According to Money, the best colleges in Illinois include Bradley, U of I and Northwestern
These courses are the best paid in America
A study by Bankrate determined the most sought-after and best-paying degrees in America based on three factors.
Choosing the right college is a task that needs to be carefully considered by both parents and students. Academic programs, costs, location and opportunities are some factors that come to mind before even filling out an application.
Finding a college worth the price can be especially difficult when colleges don’t disclose tuition up front, leaving families in the dark. According to Money, the prices colleges advertise can be lowered through scholarships and grants. Private institutions in particular are known to do this.
In its Best Colleges 2024 roundup, Money analyzed 745 colleges across the country. Thirty-four Illinois colleges were named based on graduate salaries, tuition, financial aid, and graduation rates, among other factors. The roundup isn’t meant to “narrow down” the best colleges, but it can be helpful in determining schools where students are more likely to get a well-paying job with manageable student debt.
Universities in Illinois: According to the study, Bradley is one of the best colleges in Illinois
Here are the colleges that were mentioned in Illinois and why.
The Best Colleges in Illinois in 2024, According to Money
5 Stars
Northwestern University, Evanston: Acceptance rate: 7%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $92,900. Estimated price with average grant: $23,400. Completion rate: 95%
University of Chicago, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 5%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $90,300. Estimated price with average grant: $39,100. Completion rate: 96%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign: Acceptance rate: 45%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $33,400. Estimated price with average grant: $15,400. Completion rate: 87%
4.5 stars
Augustana College, Rock Island: Acceptance rate: 81%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $64,700. Estimated price with average grant: $26,100. Graduation rate: 77%
Aurora University, Aurora: Acceptance rate: 82%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $45,800. Estimated price with average grant: $20,500. Graduation rate: 66%
Bradley University, Peoria: Acceptance rate: 75%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $55,600. Estimated price with average grant: $25,400. Completion rate: 77%
Elmhurst University, Elmhurst: Acceptance rate: 76%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $58,200. Estimated price with average grant: $25,500. Completion rate: 70%
Illinois State University, Normal: Acceptance rate: 86%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $33,700. Estimated price with average grant: $21,700. Graduation rate: 71%
Lake Forest College, Lake Forest: Acceptance rate: 60%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $71,500. Estimated price with average grant: $29,400. Completion rate: 77%
Lewis University, Romeoville: Acceptance rate: 74%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $54,200. Estimated price with average grant: $20,300. Completion rate: 72%
Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights: Acceptance rate: 71%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $50,800. Estimated price with average grant: $19,900. Graduation rate: 60%
University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 79%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $37,300. Estimated price with average grant: $11,000. Completion rate: 70%
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield: Acceptance rate: 82%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $27,500. Estimated price with average grant: $12,400. Completion rate: 61%
St. Francis University, Joliet: Acceptance rate: 58%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $53,300. Estimated price with average grant: $19,600. Completion rate: 69%
Wheaton College, Wheaton: Acceptance rate: 88%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $59,000. Estimated price with average grant: $31,700. Completion rate: 87%
Are you building a new home? Study: Prices rising in the Peoria area
4 stars
Dominican University, River Forest: Acceptance rate: 90%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $52,100. Estimated price with average grant: $19,200. Completion rate: 66%
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 61%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $74,800. Estimated price with average grant: $30,300. Completion rate: 73%
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington: Acceptance rate: 42%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $71,500. Estimated price with average grant: $31,800. Completion rate: 82%
National Louis University, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 92%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $33,700. Estimated price with average grant: $15,600. Completion rate: 60%
North Central College, Naperville: Acceptance rate: 61%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $60,300. Estimated price with average grant: $26,700. Completion rate: 70%
North Park University, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 68%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $49,700. Estimated price with average grant: $20,100. Completion rate: 61%
Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 83%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $33,700. Estimated price with average grant: $15,100. Completion rate: 44%
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb: Acceptance rate: 71%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $28,900. Estimated price with average grant: $14,700. Graduation rate: 58%
Saint Xavier University, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 84%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $52,900. Estimated price with average grant: $11,900. Graduation rate: 61%
Western Illinois University, Macomb: Acceptance rate: 75%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $29,200. Estimated price with average grant: $11,900. Completion rate: 56%
3.5 stars
DePaul University, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 70%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $65,000. Estimated price with average grant: $34,000. Completion rate: 70%
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston: Acceptance rate: 68%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $27,900. Estimated price with average grant: $14,100. Completion rate: 59%
Eureka College, Eureka: Acceptance rate: 87%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $42,600. Estimated price with average grant: $20,600. Completion rate: 63%
Illinois College, Jacksonville: Acceptance rate: 77%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $49,700. Estimated price with average grant: $17,200. Completion rate: 67%
Judson University, Elgin: Acceptance rate: 58%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $47,800. Estimated price with average grant: $20,400. Completion rate: 65%
Knox College, Galesburg: Acceptance rate: 73%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $68,600. Estimated price with average grant: $28,400. Completion rate: 70%
Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais: Acceptance rate: 58%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $53,500. Estimated price with average grant: $21,200. Completion rate: 65%
3 stars
Loyola University, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 79%. Estimated total award 2024-25: $70,500. Estimated award with average grant: $39,700. Graduation rate: 73%
Colleges in Peoria: Despite problems, Bradley University tries to maintain enrollment numbers
2 stars
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago: Acceptance rate: 79%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $78,400. Estimated price with average grant: $57,000. Completion rate: 67%
Is college worth it?
Is the American dream unattainable? According to a Wall Street Journal-NORC poll, only half of Americans believe that a college degree is worth it. A Pew Research poll confirms this view, showing that only 29% of Americans believe that college is worth it if student loans are required. 47% believe college is still worth it, but only if loans are not required to attend.
The reason for the shift in attitudes toward college is the increasing opportunities to live well without a bachelor’s degree, as well as the rising cost of living. According to Money, the median wealth of households with high school graduates rose from $12,700 in 2013 to $30,700 in 2022. In comparison, the net worth increase for households with college degrees ranged from $46,600 to $120,200.
The number of prospective students is also declining because of changes in tuition costs since 2001, the College Board found. After adjusting for inflation, tuition and fees at public four-year colleges rose 81%. In comparison, fees at private colleges rose 46%.
Todd Runkle of Carolinas Connect contributed.
Calm Down singer Rema has to pay over Rs 25 crore for performing viral song at Anant Ambani Radhika Merchant’s wedding
Professional wrestler and voice actor of Winnie the Pooh as headliner at comic convention
Trial of Alec Baldwin “Rust” begins with jury selection
About The Author
