All 57 Colleges and Universities in Illinois

Are you looking for all the colleges and universities in Illinois? Here, we will go over the list of private and public universities and colleges in Illinois.

In our database, there are a total of 57 institutions in Illinois including Adler University, Augustana College, and Aurora University . Out of those institutions, 13 are public and 44 are private. Some of the public institutions are Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, and Governors State University. Some examples of private universities in Illinois are Adler University, Augustana College, and Aurora University.

In these universities and colleges in Illinois, the total number of students is 426,695, and the total number of international students is 28,238.

1. Adler University

Adler University is a globally competitive institution dedicated to social justice and community engagement. This outstanding institution mainly offers graduate programs in fields such as counseling and public administration. Adler highlights social responsibility in both their academic programs and campus activities, encouraging students to be future leaders of positive change within the community.

2. Augustana College

Augustana College’s history can be traced back to 1860, with Swedish settlers as its founding members. This liberal arts institution focuses on providing top-quality education at the undergraduate level. Its comprehensive programs are carefully selected and provide only the highest standards of teaching. In addition, the institution is known to be a residential campus, with first-year to junior students living on campus throughout their studies, while graduating students have the option to either live on campus or in the school’s neighboring area.

3. Aurora University

Aurora University (AU) is a private university in Aurora, Illinois. They also have locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as online courses. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees are available at AU in a wide range of fields. The university is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution for its commitment to diversity.

4. Benedictine University

Benedictine monks established Benedictine University. Such makes it a Catholic institution affiliated with the Order of Saint Benedict. Over 100 programs are offered at Benedictine University, including undergrad majors and minors, accelerated courses, certificate programs, and degree-granting programs. It is ranked 299th in the US, based on US News rankings.

5. Bradley University

Bradley University is among the premier institutions in Illinois that offer a wide variety of different programs. These programs are designed to prepare students to become future professionals with a global outlook. Bradley is also home to a large number of student clubs and organizations that allow students to participate in different activities, such as out-of-town trips and volunteer projects for the community.

6. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is a private healthcare school in Chicago, Illinois. Other campuses can be found throughout the United States. It was founded as part of the Deaconess Central Hospital in 1889. There are two colleges at the university: the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions. They provide degree programs in Nursing, Public Health, and Social Work.

7. Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a private university in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1979 by psychologists and educators. There are also campuses in Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Diego, and Washington. More than 30 academic programs are available at the university, including psychology, business, health care, health services, education, counseling, and nursing.

8. Chicago State University

Chicago State University is a public university catering to a student body comprised mostly of Black students. Over 50 degree programs are available across the fields of arts and sciences, business, health sciences, and medicine. Chicago State University stands for quality tertiary education as a driver of equity in society.

9. Columbia College Chicago

Although Columbia College Chicago is described as an art school, it covers more than the usual art and design courses. Besides its creative and media art programs, it provides education and training in the liberal arts and business. The college aims to hone students' problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity in all of these studies. Such is the quality of their education that their graduates have gone on to get jobs right after grad, win prestigious awards, produce works, record art, and contribute in many ways to art and society.

10. Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago was once a Lutheran teachers' seminary. It has since transformed into a liberal arts institution and a member of the Concordia University system. The university was established in 1864 in the US midwest and ranked 61st in the US News rankings for institutions in the said region. Programs of all levels, namely undergrad, master's, and doctorate, are provided at CUC. They also have online courses, accelerated degrees, honors, and church work programs.

11. DePaul University

DePaul University is distinct for being the largest renowned Catholic university founded by the Vincentians in Illinois. Instead of focusing on religion and related subjects, the institution offers a variety of opportunities for students, ranging from the sciences to theater. It has two campuses, one each in the Loop and Lincoln Park. These campuses welcome more than 20,000 students yearly.

12. DeVry University

With its main campus located in Illinois, DeVry University has over 30 campuses in 16 states of the US. It offers 41 bachelor's degree programs and 19 master's degree programs, with the option of studying either on-site, online, or hybrid by combining both learning methods. It also offers multiple opportunities for networking and collaborating, with over 50 student organizations and clubs and 12 online groups.

13. Dominican University

Dominican University is affiliated with the Catholic church through the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. It is a top-ranked institution in the Midwest and is regarded highly for undergraduate teaching, social mobility, and value. More than 70 programs are available at Dominican University. The student-to-faculty ratio is optimal at 10:1.

14. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University was primarily a teacher's college. Throughout the years, it has improved and now offers various programs in business, arts, and humanities. The university ensures that its graduates will land better career opportunities, which is why it partners with numerous institutions and industry leaders.

15. Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University started as a theological seminary for young men and training grounds for teachers for parochial schools. Its main language of instruction then was German, and women enrolled only starting from 1930. The university officially became Elmhurst University in 2020 and has grown to offer over 70 undergraduate degrees and 20 master's programs.

16. Eureka College

Situated in Illinois, Eureka College is a well-established private institution that offers comprehensive undergraduate studies. The institute’s vibrant history can be traced back to 1855. It is among the first schools to impose the same conditions when admitting men and women into its campus. Today, the college recruits students from across the globe. Cultivating numerous students is one of the school’s top priorities. It aims to generate skilled and competent professionals who will gain success in their respective careers.

17. Governors State University

Governors State University is a public university located in University Park, Illinois. It was founded in 1969 and has a relatively short history among American universities, but it was established as a state-funded high-level educational institution and developed rapidly. Governors State University operates four universities: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Health and Welfare, offering degree programs at the undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. levels.

18. Greenville University

Greenville University is a school in Greenville, Illinois that offers both on-campus and online programs. The school has been around for more than 100 years and has continued to offer affordable, excellent, flexible, and Christian-centered education. Student life at Greenville University is not only filled with rigorous academic opportunities, but also student activities such as clubs, organizations, and musical performances.

19. Illinois College

Illinois College prides itself in achieving multiple feats in its years of educational service such as being the top college in Illinois, a student population of 1000, 45 areas of studies for programs offered, and varsity teams at the Division III level. Located in Jacksonville, Illinois, the school provides various housing accommodations in and out of the campus. It was founded in 1829 with a vision of international, sustainable, and world-changing education that it has now achieved.

20. Illinois Institute of Technology

With four campuses, one institute, one school, and five colleges, the Illinois Institute of Technology focuses on providing up-to-date education in the fields of science and technology. Their teaching methods consist of different learning programs that include internships, leadership training, research opportunities, and mentorships. IIT's campuses not only have quality education and research facilities but also innovative spaces like a Kaplan institute and a maker space. Besides science and technology, this university also offers training in other areas of knowledge, like Law and Humanities.

21. Illinois State University

Being the oldest university in the region, Illinois State University has already established an outstanding reputation. The university focuses on teaching programs and is one of the largest producers of teachers in the country. It seeks to maintain a diversified community of intellectual individuals committed to serving society.

22. Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University was founded by civic and religious leaders with a goal to establish an institution of "Collegiate grade". Wesleyan was added to the name of the university after getting support from the United Methodist Church acting as a sponsor. The university still maintains its independent governance status, welcoming diversity and practicing inclusivity. 

23. Judson University

Judson University is an evangelical private university in Elgin, Illinois. It was founded in 1913 as part of the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary's liberal arts department. They provide over 60 undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs. Sports, volunteer work, and worship performances are just a few of the interesting extracurricular activities available to Judson University students.

24. Knox College

Knox College is a private educational institution located in Galesburg, Illinois. It was founded in 1837 and has a long history of academic excellence as well as fighting against slavery and discrimination. The university is known for having several collaborations with the country's best graduate schools and employers. 

25. Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College was founded in 1857 on the grounds of Lake Forest, Illinois. Despite being established as a private academic institution, learning opportunities at Lake Forest College remain accessible to people from all kinds of places. Financial aid and support are available to students that offer back achievements and significant merits to the university. They are in the top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States according to U.S. News, and it can be proven with their top-quality education and infrastructures that establish this well-deserved recognition.

26. Lewis University

Lewis University provides practical education for learners who want to excel in the professional field. The university is composed of various programs with rigorous coursework. In recent years, its goals have included broad internationalization to allow students' interaction and exposure to the real world.

27. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago offers more than 200 programs to almost 17,000 students that come from all over the world. Although this is a Catholic university, it welcomes applicants from all faiths, so it has a diverse student body. Loyola has campuses all over Chicago but also has centers in Vietnam and Rome, which gives students the opportunity to spend a semester in another country. Besides its degree programs, the university offers a wide variety of enriching activities that include research projects, community volunteering, internships with local businesses, and mentorship activities for the youth.

28. McKendree University

McKendree University is considered the oldest private university in Illinois, founded by the Lebanon Seminary in 1828. It approximately has 3000 students, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate level programs, and 35 sports teams to round out a perfect athletic and academic life. In their large student population, many are from over 100 countries, and about 90 percent of the freshmen live on campus. This proves a welcoming environment for diversity and general quality of life provided to the students. In its course of educational service, they have implemented the U.N.I.T.E.D plan, which aims to modernize, diversify, and increase the engagement of their youth.

29. Midwestern University

Midwestern University is a private institution that specializes in offering medical programs at the graduate and postgraduate levels. It currently operates on two campuses: one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other campus located in Glendale, Arizona. Moreover, the university is dedicated to educating medical professionals who would contribute to the local and international healthcare industry. It aims to help contribute to research in the community and provide top-class medical education to its students.

30. Millikin University

Millikin University is a private university in Decatur, Illinois. They offer an experience called Performance Learning where students can apply what they learned in real-life situations. Through immersive experiences and internships, students can learn in an active and productive environment.

31. Moody Bible Institute

Moody Bible Institute is an Illinois-based private Christian college. It is a bible school for students who are conservative evangelicals. Moody Bible Institute expects the student body and administration to follow and support the school's doctrine in order to maintain its heritage.

32. National Louis University

National Louis University is one of the most progressive universities in Chicago. It offers a variety of degree programs and is known for its business and psychology courses. The university highly integrates technology into its course offerings and seeks to maximize its international relations.

33. National University of Health Sciences

The National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is a private university in the Lombard suburb of Chicago, Illinois. NUHS is a health sciences school that also offers professional degrees in naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and biomedical sciences. The university was founded in 1906 as the National School of Chiropractic in Iowa. Currently, the university operates six clinics in Illinois and Florida.

34. North Central College

North Central College provides leadership, resources, and support necessary to ensure sound standards in establishing and administering the curriculum. It is equipped with exceptional faculties to support its teaching and professional activities. The institution is a model of transformative undergraduate and graduate education.

35. North Park University

North Park University aims to bring professional development among its students. It provides various practical activities like internships to guide the students in the field they are pursuing. The university is also equipped with the necessary facilities to accompany the students' learning.

36. Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University was established in 1857 in Chicago, Illinois as a teacher's college. In the 1970's, the university started to offer courses in other areas such as art, business, and applied sciences. It now offers more than 70 study programs for undergraduate and graduate students  as well as study abroad programs in one of its more than 40 international partner universities.

37. Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University started as a teacher-training institution called Northern Illinois State Normal School. The university has expanded from a teacher's college into a full-fledged university with campuses in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. Aside from that, NIU also has online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Comprised of seven colleges, the university offers a wide variety of courses.

38. Northwestern University

Northwestern University was founded in 1851 in Evanston, Illinois with the intention of making education accessible to the people from the northwest. The university now has over 21,000 students enrolled in its three campuses, 5,500 of which come from different countries across the globe. International mobility is one of the key focus areas at the university, which is why it actively participates in exchange programs, collaborative research, and other international engagement activities.

39. Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene University is a privately-funded university in Illinois. It offers more than 100 academic programs, some of which have been nationally recognized and been credited as one of the best. As a Christian university, it is dedicated to providing top-class education while incorporating faith into its curriculum. It aims to cultivate skilled and responsible graduates who will lead purposeful lives and successful careers.

40. Principia College

Principia College was founded in 1912, on a 2600-acre land, and only offers bachelor's degree programs. The student body also has 18 NCAA Division III teams and conducts over 50 art performances to help liven up the learning environment. International students are also welcome in Principia College with current students and alumni coming from over 27 countries.

41. Quincy University

Located in Quincy, Illinois, Quincy University is a private educational institution founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars. It offers 52 undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs in liberal arts. Programs are designed to provide not only a strong foundational knowledge in their chosen disciplines but also multiple opportunities to gain real-world experiences such as study abroad programs and internships.  

42. Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University was established in 1945 with the intention of fighting against discrimination and providing equal access to education regardless of race, gender, and religion. Up to this day, its deep tradition of social justice is still integrated into its wide range of academic programs and activities. Programs are also designed to provide students with real-life experiences for them to develop skills that are highly valued in today's industries. 

43. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a higher education institute in North Chicago, Illinois that specializes in Medicine. In other words, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a medical school. Founded in 1912, its original name was Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine and then Chicago Medical School until 2004 when it was renamed to its current title. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science was not just one college, but a slow merging of Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine with other schools that allowed it to expand its scope of education and territory. Its mission and vision are to create competent health and biomedical professionals that have the core values of civility, diversity, excellence, innovation, integrity, scholarship, and teamwork. For 100 years, they have become one of the best medical schools in the United States.

44. Rush University

Rush University is a private university established in 1972 in partnership with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. It offers over 100 academic and training programs for healthcare professionals. Students experience hands-on learning with expert faculty at the university's state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories. Since the university uses a team-based approach in educating future healthcare professionals, students also get the opportunity to work alongside accomplished healthcare practitioners and researchers.  

45. Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University is located in Chicago, a city full of skyscrapers and professional opportunities, perfect for students who enjoy living in an urban area with a fast-paced environment. The university offers 61 bachelor's degree programs and around 30 master's degree programs across its three schools. It has a diverse student body with multiple non-academic organizations that dedicate to culture, social justice, and leadership, among others. Saint Xavier University is a Catholic institution, so this is why it has different religious activities and facilities, like the McDonough Chapel of the Mother of Mercy.

46. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

School of the Art Institute of Chicago was initially founded as the Chicago Academy of Design in its inception and was changed to the Art Institute of Chicago in 1882 after its merger with the Chicago Academy of Fine Art. The university is known to be the most influential art school and has the largest school-museum campus in the United States. It is also one of the largest accredited independent schools of art and design in the country, offering a complete higher education in a broad spectrum of studies.

47. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

The Southern Illinois University Carbondale was established in 1869 and stands among the top 5% of research universities in the country. It is also known for winning national competitions in engineering and aviation. At present, the university offers over 200 courses and specializations for students from within and outside the state of Illinois. 

48. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a leading research institute in the state of Illinois. They offer comprehensive programs in areas such as engineering, business, and dental medicine. But aside from outstanding achievements in the academe, SIUE is also known for hosting various community outreach programs like science camps and oral health consultations.

49. Trinity Christian College

The 19th best college in the US Midwest, according to US News, is Trinity Christian College. It is a liberal arts and Christian college just 30 minutes from Chicago. Its students are offered several programs and opportunities, including study abroad courses. Programs at Trinity Christian College are for undergrad and grad students. These include adult, online courses, majors, minors, pre-professional, honors, and more.

50. Trinity International University

Trinity International University was founded in 1896 and is the only university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. It offers excellent education across a wide range of disciplines through its five divisions, namely the Trinity College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity Graduate School, Trinity Law School, Trinity Florida, and Camp Timber-lee.

51. University of Chicago

​The University of Chicago is among the top-performing private research university in the United States. It was established in 1890 to provide rigorous higher education and train students to engage in a broad range of activities and inquiries. The university is known to have one of the most advanced and innovative research efforts in the United States having a breakthrough in nuclear reaction and radiocarbon research. Moreover, it's also home to the country's largest university press-the University of Chicago Press.

52. University of Illinois at Springfield

The University of Illinois at Springfield promotes diversity and inclusion. It also offers environmental initiatives to help build a sustainable future. The university has large facilities and buildings to motivate students in their educational journey.

53. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign maintains its history of excellence by being one of the premier public research universities in the United States. It is an independent institution that focuses on the study of human and social sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences. It welcomes more than 50,000 students from all around the world.

54. University of Illinois Chicago

UIC, or the University of Illinois Chicago, is among the excellent research institutions in Chicago, Illinois. It is a welcoming university that is home to students who come from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Teachings and training at UIC are public service-oriented, with students becoming future professionals with a passion for serving the communities.

55. University of St. Francis

The University of St. Francis is a Catholic university specializing in the liberal arts. The university strives for academic excellence preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and administration. It maintains a welcoming community full of like-minded and intelligent learners.

56. Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University offers remarkable undergraduate and graduate education through international collaboration and opportunities. The university has strong partnerships with various industries, allowing students to boost their practical experiences. The university seeks to continue its innovative teaching and service in the coming years.

57. Wheaton College

Wheaton College is a private institution that enables students to excel in their career choices. It offers academically rigorous programs that will truly hone the students' critical thinking and practical skills. The college continually aims to provide outstanding Christian higher education in the state.