2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Illinois

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Chicago	7598	4.48	1,510 – 1,570	28060	80870	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 7,598 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	9399	7.69	1,500 – 1,560	26830	76844	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 9,399 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	Wheaton College	2150	87.4	1,280 – 1,460	31356	50270	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,150 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
4	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	37140	42.37	1,330 – 1,520	13973	64802	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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." Undergraduates 37,140 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
5	Principia College	339	44.4	1,030 – 1,220	18248	63721	#5 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 339 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
6	Lake Forest College	1814	56.81	1,240 – 1,410	31225	51324	#6 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,814 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
7	Illinois Wesleyan University	1582	39.31	1,150 – 1,350	28644	56082	#7 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,582 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
8	Loyola University Chicago	12538	81.6	1,220 – 1,390	39147	58411	#8 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 12,538 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
9	Augustana College	2522	62.68	1,040 – 1,290	24714	49849	#9 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,522 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
10	Knox College	1136	70.79	1,160 – 1,440	25709	37757	#10 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,136 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
11	DePaul University	14188	75.89	1,160 – 1,350	34135	54695	#11 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 14,188 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
12	Bradley University	3596	76.76	1,120 – 1,330	23787	59114	#12 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,596 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
13	Illinois Institute of Technology	3135	54.93	1,200 – 1,440	24796	70803	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,135 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
14	School of the Art Institute of Chicago	2805	77.47	1,080 – 1,240	55631	26742	#14 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,805 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
15	North Central College	2454	77.33	1,090 – 1,320	23276	51762	#15 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 2,454 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
16	Methodist College	245	38.89	800 – 1,160	41787	64709	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Illinois Methodist College Peoria, IL Undergraduates 245 Acceptance Rate 38.9% SAT Score 800 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $41,787 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,709
17	Illinois State University	19107	88.15	1,010 – 1,230	21369	50599	#17 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 19,107 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
18	Elmhurst University	3213	73.64	1,020 – 1,280	24629	52803	#18 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,213 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
19	University of Illinois Chicago	22495	77.35	1,150 – 1,360	10852	53218	#19 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 22,495 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	Illinois College	937	78.19	920 – 1,200	17375	40110	#20 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 937 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
21	University of St Francis	1343	65.29	1,040 – 1,250	14045	56648	#21 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,343 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	Lewis University	4326	71.29	980 – 1,220	18959	56095	#22 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 4,326 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
23	Olivet Nazarene University	2711	55.86	980 – 1,230	21281	49278	#23 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 2,711 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
24	Moody Bible Institute	1547	82.69	980 – 1,180	21614	40210	#24 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,547 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
25	Monmouth College	713	90.93	1,010 – 1,230	17768	43158	#25 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 713 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
26	Dominican University	2690	90.32	890 – 1,120	13402	47907	#26 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,690 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
27	Aurora University	4106	80.85	920 – 1,170	19053	51237	#27 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 4,106 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
28	Millikin University	1495	66.68	890 – 1,150	22813	43100	#28 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,495 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
29	University of Illinois Springfield	2309	85.88	980 – 1,220	10809	47432	#29 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,309 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
30	Greenville University	986	97.5	820 – 1,260	20799	40307	#30 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 986 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
31	Saint Xavier University	3098	84.3	960 – 1,140	11318	50784	#31 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,098 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
32	Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	8945	97.5	980 – 1,220	17115	46384	#32 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 8,945 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
33	McKendree University	1757	71.72	920 – 1,300	22444	49439	#33 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,757 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
34	Eastern Illinois University	6785	65.35	880 – 1,090	13787	42694	#34 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 6,785 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
35	Benedictine University	1972	95.23	1,030 – 1,300	23139	50222	#35 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,972 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
36	Quincy University	1072	50.93	1,020 – 1,210	19477	43331	#36 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,072 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	Northern Illinois University	11348	69.79	960 – 1,180	14243	46113	#37 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 11,348 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
38	North Park University	1841	68.51	1,010 – 1,140	20372	49326	#38 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,841 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
39	Southern Illinois University-Carbondale	8553	86.88	920 – 1,170	13473	43087	#39 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 8,553 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	Chamberlain University-Illinois	14041	82.64	790 – 900	31599	84533	#40 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 14,041 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
41	Judson University	718	47.59	870 – 1,160	18673	45374	#41 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 718 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
42	Roosevelt University	2868	97.16	910 – 1,190	22366	42896	#42 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,868 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
43	Hebrew Theological College	182	57.14	1,040 – 1,140	16158	32793	#43 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 182 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
44	VanderCook College of Music	107	89.47	880 – 1,130	21306	45704	#44 2026 Best Colleges in Illinois VanderCook College of Music Chicago, IL Based in Chicago, VanderCook College of Music accepts 89% of applicants. They request $40 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 100% of students attending VanderCook College of Music will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At VanderCook......Read more Undergraduates 107 Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score 880 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $21,306 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,704
45	Concordia University-Chicago	1368	92.79	1,000 – 1,200	19073	44405	#45 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,368 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
46	Western Illinois University	4525	71.18	910 – 1,120	14208	43057	#46 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 4,525 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
47	Rockford University	983	92.91	870 – 1,080	23642	45847	#47 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 983 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
48	DeVry University-Illinois	28046	98.38	680 – 1,020	30889	42178	#48 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 28,046 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
49	Blackburn College	513	63.19	890 – 1,150	18460	36665	#49 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 513 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
50	Eureka College	527	84.99	880 – 1,160	19128	42968	#50 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 527 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
51	Columbia College Chicago	5422	89.46	--	29473	32596	#51 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 5,422 Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $29,473 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,596
52	Governors State University	2572	48.27	830 – 1,060	12756	45435	#52 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,572 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
53	National Louis University	4471	95.05	850 – 930	13150	43562	#53 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 4,471 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
54	Chicago State University	1501	43.26	790 – 980	10441	33805	#54 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,501 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
55	East-West University	468	40.69	850 – 1,010	21872	21236	#55 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 468 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
56	Northeastern Illinois University	4226	74.6	820 – 1,020	14140	43801	#56 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 4,226 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