There are at least 289 options for higher education in the state of Illinois, including colleges, universities, career schools, community colleges, vocational schools and technical colleges. The following are some of the highest ranked colleges and universities in Illinois according to a 2010 list provided by “U.S. News and World Report.” Factors that contributed to ranking include costs, class size, total enrollment, acceptance rate, graduation rate, peer assessment and student performance.
*University of Chicago: The University of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois, is a 4-year, private school serving roughly 14,788 undergraduate and graduate students. Degrees offered include bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. The University of Chicago is ranked 8th overall in the nation, making it the highest ranked school in Illinois. In 2008, “Business Week” ranked the University of Chicago Booth School of Business number one in the U.S. among schools offering a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
*Northwestern University: Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University received an overall rank of 12th in the nation in 2010. Northwestern is another 4-year private not-for-profit school, which enrolls approximately 19,291 students. Northwestern offers certificate programs, as well as undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
*University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign: The campus at Champaign is the highest ranked school in the University of Illinois system, with an overall ranking of 39th in the United States in 2010. This 4-year public university has a large student population, serving roughly 43,246 undergraduate and graduate students. Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign can pursue certificate programs in addition to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.
*Illinois Institute of Technology: Another school located in the heart of Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Technology is a 4-year private not-for-profit school with a total enrollment of 7,453 students. Degrees offered include bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. The Illinois Institute of Technology is ranked 106th in the U.S., making it the fourth highest ranked school in the state.
*Loyola University Chicago: Loyola University Chicago is another 4-year private not-for-profit school in Chicago, Illinois. Approximately 15,670 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Loyola. Ranked 119th in the nation, Loyola is the fifth highest ranked school in the state of Illinois.
These are just a few of the highest ranked colleges and universities in the state of Illinois. Visit the individual school websites for more information about admissions, academic programs and student life. With at least 289 options for postsecondary education, there is certainly something for everyone in Illinois.