Colleges in Illinois

There are 136 accredited colleges and universities in Illinois. They admit an average of 72% of applicants, and the average net price after aid is $17,720 per year. Compare acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and net prices — and see your personal admission chances for free.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Top Colleges in Illinois

The most selective and highly ranked accredited universities in Illinois. Click any school for its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, net price, and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL7%
University of ChicagoChicago, IL5%
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL44%
Illinois State UniversityNormal, IL89%
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago, IL55%
Illinois Wesleyan UniversityBloomington, IL45%
Lake Forest CollegeLake Forest, IL59%
Methodist CollegePeoria, IL31%
The Chicago School at ChicagoChicago, IL33%
Knox CollegeGalesburg, IL71%
Principia CollegeElsah, IL44%
Quincy UniversityQuincy, IL50%
North Central CollegeNaperville, IL58%
DePaul UniversityChicago, IL74%
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago, IL78%
Bradley UniversityPeoria, IL77%
Wheaton CollegeWheaton, IL90%
Augustana CollegeRock Island, IL68%
Loyola University ChicagoChicago, IL81%
Millikin UniversityDecatur, IL54%
Olivet Nazarene UniversityBourbonnais, IL67%
University of St FrancisJoliet, IL64%
Chicago State UniversityChicago, IL40%
Elmhurst UniversityElmhurst, IL76%
Lewis UniversityRomeoville, IL73%
Rockford UniversityRockford, IL57%
University of Illinois SpringfieldSpringfield, IL84%
Illinois CollegeJacksonville, IL75%
Judson UniversityElgin, IL63%
Monmouth CollegeMonmouth, IL87%

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois

Universities in Illinois with the lowest average net price after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard data).

UniversityLocationAvg Net Price
Trinity International University-IllinoisDeerfield, IL$2,835
South Suburban CollegeSouth Holland, IL$3,242
Carl Sandburg CollegeGalesburg, IL$3,662
Danville Area Community CollegeDanville, IL$4,777
Morton CollegeCicero, IL$5,191
Rock Valley CollegeRockford, IL$5,242
John A Logan CollegeCarterville, IL$5,541
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright CollegeChicago, IL$6,375
John Wood Community CollegeQuincy, IL$7,050
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington CollegeChicago, IL$7,397
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn, IL$7,401
Telshe Yeshiva-ChicagoChicago, IL$7,626

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in Illinois?

There are 136 accredited colleges and universities in Illinois in Admit Coach's database, sourced from federal IPEDS data. They admit an average of 72% of applicants and cost about $17,720 per year after aid.

What is the best college in Illinois?

Northwestern University is the highest nationally ranked university in Illinois. The best college depends on your major, budget, and admission chances, though. Admit Coach ranks all 136 Illinois colleges by your personal fit using your GPA and test scores, not just national reputation.

What is the average cost of college in Illinois?

The average net price — the real cost after grants and scholarships — at colleges in Illinois is about $17,720 per year. Admit Coach shows net price by five income brackets for every school, so you see the estimate for your family's income bracket, not just the sticker price.

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