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Catholic Colleges in Illinois

13 schools in Illinois. See our methodology.

Catholic higher education in Illinois spans from specialized nursing programs producing graduates earning $86,331 annually to large universities serving over 14,000 students. The state's 13 Catholic institutions range dramatically in cost, with net prices from $12,093 at Saint Xavier University to $35,196 at Loyola University Chicago. Three major universities anchor the Chicago market: DePaul with 14,283 students, Loyola with its 76.9% graduation rate, and Saint Xavier offering the lowest net price among major Catholic schools. Smaller specialized colleges focus heavily on healthcare training, reflecting Illinois' strong medical sector and Chicago's role as a Midwest healthcare center. Several nursing-focused institutions prepare graduates for the state's growing healthcare industry, where Catholic health systems like OSF and AMITA employ thousands. Illinois MAP Grant assistance helps low-income students access these programs, particularly important given the state's mix of affordable and premium Catholic options. The acceptance rates vary widely from 58.4% at University of St Francis to over 90% at Benedictine University, creating pathways for students across academic backgrounds. Alumni earnings span $50,369 to $86,331, with nursing specializations commanding the highest salaries in Illinois' competitive job market.
13
Schools
$20,881
Avg. Net Price
$67,272
Avg. Earnings
61.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Catholic Colleges in Illinois

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,292 $16,284 64.6% 58.4%
2 14,283 $29,141 70.0% 70.2%
3 11,576 $35,196 76.9% 79.2%
4 3,665 $18,370 62.6% 74.1%
5 2,271 $15,113 62.4% 89.5%
6 3,030 $12,093 59.0% 84.1%
7 1,817 $23,529 51.0% 93.1%
8 152
9 1,038 $17,324 42.7% 61.7%
10 76
11 267
12
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most affordable Catholic colleges in Illinois?

Saint Xavier University offers the lowest net price at $12,093, followed by Dominican University at $15,113. University of St Francis costs $16,284 annually. These schools provide Catholic education at prices significantly below the state's premium institutions like Loyola Chicago, which costs $35,196 after aid.

How do graduation rates compare among Illinois Catholic colleges?

Loyola University Chicago leads with a 76.9% graduation rate, followed by DePaul at 70%. Mid-sized schools like University of St Francis achieve 64.6%, while Lewis University graduates 62.6% of students. Quincy University has the lowest rate at 42.7% among reporting institutions.

Which Catholic colleges in Illinois have the highest alumni earnings?

Specialized nursing programs dominate earnings, with St. John's College nursing graduates earning $86,331 annually. Saint Anthony College nursing alumni earn $77,709, while Saint Francis Medical Center graduates earn $72,850. Among larger universities, Loyola Chicago leads at $71,530.

Does DePaul University offer good value for Catholic education?

DePaul charges $29,141 net price and graduates 70% of students, with alumni earning $68,751 annually. The Chicago location provides access to internships and jobs in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. With 14,283 students, it offers the largest Catholic university experience in Illinois.

What acceptance rates can students expect at Illinois Catholic colleges?

Acceptance rates range from 58.4% at University of St Francis to 93.1% at Benedictine University. Most schools accept 70-90% of applicants, including DePaul at 70.2%, Lewis at 74.1%, and Saint Xavier at 84.1%, providing accessible Catholic education options.

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Catholic Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Illinois Cheapest Programs in Illinois

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.