968	#53 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 39% of students will earn their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 50 % 20.6% Acceptance Rate 85.0% SAT Score 880 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $19,128 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,968
54	National Louis University	50	95.05	850 – 930	13150	43562	#54 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Illinois National Louis University Chicago, IL Located in Chicago, National Louis University accepts 95% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 18% of students attending National Louis University will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 50% and 23% of students will graduate in four years. The top three......Read more First Year Retention Rate 50 % 10.7% Acceptance Rate 95.1% SAT Score 850 – 930 Avg. Net Price $13,150 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,562
55	East-West University	37	40.69	850 – 1,010	21872	21236	#55 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 41% and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 75% 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 % Acceptance Rate 40.7% SAT Score 850 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $21,872 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $21,236