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.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in Illinois
Getting a degree in Illinois can lead to more than just a piece of paper. It can greatly increase your earning potential. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor's degree holders typically earn about $40,000 more annually than those with a high school diploma. It's clear that getting a degree can pay off well in Illinois. The living wage in Illinois is exceeded by these earnings. This shows the great Illinois university return on investment. Illinois is also known for its high job satisfaction and many STEM graduates. But not all degrees are created equal. For example, a two-year degree in liberal arts doesn't show a clear ROI.
On the other hand, technical trade certificates can be more valuable than a typical bachelor’s degree. This shows how important it is to pick a degree that will pay off. The choice and level of the degree greatly affects your salary after graduation. Students should look into potential earnings before choosing a degree. In Illinois, professionals in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance often see even higher salaries. Additionally, geographic location within Illinois—such as working in metropolitan areas like Chicago versus smaller towns—can influence salary levels due to differences in demand and cost of living.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Illinois
Fox College
Score: 82.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,190
- Out-of-State:$17,190
- Net Price: $9,758
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 239
- Undergrad Students: 239
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,700
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
William Rainey Harper College
Score: 81.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,990
- Out-of-State:$11,802
- Net Price: $6,608
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 13,069
- Undergrad Students: 13,069
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Lake Land College
Score: 80.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,104
- Out-of-State:$13,906
- Net Price: $5,155
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 3,699
- Undergrad Students: 3,699
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,300
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Elgin Community College
Score: 80.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,140
- Out-of-State:$9,516
- Net Price: $4,987
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 9,614
- Undergrad Students: 9,614
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,100
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Rend Lake College
Score: 78.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,800
- Out-of-State:$7,800
- Net Price: $8,518
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 1,871
- Undergrad Students: 1,871
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Kaskaskia College
Score: 78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,770
- Out-of-State:$12,570
- Net Price: $5,905
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 3,447
- Undergrad Students: 3,447
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,400
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Lewis and Clark Community College
Score: 77.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,552
- Out-of-State:$12,552
- Net Price: $3,255
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 4,196
- Undergrad Students: 4,196
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,300
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
College of Lake County
Score: 77.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,531
- Out-of-State:$14,036
- Net Price: $4,785
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 12,290
- Undergrad Students: 12,290
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,800
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Black Hawk College
Score: 76.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,950
- Out-of-State:$8,100
- Net Price: $4,481
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 3,853
- Undergrad Students: 3,853
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,400
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Sauk Valley Community College
Score: 75.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,580
- Out-of-State:$12,840
- Net Price: $8,793
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 1,433
- Undergrad Students: 1,433
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,900
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Spoon River College
Score: 74.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,460
- Out-of-State:$12,540
- Net Price: $4,520
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 1,225
- Undergrad Students: 1,225
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,100
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Moraine Valley Community College
Score: 74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,502
- Out-of-State:$9,846
- Net Price: $1,704
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 11,144
- Undergrad Students: 11,144
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,200
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Parkland College
Score: 73.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,642
- Out-of-State:$13,266
- Net Price: $8,179
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 6,018
- Undergrad Students: 6,018
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,900
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Southeastern Illinois College
Score: 73.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,300
- Out-of-State:$6,540
- Net Price: $8,271
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 1,392
- Undergrad Students: 1,392
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,800
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Richland Community College
Score: 73.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,800
- Out-of-State:$17,070
- Net Price: $6,203
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 2,214
- Undergrad Students: 2,214
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,900
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Illinois Valley Community College
Score: 73.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,835
- Out-of-State:$14,981
- Net Price: $7,493
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,594
- Undergrad Students: 2,594
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,400
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Highland Community College-Freeport
Score: 73.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,976
- Out-of-State:$7,120
- Net Price: $5,542
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,369
- Undergrad Students: 1,369
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $29,300
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Lincoln Land Community College
Score: 72.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,960
- Out-of-State:$10,248
- Net Price: $4,478
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 5,238
- Undergrad Students: 5,238
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,300
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Waubonsee Community College
Score: 72.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,369
- Out-of-State:$12,330
- Net Price: $9,011
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 8,324
- Undergrad Students: 8,324
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,600
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Oakton Community College
Score: 72.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,446
- Out-of-State:$12,462
- Net Price: $8,161
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 7,032
- Undergrad Students: 7,032
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,800
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
McHenry County College
Score: 72.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,529
- Out-of-State:$14,885
- Net Price: $7,569
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 9,051
- Undergrad Students: 9,051
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Triton College
Score: 72.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,790
- Out-of-State:$14,880
- Net Price: $5,001
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 9,262
- Undergrad Students: 9,262
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,800
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Olney Central College
Score: 72.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,270
- Out-of-State:$12,340
- Net Price: $10,409
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 880
- Undergrad Students: 880
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $25,400
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
John A. Logan College
Score: 71.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,920
- Out-of-State:$7,540
- Net Price: $6,079
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 3,120
- Undergrad Students: 3,120
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,600
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Danville Area Community College
Score: 71.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,200
- Out-of-State:$9,200
- Net Price: $4,323
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 2,149
- Undergrad Students: 2,149
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,800
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
Northwestern University
Score: 90.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,997
- Out-of-State:$65,997
- Net Price: $23,341
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 23,203
- Undergrad Students: 9,157
- Graduate Students: 14,046
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Score: 86.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,004
- Out-of-State:$34,501
- Net Price: $14,297
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 56,563
- Undergrad Students: 35,564
- Graduate Students: 20,999
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of Chicago
Score: 85.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,939
- Out-of-State:$66,939
- Net Price: $27,979
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Retention Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 18,339
- Undergrad Students: 7,643
- Graduate Students: 10,696
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
University of St. Francis
Score: 79.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,000
- Out-of-State:$37,000
- Net Price: $16,455
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,185
- Undergrad Students: 1,306
- Graduate Students: 1,879
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Principia College
Score: 79.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,280
- Out-of-State:$33,280
- Net Price: $14,904
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 338
- Undergrad Students: 338
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Illinois Institute of Technology
Score: 79.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $51,763
- Out-of-State:$51,763
- Net Price: $25,001
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 8,563
- Undergrad Students: 3,316
- Graduate Students: 5,247
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Millikin University
Score: 77.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,670
- Out-of-State:$43,670
- Net Price: $10,078
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 1,659
- Undergrad Students: 1,570
- Graduate Students: 89
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Illinois Chicago
Score: 76.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,338
- Out-of-State:$29,360
- Net Price: $11,499
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 33,522
- Undergrad Students: 22,107
- Graduate Students: 11,415
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Illinois Springfield
Score: 76.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,252
- Out-of-State:$22,017
- Net Price: $9,241
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 4,661
- Undergrad Students: 2,342
- Graduate Students: 2,319
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Saint Xavier University
Score: 74.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,840
- Out-of-State:$36,840
- Net Price: $11,943
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 3,457
- Undergrad Students: 3,039
- Graduate Students: 418
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Illinois Wesleyan University
Score: 73.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $55,704
- Out-of-State:$55,704
- Net Price: $31,310
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 1,576
- Undergrad Students: 1,576
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Lewis University
Score: 73.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,882
- Out-of-State:$37,882
- Net Price: $19,472
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 6,636
- Undergrad Students: 3,948
- Graduate Students: 2,688
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Augustana College
Score: 73.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,834
- Out-of-State:$49,834
- Net Price: $24,695
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 2,484
- Undergrad Students: 2,446
- Graduate Students: 38
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Bradley University
Score: 73.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,680
- Out-of-State:$39,680
- Net Price: $24,703
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 5,217
- Undergrad Students: 3,883
- Graduate Students: 1,334
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
North Central College
Score: 72.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,394
- Out-of-State:$44,394
- Net Price: $24,190
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 2,856
- Undergrad Students: 2,397
- Graduate Students: 459
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Northern Illinois University
Score: 71.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,700
- Out-of-State:$12,700
- Net Price: $13,533
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,504
- Undergrad Students: 11,358
- Graduate Students: 4,146
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Score: 71.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,244
- Out-of-State:$13,244
- Net Price: $16,131
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 11,359
- Undergrad Students: 8,195
- Graduate Students: 3,164
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Trinity Christian College
Score: 70.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,325
- Out-of-State:$20,325
- Net Price: $17,218
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 883
- Undergrad Students: 827
- Graduate Students: 56
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Dominican University
Score: 69.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,844
- Out-of-State:$37,844
- Net Price: $16,969
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 3,424
- Undergrad Students: 2,397
- Graduate Students: 1,027
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
North Park University
Score: 69.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,325
- Out-of-State:$35,325
- Net Price: $19,910
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 2,624
- Undergrad Students: 1,876
- Graduate Students: 748
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Wheaton College
Score: 69.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,930
- Out-of-State:$43,930
- Net Price: $31,346
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 2,799
- Undergrad Students: 2,119
- Graduate Students: 680
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
DePaul University
Score: 69.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,460
- Out-of-State:$44,460
- Net Price: $32,129
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 21,348
- Undergrad Students: 14,374
- Graduate Students: 6,974
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Elmhurst University
Score: 69.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,628
- Out-of-State:$41,628
- Net Price: $22,760
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,906
- Undergrad Students: 3,138
- Graduate Students: 768
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Illinois State University
Score: 68.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,021
- Out-of-State:$28,086
- Net Price: $20,871
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 20,989
- Undergrad Students: 18,450
- Graduate Students: 2,539
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Lake Forest College
Score: 68.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,202
- Out-of-State:$54,202
- Net Price: $29,894
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,818
- Undergrad Students: 1,796
- Graduate Students: 22
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Illinois
Northwestern University
Score: 90.64
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,698
- Out-of-State:$52,698
- Net Price: $23,341
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 23,203
- Undergrad Students: 9,157
- Graduate Students: 14,046
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Score: 86.11
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,545
- Out-of-State:$30,348
- Net Price: $14,297
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 56,563
- Undergrad Students: 35,564
- Graduate Students: 20,999
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of Chicago
Score: 85.3
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,145
- Out-of-State:$65,145
- Net Price: $27,979
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Retention Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 18,339
- Undergrad Students: 7,643
- Graduate Students: 10,696
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
University of St. Francis
Score: 79.35
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,382
- Out-of-State:$14,382
- Net Price: $16,455
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,185
- Undergrad Students: 1,306
- Graduate Students: 1,879
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Illinois Institute of Technology
Score: 79.28
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,500
- Out-of-State:$32,500
- Net Price: $25,001
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 8,563
- Undergrad Students: 3,316
- Graduate Students: 5,247
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Millikin University
Score: 77.82
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,333
- Out-of-State:$21,333
- Net Price: $10,078
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 1,659
- Undergrad Students: 1,570
- Graduate Students: 89
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Illinois Chicago
Score: 76.29
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,108
- Out-of-State:$25,481
- Net Price: $11,499
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 33,522
- Undergrad Students: 22,107
- Graduate Students: 11,415
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Illinois Springfield
Score: 76.02
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,910
- Out-of-State:$16,146
- Net Price: $9,241
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 4,661
- Undergrad Students: 2,342
- Graduate Students: 2,319
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Saint Xavier University
Score: 74.87
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,000
- Out-of-State:$15,000
- Net Price: $11,943
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 3,457
- Undergrad Students: 3,039
- Graduate Students: 418
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Lewis University
Score: 73.77
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,210
- Out-of-State:$15,210
- Net Price: $19,472
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 6,636
- Undergrad Students: 3,948
- Graduate Students: 2,688
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Bradley University
Score: 73.12
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,702
- Out-of-State:$18,702
- Net Price: $24,703
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 5,217
- Undergrad Students: 3,883
- Graduate Students: 1,334
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
North Central College
Score: 72.47
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,822
- Out-of-State:$15,822
- Net Price: $24,190
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 2,856
- Undergrad Students: 2,397
- Graduate Students: 459
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Northern Illinois University
Score: 71.83
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,090
- Out-of-State:$9,090
- Net Price: $13,533
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,504
- Undergrad Students: 11,358
- Graduate Students: 4,146
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Score: 71.29
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,268
- Out-of-State:$28,170
- Net Price: $16,131
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 11,359
- Undergrad Students: 8,195
- Graduate Students: 3,164
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Trinity Christian College
Score: 70.05
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,823
- Out-of-State:$14,823
- Net Price: $17,218
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 883
- Undergrad Students: 827
- Graduate Students: 56
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Dominican University
Score: 69.85
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,000
- Out-of-State:$19,000
- Net Price: $16,969
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 3,424
- Undergrad Students: 2,397
- Graduate Students: 1,027
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
North Park University
Score: 69.75
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,966
- Out-of-State:$15,966
- Net Price: $19,910
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 2,624
- Undergrad Students: 1,876
- Graduate Students: 748
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
DePaul University
Score: 69.15
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,135
- Out-of-State:$22,135
- Net Price: $32,129
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 21,348
- Undergrad Students: 14,374
- Graduate Students: 6,974
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Wheaton College
Score: 69.15
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,440
- Out-of-State:$19,440
- Net Price: $31,346
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 2,799
- Undergrad Students: 2,119
- Graduate Students: 680
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Elmhurst University
Score: 68.95
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,667
- Out-of-State:$33,667
- Net Price: $22,760
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,906
- Undergrad Students: 3,138
- Graduate Students: 768
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Illinois State University
Score: 68.43
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,971
- Out-of-State:$10,608
- Net Price: $20,871
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 20,989
- Undergrad Students: 18,450
- Graduate Students: 2,539
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Lake Forest College
Score: 68.22
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,212
- Out-of-State:$16,212
- Net Price: $29,894
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,818
- Undergrad Students: 1,796
- Graduate Students: 22
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Western Illinois University
Score: 68.12
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,867
- Out-of-State:$8,867
- Net Price: $12,168
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 7,073
- Undergrad Students: 5,025
- Graduate Students: 2,048
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Olivet Nazarene University
Score: 66.46
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,957
- Out-of-State:$10,957
- Net Price: $22,707
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 3,275
- Undergrad Students: 2,569
- Graduate Students: 706
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Eastern Illinois University
Score: 65.96
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,060
- Out-of-State:$19,345
- Net Price: $14,621
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 8,804
- Undergrad Students: 6,849
- Graduate Students: 1,955
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Illinois
Illinois' growth rate has been slow in recent years. While 2023 showed positive job growth, it was still below prepandemic levels and the overall population is on the decline. Add to this a falling statewide credit rating and things aren't looking great for the Land of Lincoln. Nonetheless, the state is still home to some of the largest revenue-generating companies in the nation. You might recognize industrial giants such as Boeing, Caterpillar, and Abbot Labs, to name only three.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper, Accountant, or Auditor Clerk | 52,310 | $50,660 |
| Communications | - | $66,320 |
| Personal Financial Adviser | 9,360 | $154,320 |
| Financial or Investment Analyst | 17,060 | $120,390 |
| Financial Manager | 48,810 | $173,210 |
| Logistician | 10,280 | $74,990 |
| Management Occupations | 535,650 | $135,320 |
| Project Management Specialist | 25,300 | $100,630 |
| Marketing Specialist | 37,790 | $79,000 |
| Tax Preparers | 1,280 | $49,970 |
- Accounting
- Bookkeeper
- Business
- Business Administrator
- Business Manager
- Communications
- Consultant
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
- Financial Adviser
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
- Hospitality Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- International Business Manager
- Logistician
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing Manager
- Operations Manager
- Organizational Leader
- Project Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Tax Preparers
Top Computers Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | 63,200 | $84,800 |
| CAD Technician | 2,580 | $47,500 |
| Chemical Engineer | 750 | $75,300 |
| Civil Engineer | 11,080 | $67,100 |
| Environmental Engineer | 1,350 | $66,100 |
- Aerospace Engineer
- CAD Technician
- Chemical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Information Technologist
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Scientist
- Cybersecurity
- Database Administrator
- Database Management
- Environmental Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Web Development
Top Education Careers and Salaries
- Early Childhood Administrator
- Early Childhood Education Teacher
- General Education Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Informatics | 12,730 | $68,400 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 14,510 | $69,400 |
| Medical Assistant | 22,940 | $34,300 |
| Medical Equipment Sales | 13,030 | $59,500 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 6,750 | $97,500 |
| Occupational Therapist | 5,790 | $66,600 |
| Physical Therapist | 10,170 | $71,500 |
| Physical Therapist | 3,600 | $71,500 |
| Radiology Technician | 8,260 | $48,100 |
- Gerontology Nurse or Physician
- Healthcare Administrator
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Manager
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Equipment Sales
- Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Radiology Technician
Top Legal Careers and Salaries
| CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Agent | 1,370 | $77,500 |
Top Occupations With the Highest Forecasted Growth Rate
| Occupation | Projected Growth |
|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 60% |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 48% |
| Nurse Practitioners | 46% |
| Data Scientists | 36% |
| Information Security Analysts | 33% |
| Medical and Health Services Mangers | 29% |
| Physician Assistants | 28% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 26% |
| Physical Therapy Assistants | 25% |
| Operations Research Analysts | 23% |
Scholarships for Illinois Students
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
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
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.
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
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.
Top Social Services Careers and Salaries