Get Matched With Illinois Programs

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.

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
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

Compare Popular Online Illinois Programs

Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Illinois


1

Fox College

Score: 87.62

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,620
    • Out-of-State: $16,620
  • 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: $33,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Fox College
2

Olney Central College

Score: 75.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,056
    • Out-of-State: $12,082
  • 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: $29,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Olney Central College
3

William Rainey Harper College

Score: 75.13

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,942
    • Out-of-State: $11,754
  • 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: $36,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • William Rainey Harper College
4

Elgin Community College

Score: 73.59

  • 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: $34,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Elgin Community College
5

Moraine Valley Community College

Score: 73.06

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,310
    • Out-of-State: $9,630
  • 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: $32,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Moraine Valley Community College
6

Wabash Valley College

Score: 72.21

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,056
    • Out-of-State: $12,082
  • Net Price: $6,028
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 926
  • Undergrad Students: 926
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $28,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Wabash Valley College
7

Highland Community College-Freeport

Score: 71.6

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,904
    • Out-of-State: $7,048
  • 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: $29,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Highland Community College-Freeport
8

Lake Land College

Score: 71.38

  • 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: $30,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Lake Land College
9

John Wood Community College

Score: 70.92

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,400
    • Out-of-State: $8,400
  • 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: $30,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • John Wood Community College
10

College of Lake County

Score: 70.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,842
    • Out-of-State: $13,118
  • 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: $32,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • College of Lake County
11

Oakton Community College

Score: 70

  • 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: $34,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Oakton Community College
12

Waubonsee Community College

Score: 69.77

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,626
    • Out-of-State: $11,496
  • 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: $33,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Waubonsee Community College
13

Lewis and Clark Community College

Score: 69.73

  • 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: $28,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Lewis and Clark Community College
14

Lincoln Trail College

Score: 69.57

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,056
    • Out-of-State: $12,082
  • Net Price: $4,702
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 636
  • Undergrad Students: 636
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $26,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Lincoln Trail College
15

Richland Community College

Score: 69.29

  • 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: $29,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Richland Community College
16

Illinois Valley Community College

Score: 68.76

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,169
    • Out-of-State: $14,314
  • 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: $29,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Illinois Valley Community College
17

Danville Area Community College

Score: 68.76

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,650
    • Out-of-State: $8,650
  • 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: $28,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Danville Area Community College
18

McHenry County College

Score: 68.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,341
    • Out-of-State: $14,692
  • 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: $34,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 26:1
  • McHenry County College
19

Lincoln Land Community College

Score: 68.27

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,840
    • Out-of-State: $10,068
  • 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: $28,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Lincoln Land Community College
20

College of DuPage

Score: 68.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,810
    • Out-of-State: $11,910
  • 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: $35,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • College of DuPage
21

Carl Sandburg College

Score: 68.12

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,860
    • Out-of-State: $8,760
  • 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: $26,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Carl Sandburg College
22

Black Hawk College

Score: 66.99

  • 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: $29,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Black Hawk College
23

Sauk Valley Community College

Score: 66.79

  • 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: $29,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Sauk Valley Community College
24

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

Score: 66.07

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,520
    • Out-of-State: $14,430
  • Net Price: $3,742
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,508
  • Undergrad Students: 7,508
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $32,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 29:1
  • City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College
25

Kaskaskia College

Score: 65.78

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,530
    • Out-of-State: $12,330
  • 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: $29,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Kaskaskia College

Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Illinois


1

Northwestern University

Score: 92.06

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $63,468
    • Out-of-State: $63,468
  • 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: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Northwestern University
2

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Score: 84.67

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,714
    • Out-of-State: $33,686
  • 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: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3

University of Chicago

Score: 82.69

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,260
    • Out-of-State: $64,260
  • 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
  • University of Chicago
4

Principia College

Score: 79.57

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $32,130
    • Out-of-State: $32,130
  • 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: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Principia College
5

Illinois Institute of Technology

Score: 77.79

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $50,640
    • Out-of-State: $50,640
  • 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: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
6

University of St. Francis

Score: 77.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,000
    • Out-of-State: $36,000
  • 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: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of St. Francis
7

University of Illinois Chicago

Score: 76.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,046
    • Out-of-State: $28,654
  • 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: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Illinois Chicago
8

Millikin University

Score: 74.51

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,632
    • Out-of-State: $41,632
  • 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: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Millikin University
9

Illinois Wesleyan University

Score: 73.69

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $53,814
    • Out-of-State: $53,814
  • 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: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Illinois Wesleyan University
10

Bradley University

Score: 73.56

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,800
    • Out-of-State: $37,800
  • 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: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Bradley University
11

Lewis University

Score: 73.17

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,530
    • Out-of-State: $36,530
  • 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: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Lewis University
12

Augustana College

Score: 73.12

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $47,916
    • Out-of-State: $47,916
  • 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: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Augustana College
13

Saint Xavier University

Score: 72.95

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $35,770
    • Out-of-State: $35,770
  • 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: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Saint Xavier University
14

University of Illinois Springfield

Score: 71.58

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,077
    • Out-of-State: $21,842
  • 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: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of Illinois Springfield
15

Wheaton College

Score: 71.06

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,240
    • Out-of-State: $42,240
  • 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: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Wheaton College
16

Northern Illinois University

Score: 71.04

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,662
    • Out-of-State: $12,662
  • 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: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Northern Illinois University
17

Lake Forest College

Score: 70.94

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $52,902
    • Out-of-State: $52,902
  • 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: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Lake Forest College
18

Olivet Nazarene University

Score: 70.34

  • 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: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Olivet Nazarene University
19

Illinois College

Score: 70.19

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,346
    • Out-of-State: $36,346
  • Net Price: $16,296
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,029
  • Undergrad Students: 1,028
  • Graduate Students: 1
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Illinois College
20

Trinity Christian College

Score: 70.1

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $34,325
    • Out-of-State: $34,325
  • Net Price: $18,822
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 908
  • Undergrad Students: 854
  • Graduate Students: 54
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Trinity Christian College
21

Quincy University

Score: 69.3

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $31,940
    • Out-of-State: $31,940
  • 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
  • Quincy University
22

North Park University

Score: 69.17

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $34,020
    • Out-of-State: $34,020
  • 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: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • North Park University
23

Knox College

Score: 68.8

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $53,259
    • Out-of-State: $53,259
  • 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: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Knox College
24

Western Illinois University

Score: 68.65

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,406
    • Out-of-State: $14,406
  • 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: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Western Illinois University
25

DePaul University

Score: 68.24

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,840
    • Out-of-State: $42,840
  • 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: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • DePaul University

Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Illinois


1

Northwestern University

Score: 91.28

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $51,869
    • Out-of-State: $51,869
  • 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: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Northwestern University
2

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Score: 83.68

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,891
    • Out-of-State: $29,176
  • 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: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3

University of Chicago

Score: 81.93

  • 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
  • University of Chicago
4

Illinois Institute of Technology

Score: 76.91

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $34,101
    • Out-of-State: $34,101
  • 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: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
5

University of St. Francis

Score: 76.6

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,950
    • Out-of-State: $13,950
  • 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: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of St. Francis
6

University of Illinois Chicago

Score: 75.2

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,181
    • Out-of-State: $25,346
  • 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: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Illinois Chicago
7

Millikin University

Score: 73.67

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $20,000
    • Out-of-State: $20,000
  • 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: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Millikin University
8

Bradley University

Score: 72.69

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,820
    • Out-of-State: $17,820
  • 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: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Bradley University
9

Lewis University

Score: 72.28

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,760
    • Out-of-State: $14,760
  • 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: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Lewis University
10

Saint Xavier University

Score: 72.04

  • 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: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Saint Xavier University
11

University of Illinois Springfield

Score: 70.72

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,858
    • Out-of-State: $16,408
  • 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: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of Illinois Springfield
12

Wheaton College

Score: 70.2

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $18,720
    • Out-of-State: $18,720
  • 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: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Wheaton College
13

Northern Illinois University

Score: 70.14

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,066
    • Out-of-State: $9,066
  • 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: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Northern Illinois University
14

Lake Forest College

Score: 70.07

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,816
    • Out-of-State: $15,816
  • 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: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Lake Forest College
15

Olivet Nazarene University

Score: 69.45

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,290
    • Out-of-State: $12,290
  • 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: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Olivet Nazarene University
16

Trinity Christian College

Score: 69.27

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,458
    • Out-of-State: $10,458
  • Net Price: $18,822
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 908
  • Undergrad Students: 854
  • Graduate Students: 54
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Trinity Christian College
17

Quincy University

Score: 68.41

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,000
    • Out-of-State: $12,000
  • 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
  • Quincy University
18

North Park University

Score: 68.33

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,004
    • Out-of-State: $14,004
  • 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: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • North Park University
19

Western Illinois University

Score: 67.77

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,609
    • Out-of-State: $8,609
  • 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: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Western Illinois University
20

DePaul University

Score: 67.3

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,719
    • Out-of-State: $21,719
  • 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: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • DePaul University
21

Elmhurst University

Score: 67.19

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,000
    • Out-of-State: $33,000
  • 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: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Elmhurst University
22

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Score: 67.18

  • 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: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
23

Illinois State University

Score: 67.08

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,694
    • Out-of-State: $9,500
  • 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: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Illinois State University
24

Eastern Illinois University

Score: 66.88

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,691
    • Out-of-State: $18,458
  • 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: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Eastern Illinois University
25

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Score: 66.78

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,402
    • Out-of-State: $7,402
  • Net Price: $13,586
  • Acceptance Rate: 98%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,519
  • Undergrad Students: 9,321
  • Graduate Students: 3,198
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Cost of Illinois College Education & Salaries


An Illinois bachelor's degree is not a cheap proposition. Those four or more years of study often mean that you aren't able to work full-time and that you graduate with a large amount of debt. That might seem daunting. However, consider that there are ways to ameliorate your tuition and other expenses.

One way to offset college expenses is by starting out at a community college. You can complete your core curriculum at a two-year school and then save the more expensive courses for when you move up to a four-year institution. It's also important to remain in-state for public education. When you travel out-of-state for your bachelor's degree you are likely to be charged two or even three times the in-state tuition. For the same money you could pay for a private school education.

Yet another tactic to employ when reducing the cost of your Illinois bachelor's degree is applying for scholarships. Many students overlook this possibility, or erroneously assume that scholarships aren't for them. Thus, lots of money is left lying on the table every year. Plus, consider the prestige that comes with a scholarship. Even if an award barely dents the bill for your books and materials, you will enter the job market with an award on your resume that someone else didn't feel was worth their time.

Finally, take a look at how much more you stand to earn with a bachelor's degree than without. Your job satisfaction level may be higher as well. You could perhaps find happiness installing electrical devices in residences, but it would probably be far more gratifying to install a communications infrastructure as an Electrical Engineer. That sort of satisfaction is priceless.

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College Cost Analysis - Illinois vs National


Average Illinois Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $14,259

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $28,522

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Illinois is among the top five states with the most financial aid. In Illinois, 62% of all FAFSA applicants receive aid for their bachelor's (or other) degrees. Of those that receive aid, 276,800 qualify for grants which need not be repaid. Meanwhile, 353,500 students take out loans at a rate of $12,600 per student. However, keep in mind that Illinois is a highly populated state that places a high value on education.

Financial Aid Illinois Nationally
Received Federal Grants 36% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $11,426 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Illinois


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_logo

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_logo

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.

QCS

Chapter 23 - Quad Cities Scholarship

https://www.smeef.org/sme-education-foundation-scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/
Amount: $1,000-$6,000
Deadline: February 1
If you seek a bachelor's degree in a field related to manufacturing, engineering, manufacturing technology, or integrated manufacturing systems, this award can help with books, fees, or tuition. The first preference is to award the scholarship to an SME Student Chapter member, but students from Iowa or Illinois are welcome to apply.

JFA_logo

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_logo

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.

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