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Christian Colleges in Illinois

38 schools in Illinois. See our methodology.

Wheaton College stands out among Illinois Christian institutions with an 86.6% graduation rate, the highest among the state's 38 faith-based schools. This achievement comes at a cost, with net prices ranging from Augustana College's $12,437 to Loyola University Chicago's $35,196. The earnings potential varies significantly, from Lincoln Christian University graduates earning $43,038 annually to Loyola alumni commanding $71,530. Illinois MAP Grant assistance helps low-income students access these institutions, which prepare graduates for the state's finance and healthcare sectors centered in Chicago. Augustana College delivers strong value with the lowest net price while maintaining a 79.2% graduation rate. Large universities like DePaul serve over 14,000 students, while smaller colleges like Lincoln Christian enroll just 44. The acceptance rate spectrum spans from Olivet Nazarene's selective 57.8% to Moody Bible Institute's open 94.1%. These schools connect faith-based education with Illinois's economic opportunities, particularly in Chicago's expanding job market where healthcare and financial services drive employment growth.
38
Schools
$20,684
Avg. Net Price
$58,971
Avg. Earnings
60.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Christian Colleges in Illinois

College listings
# School Affiliation Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Christian Churches and Churches of Christ 44 $17,610 58.2%
2 Interdenominational 796 $16,381 63.9%
3 Roman Catholic 1,292 $16,284 64.6%
4 Evangelical Lutheran 2,418 $12,437 79.2%
5 Undenominational 2,087 $26,984 86.6%
6 Roman Catholic 14,283 $29,141 70.0%
7 United Methodist 2,360 $23,033 71.1%
8 Roman Catholic 11,576 $35,196 76.9%
9 Roman Catholic 3,665 $18,370 62.6%
10 Baptist 780 $25,027 53.3%
11 United Methodist 1,600 $24,190 59.5%
12 Church of the Nazarene 2,485 $21,539 60.3%
13 Evangelical Covenant 1,844 $18,191 56.0%
14 United Church of Christ 2,954 $21,063 65.2%
15 Interdenominational 1,586 $25,007 62.0%
16 Presbyterian Church (USA) 341 $21,814 52.4%
17 Roman Catholic 2,271 $15,113 62.4%
18 Roman Catholic 3,030 $12,093 59.0%
19 Presbyterian Church (USA) 925 $17,945 61.1%
20 Evangelical Free Church of America 140 $21,386 45.7%
21 Roman Catholic 1,817 $23,529 51.0%
22 Roman Catholic 152
23 Roman Catholic 1,038 $17,324 42.7%
24 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 522 $22,048 40.6%
25 Presbyterian Church (USA) 725 $18,034 60.1%
26 Free Methodist 873 $21,270 51.4%
27 Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod 1,337 $16,774 47.4%
28 Roman Catholic 76
29 Roman Catholic 267
30 Roman Catholic
31 Protestant Episcopal
32 American Baptist
33 Unitarian Universalist
34 Presbyterian Church (USA)
35 Evangelical Lutheran
36 United Methodist
37 United Church of Christ
38 Roman Catholic

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Wheaton College different from other Christian schools in Illinois?

Wheaton College achieves an 86.6% graduation rate, the highest among Illinois Christian institutions, while graduates earn $63,756 annually. The school maintains an 88.4% acceptance rate with 2,087 enrolled students, combining academic excellence with accessible admission standards that attract students seeking rigorous Christian education.

How much do graduates from Illinois Christian colleges typically earn?

Earnings range from $43,038 at Lincoln Christian University to $71,530 at Loyola University Chicago. Most graduates fall between $55,000-$65,000 annually, with larger universities like DePaul ($68,751) and Loyola leading in post-graduation income, reflecting their connections to Chicago's finance and healthcare industries.

Is financial aid available for Christian college students in Illinois?

Illinois MAP Grant provides need-based assistance to low-income students attending eligible institutions. Net prices across the 38 Christian colleges range from $12,437 at Augustana College to $35,196 at Loyola University Chicago, with many schools offering additional institutional aid to reduce costs.

Does school size affect graduation rates at Illinois Christian colleges?

Smaller schools often show mixed results. Lincoln Christian University enrolls only 44 students but graduates 58.2%, while mid-sized Augustana College with 2,418 students achieves 79.2%. Large DePaul University serves 14,283 students and maintains a solid 70% graduation rate, showing size alone doesn't determine success.

Where do Illinois Christian college graduates find employment?

Chicago's job market drives employment opportunities in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Schools like Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University maintain strong connections to city employers, helping graduates access positions that support the higher earning potential reflected in their $68,751-$71,530 salary ranges.

How selective are Christian colleges in Illinois?

Acceptance rates span from highly selective Olivet Nazarene University at 57.8% to open-admission Moody Bible Institute at 94.1%. Most schools accept 60-80% of applicants, with University of St Francis (58.4%) and Judson University (58.2%) among the more competitive institutions requiring stronger academic credentials.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.