Illinois, also known as the “Prairie State,” has a varied population on and off-campus. It’s a fantastic place to study since it gives students the opportunity to mingle in both a city and a suburban atmosphere. Additionally, Illinois is well-known for its numerous historic landmarks and cities.
The University of Chicago is one of the ten best colleges in Illinois, while the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the greatest engineering schools in the country. Whatever your job ambitions, Illinois offers a diverse range of community colleges, public and private four-year and graduate institutions, and tiny liberal arts universities.
The top ten colleges in Illinois, their tuition costs, SAT and GPA requirements, rankings, and majors are all discussed in this article.
Table of contents
- Why Study In Illinois?
- What Are The Admission Requirements For Colleges In Illinois?
- 10 Best Colleges In Illinois
- 4. Illinois Wesleyan University
- 5. Illinois Institute of Technology
- 6. University of St Francis
- 7. Wheaton College
- 8. The University of Illinois at Chicago
- 9. The University of Illinois at Springfield
- 10. Lewis University
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Why Study In Illinois?
Illinois is a popular choice among overseas students. Last year, more than 28,000 students worldwide picked Illinois for its diversified academic offerings and central position in the United States. You’ll never be far from a major city in Illinois, with convenient access to both international and domestic travel.
Illinois has four different seasons due to its central location: scorching summers, gorgeous autumns, brutal winters, and pleasant springs. With rolling hills, open plains, the massive Lake Michigan, and the towering skyscrapers of Chicago, Illinois provides foreign students with a perfect location for study and leisure.
Illinois is home to McDonald’s, Motorola, Boeing, CDW, United and State Farm corporate headquarters. These are fantastic resources for finding internships and employment.
Read Also: 10 Cheapest Colleges In Illinois
What Are The Admission Requirements For Colleges In Illinois?
Admission to all colleges, like admission to all other institutions, requires certain qualifications. The following are the essential entrance requirements for the best colleges in Illinois:
- Demonstration of competencies
- High school class rank
- Completion of college preparatory program
- High test scores
Other application guidelines are
It’s vital that you submit a consolidated transcript that gathers and organizes all of your academic work. If the course name isn’t obvious or needs further explanation, include a brief course description. Course descriptions, grading/rating scales, syllabi, lab work, reading lists, textbooks, and historical/current information are all valuable resources in helping us better understand your academic program.
Test scores in the disciplines you wish to emphasize might provide objective verification and support for grades and ratings.
Professorial recommendations and opinions from outside your own country give impartial judgments and context to your academic work.
The Secondary School Report, which may include arguments for homeschooling, descriptions of curricula, and other material, can be completed by a high school guidance counselor, home school program administrator, curriculum consultant, or family.
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10 Best Colleges In Illinois
1. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago (UChicago) is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, that was founded in 1890. It is a non-profit institution with over 15,000 students who learn the skills they need to succeed in the labor market of the twenty-first century. UChicago offers a vibrant and inclusive culture, with students from various backgrounds and viewpoints contributing to the university’s and community’s advancement.
Students at UChicago pay $57,642, with no difference in tuition between in-state and out-of-state students. Furthermore, UChicago has detailed plans to expand the number of college students by providing need-based financial help in the form of grants.
It is ranked first among colleges in Illinois in terms of GPAs. With a GPA of 4.48 and an SAT score of 1570 or an ACT score of 33, prospective students have a better chance of being accepted to UChicago.
2. Northwestern University
Northwestern University, a private non-profit research university, was founded in 1851 and presently has over 21000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Northwestern University’s 9% admittance rate makes it a very competitive institution. According to 2018 figures, it has a 94 percent graduation rate and an average annual graduate income of $69,000.
It is ranked second among top colleges in Illinois. It is ranked 9th in the National Universities category and 15th in the Best Value Schools category. NU is also ranked 13th in the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs and 30th in the Most Innovative Schools categories.
Students must have a minimum SAT score of 1480 or an ACT score of 99 to be admitted to Northwestern University. Students must also maintain a 4.09 GPA.
Students must pay $56,691 in tuition, with no difference between in-state and out-of-state students. Financial help is available to both domestic and international students who satisfy the eligibility requirements.
3. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Institution of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a public university in Illinois that was established in 1867. It now boasts approximately 47,000 students, including 29 Pulitzer Prize winners among its graduates. Students can take part in various internships to acquire communication, networking, and other skills that will help them succeed in the workplace.
The University of Illinois at Chicago has a 59 percent admittance rate and an 85 percent graduation rate. Graduates earn an average of $61,500 per year, which is more than the $50,000 national average.
In the Top Public Schools category, UIUC is ranked 15th, while in National Universities, it is ranked 47th. It is also the third-best college in Illinois, ranking 35th in Most Innovative Schools. It also ranks 35th in the category of Most Innovative Schools and 144th in the category of Best Value Schools.
Students must have a 3.83 GPA and SAT scores ranging from 1210 to 1470 or ACT scores ranging from 26 to 32 to be admitted to UIUC.
In-state students pay $16,862 per year in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $34,312 per year. Financial help is available at UIUC in the form of need-based scholarships, grant awards, and merit-based aid.
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4. Illinois Wesleyan University
IWU (Illinois Wesleyan University) is a private university that was established in 1854. With 1629 students, it is a liberal arts institution. Because of the limited number of pupils, lecturers may take a more customized approach to teaching them. They know each student’s anxieties and work with them to find the most effective methods for achieving outstanding marks. More than 160 groups are available to enrolled students.
IWU ranks first among Illinois colleges for placements and is the state’s 18th top institution. It is ranked 80th in the National Liberal Arts rankings and 74th in the Best Value Schools rankings. It is also ranked 97th in the United States’ Top Performers in Social Mobility.
Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. They must pay a tuition of $50,028 each year.
IWU’s composite SAT score is 1310, or a 27 on the ACT. The average GPA of enrolled students is 3.74. IWU has a 61 percent admittance rate and an 81 percent graduation rate.
5. Illinois Institute of Technology
The Illinois Institute of Technology is a public research university in Chicago, Illinois IIT (Institute of Technology), a private university in Chicago, Illinois, created in 1940 by combining Armour Institute and Lewis Institute. Mies campus, Conviser law center, Moffett campus, and Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice campus are the four campuses that make up the university.
IIT is a hands-on institution that grooms students into tech leaders through a hands-on approach. Students can practice in mock real-life project teams through the IPRO program, while the Elevate program connects IIT tech students to research projects, internships, and other opportunities.
Illinois Institute of Technology is ranked 4th in Illinois for schools and 39th in the Best Value Schools category. ITT is also ranked 124th among national universities and 79th among best undergraduate engineering programs.
IIT is ranked 6th in Illinois and 39th in the Best Value Schools category. ITT is also ranked 124th among national universities and 79th among the best undergraduate engineering programs.
The admittance rate at IIT is 60%, while the graduation rate is 71%. The average SAT composite score is 1340, while the average ACT score is 29.
The average pay for IIT graduates is $69,100, higher than the national average of $50,000.
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6. University of St Francis
The University of St Francis (USF) in Joliet, Illinois, was founded in 1920. Respect, compassion, service, and integrity are interwoven into the educational system, and these values are reflected in the lives of the students. It is one of Illinois’ best institutions, with a close-knit alumni community eager to help current students pursue greater chances.
Annual tuition for full-time USF students is $35,000 per year. USF, on the other hand, provides $16.7 million in financial help to its students. Furthermore, all new students receive financial help, and 98 percent of undergraduate students receive some financial aid.
USF is ranked 227th among national universities and 103rd among top social mobility performers.
A minimum SAT score of 1220 or an ACT score of 25 is required for admission to USF. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
The admittance rate at USF is 46%, while the graduation rate is 74%. Graduates earn an average of $53,100 per year.
7. Wheaton College
Wheaton College, founded in 1853, is a Christian liberal arts college. Its mission is to use liberal arts and other programs to accomplish everything “for Christ and His Kingdom.” Wheaton College seeks to produce students who will participate in Christ’s ministry and extend his love to others through practical service in society. It provides students numerous opportunities to network, participate in practicals, and intern at reputable organizations.
It is ranked 61st among National Liberal Arts Colleges and 38th in Best Undergraduate Teaching. It also comes in 65th place for Best Value Schools and 68th place for First-Year Experiences.
The average SAT score for enrolled students is between 1220 and 1440, while the average ACT score is between 26 and 32. They have a 3.7 GPA on average.
Wheaton College has an 85 percent admittance rate and a 91 percent graduation rate. The average yearly wage for alumni is $48,800. Financial help is provided to 88 percent of freshman through student loans, scholarships, and grants.
8. The University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a public research university that was founded in 1982 by merging the Chicago Circle and Medical Center campuses. UIC is a melting pot of students from all cultures with equal access to learning and success both on and off campus.
Prospective students require a composite SAT score of at least 1120 or an ACT score of at least 18. The average GPA of a first-year student is 3.29 out of 4.0.
In-state students must pay $13,874 in tuition each year, while out-of-state students must pay $27,566.
In the QS World University Rankings, UIC is ranked 285th overall and 112th among national universities. It is ranked 52nd in Public Schools and 10th in Top Social Mobility Performers.
The admittance rate at UIC is 73 percent, while the graduation rate is 58 percent. The average graduating wage for alumni is $54,300 per year.
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9. The University of Illinois at Springfield
The University of Illinois at Springfield was established in 1969 as a public, coeducational university. Its 4,146 undergraduate and graduate students have access to both online and offline programs. With a great teacher-scholar connection, students obtain a high-quality education from some of the best academics in the country. It is home to the Emiquon Field Station, where Nature Conservancy scientists collaborate with UIS students to chronicle one of the world’s most important wetland restorations.
UIS was ranked first in Illinois college rankings in 2020. Within the same year, it was also ranked fourth in the Midwest.
In-state students pay $11,921 per year in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $21,536 per year. Around 70% of UIS students get financial aid through scholarships, student employment, grants, and loans.
Although the SAT is not required at UIS, students typically have a SAT score of 1000 to 1220 or an ACT score of 19 to 26. The average GPA of the students is 3.59. UIS has an admittance rate of 77 percent and a graduation rate of 66 percent. Alumni earn an average of $44,600 after graduation.
10. Lewis University
Lewis University was founded in 1932 as a Catholic university. It is a coeducational university with a total enrollment of 6500 students of various ages. Knowledge, wisdom, integrity, justice, and association are among the ideals instilled in enrolled pupils. Lewis University has a 64 percent admittance rate and a 61 percent graduation rate.
Lewis University’s tuition and fees are determined by the amount of hours a student takes in an online program and whether or not the student is from Albuquerque. On the other hand, undergraduate students pay an average of $33,430 in tuition and fees. For the academic year 2024, the average graduate tuition is $15,014. Lewis University provides three times the amount of financial help as public institutions, with 98 percent of students receiving aid.
The average GPA of enrolled students is 3.48. Although the University has recently implemented a test-optional policy, submitting SAT or ACT results is advantageous if you have taken them.
It is ranked tenth in Illinois college rankings and ninth in Illinois nursing school rankings. It is ranked 8th among the best online bachelor’s degree programs in computer science. In addition, Lewis University is ranked fourth in the best online master’s in artificial intelligence.
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Conclusion
As a student and as an alumnus, Illinois colleges allow students to work and form significant friendships. Employers and internship possibilities are available to graduates since their values are known by the universities they attended. Furthermore, Illinois graduates earn a higher average wage than the national average, making it easier for individuals with school-price debts to repay them. Students can enroll in Illinois’ greatest institutions to make their efforts worthwhile.
References
- admissionsly.com – Top Colleges in Illinois
- tristatehomepage.com – Best colleges in Illinois
- collegecensus.com – BEST COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES IN ILLINOIS
- collegefactual.com – Best colleges in Illinois
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