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Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

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2023 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

78 Schools Ranked
$26,952 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$25,787 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for students. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois ranking. This report analyzed 78 schools in Illinois to see which ones were the most popular bachelor's degree programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

9,305 Total Awards
$17,634 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,891 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign the most popular school in Illinois for students working on their bachelor’s degree. This large public school is located in Champaign, Illinois, and it awarded 9,305 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $17,634 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UIUC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $37,632. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,891 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UIUC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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8,124 Total Awards
$20,250 Average Tuition & Fees
$37,103 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Chamberlain University - Illinois. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list. This large private for-profit school is located in Addison, Illinois, and it awarded 8,124 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Chamberlain - Illinois, expect to pay an average of $20,250 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $37,103 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Chamberlain - Illinois does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Chamberlain University - Illinois Report

5,247 Total Awards
$15,603 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,801 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Illinois at Chicago. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list. UIC is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 5,247 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $15,603 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UIC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $30,370. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,801 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UIC. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#4

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
4,745 Total Awards
$13,968 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,109 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Illinois State University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list. Located in Normal, Illinois, the large public school handed out 4,745 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $13,968 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Illinois State. Out-of-state students pay an average of $24,172. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Illinois State accumulate an average of $21,109 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Illinois State does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#5

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
3,335 Total Awards
$42,012 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,156 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means DePaul University is a great place for students working on their bachelor’s degree. DePaul is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,335 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend DePaul, expect to pay an average of $42,012 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from DePaul accumulate an average of $24,156 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

DePaul does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#5

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
3,353 Total Awards
$47,808 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,570 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Loyola University Chicago helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Illinois. Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,353 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Loyola Chicago, expect to pay an average of $47,808 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,570 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Online courses are available at Loyola Chicago, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Loyola University Chicago

#7

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
3,080 Total Awards
$14,738 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,759 Avg Student Debt

Northern Illinois University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. NIU is a fairly large public school situated in Dekalb, Illinois. It awarded 3,080 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $14,738 to cover tuition and fees at NIU. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,759 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Online courses are available at NIU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 4% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Northern Illinois University

#8

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
2,722 Total Awards
$60,768 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,404 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Northwestern University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Evanston, Illinois, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 2,722 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $60,768 to cover tuition and fees at Northwestern. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,404 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Northwestern University Report

2,476 Total Awards
$15,240 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,761 Avg Student Debt

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking. SIUC is a public institution located in Carbondale, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,476 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $15,240 to cover tuition and fees at SIUC. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,761 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at SIUC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

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#10

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois
2,308 Total Awards
$11,496 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,579 Avg Student Debt

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. SIUE is located in Edwardsville, Illinois and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,308 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend SIUE, expect to pay an average of $11,496 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,579 in student loans. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at SIUE, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#11

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
2,163 Total Awards
$60,963 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,217 Avg Student Debt

University of Chicago landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. UChicago is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,163 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $60,963 to cover tuition and fees at UChicago. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UChicago accumulate an average of $15,217 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Full University of Chicago Report

#12

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
1,560 Total Awards
$13,297 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,617 Avg Student Debt

Western Illinois University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking. Western Illinois University is a medium-sized public school located in Macomb, Illinois that handed out 1,560 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend WIU, expect to pay an average of $13,297 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,617 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that WIU does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#13

DeVry University - Illinois

Chicago, Illinois
1,441 Total Awards
$15,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$44,637 Avg Student Debt

DeVry University - Illinois did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #13 on the list. DeVry University - Illinois is a private for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,441 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

DeVry University - Illinois does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $15,032. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $44,637 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since DeVry University - Illinois does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#14

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, Illinois
1,365 Total Awards
$12,064 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,044 Avg Student Debt

Northeastern Illinois University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. Northeastern Illinois University is a medium-sized public school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 1,365 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $12,064 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northeastern Illinois University. Out-of-state students pay an average of $22,155. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,044 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Northeastern Illinois University. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#15

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
1,335 Total Awards
$27,786 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,115 Avg Student Debt

Columbia College Chicago came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,335 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Columbia, expect to pay an average of $27,786 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,115 in student loans. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Columbia College Chicago Report

#16

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois
1,287 Total Awards
$36,360 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,068 Avg Student Debt

Bradley University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. Bradley is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Peoria, Illinois. It awarded 1,287 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Bradley, expect to pay an average of $36,360 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,068 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Online courses are available at Bradley, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Bradley University Report

#17

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois
1,259 Total Awards
$26,760 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,543 Avg Student Debt

Aurora University ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Aurora, Illinois, and it awarded 1,259 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $26,760 to cover tuition and fees at Aurora. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,543 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Aurora does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 96% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Aurora University Report

#18

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois
1,119 Total Awards
$35,472 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,413 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Lewis University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Lewis is a private not-for-profit institution located in Romeoville, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,119 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Lewis, expect to pay an average of $35,472 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,413 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Online courses are available at Lewis, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Lewis University Report

#19

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois
1,076 Total Awards
$12,297 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,733 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in Charleston, Illinois, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,076 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at EIU is $12,297. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,551. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,733 in student loans. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that EIU does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Eastern Illinois University Report

#20

Augustana College

Rock Island, Illinois
914 Total Awards
$46,189 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,410 Avg Student Debt

Augustana College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list. Rock Island, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 914 students in 2020-2021.

Augustana does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $46,189. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,410 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Augustana. In 2019-2020 about 41% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Augustana College Report

#21

Roosevelt University

Chicago, Illinois
820 Total Awards
$28,098 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Roosevelt University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 820 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,098 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Roosevelt. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Roosevelt University

#22

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois
796 Total Awards
$10,108 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,123 Avg Student Debt

Governors State University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. University Park, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 796 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $10,108 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend GSU. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,620. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,123 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at GSU. During the 2019-2020 year, about 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Governors State University Report

#23

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Illinois
786 Total Awards
$37,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,166 Avg Student Debt

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking. Olivet Nazarene is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It awarded 786 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Olivet Nazarene, expect to pay an average of $37,440 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene accumulate an average of $27,166 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Olivet Nazarene, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 47% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Olivet Nazarene University Report

#24

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois
764 Total Awards
$14,169 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,416 Avg Student Debt

National Louis University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list. NLU is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 764 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at NLU is $14,169. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,416 in student loans. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at NLU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 50% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full National Louis University Report

#25

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, Illinois
759 Total Awards
$39,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,567 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Elmhurst University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Elmhurst, Illinois, and it awarded 759 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $39,400 to cover tuition and fees at Elmhurst. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Elmhurst accumulate an average of $21,567 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Elmhurst does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 90% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Elmhurst University

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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