Top Universities in Illinois 2025: Rankings, Courses, Fees & Admission Guide
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If you’re planning to study in the US, Illinois should definitely be on your radar—and not just because Chicago is a major city with amazing deep-dish pizza (though that helps!). From world-renowned research institutions to smaller student-focused universities, Illinois is home to some of the best universities in the country.
Whether you’re dreaming of a tech degree from UIUC, business at Northwestern, or medicine at UIC, this state offers a diverse mix of public and private schools that combine academic excellence, strong global rankings, and vibrant campus life. In this guide, we break down the top universities in Illinois for 2025, covering their rankings, tuition fees, student stats, and what makes each campus stand out. Let’s explore what makes Illinois a top study destination!
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, or UIUC, is one of the top public universities in the U.S. It was founded in 1867 and is located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in central Illinois. As of 2024, it has more than 59,000 students, making it one of the largest public research universities in the country. UIUC is especially known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, data science, and business. UIUC is also ranked:
- #12 among Top Public Schools in the U.S.
- #35 among National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2024)
- #5 for Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Its Grainger College of Engineering and Gies College of Business are popular with students from around the world. In fact, UIUC has over 10,000 international students from 123 countries. It’s part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and is classified as an R1 research university, meaning it’s heavily focused on research and innovation. Following are the key details of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Urbana-Champaign, Illinois |
| Founded | 1867 |
| Campus Size | 6,370 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 59,440 (Fall 2023) |
| Undergraduate Students | 35,467 |
| Graduate Students | 20,300+ |
| International Students | Over 10,000 from 123 countries |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 |
| Popular Majors | Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Finance, Data Science |
| In-State Tuition | $17,334 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,306 per year |
| SAT Score Range | 1270–1510 |
| ACT Score Range | 27–33 |
| Acceptance Rate | 44% |
| Employment Rate | 91% within 6 months after graduation |
| Annual Research Funding | Over $680 million |
| Alumni Network | 485,000+ alumni worldwide |
| Campus Life | 800+ student groups, Big Ten sports, arts, and Greek life |
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a top private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, right next to Lake Michigan and just a short ride from downtown Chicago. It was founded in 1851 and is well-known for offering high-quality education and great career opportunities. In 2025, Northwestern has more than 23,000 students across 12 schools and colleges. One thing that makes it unique is that 74% of undergraduates combine two or more majors, giving students the chance to explore different interests. Northwestern is home to several top-ranked schools:
- The Kellogg School of Management (one of the best MBA programs in the world)
- The Medill School of Journalism (famous for media and communications)
- The Feinberg School of Medicine
- The Pritzker School of Law
In the U.S. News & World Report 2024, Northwestern ranks #9 among National Universities, showing how strong it is in teaching, research, and student outcomes. The university’s 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio means students get personal attention from professors. Following are the key details of Northwestern University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Evanston, Illinois (plus a Chicago campus) |
| Founded | 1851 |
| University Type | Private Research University |
| Campus Size | 240 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 23,409 (2023–2024) |
| Undergraduate Students | ~8,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~15,409 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 6:1 |
| Popular Majors | Economics, Journalism, Psychology, Engineering, Political Science |
| Annual Tuition Fees | $63,468 |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1450–1550 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 33–35 |
| Acceptance Rate | 7% (very selective) |
| International Students | 10–12% of student body |
| Employment Rate | 96% within 6 months of graduation |
| Top Recruiters | Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, JPMorgan |
| Alumni Network | 260,000+ alumni in 70+ countries |
| Research Funding | $893 million in 2023 |
| Campus Life | 500+ student clubs, arts programs, Big Ten sports |
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago (UChicago) is one of the top private universities in the world. It was founded in 1890 and is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, near the lake and full of cultural life. UChicago is known for being academically challenging. It has a Core Curriculum, which means all students study a range of subjects to build strong thinking and writing skills. It’s especially strong in subjects like economics, law, political science, math, and biology.
One of its most impressive achievements? UChicago has produced 101 Nobel Prize winners—more than most other universities in the world. And with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get lots of personal attention and support from professors. In rankings:
- #6 in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report 2024)
- #3 for Best Value in the U.S.
- #10 globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
The university also has study abroad centers in Paris, Beijing, Delhi, and Hong Kong, and welcomes students from all over the world. Following are the key details of University of Chicago:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois |
| Founded | 1890 |
| University Type | Private Research University |
| Campus Size | 217 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 18,504 students |
| Undergraduate Students | 7,540 |
| Graduate Students | 10,518 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 5:1 |
| Popular Majors | Economics, Political Science, Math, Biology, Law, Sociology |
| Annual Tuition | $67,500 (2024–2025) |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1510–1570 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 33–35 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5% (very competitive) |
| Financial Aid | Need-blind for U.S. students; meets 100% of need |
| Study Abroad Centers | Paris, Delhi, Hong Kong, Beijing |
| International Students | ~20% of total enrollment |
| Employment/Grad School Rate | 95% within 6 months of graduation |
| Notable Alumni | Milton Friedman, Carl Sagan, Susan Sontag, Satya Nadella |
| Campus Life | Diverse, academic, active city culture |
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
UIC, or the University of Illinois Chicago, is the largest public university in the Chicago area. It’s located right in the heart of downtown Chicago, giving students access to everything the city has to offer—internships, jobs, culture, and fun. As of Fall 2023, UIC has more than 33,500 students across 16 colleges. UIC is known for its strong programs in health sciences, engineering, business, urban planning, and liberal arts. It’s also home to one of the top-ranked medical schools in Illinois.
UIC is also proud of its diverse student body. Around 29% of students are Hispanic, 27% are White, 18% are Asian, and 8% are Black. It’s ranked among the Top 30 most ethnically diverse universities in the country. UIC’s main campus is 244 acres, and it’s easy to get around using public transportation. The school also offers affordable tuition, especially for Illinois residents, and gives out over $350 million in scholarships and financial aid each year. Following are the key details of University of Illinois Chicago (UIC):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Established | 1982 (UIC formed; roots date back to 1859) |
| University Type | Public Research University (R1) |
| Campus Size | 244 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 33,522 (Fall 2023) |
| Undergraduate Students | 21,807 |
| Graduate Students | 11,715 |
| Colleges | 16 (Medicine, Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, etc.) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 |
| Student Diversity | 29% Hispanic, 27% White, 18% Asian, 8% Black |
| International Students | 3,000+ from over 100 countries |
| Popular Majors | Health Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing, Urban Planning |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | ~$16,301 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition | ~$29,000 per year |
| Average SAT Score | 1195 |
| Average ACT Score | 27 |
| Acceptance Rate | 79% (moderately selective) |
| Financial Aid | Over $350 million awarded yearly |
| Research Funding | ~$450 million per year |
| Campus Life | 300+ clubs, sports, on-campus housing, student events |
| Website | uic.edu |
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Tech is a private university in Chicago, just a few miles south of the city’s downtown. It was first established in 1890, and its current form was created in 1940 when several technical schools joined together. Today, it’s known for its strong focus on technology, science, engineering, and architecture. As of Fall 2024, Illinois Tech has around 8,838 students, with most of them in graduate programs. Because class sizes are small and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, students get plenty of personal attention from professors.
Students benefit from the university’s close ties with Chicago’s tech companies, architecture firms, and businesses, which means great opportunities for internships and jobs. According to research, Illinois Tech is one of the Top 100 universities in the U.S. for long-term earning potential—so your degree really pays off. Following are the key details of Illinois Institute of Technology:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Established | 1890 (current form since 1940) |
| University Type | Private Research University (R2 level) |
| Campus Size | 120 acres (Bronzeville neighborhood, Chicago) |
| Total Enrollment | 8,838 students (Fall 2024) |
| Undergraduate Students | 2,813 |
| Graduate Students | 6,025 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 |
| Schools/Colleges | 6 (Engineering, Computing, Architecture, Business, Science, Law) |
| Popular Programs | Computer Science, Architecture, Engineering, Business Analytics |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | ~$50,640 (before scholarships) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~66% (moderately selective) |
| SAT Range (optional) | 1220–1420 |
| ACT Range (optional) | 26–32 |
| International Students | Around 15% of total students |
| Career Outcomes Rate | 93% employed or in grad school within 6 months of graduation |
| Website | iit.edu |
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a well-known private Jesuit Catholic university that combines strong academics with a focus on community, values, and helping others. It was founded in 1870 and is one of the largest Jesuit universities in the U.S.The main campus sits right next to Lake Michigan, offering beautiful views and a calm atmosphere. But you’re also just a quick train ride from downtown Chicago, where you’ll find great internship opportunities, cultural experiences, and career options.
Loyola is best known for its programs in nursing, business, law, biology, and environmental science. It also has strong programs in the liberal arts, and it’s proud of its commitment to diversity and inclusion. As of 2023, Loyola has over 17,000 students, including more than 12,000 undergraduates. Loyola is also ranked as one of the Top 25 most diverse schools in the U.S. Following are the key details of Loyola University Chicago:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois (Lake Shore, Water Tower, Health Sciences campuses) |
| Founded | 1870 |
| University Type | Private Jesuit, Catholic Research University |
| Total Enrollment | 17,397 (2023) |
| Undergraduate Students | 12,487 |
| Graduate Students | 4,910 |
| Campus Size | 45 acres (Lake Shore Campus) + 3 campuses across Chicago |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 14:1 |
| Number of Schools | 14 (including Nursing, Business, Law, Arts & Sciences) |
| Popular Programs | Nursing, Psychology, Business, Biology, Law, Environmental Science |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | ~$51,706 (2024–25, before aid) |
| SAT Score Range | 1180–1320 overall (590–690 Verbal) |
| ACT Score Range | 27–32 |
| Acceptance Rate | 81% (moderately selective) |
| International Students | ~6–8% of student population |
| Job Placement Rate | 93% employed or in grad school within 6 months of graduation |
| Study Abroad Programs | 100+ options; includes John Felice Rome Center in Italy |
| Accreditations | HLC; Program accreditations (AACSB, CCNE, ABA, etc.) |
| Notable Alumni | Bob Newhart, Bill Rancic, Sandra Cisneros |
| Campus Life | 250+ student groups, Division I sports, strong community service |
| Website | luc.edu |
Conclusion
Choosing where to study can be a big decision—but if you’re looking for quality education, career-ready programs, and an energetic student lifestyle, Illinois has it all. Whether you’re into engineering, medicine, business, law, or liberal arts, you’ll find a university in Illinois that fits your goals—and your budget.
So go ahead, explore your options, compare your choices, and get ready to start your academic adventure in one of America’s most exciting states to study. Need help finding student accommodation in Illinois? Head over to University Living—your trusted global partner for safe, verified, and budget-friendly student housing near top universities across Illinois. Book early and live stress-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top universities in Illinois in 2025?
Which are the top universities in Illinois in 2025?
In 2025, the top universities in Illinois include:
1. University of Chicago
2. Northwestern University
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
4. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
5. Illinois Institute of Technology
6. Loyola University Chicago
What is the tuition fee for international students at Illinois universities?
Tuition fees for international students at Illinois universities varies by university and whether it’s public or private:
1. Public universities (like UIUC or UIC): $16,000–$35,000/year
2. Private universities (like Northwestern or UChicago): $50,000–$67,500/year
Many universities also offer scholarships and financial aid for international students.
What is the cost of living for students in Illinois?
On average, international students in Illinois can expect to spend around $1,200 to $1,800 per month, which includes:
Rent: $600–$1,200/month (shared or off-campus)
Food: $250–$350/month
Transportation: $50–$100/month
Miscellaneous (entertainment, supplies): $100–$200/month
Is Illinois a good place for international students?
Yes, Illinois is a great destination for international students. It offers:
1. World-ranked universities
2. Strong career placement (up to 95% employment within 6 months)
3. Vibrant cities like Chicago with plenty of job and internship opportunities
4. Diverse and inclusive campuses
What are the admission requirements for universities in Illinois?
While requirements vary by institution, most top universities in Illinois ask for:
1. GPA: 3.0+ (minimum)
2. SAT: 1250–1550 (depending on the university)
3. ACT: 27–35
4. IELTS/TOEFL for non-native English speakers
5. Application essays, recommendation letters, and sometimes interviews
