8 Best Colleges In Illinois

Overview

Elmhurst College is a private, comprehensive, liberal arts institution that is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It is located in Elmhurst, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago. This school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.

Features

Elmhurst confers over 25 undergraduate programs, 15 master’s programs, and a selection of pre-professional programs; degree completion programs are also available for adult and professional learners. Students will all be required to take part in the Elmhurst College Integrated Curriculum, the core focus of all studies at the school. Here’s a sampling of some of the top degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Notables

This school is home to over 100 student organizations, a radio station, an art and music journal, and a newspaper. Students can also take part in Greek life or one of the honor societies, play on an intramural sports team or relax on the school’s scenic grounds. There are also annual traditions and events that most of the campus takes part in, including the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival and the Summer Extravaganza.

Overview

The University of Illinois at Springfield is a public, land-grant, liberal arts institution that is the newest member of the University of Illinois System. It is located in Springfield, Illinois and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. This school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.

Features

This university offers 48 degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. The school is also one of the oldest institutions to offer online degrees, with the school having an established portal since 1999. One of the school’s more popular degrees, the undergraduate computer science program, has been nationally recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security; students in this program are even able to apply for grants from the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program. Other popular degrees include:

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Master of Science in Accounting

Notables

Student life at the UIS is filled with traditions, such as Welcome Back Week and the Involvement Expo, interest groups and organizations, and student-run media. Students who live on campus are also treated to a state-of-the-art gym, new dining halls, and world-class health facilities.

Overview

Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville (SIUE) is a growing residential college in Edwardsville, Illinois. It is a public university and one of the two major members of the Southern Illinois University system. SIUE is a member of the NCAA Division I – Ohio Valley Conference and its faculty and staff are awarded millions of dollars every year in research, teaching, and service grants and contracts.

Features

SIUE is considered a master’s college because of the wide variety of master’s degrees it offers—in everything from Studio Art to Healthcare Informatics. But don’t mistake the name for thinking that that’s the only kind of degree SIUE offers! It’s also home to a broad range of undergraduate degrees, as well as doctoral programs. SIUE welcomes hundreds of international students who come to Edwardsville from approximately 50 different countries all over the world. Here’s a look at a few degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
• Doctor of Dental Medicine

Notables

Many students participate in SIUE’s Division I athletics, but the university offers a wide variety of other activities as well. Its recreation center, which has a rock climbing wall and bouldering cave, regularly puts on classes and events that include Zumba, cricket tournaments, and yoga. SIUE also puts on a number of events to help connect current students to post-college job opportunities.

Overview

Millikin University is a private, comprehensive, Presbyterian institution that serves both undergraduate and graduate candidates. It is located in Decatur, Illinois and currently serves a 2,400-strong student body. This school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.

Features

Millikin was founded as an institution that catered to traditional undergraduate programs. However, in recent years, the school has created a burgeoning graduate suite of programs, allowing students to continue their education at the school after they’ve completed their undergraduate work. Students here can also partake in innovative learning techniques that are being pioneered by the world-class faculty and staff at the school. Some of the top degree programs are:

• Bachelor of Business Administration, General
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Nursing

Notables

Campus life at this university is punctuated by a close and friendly atmosphere, owing to the fact that the student-teacher ratio is less than 11:1. Students also take part in annual events and traditions, including orientation, and can become part of the over 25 student groups that are represented on campus.

Overview

Loyola University Chicago, known as LUC to students, is a private, nonprofit, Catholic, research institution that is located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the largest Jesuit universities in the country and is still affiliated with the Jesuit order. This school is a major economic contributor to the city and is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.

Features

This university confers over 220 programs at all levels of education, including professional programs. LUC has six campuses in and around the greater Chicago area and hosts campuses both in Rome and in Asia. The school is also building an online portal for students who cannot take the time to attend on-campus programs. Take a look at some of the top programs:

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
• Master of Arts in Computer Science, Information Technology Concentration
• Doctor of Philosophy in Theology

Notables

One of the best reasons to attend LUC is the fact that resident and student life is always full of surprises. From lakeside residential areas for students to the Greek life to taking part in student-run media, there is never a shortage of activities and events to partake in when attending this university.

Overview

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is the flagship institution that makes up the University of Southern Illinois System. It was established in 1869 and is classified as an RUH/H Research University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It is located in Carbondale, Illinois, and is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.

Features

SIU, as the school is known, offers more than 300 degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels, including degrees in law and medicine. Dual degrees and specialist programs are also available. This university has a burgeoning online portal as well, paving the way for students to attend the school without ever stepping foot on campus. Some of the most popular degrees are:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Business Administration, Marketing Concentration
• Doctor of Medicine and Juris Doctorate Dual Degree Program

Notables

This university has a robust student life available on campus. There are over 400 registered student organizations; some of these includes the Undergraduate Student Government, the Graduate and Professional Student Council, intramural sports teams, and a student-run newspaper known as The Daily Egyptian. Students can also take part in various traditions, such as the Cardboard Boat Regatta, and will feel right at home in the residence areas that the school provides for the student body.

Overview

Lewis University is a private, Roman Catholic, Lasallian institution that is headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois. It was founded in 1932 and currently hosts around 6,800 students. This school is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.

Features

This university offers over 100 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels; there are also accelerated programs for professionals and adult learners. These programs are divided into between five colleges and schools, including the College of Education and the School for Professional and Continuing Education. Online programs are also available at Lewis. Here are three of the top degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Security and Risk Management
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Nursing, Healthcare Systems Leadership

Notables

Like many other Catholic schools, this university not only teaches in the Lasallian tradition, it also lives that way. There is a chapel on campus where students can attend Mass every week, followed by fellowship; alternatively, there are various religious groups that cater to every religion as well. Student-run media and student government are among the most popular organizations, and there are also traditional events that the campus participates in together.

Overview

The University of St. Francis is a private, Catholic, Franciscan comprehensive institution that is located in Joliet, Illinois, with campuses across the country. It is affiliated with the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and continues to teach in the Catholic tradition. This school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.

Features

This school confers more than 60 degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and specialist levels. Most of the programs focus on psychology, education, and business. Students may also take some courses online or even take a hybrid path towards finishing their degree. The most popular degree choices are:

• Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
• Master of Science in Nursing, Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Notables

USF strives on delivering a Catholic education as well as a religious campus life. While not all students are Catholic, the school still provides practicing Catholics the chance to attend chapel and fellowship every week on campus at the St. Joseph Chapel, which is located in the Motherhouse. Other facilities include a library, a recreation hall, and St. Albert Hall, which is a natural science learning lab and museum.

Overview

McKendree University is a private, liberal arts university that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is located in Lebanon, Illinois, which is part of the region known as Greater St. Louis. The school holds is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.

Features

This university confers over 50 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a variety of fields; there is also a doctoral program in education for educators who have already received licensure. All of these degrees can be found in one of the school’s four colleges and schools and have the distinction of being taught at a school where more than 90 percent of instructors have received a terminal degree in their field. Here’s a look at three popular programs:

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Criminal Justice Track
• Master of Business Administration
• Doctor of Education

Notables

This school inhabits 235 acres of wooded land, making it a scenic campus for students. There are a variety of outdoor activities available for students, including trails, campings sites not far from school, and intramural sports. There are also registered student organizations, student-run media, and other special interest groups and clubs for students to join while not studying for their degrees.

Overview

Greenville College is a private, liberal arts, four-year institution that was established and is still affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. It is located in Greenville, Illinois. This school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.

Features

This school confers undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 35 areas of study; many of this programs involve nursing, education, digital media, and business. The school is also dedicated to online programs, with over 12 degrees and certifications available wholly or mostly online. Here’s a glance at the most popular ones:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Notables

Students who attend Greenville College will be expected to sign and adhere to the Lifestyle Statement, an agreement between the student and the campus to live and learn by the Word of Christ. This includes refraining from drugs, alcohol, gambling, cheating, profanity, and occult practices. According to their website, “All members of the community are expected to apply Christian standards of discretion and discernment to all aspects of their life.”

Overview

Monmouth College is a private, four-year, liberal arts college that was established in 1853 and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It is a highly selective school that enrolls just 1,300 students annually. This school, which is located in Monmouth, Illinois, holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.

Features

This school offers undergraduate degrees in 35 areas of study; pre-professional studies in 16 areas of study are also available. Like with many schools that teach in the Presbyterian tradition, there is a Core Curriculum that underscores every degree available at Monmouth. This core is made up of four mandatory courses for every student and is taken in the freshmen and sophomore year. Some of the most popular degree programs include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Notables

Monmouth encompasses 112 acres and offers students on-campus museums, apartment buildings, dorms, an athletic complex, field houses and more. Students will find that they can participate in more than 50 student organizations, including political and religious groups, all while taking in the observatory and other unique attributes that make Monmouth one of the best colleges in Illinois.

Overview

Trinity Christian College is a private, four-year liberal arts college that is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. It is located in the Palos Heights neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. This school teaches in the Reformed tradition and holds regional accreditation from the NCACS THLC.

Features

Trinity Christian College is best known for its traditional curriculum, a program that bases its Core Curriculum on English, history, philosophy, and theology. This is the undercurrent that drives all of its programs and keeps the school firmly in the Reformed tradition. Students will find that this curriculum aids the 50 degrees offered, which are conferred at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Study abroad is also strongly encouraged, including trips to Ecuador and Kenya. You’ll find strong degree programs such as:

• Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education
• Master of Arts in Special Education
• Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Notables

There are over 40 recognized student organizations available at this school, including multicultural groups, service organizations, and student associations. Students are also welcome to play intramural sports, engage in fellowship, and attend chapel whenever they like, as the campus provides its own religious services for its student body.

Overview

Blackburn College is a private, Presbyterian, four-year liberal arts college that is housed in Carlinville, Illinois. It is a federally recognized work college and has been since it was established in 1837. The school, which is still affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.

Features

Blackburn is a work college, a title given to schools who required all residents on campus to work during their time on campus. This has been noted as one of the best ways for students to gain leadership experience while continuing their education; the school also provides a tuition discount based on the hours of work they put into the work-study program at the school. This also makes it the most affordable private college in the state. Here’s a peek at three popular degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
• Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Development
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Notables

This school offers the Bachelor of Arts in over 40 areas of study; there is no Bachelor of Science conferred at this school. Students may also participate in pre-professional programs, such as law, Nursing, and Theology. This is an undergraduate school, so students looking for a comprehensive university are advised to look further into the school’s offerings.

Overview

The Illinois Institute of Technology, known as Illinois Tech, is a private, space-grant, doctorate-granting research university that is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It was established in 1890 and continues to supply the state with some of the best STEM professionals in the field. This school is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.

Features

There are five colleges and two schools at Illinois Tech, including the Chicago-Kent College of Law, the Institute of Design, and the School of Applied Technology. This school offers over 45 different degrees at all levels of education, but is known as one of the best colleges in Illinois for students who are looking for terminal degrees in STEM fields. It is also possible to get dual degrees, including a dual MD/JD, from this school. Other popular degrees include:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
• Master of Science in Biological Engineering
• Juris Doctor in Criminal Litigation

Notables

There are five Illinois Tech campuses in the Chicago area, all of which host different student life activities; however, each campus hosts its own student government as well as some intramural sports. Students will often choose the campus that hosts their school, but it is possible to take classes at other campuses while earning one’s degree.

Overview

Eastern Illinois University is a public state university that is headquartered in Charleston, Illinois. It was established in 1895 and currently serves more than 8,000 students annually. This school is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.

Features

EIU confers over 60 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels across four colleges, the Graduate School, and the School of Continuing Education. Students are also welcome to learn about online degree programs and continuing education certificates by contacting an admissions advisor. Some of the top programs here include:

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

Notables

The school has over 150 registered student organizations on campus, as well as a student government and a daily newspaper, The Daily Eastern News. Students can also take a walk through the school’s museum for an art education or spend time in Booth Library, which is the epicenter of most campus activities. There are also friendly rivalries among residence halls, which culminate in annual traditions which allow students to blow off steam right before finals.