Top 10 Best Colleges in Chicago for Students in 2025

Choosing a college in Chicago isn’t just about picking a name from a ranking list. It’s about deciding where you’ll live, study, and grow for the next few years. Chicago is among the top cities for higher education in the country. It is home to the universities that do cutting-edge research globally, public schools that are affordable for the most part, and institutions that have gained recognition for their innovative approach to education.

To make the process a little easier, we’ve put together a guide to the 10 best colleges in Chicago for 2025. We looked at academic strength, affordability, student life, and what graduates go on to do after school.

How We Built This List

Here’s how we approached this guide:

• We checked U.S. News & World Report data, graduation rates, and alumni salaries.

• We compared tuition costs and average net prices after accounting for financial aid.

• We read student reviews on Reddit and other forums to gain insight into real experiences.

• We considered diversity, support for first-gen students, and overall campus vibe.

In short, this list combines actual numbers with what students actually care about.

1. University of Chicago (UChicago)

Location: Hyde Park, Chicago, IL

Ranking: #11 in National Universities

Type: Private, Research University 

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~7,569 undergrads

Tuition & Fees: Sticker tuition ~$71,325/yr; net price after aid ~$36,991/yr on average

Acceptance Rate: ~5% 

Graduation Rate: ~86% (within 6 years) and very high four-year completion (most students finishing in normal time) 

UChicago is known for its challenging academics. The Core Curriculum is required for all students, covering humanities, social sciences, math, and science, so you’ll get a broad education before diving deep into your major. The university also supports over 4,500 paid internships every year, which makes it easy to get hands-on experience while you study.

Tuition is expensive, but the school’s aid program is generous. Families making under $125,000 don’t pay tuition at all, and many others get significant financial help. The student-faculty ratio is just 5:1, so classes are small and professors are accessible.

Best for: Students who want small classes, a rigorous academic environment, and plenty of research and internship opportunities.

2. Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, IL

Ranking: #6 in National Universities

Type: Private, Research University 

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~8,846 undergrads 

Tuition & Fees: Full tuition ~$70,589/year, plus room & board and living expenses, pushing total cost higher. Net cost varies, and aid is significant for eligible students.

Acceptance Rate: ~7%

Graduation Rate: ~96% within six years or similar (high) retention and graduation for first-time full-time students. 

Northwestern is known for its top-ranked programs and flexible academics. The school uses the quarter system, which allows students to take more classes each year and makes it easier to double major or explore different subjects. Popular programs include the Medill School of Journalism, engineering, business, and the performing arts.

The campus is in Evanston, giving students a quieter, lakeside setting while still being a short train ride from downtown Chicago. Northwestern offers strong internship opportunities and students say professors are approachable and supportive. Winters can be cold and snowy, but the campus community is active and social year-round.

Best for: Students who want a highly ranked school with flexible academics and easy access to Chicago for internships and networking.

3. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

Location: Near West Side, Chicago, IL

Ranking: #80 in National Universities

Type: Public, Research University 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,260 undergrads

Tuition & Fees: In-state tuition is about $14,338/year; out-of-state tuition is about $29,360/year.

Acceptance Rate: 78.5%

Graduation Rate: ~36% (4-year), ~62% (6-year)

UIC is the largest public university in Chicago and one of the most diverse campuses in the Midwest. It’s especially popular with first-generation college students and has strong programs in health sciences, engineering, and business. It also hosts the nation’s largest medical school.

The campus is located just west of downtown, giving students easy access to internships in healthcare, government, finance, and tech. Because the school is so large, academic advising can feel less personal, but UIC is one of the most affordable options in the city and offers plenty of opportunities to build career experience while studying.

Best for: Students who want an affordable public university with strong programs in health, business, and engineering, and lots of internship opportunities nearby.

4. Loyola University Chicago

Location: Rogers Park, Chicago, IL

Ranking: #132 in National Universities

Type: Private, 4-year University (with research/health programs) 

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~12,487 undergraduates 

Tuition & Fees: ~ US$50,270 / year (tuition alone) for undergrads (2022-23); total cost is higher with room, board, and fees. 

Acceptance Rate: ~81-82% 

Graduation Rate: ~65-70% (4-year graduation rate), ~74-77% (6-year rate)

Loyola’s main campus sits right on Lake Michigan. That gives students a true lakefront setting in the city. The university is Jesuit, so courses often include themes of ethics, social justice, and service. Popular choices for students include nursing, business, psychology, and pre-law tracks.

Because it’s a mid-sized school, students usually find a good balance between academics and campus life. There are Division I sports, plenty of student groups, and many volunteer opportunities. It’s not known for a big party scene, which many students see as a plus.

Best for: Students who want a mid-sized school with strong health, business, and pre-law programs and a campus focused on service and community.

5. DePaul University

Location: Lincoln Park and Loop, Chicago, IL

Ranking: #62 in Best Value Schools

Type: Private, Research University (Catholic affiliation) 

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~14,374 undergraduates (Fall 2023)

Tuition & Fees: ~US$45,195/year tuition (before aid)

Acceptance Rate: ~73.5%

Graduation Rate: ~70% (six-year graduation rate) 

DePaul has two campuses (one in Lincoln Park and one downtown), giving students direct access to Chicago’s business, tech, communications, and arts industries. Despite being one of the largest private universities in the country, class sizes stay relatively small, which makes it easier to work with professors.

Internships and real-world projects are a key part of most programs, and students frequently use the city as an extension of the classroom. DePaul is also known for its diverse student body and strong record of graduates earning Fulbright scholarships or joining the Peace Corps.

Best for: Students who want to study in the middle of Chicago and gain work experience while completing their degree.

6. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Location: Bronzeville, Chicago, IL

Ranking: #105 in National Universities

Type: Private, Research University (technology-focused)

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~2,813 undergraduates (Fall 2024) 

Tuition & Fees: ~$52,386/year sticker tuition/fees; average after aid/net price around ~$25,000/year for those receiving aid. 

Acceptance Rate: ~55–56% 

Graduation Rate: ~75% 

IIT is best known for its programs in engineering, computer science, and design. The campus features modernist architecture by Mies van der Rohe and provides a focused, tech-driven environment.

Courses are hands-on and project-based, helping students build skills that translate directly to the workplace. The student community is smaller than at other Chicago universities, which creates a close-knit, focused atmosphere.

Best for: STEM students who want a project-oriented education in a smaller, career-driven campus setting.

7. Columbia College Chicago

Location: South Loop, Chicago, IL

Ranking: #128 in Regional Universities Midwest

Type: Private, Arts & Media / Creative-focused college 

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~6,529 students total (mostly undergrad) 

Tuition & Fees: ~$34,088/year for full-time undergrad tuition & fees (2024-25); net price (after aid) varies but is around ~$27,338 average for students after financial aid. 

Acceptance Rate: ~91%

Graduation Rate: ~39%

Columbia College is one of the country’s largest nonprofit arts and media schools. Admission often focuses more on portfolios and creative work than on test scores.

The downtown location puts students close to theaters, studios, and media companies, making it easy to find hands-on opportunities. Graduation rates are lower than at research universities, but students who are serious about art, film, music, or media find plenty of ways to build their careers while still in school.

Best for: Creative students who want a city-based, portfolio-driven education with direct industry access.

8. Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)

Location: North Park, Chicago, IL

Ranking: #148 in Regional Universities Midwest

Type: Public university

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~4,246 undergraduates among a total of ~5,778 students (including graduates), Fall 2025.

Tuition & Fees: Not listed

Acceptance Rate: ~62.7% for undergrad admissions (approx)

Graduation Rate: ~18.7% for 6-year bachelor’s completion (that is quite low)

NEIU is one of the most affordable universities in Chicago and attracts a diverse, mostly local student population. The campus is commuter-friendly and especially popular with first-generation college students.

Strong programs include education, business, and social work. Faculty are often praised for being supportive, and the school offers a flexible path for students balancing work, family, and school, though graduation rates are lower than average.

Best for: Local and first-generation students who want an affordable education with supportive professors and flexible scheduling.

9. Roosevelt University

Location: Downtown Chicago, IL

Ranking: #392-434 in National Universities

Type: Private, research university.

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~2,857 undergraduates (≈4,281 total students).

Tuition & Fees: Sticker tuition/fees about $21,315/yr; average net price after aid about $22,117/yr (varies by family income).

Acceptance Rate: ~94% (recent cycles).

Graduation Rate (6-year): ~54% for first-time, full-time students.

Roosevelt has a long history of focusing on diversity and social justice. The university is known for its programs in performing arts, business, and psychology. Its downtown Chicago location gives students easy access to internships, cultural events, and public transit.

With a smaller student body, it’s easier to connect with professors and classmates, which can be a good fit for transfer and nontraditional students. Tuition is mid-range compared to other Chicago schools, and the close-knit environment is often highlighted as a strength.

Best for: Students who want a smaller, community-focused campus in the heart of the city.

10. Chicago State University (CSU)

Location: South Side, Chicago, IL

Ranking: #149-164 in Regional Universities Midwest

Type: Public University 

Undergraduate Enrollment: ~1,501 undergraduates (Fall 2024) among a total of ~2,238 students, including graduate students. 

Tuition & Fees: ~12,754 USD for undergraduate studies, not including general student fees. 

Acceptance Rate: ~41% 

Graduation Rate: Approximately 11% four-year graduation rate, as per recent data.

CSU is a Historically Black University focused on equity and access. It offers some of the most affordable tuition in Chicago and is best known for its programs in education, health sciences, and criminal justice.

Because the campus is small, professors often know students by name and provide more one-on-one support. This makes CSU a good choice for students who want a personal learning environment without a high price tag.

Best for: Students looking for an affordable degree and a close-knit campus community.

How to Get Ready for College in Chicago

Getting accepted is only half the battle; being prepared matters just as much. A few things to keep in mind:

• Apply early. Early applications can improve your chances and reduce stress later. Almost every application (and your student ID) will need a photo, so don’t leave it to chance.

• Plan your finances. Research tuition, scholarships, and FAFSA deadlines well in advance.

• Think about lifestyle. Do you prefer a large campus with thousands of students or a smaller, more intimate setting? If possible, visit campuses before making your choice.

Professional Photos with StudioPod

Many students regret letting the university snap a rushed ID photo they're stuck with for four years. A smarter option is Studio Pod, a self-service photo booth in Chicago (4311 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613). 

In just 15 minutes, you can get professional-quality photos with proper lighting. You can even bring outfit changes and request fast retouching. It's a simple step that pays off when you're applying for or updating your LinkedIn profile later.

Bottom Line

Chicago offers an incredible range of colleges, from world-famous research universities to budget-friendly public schools and arts-focused institutions. The right choice between the best colleges in Chicago depends on what you want academically, financially, and socially. Prepare early, plan your finances, and take small but smart steps, such as securing a professional photo, so you’re ready for whatever campus you call home.

FAQs

What’s the most prestigious college in Chicago?

The University of Chicago and Northwestern University are the most prestigious nationally.

Which school is the cheapest?

Chicago State University and NEIU are the most affordable options.

Which schools are best for the arts?

Columbia College Chicago and DePaul University.

Which schools are strong in health and pre-med?

UIC has the nation’s largest medical school, and Loyola is also well-regarded for health programs.

Do Chicago colleges give good financial aid?

Yes. UChicago and Northwestern offer generous aid, while public schools like UIC and NEIU keep tuition low.