Best colleges in Chicago
Choosing from one of the more than 4,000 college degree-granting institutions in the United States can be one of the most stressful times in a high school senior's life. Figuring out where to go is one consideration. Cost is another; Americans currently are carrying a collective $1.5 trillion in college debt that doesn't go away even if they were to declare bankruptcy. So, many college students of tomorrow are looking for schools that will give them the most bang for their buck in terms of financial aid, job prospects, and networking opportunities.
One factor in the decision of where to go that can't be ignored is a school's location because of its influence on the overall college experience. The jobs students get to pay for textbooks or the fun events they go to with friends can largely depend on the city where their college is located. While some prospective college students are less concerned about the location of their chosen school than what the school has to offer, others specifically want to get their degrees from schools in a small town, or where they have access to the bright lights of a big city and all the options it provides. Others prefer to stay close to home or go to a school at a location they've only learned about in movies.
You don't have to sacrifice a quality education to go to school in the city of your dreams. Here, Stacker has compiled a list of the best colleges in Chicago. Niche's 2018 metro area rankings were used, which consider academics, financial aid, student outcomes, and campus, as well as surveys from students and other factors to provide a comprehensive list. Only colleges in Niche's metro area rankings are included.
For prospective students who have their hearts set on Chicago (or residents curious to see which school is their city's best), click through our list and discover the school, or schools, that might suit you perfectly.
You may also like: Best colleges in Cincinnati
#15. Trinity Christian College
- Location: Palos Heights, IL
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- SAT range: 878-1153
- ACT: 21-27
- Faculty ratio: data not available
- Undergrads enrolled: 1,000
- Tuition: $28,200
#14. North Park University
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- SAT range: 1000-1190
- ACT: 19-24
- Faculty ratio: 10:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 1,812
- Tuition: $28,620
#13. Lewis University
- Location: Romeoville, IL
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- SAT range: 940-1230
- ACT: 21-26
- Faculty ratio: 13:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 3,687
- Tuition: $31,250
#12. Elmhurst College
- Location: Elmhurst, IL
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- SAT range: 980-1210
- ACT: 20-26
- Faculty ratio: 14:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 2,732
- Tuition: $36,370
#11. North Central College
- Location: Naperville, IL
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- SAT range: 1060-1320
- ACT: 22-27
- Faculty ratio: 14:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 2,634
- Tuition: $37,749
#10. University of St. Francis - Illinois
- Location: Joliet, IL
- Acceptance rate: 52%
- SAT range: 1030-1240
- ACT: 20-25
- Faculty ratio: 13:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 1,291
- Tuition: $31,150
#9. Lake Forest College
- Location: Lake Forest, IL
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- SAT range: 1020-1240
- ACT: data not available
- Faculty ratio: 12:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 1,487
- Tuition: $45,548
#8. Valparaiso University
- Location: Valparaiso, IN
- Acceptance rate: 84%
- SAT range: 1060-1270
- ACT: 23-29
- Faculty ratio: 12:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 3,153
- Tuition: $37,550
#7. University of Illinois at Chicago
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- SAT range: 1080-1330
- ACT: 20-26
- Faculty ratio: 19:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 17,961
- In-state tuition: $13,704
- Out-of-state tuition: $26,560
#6. Loyola University Chicago
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- SAT range: 1120-1310
- ACT: 24-29
- Faculty ratio: 14:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 10,681
- Tuition: $43,078
#5. DePaul University
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- SAT range: 1050-1260
- ACT: 22-27
- Faculty ratio: 16:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 12,886
- Tuition: $39,010
#4. Illinois Institute of Technology
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- SAT range: 1230-1410
- ACT: 25-31
- Faculty ratio: 12:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 2,631
- Tuition: $45,864
#3. Wheaton College - Illinois
- Location: Wheaton, IL
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- SAT range: 1230-1410
- ACT: 27-32
- Faculty ratio: 10:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 2,310
- Tuition: $35,190
#2. University of Chicago
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- SAT range: 1480-1580
- ACT: 32-35
- Faculty ratio: 5:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 5,978
- Tuition: $55,425
#1. Northwestern University
- Location: Evanston, IL
- Acceptance rate: 9%
- SAT range: 1420-1560
- ACT: 32-34
- Faculty ratio: 6:1
- Undergrads enrolled: 8,205
- Tuition: $52,678
