2026 Best Best Schools in Illinois

1

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Our analysis ranked Northwestern University the best school in the country for a degree in best. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. About 95% of students finish within six years. About 83 best degrees were awarded at Northwestern University in the most recent year. Students who receive their best degree from Northwestern University earn around $73,260 in the first couple years of their career. Northwestern University graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Get the full best details for Northwestern University

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

Students looking for a strong best program will find one at University Of Illinois At Chicago, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. University Of Illinois At Chicago awarded about 27 best degrees in the most recent data year. Best graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $59,815 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete this degree. See the full best program report for University Of Illinois At Chicago

3

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in best, landing the #3 spot this year. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. About 68% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 22 best students who graduated with this degree at Depaul University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the best program make about $65,378 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,310. See the full best program report for Depaul University

4

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

A rank of #4 makes Illinois Institute Of Technology one of the top schools for best. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. About 11 best degrees were awarded at Illinois Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. Students who receive their best degree from Illinois Institute Of Technology earn around $71,315 in the first couple years of their career. Illinois Institute Of Technology graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Get the full best details for Illinois Institute Of Technology

5

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in best, ranking #5. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. About 31 best degrees were awarded at Northern Illinois University in the most recent year. Best graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $62,849 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete this degree. See the full best program report for Northern Illinois University

6

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

University Of Illinois At Springfield earned the #6 position for best this year. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. University Of Illinois At Springfield graduates 52% of students within six years. About 63 best degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Springfield in the most recent year. Best graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $61,014 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,925. Read more about the best program at University Of Illinois At Springfield

7

National Louis University
Chicago, IL

National Louis University came in at #7 for best this year. National Louis University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 30% of students complete a degree within six years here. National Louis University awarded about 11 best degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their best degree from National Louis University earn around $53,733 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $29,242. More information about a degree in best from National Louis University

8

Aurora University
Aurora, IL

Aurora University placed #8 among the best best schools. Set in the suburb of Aurora, Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. About 13 best degrees were awarded at Aurora University in the most recent year. Graduates of the best program make about $42,605 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,507. More information about a degree in best from Aurora University

9

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best best schools. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates 55% of students within six years. About 30 best degrees were awarded at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the most recent year. Graduates of the best program make about $51,703 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,917. Read more about the best program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

10

Governors State University
University Park, IL

Governors State University came in at #10 for best this year. Governors State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Park. Governors State University graduates 21% of students within six years. Governors State University awarded about 12 best degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, best degree recipients from Governors State University generally make around $51,711. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete this degree. Get the full best details for Governors State University