Choosing the right college to attend is a task that requires careful consideration from both parent and student. Academic programs, cost, location, and opportunities are a few factors that come to mind before even filling out an application.
Finding a college worth the price tag can be especially challenging when colleges are not upfront with tuition costs, leaving families in the dark. According to Money, the prices colleges advertise may be reduced through the use of scholarships and grants. Private institutions in particular are known for this.
In its 2024 Best Colleges roundup, Money analyzed 745 colleges in the country. Thirty four Illinois colleges were named based on alumni salaries, cost of attendance, financial aid, and graduation rates, among other factors. The compilation is not intended for the purpose of "narrowing down" the best colleges, but it may be helpful in determining schools where students are more likely to secure a job that pays well with manageable student debt.
Illinois colleges:Bradley ranked among the top values for colleges in Illinois, study says
Here are the colleges that were mentioned in Illinois and why.
Illinois’ best colleges in 2024, according to Money
5 stars
Northwestern University, Evanston: Acceptance Rate: 7%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $92,900. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $23.400. Graduation Rate: 95%
University of Chicago, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 5%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $90.300. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $39,100. Graduation Rate: 96%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign: Acceptance Rate: 45%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $33,400. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $15,400. Graduation Rate: 87%
4.5 stars
Augustana College, Rock Island: Acceptance Rate: 81%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $64,700. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $26,100. Graduation Rate: 77%
Aurora University, Aurora: Acceptance Rate: 82%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $45,800. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $20,500. Graduation Rate: 66%
Bradley University, Peoria: Acceptance Rate: 75%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $55,600. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $25,400. Graduation Rate: 77%
Elmhurst University, Elmhurst: Acceptance Rate: 76%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $58,200. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $25,500. Graduation Rate: 70%
Illinois State University, Normal: Acceptance Rate: 86%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $33,700. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $21,700. Graduation Rate: 71%
Lake Forest College, Lake Forest: Acceptance Rate: 60%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $71,500. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $29,400. Graduation Rate: 77%
Lewis University, Romeoville: Acceptance Rate: 74%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $54,200. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $20,300. Graduation Rate: 72%
Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights: Acceptance Rate: 71%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $50,800. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $19,900. Graduation Rate: 60%
University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 79%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $37,300. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $11,000. Graduation Rate: 70%
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield: Acceptance Rate: 82%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $27.500. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $12,400. Graduation Rate: 61%
University of St. Francis, Joliet: Acceptance Rate: 58%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $53,300. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $19,600. Graduation Rate: 69%
Wheaton College, Wheaton: Acceptance Rate: 88%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $59,000. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $31,700. Graduation Rate: 87%
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4 stars
Dominican University, River Forest: Acceptance Rate: 90%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $52,100. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $19,200. Graduation Rate: 66%
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 61%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $74,800. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $30,300. Graduation Rate: 73%
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington: Acceptance Rate: 42%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $71,500. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $31,800. Graduation Rate: 82%
National Louis University, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 92%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $33,700. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $15,600. Graduation Rate: 60%
North Central College, Naperville: Acceptance Rate: 61%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $60,300. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $26,700. Graduation Rate: 70%
North Park University, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 68%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $49,700. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $20,100. Graduation Rate: 61%
Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 83%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $33,700. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $15,100. Graduation Rate: 44%
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb: Acceptance Rate: 71%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $28,900. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $14,700. Graduation Rate: 58%
Saint Xavier University, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 84%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $52,900. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $11,900. Graduation Rate: 61%
Western Illinois University, Macomb: Acceptance Rate: 75%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $29,200. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $11,900. Graduation Rate: 56%
3.5 stars
DePaul University, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 70%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $65,000. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $34,000. Graduation Rate: 70%
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston: Acceptance Rate: 68%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $27,900. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $14,100. Graduation Rate: 59%
Eureka College, Eureka: Acceptance Rate: 87%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $42,600. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $20,600. Graduation Rate: 63%
Illinois College, Jacksonville: Acceptance Rate: 77%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $49,700. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $17,200. Graduation Rate: 67%
Judson University, Elgin: Acceptance Rate: 58%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $47,800. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $20,400. Graduation Rate: 65%
Knox College, Galesburg: Acceptance Rate: 73%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $68,600. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $28,400. Graduation Rate: 70%
Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais: Acceptance Rate: 58%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $53,500. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $21,200. Graduation Rate: 65%
3 stars
Loyola University, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 79%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $70,500. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $39,700. Graduation Rate: 73%
Peoria colleges:Despite issues, Bradley University tries to maintain enrollment levels
2 stars
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago: Acceptance Rate: 79%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $78,400. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $57,000. Graduation Rate: 67%
Is college worth it?
Is the American dream out of reach? Recent surveys indicate that only half of Americans believe a college degree is worth paying for, according to a Wall Street Journal-NORC poll. A Pew Research poll seconded this, showing only 29% of Americans believe college is worth the cost if student loans need to be used. Those who think college is still worth the money make up 47%, but only if loans are not needed to attend.
The reason for the change in views towards college stems from the growth in opportunities to make a good living without a bachelor's degree, as well as the rising cost of living. Per Money, the median wealth among households headed by high school graduates increased from $12,700 in 2013 to $30,700 as of 2022. Even so, in comparison, the net worth growth among households with college degrees ranged between $46,600 to $120,200.
College consideration is also declining due to the changes in college pricing since 2001, as noted by College Board. After inflation adjustments, tuition and fees soared by 81% at public four-year colleges. In comparison, private colleges rose by 46%.
Todd Runkle, Carolinas Connect, contributed.
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