19 Best Universities In Chicago For International Students 2025

Chicago is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 19 universities and colleges in Chicago, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 19 universities in Chicago, University of Chicago and Northwestern University are the top-performing schools in Chicago. This list covers both public and private institutions in Chicago.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Chicago, Illinois. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Chicago, Illinois.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Chicago?

Applying to the universities in Chicago involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Chicago to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Chicago?

Tuition fees at Chicago’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 11,400 USD to 61,200 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 7,875 USD to 86,900 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Chicago!

As we cover the best universities in Chicago for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Chicago for International Students

​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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.