University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in Illinois.
The best colleges and universities in Illinois also happen to be some of the best in the nation. The Chicago area is home to Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Chicago, to name just three of the top schools. When you venture out of that sprawling megalopolis, you'll find countless opportunities for post-secondary education, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Wheaton College, and Bradley University.
Illinois not only has great universities, but it also has excellent opportunities that await its graduates. After you toss your cap in the air, there are plenty of employers waiting to snap you up for their management training programs, entry-level positions, and more. You can start off in the Chicago area, which is home to many Fortune 500 companies, top financial firms, and countless small businesses. Alternatively, you could take your world-class degree anywhere your heart desires. Illinois' fantastic opportunities will be waiting when you return.
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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Illinois?
Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, is home to the United States' third largest city, borders a Great Lake, and grows tons of grains across its expansive plains. Bachelor's degrees in Illinois are also plentiful and you can study nearly anything you wish at one of the state's many public and private universities. Since Chicago is a hub of finance, the most popular bachelor's degrees include business, finance, and accounting. However, engineering is also strong in Illinois, as are health sciences.
Top Majors in Illinois
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Get Matched With Illinois Programs
Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Illinois
Fox College
Score: 89.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,190
- Out-of-State: $17,190
- Net Price: $9,605
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 252
- Undergrad Students: 252
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,700
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Elgin Community College
Score: 75.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,140
- Out-of-State: $9,516
- Net Price: $3,968
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 8,910
- Undergrad Students: 8,910
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,100
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
William Rainey Harper College
Score: 75.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,990
- Out-of-State: $11,802
- Net Price: $8,065
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 12,434
- Undergrad Students: 12,434
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Lake Land College
Score: 72.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,104
- Out-of-State: $13,906
- Net Price: $4,839
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 3,742
- Undergrad Students: 3,742
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,300
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
College of Lake County
Score: 71.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,531
- Out-of-State: $14,036
- Net Price: $5,169
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 11,651
- Undergrad Students: 11,651
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,800
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Lewis and Clark Community College
Score: 71.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,552
- Out-of-State: $12,552
- Net Price: $3,121
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 3,973
- Undergrad Students: 3,973
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,300
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Moraine Valley Community College
Score: 70.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,502
- Out-of-State: $9,846
- Net Price: $1,711
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 10,511
- Undergrad Students: 10,511
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Parkland College
Score: 69.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,642
- Out-of-State: $13,266
- Net Price: $8,688
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 5,686
- Undergrad Students: 5,686
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,900
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Olney Central College
Score: 69.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,270
- Out-of-State: $12,340
- Net Price: $4,687
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 869
- Undergrad Students: 869
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $25,400
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Kaskaskia College
Score: 69.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,770
- Out-of-State: $12,570
- Net Price: $5,074
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 3,370
- Undergrad Students: 3,370
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,400
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Oakton Community College
Score: 69.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,446
- Out-of-State: $12,462
- Net Price: $6,854
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 7,645
- Undergrad Students: 7,645
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,800
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Rend Lake College
Score: 69.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,800
- Out-of-State: $7,800
- Net Price: $9,909
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 2,017
- Undergrad Students: 2,017
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,200
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Black Hawk College
Score: 69.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,950
- Out-of-State: $8,100
- Net Price: $5,123
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 3,773
- Undergrad Students: 3,773
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,400
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Illinois Valley Community College
Score: 68.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,835
- Out-of-State: $14,981
- Net Price: $5,969
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,371
- Undergrad Students: 2,371
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,400
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Waubonsee Community College
Score: 68.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,369
- Out-of-State: $12,330
- Net Price: $5,028
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 7,491
- Undergrad Students: 7,491
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,600
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Highland Community College-Freeport
Score: 68.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,976
- Out-of-State: $7,120
- Net Price: $5,973
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,184
- Undergrad Students: 1,184
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $29,300
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Triton College
Score: 68.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,790
- Out-of-State: $14,880
- Net Price: $5,936
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 8,616
- Undergrad Students: 8,616
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,800
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Danville Area Community College
Score: 68.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,200
- Out-of-State: $9,200
- Net Price: $5,122
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,924
- Undergrad Students: 1,924
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,800
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Richland Community College
Score: 68.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,800
- Out-of-State: $17,070
- Net Price: $4,790
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,075
- Undergrad Students: 2,075
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,900
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Lincoln Land Community College
Score: 67.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,960
- Out-of-State: $10,248
- Net Price: $4,265
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 4,444
- Undergrad Students: 4,444
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,300
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Carl Sandburg College
Score: 67.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,910
- Out-of-State: $8,810
- Net Price: $3,094
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 1,688
- Undergrad Students: 1,688
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,700
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Sauk Valley Community College
Score: 67.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,580
- Out-of-State: $12,840
- Net Price: $10,166
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,386
- Undergrad Students: 1,386
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,900
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
John Wood Community College
Score: 67.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,000
- Out-of-State: $9,000
- Net Price: $6,557
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 1,718
- Undergrad Students: 1,718
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,800
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
McHenry County College
Score: 67.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,529
- Out-of-State: $14,885
- Net Price: $6,336
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 8,874
- Undergrad Students: 8,874
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
College of DuPage
Score: 66.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,410
- Out-of-State: $12,510
- Net Price: $5,184
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 21,939
- Undergrad Students: 21,939
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,700
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
Northwestern University
Score: 91.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,997
- Out-of-State: $65,997
- Net Price: $22,095
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 23,161
- Undergrad Students: 8,993
- Graduate Students: 14,168
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Score: 85.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,004
- Out-of-State: $34,501
- Net Price: $14,544
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 56,916
- Undergrad Students: 35,120
- Graduate Students: 21,796
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Chicago
Score: 81.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,939
- Out-of-State: $66,939
- Net Price: $36,991
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Retention Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 18,339
- Undergrad Students: 7,595
- Graduate Students: 10,744
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Illinois Institute of Technology
Score: 78.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $51,763
- Out-of-State: $51,763
- Net Price: $28,702
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 6,943
- Undergrad Students: 3,125
- Graduate Students: 3,818
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of St. Francis
Score: 78.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,000
- Out-of-State: $37,000
- Net Price: $18,560
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,297
- Undergrad Students: 1,414
- Graduate Students: 1,883
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Principia College
Score: 77.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,280
- Out-of-State: $33,280
- Net Price: $18,039
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
- Total Enrollment: 323
- Undergrad Students: 323
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Illinois Chicago
Score: 76.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,338
- Out-of-State: $29,360
- Net Price: $10,384
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 33,747
- Undergrad Students: 21,807
- Graduate Students: 11,940
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Millikin University
Score: 75.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,670
- Out-of-State: $43,670
- Net Price: $10,492
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 1,807
- Undergrad Students: 1,708
- Graduate Students: 99
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Bradley University
Score: 74.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,680
- Out-of-State: $39,680
- Net Price: $24,053
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 5,552
- Undergrad Students: 4,143
- Graduate Students: 1,409
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Illinois Wesleyan University
Score: 73.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $55,704
- Out-of-State: $55,704
- Net Price: $30,096
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 1,527
- Undergrad Students: 1,527
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Augustana College
Score: 73.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,834
- Out-of-State: $49,834
- Net Price: $24,660
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 2,349
- Undergrad Students: 2,318
- Graduate Students: 31
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Lewis University
Score: 73.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,882
- Out-of-State: $37,882
- Net Price: $19,184
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 6,513
- Undergrad Students: 3,933
- Graduate Students: 2,580
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Saint Xavier University
Score: 72.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,840
- Out-of-State: $36,840
- Net Price: $11,302
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 3,523
- Undergrad Students: 2,981
- Graduate Students: 542
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Illinois Springfield
Score: 71.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,252
- Out-of-State: $22,017
- Net Price: $11,733
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 4,198
- Undergrad Students: 2,393
- Graduate Students: 1,805
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Northern Illinois University
Score: 71.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,700
- Out-of-State: $12,700
- Net Price: $13,884
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 15,649
- Undergrad Students: 11,429
- Graduate Students: 4,220
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Lake Forest College
Score: 71.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,202
- Out-of-State: $54,202
- Net Price: $27,839
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 1,753
- Undergrad Students: 1,727
- Graduate Students: 26
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Trinity Christian College
Score: 70.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,325
- Out-of-State: $20,325
- Net Price: $18,822
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 908
- Undergrad Students: 854
- Graduate Students: 54
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Olivet Nazarene University
Score: 70.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,940
- Out-of-State: $37,940
- Net Price: $20,059
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,255
- Undergrad Students: 2,519
- Graduate Students: 736
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
North Park University
Score: 70.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,325
- Out-of-State: $35,325
- Net Price: $19,029
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 2,660
- Undergrad Students: 1,868
- Graduate Students: 792
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Wheaton College
Score: 69.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,930
- Out-of-State: $43,930
- Net Price: $29,961
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 2,885
- Undergrad Students: 2,163
- Graduate Students: 722
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Western Illinois University
Score: 69.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,952
- Out-of-State: $14,952
- Net Price: $11,213
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 7,643
- Undergrad Students: 5,309
- Graduate Students: 2,334
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
DePaul University
Score: 69.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,460
- Out-of-State: $44,460
- Net Price: $32,151
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 20,917
- Undergrad Students: 14,134
- Graduate Students: 6,783
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
North Central College
Score: 69.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,394
- Out-of-State: $44,394
- Net Price: $25,285
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 2,695
- Undergrad Students: 2,368
- Graduate Students: 327
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Knox College
Score: 69.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $55,587
- Out-of-State: $55,587
- Net Price: $26,882
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 1,058
- Undergrad Students: 1,058
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Illinois State University
Score: 68.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,021
- Out-of-State: $28,086
- Net Price: $20,551
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 20,683
- Undergrad Students: 18,055
- Graduate Students: 2,628
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Illinois
Northwestern University
Score: 90.84
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,698
- Out-of-State: $52,698
- Net Price: $22,095
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 23,161
- Undergrad Students: 8,993
- Graduate Students: 14,168
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Score: 85.13
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,545
- Out-of-State: $30,348
- Net Price: $14,544
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 56,916
- Undergrad Students: 35,120
- Graduate Students: 21,796
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Chicago
Score: 80.62
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,145
- Out-of-State: $65,145
- Net Price: $36,991
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Retention Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 18,339
- Undergrad Students: 7,595
- Graduate Students: 10,744
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Illinois Institute of Technology
Score: 77.97
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,500
- Out-of-State: $32,500
- Net Price: $28,702
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 6,943
- Undergrad Students: 3,125
- Graduate Students: 3,818
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of St. Francis
Score: 77.72
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,382
- Out-of-State: $14,382
- Net Price: $18,560
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,297
- Undergrad Students: 1,414
- Graduate Students: 1,883
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Illinois Chicago
Score: 76.46
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,108
- Out-of-State: $25,481
- Net Price: $10,384
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 33,747
- Undergrad Students: 21,807
- Graduate Students: 11,940
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Millikin University
Score: 74.73
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,333
- Out-of-State: $21,333
- Net Price: $10,492
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 1,807
- Undergrad Students: 1,708
- Graduate Students: 99
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Bradley University
Score: 73.93
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,702
- Out-of-State: $18,702
- Net Price: $24,053
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 5,552
- Undergrad Students: 4,143
- Graduate Students: 1,409
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Lewis University
Score: 72.75
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,210
- Out-of-State: $15,210
- Net Price: $19,184
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 6,513
- Undergrad Students: 3,933
- Graduate Students: 2,580
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Saint Xavier University
Score: 72.6
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,000
- Out-of-State: $15,000
- Net Price: $11,302
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 3,523
- Undergrad Students: 2,981
- Graduate Students: 542
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Illinois Springfield
Score: 71.55
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,910
- Out-of-State: $16,146
- Net Price: $11,733
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 4,198
- Undergrad Students: 2,393
- Graduate Students: 1,805
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Northern Illinois University
Score: 71.09
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,090
- Out-of-State: $9,090
- Net Price: $13,884
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 15,649
- Undergrad Students: 11,429
- Graduate Students: 4,220
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Lake Forest College
Score: 70.97
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,212
- Out-of-State: $16,212
- Net Price: $27,839
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 1,753
- Undergrad Students: 1,727
- Graduate Students: 26
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Olivet Nazarene University
Score: 70.54
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,957
- Out-of-State: $10,957
- Net Price: $20,059
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,255
- Undergrad Students: 2,519
- Graduate Students: 736
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Trinity Christian College
Score: 70.5
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,823
- Out-of-State: $14,823
- Net Price: $18,822
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 908
- Undergrad Students: 854
- Graduate Students: 54
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
North Park University
Score: 69.86
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,966
- Out-of-State: $15,966
- Net Price: $19,029
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 2,660
- Undergrad Students: 1,868
- Graduate Students: 792
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Wheaton College
Score: 69.35
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,440
- Out-of-State: $19,440
- Net Price: $29,961
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 2,885
- Undergrad Students: 2,163
- Graduate Students: 722
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Western Illinois University
Score: 69.17
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,867
- Out-of-State: $8,867
- Net Price: $11,213
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 7,643
- Undergrad Students: 5,309
- Graduate Students: 2,334
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
DePaul University
Score: 68.93
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,135
- Out-of-State: $22,135
- Net Price: $32,151
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 20,917
- Undergrad Students: 14,134
- Graduate Students: 6,783
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
North Central College
Score: 68.79
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,822
- Out-of-State: $15,822
- Net Price: $25,285
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 2,695
- Undergrad Students: 2,368
- Graduate Students: 327
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Illinois State University
Score: 68.61
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,971
- Out-of-State: $10,608
- Net Price: $20,551
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 20,683
- Undergrad Students: 18,055
- Graduate Students: 2,628
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Eastern Illinois University
Score: 68.55
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,060
- Out-of-State: $19,345
- Net Price: $13,380
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 8,857
- Undergrad Students: 6,916
- Graduate Students: 1,941
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Score: 68.33
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,268
- Out-of-State: $28,170
- Net Price: $16,990
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 11,107
- Undergrad Students: 8,000
- Graduate Students: 3,107
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Quincy University
Score: 68.16
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,250
- Out-of-State: $11,250
- Net Price: $11,985
- Acceptance Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 1,307
- Undergrad Students: 1,147
- Graduate Students: 160
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Elmhurst University
Score: 68.15
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,667
- Out-of-State: $33,667
- Net Price: $24,108
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,731
- Undergrad Students: 3,027
- Graduate Students: 704
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Scholarships for Illinois Students
Scholarships and grants are a tremendous benefit for a few reasons. Most obviously, they provide much-needed funds to help pay for tuition, books, and even room and board. Secondly, it is an achievement to receive a scholarship or grant and thus will be a happy addition to your resume. So, while you may only receive a few hundred dollars of scholarship money, it may just continue paying dividends in the long-run. Here are a few scholarships for Illinois students:
CFNI
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
https://www.cfnil.org/scholarships/
Amount: $500-$10,000
Deadline: February 1
The CFNIL is a philanthropic organization that manages a wide range of scholarships for students in the state. They maintain scholarships that help firefighters, engineers, musicians, architects, and many more. Many of the scholarships are only available for students in Northern Illinois towns and counties such as Rockford, Winnebago County, Boone, Rochelle, Pecatonica, and Hononegah, to name a few. If you are headed to college from Northern Illinois, you should check it out.
SMCC
The Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship
http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 31
The American Radio Relay League offers a scholarship to students who hold Amateur Radio licenses in Illinois. The award is $500 and is awarded to students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. You can apply no matter what level of undergraduate degree you are seeking.
JFA
Jewish Federation Academic Scholarship
https://www.jcfs.org/jvsscholarships
Amount: $1,000-$8,000
Deadline: February 1
If you are Jewish and from Chicago, you can apply for this scholarship award. The Federation prefers to disburse funds to students who are studying in a career-oriented field such as engineering, law, fine arts, medicine, or business, among others. When you apply you should have plans to remain in the Chicago area, demonstrate financial need, and show career promise. The application requires an in-person interview in either March or April (ending the 20th.)
SWE
The Society for Women Engineers Scholarships
http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/scholarships
Amount: $1,000-$15,000 (Some are renewable)
Deadline: May 1 (Freshman), February 15 (Sophomores-Graduate Students)
The Society for Women Engineers strives to promote women who seek to enter the field. To apply for one of their many scholarships, you should be in your final year of high school or a college student, enrolled or accepted to an ABET-accredited engineering program. To apply, submit two letters of recommendation, and your official academic transcripts.