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Choosing a small college can provide numerous advantages, including personalized attention from faculty, a close-knit community, and potentially lower costs. With the rising tuition rates and student loan burdens, many prospective students are seeking value not just in their education but also in their future career prospects.
So, which small college in Illinois stands out as the best?
At Zippia, we analyzed data from 27 higher education institutions across the Prairie State to find out which schools offer the most enriching student experiences, focusing specifically on those with under 2,000 students enrolled.
Here’s our list of the best small colleges and universities in Illinois:
- North Park University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Aurora University
- Dominican University
- Robert Morris University Illinois
- McKendree University
- Concordia University-Chicago
- Trinity Christian College
- Judson University
- Lincoln Christian University
If you’re attending one of these institutions, you likely already appreciate the exceptional opportunities available to you.
For those considering their options, read on to discover what makes these schools some of the best in Illinois.
For further reading on Illinois opportunities, explore:
How We Determined the Best Small Colleges in Illinois
Understanding the economics of education is essential for making informed decisions. Our analysis of the best small colleges in Illinois involved a data-driven approach, comparing schools based on various performance metrics.
To optimize your college selection process, we examined data from the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and College Scorecard by ED.gov, focusing on factors that contribute to successful career outcomes:
- Career Results
- Mean Earnings After 6 Years
- Mean Earnings After 10 Years
- Ratio of Employed to Unemployed Graduates After 10 Years
- School Performance
- Admissions Rate (More selective is better)
- Graduation Rate
- Average Cost of Attendance (Lower is better)
- Average Student Debt
Given these criteria, we ranked the 27 institutions in Illinois with enrollments below 2,000, assigning scores from 1 to 27 based on their performance. The school with the highest average score, North Park University, earned the title of ‘Best Small College’ in Illinois.
1. North Park University
Enrollment: 1,655
Located in Chicago, IL, North Park University is recognized as the premier small college in Illinois based on unbiased data.
Graduates from North Park University report the 4th highest salaries among small colleges in the state, even a decade post-graduation. With a selective admission rate of 54%, this institution balances exclusivity and affordability, ranking 8th in terms of cost.
2. Illinois Institute of Technology
Enrollment: 1,736
Illinois Institute of Technology, situated in Chicago, is renowned for its academic excellence. With the 5th highest graduation rate in the state, its graduates also earn the highest salaries among small colleges.
3. Aurora University
Enrollment: 1,316
Aurora University stands out as a respected institution in the state. Its 57% graduation rate ranks it 9th in Illinois, complemented by competitive tuition costs that place it 6th best in the state.
4. Dominican University
Enrollment: 1,127
Dominican University in River Forest is celebrated for its low admission rates and high graduation rates. Graduates from this institution also achieve impressive salaries, making it a strong choice for prospective students.
5. Robert Morris University Illinois
Enrollment: 1,245
For those seeking personalized education, Robert Morris University Illinois in Chicago offers an intimate learning environment. This institution boasts high employment rates and low post-college debt, with the lowest admission rate in the state.
6. McKendree University
Enrollment: 1,993
This private college in Lebanon excels in graduation rates and post-graduation earnings, ranking 2nd highest for alumni salaries in Illinois.
7. Concordia University-Chicago
Enrollment: 1,280
With an admission rate of 53%, Concordia University-Chicago indicates high demand for its programs. The university also ranks 8th in graduation rates among small colleges in the state.
8. Trinity Christian College
Enrollment: 854
Located in a picturesque area, Trinity Christian College not only offers a beautiful campus but also impressive employment outcomes, ranking 6th in job placement and 7th in graduate salaries.
9. Judson University
Enrollment: 1,111
Judson University, situated in Elgin, impresses with its high graduation rates, affordable costs, and solid salary outcomes for graduates.
10. Lincoln Christian University
Enrollment: 653
Lincoln Christian University, a private institution, boasts a selective admission rate of 47% and is among the most affordable small colleges in Illinois.
In conclusion, small colleges in Illinois provide unique opportunities for students seeking personalized education and strong career outcomes. Each of these institutions has something special to offer, making them worthy of consideration.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
