Illinois Colleges & Universities

Explore Illinois's outstanding higher education landscape, from world-class research universities to excellent liberal arts colleges in the Land of Lincoln.

Major Illinois Universities

Discover the flagship institutions that make Illinois a premier destination for higher education.

Public Research University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Flagship public research university with world-renowned engineering and computer science programs.

52,000+
Students
59%
Acceptance Rate

Key Strengths:

Engineering excellence
Research leadership
Strong alumni network
Top programs
Private Research University
Northwestern University

Elite private university near Chicago known for outstanding academics and professional programs.

22,000+
Students
7%
Acceptance Rate

Key Strengths:

Academic prestige
Journalism excellence
Research opportunities
Chicago access
Private Research University
University of Chicago

Prestigious private university known for rigorous academics and intellectual discourse.

17,000+
Students
6%
Acceptance Rate

Key Strengths:

Academic rigor
Nobel laureates
Liberal arts excellence
Economics leadership
Private Technical University
Illinois Institute of Technology

Leading technological university with strong programs in engineering, science, and technology.

8,000+
Students
54%
Acceptance Rate

Key Strengths:

STEM focus
Innovation programs
Career outcomes
Chicago location

Types of Illinois Higher Education Institutions

15+
Research Universities

Major institutions offering extensive research opportunities and graduate programs

Examples:

  • University of Illinois system
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Chicago
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
25+
Regional Universities

Strong regional institutions offering diverse academic programs and opportunities

Examples:

  • Northern Illinois University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Eastern Illinois University
  • Western Illinois University
30+
Liberal Arts Colleges

Small, private institutions focusing on undergraduate education and close faculty relationships

Examples:

  • Lake Forest College
  • Knox College
  • Wheaton College
  • Illinois College
48
Community Colleges

Two-year institutions offering affordable education and transfer pathways

Examples:

  • College of DuPage
  • Moraine Valley Community College
  • Harper College
  • Oakton Community College

What Makes Illinois Colleges Special

Innovation Leadership

Study at institutions driving technological innovation and research breakthroughs.

Industry Connections

Access strong connections to manufacturing, agriculture, and technology industries.

Academic Excellence

Benefit from consistently top-ranked programs across multiple academic disciplines.

Continue Your Illinois College Planning Journey

Now that you've explored Illinois's colleges, let's dive into financial aid and scholarship opportunities.