Best Universities in Chicago: Rankings, Requirements & Fees
Study in the Windy City: Top Chicago Universities, Big Dreams, Bigger Futures!
Table of Content
- 9 Best Universities in Chicago 2026
- 1. University of Chicago (UChicago)
- 2. University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
- 3. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
- 4. Loyola University Chicago (LUC)
- 5. DePaul University (DPU)
- 6. North Park University (NPU)
- 7. Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)
- 8. Columbia College Chicago (CCC)
- 9. Roosevelt University (RU)
Choosing from some of the best universities in Chicago can shape not just your education, but your entire career path. Known for its strong academic ecosystem, Chicago brings together globally recognised institutions, diverse programs, and excellent career opportunities. No matter if you are looking forward to doing research, business, engineering, or art-related fields, the city has got many choices available depending on your personal needs and budget for studies. Universities such as the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago have made it to the top spots of universities for foreign students for years now. In addition to studying, Chicago's connections to industries, internships, and culture make it a good choice for furthering your education.
9 Best Universities in Chicago 2026
The list of top universities in Chicago is curated for students who aim for higher studies to the best potential. This Chicago University list works on a holistic approach toward academic excellence. These top universities in Chicago to study in 2026 are:
| University | QS Rank | Acceptance | Avg Fee (USD/yr) | Top Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UChicago | 21 | 6.5% | 65619 | Economics |
| UIC | 365 | 78.8% | 28000 | Health |
| IIT | 601 | 66.1% | 35000 | Engineering |
| Loyola Chicago (LUC) | 1001-1200 | 66% | 35000 | Business |
| DePaul (DPU) | 501-550 | 69.4% | 20000 | Education |
| North Park (NPU) | 128 | 44% | 12500 | Business |
| NEIU | 401-500 | 62.1% | 21000 | Social Sci. |
| Columbia College (CCC) | NA | 90% | 30000 | Film |
| Roosevelt (RU) | 551-600 | 92% | 20000 | Business |
1. University of Chicago (UChicago)
University of Chicago QS ranking: 21
Location: 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Acceptance rate: 6.5%
Average Tuition Fees: $65,619/year
Top courses: Law, Medicine, Engineering, Fine Arts, and Humanities
Highlight: Students love the intense Big Ten rivalries and marching band energy at football games.
The University of Chicago world ranking is renowned globally for academics and innovation, is an amazing place and one of the best universities in Chicago! They've got some seriously impressive academic programs, covering everything from undergrad to grad school and even professional schools. UChicago offers approximately 7500 undergraduate seats and 11000 graduate seats. The campus is the prettiest mix of the old and new worlds, with Gothic and modern buildings standing side-by-side. You can find some of the beststudent housing Chicago in the locality.
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| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1890 |
| University of Chicago acceptance rate | 6.5% |
| Avg. Fee | $65,619/year |
| Student Population | 18,500 total |
| Notable Alumni | Barack Obama, James Watson, Milton Friedman |
| Top Recruiters | Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Google, NIH, and top law firms |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $85,000 |
2. University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
QS Ranking: 365
Location: 1200 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Acceptance rate: 78.8%
Average Tuition Fees: $28,000/year
Top courses: Business, Management, Marketing, and Health Professions
Highlight: Free summer concerts, festivals, and Lake Michigan beach days create unforgettable weekends.
Did you know the University of Illinois, a prominent public research university with Chicago’s largest student body, is a fantastic place to learn and grow? UIC is one of the best universities in Chicago with the largest research institute. The Illinois Chicago University ranking is 365 globally, consisting of 16 top-notch Chicago university lists. With around 34,000 undergraduate and graduate students, you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and work on your interests.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1965 |
| University of Illinois at Chicago acceptance rate | 78.8% |
| Avg. Fee | $28,000/year |
| Student Population | 34,000 total |
| Notable Alumni | Sandra Cisneros, Mary Lou Retton, Bob Crowder, Rahm Emanuel |
| Top Recruiters | Accenture, Boeing, Abbott, City of Chicago, major hospitals |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $62,000 |
3. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
QS Ranking: 601
Location: 10 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
Acceptance rate: 66.1%
Average Tuition Fees: $35,000/year
Top courses: Humanities, Aerospace Engineering, and Physics
Highlight: Hackathons, design fairs, and lakefront bike rides spark creativity beyond class.
The Illinois Institute of Technology, a leading private research and technology-focused university, is a great school in Chicago, Illinois. IIT offers approximately $4,300 undergraduate seats and 7,000 graduate seats. Being one of the best universities in Chicago, it is recognised for its emphasis on innovation and hands-on learning. Hence, if you're searching for student housing nearby, some of the best options include Lake Meadows Apartments andPrairie Shores Bronzeville!
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1940 |
| Acceptance Rate | 66.1% |
| Avg. Fee | $35,000/year |
| Student Population | 11,300 total |
| Notable Alumni | Phil Donahue, Susan Solomon, John J. Cullerton |
| Top Recruiters | Boeing, NASA, Accenture, Argonne Lab, tech startups |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $72,000 |
4. Loyola University Chicago (LUC)
QS Ranking: 1001 and 1200
Location: 1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660, United States
Acceptance rate: 66%
Average Tuition Fees: $35,000/year
Top courses: Graduate business programs in accounting, marketing, finance, and management
Highlight: Students chill on campus skydeck views, grilling, and stargazing over the skyline.
Loyola University Chicago, a private Jesuit Catholic university emphasizing holistic education, is one of the best universities in Chicago. It's a Jesuit Catholic university committed to providing a well-rounded education in academic excellence and personal growth. The campus is considered one of the best universities in USA, it is beautiful, and the community is diverse and welcoming. If you’re planning to move to Chicago, then definitely refer to our Chicago student city guide before moving!
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1870 |
| Acceptance Rate | 66% |
| Avg. Fee | $35,000/year |
| Student Population | 11,300 total |
| Notable Alumni | Phil Donahue, Susan Solomon, John J. Cullerton |
| Top Recruiters | Boeing, NASA, Accenture, Argonne Lab, tech startups |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $72,000 |
5. DePaul University (DPU)
QS Ranking: 501 and 550
Location: 2400 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Acceptance rate: 69.4%
Average Tuition Fees: $20,000/year
Top courses: Bilingual/bicultural education, counselling, curriculum studies, early childhood education, educational leadership, and much more
Highlight: Packed bars, comedy clubs, and street fairs right outside the dorms.
DePaul University, a well-regarded private university with diverse academic programs, is among the best universities in Chicago and the world. DPU offers approximately 23,000 undergraduate seats and 8,000 graduate seats.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1898 |
| Acceptance Rate | 69.4% |
| Avg. Fee | $20,000/year |
| Student Population | 23,000 total |
| Notable Alumni | Richard M. Daley, John Hughes, Judy Greer |
| Top Recruiters | Deloitte, Northern Trust, Chicago Public Schools, nonprofits |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $58,000 |
6. North Park University (NPU)
QS Ranking: NA
Location: 3225 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
Acceptance rate: 44%
Average Tuition Fees: $12,500/year
Top courses: Business & Economics. Accounting & Finance. Business & Management
Highlight: Cozy coffee shops, vintage stores, and live music spots make perfect chill afternoons.
North Park University, a private Christian university affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church, is a wonderful school located in Chicago, Illinois. The university offers approximately 1000 undergraduate seats and 500 graduate seats. NPU offers various programs, including business, education, and music. If you’re looking for the best student housing near North Park University, then do check out Post and Tailor Lofts for an amazing student life.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1891 |
| Acceptance Rate | 44% |
| Avg. Fee | $12,500/year |
| Student Population | 1,500 total |
| Notable Alumni | Phil Ponce, Wanda Moore, various community leaders |
| Top Recruiters | Local businesses, nonprofits, Chicago Public Schools, and banks |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $48,000 |
7. Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)
QS Ranking: 401 and 500
Location: 5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
Acceptance rate: 62.1%
Average Tuition Fees: $21,000/year
Top courses: Health, Social Science, and Humanities.
Highlight: Quick rides to Montrose Beach for volleyball, bonfires, and skyline sunsets.
Northeastern Illinois University, a public university offering affordable and accessible education, is one of the best universities in Chicago. Illinois's public university is dedicated to providing a high-quality, affordable education. NEIU offers approximately 6,500 undergraduate seats and 2,000 graduate seats. The campus is welcoming and visually appealing, with a diverse community. Northeastern offers a variety of programs, including education, social work, and more. Living in Chicago can be challenging. For better planning, do understand the cost of living in Chicago before moving out!
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1961 |
| Acceptance Rate | 62% |
| Avg. Fee | $21,000/year |
| Student Population | 8,500 total |
| Notable Alumni | Mary Ann Smith (Chicago alderman), community leaders, educators, public servants |
| Top Recruiters | Chicago Public Schools, local hospitals, nonprofits, city government |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $52,000 |
8. Columbia College Chicago (CCC)
QS Ranking: 128
Location: 600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Acceptance rate: 90%
Average Tuition Fees: $30,000/year
Top courses: Creative and media arts, liberal arts, and business
Highlight: Millennium Park picnics, boat rentals, and skyline fireworks light up free time.
Columbia College Chicago is a private liberal arts and media arts college focused on creativity and the arts. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago,Columbia College Chicago boasts a diverse and inclusive community of creative individuals. CCC offers approximately 6,000 undergraduate seats and 1,200 graduate seats. The institute offers various majors and programs in film, music, theatre, dance, journalism, and more.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1890 |
| Acceptance Rate | 90% |
| Avg. Fee | $30,000/year |
| Student Population | 7,200 total |
| Notable Alumni | Jennifer Beals, Joe Keery, Laurie Metcalf, Ira Glass |
| Top Recruiters | Netflix, Disney, NPR, advertising agencies, theatres |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $45,000 |
9. Roosevelt University (RU)
QS Ranking: 551 and 600
Location: 430 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Acceptance rate: 92%
Average Tuition Fees: $20,000/year
Top courses: Business & Management, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine
Highlights: Students jam at rooftop venues with epic Grant Park views and live sets.
Roosevelt University, a private university known for its commitment to social justice, is among the best universities in Chicago. It's known for its strong commitment to social justice and providing a well-rounded education to its students. The university offers approximately 4000 undergraduate seats and 2,000 graduate seats.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1945 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92% |
| Avg. Fee | $20,000/year |
| Student Population | 6,000 total |
| Notable Alumni | Elaine Chao, Arch Puddington, Alaina Reed Hall |
| Top Recruiters | Hilton, KPMG, Chicago Public League, nonprofits |
| Avg Salary of Graduate | $55,000 |
Selecting the right college in Chicago could determine a great deal for your future. Universities like the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Columbia College Chicago offer different areas of study and career paths. There is something in these institutions, whether you are aiming for a research-oriented course or you would prefer something more industry-centered. The above-mentioned universities are known for the quality education they offer and the career options open to the students there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are some of the best-ranked universities that international students can join in Chicago?
Some of the best universities include the University of Chicago USA, and the University of Illinois Chicago, which are well-reputed worldwide.
What are the overall admissions criteria for the universities located in Chicago?
The universities in Chicago ask for transcripts, English language proficiency certification via IELTS or TOEFL, SAT or ACT scores, or GRE or GMAT scores for postgraduate courses, along with other documents like SOP and recommendation letters.
What are the costs of studying in universities in Chicago?
The tuition fee ranges between $20,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on the university and course, without including other costs.
Are there any affordable universities in Chicago for international students?
Yes, there are some affordable universities, including the University of Illinois Chicago and Chicago State University.
Are there universities in Chicago that offer scholarships for international students?
Most universities give out scholarships that are either based on merit or need, and also within different departments.