Discover the Top 15 Best Colleges in Chicago

The great Chicago in the United States tends to have a lot of public Ivies schools that have produced wonderful alumni. So, you can discover some of them here as we dive deep into the best colleges in Chicago. The colleges in Chicago have great academic facilities and professionals that will ensure students get the best treatment of education.

Meanwhile, Chicago let’s tell you some good things about the great Chicago. Chicago is often referred to as the Windy City. This is because of the long-winded politicians who wouldn’t cease exaggerating about the 1893 World fair. Although, Chicago has a lot to boast of. Hence, more than 30 million people visit Chicago each year. They come to visit the 70 museums, 200 theaters also 6,500 restaurants. The city is home to the world’s biggest free public zoo, having three of the world’s tallest buildings. Thus, Chicago is often known for its arts, culture, and historical significance. Also, it has high recognition for its role in the inception of the African-American urban culture and Blues music scene.

interestingly, the Bi-focal lenses, Ferris wheel, softball, and Twinkies we’re all innovations from Chicago. The city is also regarded as a ‘city in a garden.’ Following the landscape as it is one of the greenest cities on earth. Hence, it has access to botanical gardens and parks you can explore.

However, the attributes of the city combined with the quality of education offered by institutions in the city have built a global reputation for its students. So, for those oblivious of the schools available in Chicago, we have designed this article to help you under the influential schools there. While we’ve also answered some important questions in this article regarding colleges in Chicago.

Discover the Top 15 Best Colleges in Chicago

About Colleges In Chicago

Schools like Northwestern University which ranks top among the US schools are located in the heart of Chicago. The school ranked #7 for best colleges in pre-med and #2 for the best school of Journalism in the United States. So are other schools in Chicago beating global education ranking and thus creating global recognition for themselves. There, considering all this, schools in Chicago attract many international students to the state to study. Colleges in Chicago tend to be among the public/hidden Ivies known.

Moreover, attending colleges in Chicago can mean a whole fun pack. Campuses right downtown where students can see the Cloud gate Joffrey dancers. On the other hand, you can better still choose one of the suburban green campuses having gardens for studying and recreation. Also, considering the resources available in Chicago, colleges in Chicago provide innovative programs and visions to students.

Furthermore, the city has been the dream of Americans moving up the Mississippi air across the Appalachians. Hence, the schools in Chicago are helping students realize their careers while coordinating research, making art, and serving the community. Students will learn with hands-on experiential programs offered in the institution.

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Why Attend Colleges in Chicago?

Reading this article, you should have noticed many intriguing kinds of stuff about Chicago. Thus, Chicago houses some of the top-ranking universities in the world. While the city ranks the 6th best student city in the US. Chicago has lots of beautiful sceneries and tourist attraction centers. Together with its favorable climatic conditions to back up a good academic setting.

However, the cost of studying has great essence so needs evaluation as education is a significant commitment. Therefore, considering the cost of studying colleges in Chicago, it incurs less expense compared d to other states. The average tuition and fees for Colleges in Chicago as of the 2021-2022 academic year include $6,822 for in-state and $21,274 for out-of-state. While the national average of schools in the US is $6,625 for in-state students and $18,038 for out-of-state students. Hence the difference is just a slight difference. But comparing the quality of education obtainable from Chicago, then you’d know it is worth it.

Furthermore, Chicago provides vast opportunities to students studying in any of its colleges. Ranging from internship opportunities to college grants and scholarship programs. Also, many companies and government-based organizations affiliated with the school contribute to giving students in Chicago colleges financial aid and internship. The school also provides need-based and merit-based scholarships for its students.

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Additionally, there have lots of benefits desirable from colleges in Chicago as they commit to using world-class schemes and curriculums to teach.

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Top 15 Best Colleges in Chicago

We have provided a comprehensive list of the best colleges in Chicago herein. See the tremendous list below. Meanwhile among them is one of the Ivy League schools and public ivies. Also, the data for rankings was collected from Niche. Thus, all considerations for this ranking include the acceptance rate, application requirements, and other relevant things to look out for in a good school. Endeavor to do further check on any interests you by visiting the school’s official website.

#1. Northwestern University

Northwestern is a private elite university located in Evanston, Illinois in the Chicago Area. Thus, It is a medium-sized institution having an enrollment of 8,095 undergraduate students. The school is on the top list of best colleges in Chicago.

Hence, getting admissions to the school is extremely competitive as the Northwestern acceptance rate is 9%. More or so, some popular majors they offer include Psychology, Economics, and Journalism. Also, 95% of students graduating from, Northwestern go on to earn a starting salary of $58,900.

Acceptance Rate: 9%,

SAT Range: 1430-1550

ACT Range: 33-35

Application Fee: $75

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Early Decision/Early Action: Yes

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#2. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a private university chartered in 1890 by John D. Rockefeller. UChicago falls among the 8 Ivy League schools thus one of the top colleges in Chicago.

Meanwhile, the University of Chicago has been changing higher education and the intellectual lives of undergraduates for over a century. Having a 217-acre campus on the shores of Lake Michigan, UChicago has been home to 94 Nobel laureates. Thus, the largest number is affiliated with any American university.

Surprisingly, UChicago scholars were the first to split the atom, estimate the speed of light, and develop the field of sociology.

Acceptance rate: 6%

SAT Range: 1500-1570

ACT Range: 34-35

Application Fee: $75

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Considered but not required

#3. Wheaton College – Illinois

Wheaton College is an outstanding Christian Liberal Arts college, and one of the best colleges in Chicago. Thus, Wheaton College is the academic home for globally diverse, intellectually ambitious, and also deeply faithful Christians who want extensive world-class quality in an environment of conviction, curiosity, and community.

Furthermore, the school delivers the essence of the Christian Liberal Arts educational experience. Applying twin traditions of quality academics and also deep faith along with a faculty composed of Christian thought leaders. Wheaton bears a standard for world-class undergraduate and graduates Christian education.

Acceptance rate: 87%

SAT Range: 1210-1450

ACT Range: 26-32

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Accepts Common App: Yes

#4. Moody Bible Institute

Moody a highly ranked private, non-denominational college located in Chicago, Illinois. The school is a small institution having an enrollment of over 1,736 undergraduate students every year. Moody has been noted as one of the best colleges in Chicago due to how it handles its programs.

Meanwhile, Moody’s acceptance rate is 94%. Also, popular majors if the school include Religious Vocations, Theological and Ministerial Studies, and Biblical Studies.

Acceptance rate: 94%

SAT Range: 990-1200

ACT Range: 18-23

Application Fee: $50

SAT/ACT: Neither required nor recommended

High School GPA: Required

Early Decision/Early Action: No data available  

#5. DePaul University

DePaul University has one of the biggest private universities in the country established in 1898. Located in Chicago, DePaul University has over 22,000 students, and also, offers over 300-degree programs over ten academic colleges and schools. The school also offers two campuses in the center of Chicago’s Loop and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.

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Meanwhile, DePaul University falls among the top colleges in Chicago as it has proper facilities to give students memorable academic experiences.

Acceptance rate: 70%

SAT Range: 1050-1260

ACT Range: 22-27

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Accepts Common App: Yes

#6. Lake Forest College

Lake Forest a highly rated private college located in Lake Forest, Illinois in the Chicago area has a strong reputation as one of the top colleges in Chicago. The school has a small institutional body and also enrollment of 1,526 undergraduate students every year.

Furthermore, admissions are relatively competitive as the Lake Forest acceptance rate is 58%. Moreso, some of the popular majors include Business, Research, Experimental Psychology, and Communications.

Acceptance rate: 58%

SAT Range: 1020-1240

ACT Range: No data available  

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Recommended

High School GPA: Required

Early Decision/Early Action: No data available  

#7. Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University is where all the wide-ranging things that develop you come together. Because the Valpo experience is not about going away to college it’s about getting closer to your future. Thus, Valparaiso University has gained a strong reputation for itself and is one of the best colleges in Chicago.

Hence, every interaction with your professor and discussion In the classroom, and conversation with a new friend in Valpo will show you more about the world and yourself.

Acceptance rate: 87%

SAT Range: 1070-1280

ACT Range: 22-29

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Recommended

Accepts Common App: Yes

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#8. Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago’s Tech University is the only tech-focused university in the Chicago area. Hence, the school has high recognition in the state and is thus one of the best colleges in Chicago. From skyscrapers to startups, Illinois Tech has improved the city’s growth as a global metropolis.

Furthermore, Illinois Tech has myriads of opportunities for students and offers the best return on investment to students.

Acceptance rate: 61%

SAT Range: 1200-1390

ACT Range: 26-32

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Recommended

Accepts Common App: Yes

#9. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago will give you an impressive quintessential educational mindset, the first instant you enter the school. You’d be wowed by the lakefront property, also nationally ranked degree programs, and their Jesuit mission.

Loyola does not just have a beautiful campus but also has an interest in the students at heart. Thus, providing several scholarships and financial aid to assist students.

Acceptance rate: 71%

SAT Range: 1130-1330

ACT Range: 25-31

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Accepts Common App: Yes

#10. The University of Illinois at Chicago

Illinois at Chicago is an above-average public university located in Chicago, Illinois. Thus, It is a vast institution that has an enrollment of 20,023 undergraduate students. The school also has recognition as one of the best colleges in Chicago.

Meanwhile, the admission process in the school has a bit of competition as Illinois at Chicago’s acceptance rate falls to 73%. Also, some of the popular majors offered include Psychology, Biology, and Computer Science.

Acceptance rate: 73%

SAT Range: 1030-1250

ACT Range: 21-29

Application Fee: $60

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Early Decision/Early Action: Yes

#11. University of St. Francis – Illinois

St. Francis Illinois is also an above-average private, Catholic university located in Joliet, Illinois in the Chicago Area. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 1,365 undergraduate students.

Thus, admissions are somewhat competitive as St. Francis Illinois acceptance rate is 60%. Popular majors include Nursing, Healthcare Management, and Management Sciences and Information Systems.

Acceptance rate: 60%

SAT Range: 970-1180

ACT Range: 21-26

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Early Decision/Early Action: No data available

#12. Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian is an above-average private, non-denominational college located in Palos Heights, Illinois in the Chicago Area. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 846 undergraduate students. Admissions are fairly competitive as the Trinity Christian acceptance rate is 64%. Popular majors include Psychology, Elementary Education, and Nursing.

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Acceptance rate: 64%

SAT Range: 980-1180

ACT Range: 20-26

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Early Decision/Early Action: No data available

#13. North Park University

At North Park, you’ll be at the center of a dynamic learning community, rooted in the Christian faith and committed to a world-class city. The school is home to cutting-edge facilities, outstanding faculty, and world-class academics. You’ll experience sports, the arts, and the chapel, all amid a vibrant, park-like campus. All this, plus access to the exceptional resources of Chicago.

Acceptance rate: 44%

SAT Range: 940-1150

ACT Range: 19-25

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Accepts Common App: No data available

#14. Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university committed to empowering transformational change in students and the community.

Hard-working, diverse, and innovative, Purdue University Northwest is where academic excellence meets real-world experience. Sitting between Chicago’s buildings and Lake Michigan’s sandy shores, the school brings together students from next door and those from halfway across the world to grow, learn, and excel.

Acceptance rate: 30%

SAT Range: 960-1150

ACT Range: 19-25

Application Fee: $25

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Accepts Common App: No

#15. Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University inspires intellectual and personal growth in students, thus, preparing them for meaningful and ethical contributions to a diverse, global society.

The core values of Elmhurst include Intellectual Excellence, Professional Preparation, Community, Social Responsibility, Stewardship, and Purpose.

Acceptance rate: 68%

SAT Range: 980-1170

ACT Range: 20-26

Application Fee: $0

SAT/ACT: Considered but not required

High School GPA: Required

Accepts Common App: No

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Conclusion

If you are considering attending any college in Chicago then know you have taken a wise decision. Colleges in Chicago are great places to offer degrees for good career prospects. It will widen your career opportunities as you will network with lots of dignitaries.

Meanwhile, if you’ve carefully gone through our list of best colleges in Chicago. Do well to visit the official school website of any school that coaches your attention. Also, if you encounter any difficulty trying to get some answers bout the school, feel free to reach us. We must ensure we provide answers to your query.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Chicago

Is the University of Chicago a top 10 school?

University of Chicago’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #6. Its tuition and fees are $59,298 (2019-20).

What is Chicago known for?

Some of the many things Chicago is famous for are: Chicago-style hot dogs, Chicago-style (deep dish) pizza, Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, jazz music, and 1920s gangsters, for example, Al Capone. Chicago is also known for architecture, for example, the Sears Tower and museums. It is also known for its loyal sports fans.

Is Chicago Safe?

The good news is that Chicago is pretty safe. Most people will just hang around what is known as The Loop – the area of the city that’s choc-a-bloc with public art and museums. The only thing to worry about here is pickpockets.

Are Chicagoans nice?

Chicagoans are a mix between Nebraska farmers and New Yorkers. Very very friendly and hard-working, but opinionated, mouthy, and proud. If you love sports you can’t have it any better than in Chicago. Everyone has their favorites, and it isn’t always the Cubs thank God!

What GPA is required for the University of Chicago?

You should have a 4.48 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as the University of Chicago, you’ll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.

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