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NCAA Division I Colleges in Illinois

13 schools in Illinois. See our methodology.

Northwestern University stands apart from Illinois higher education with its 7.21% acceptance rate and $89,363 median earnings, creating a sharp contrast with the state's most accessible option, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, which accepts 97.51% of applicants. This range reflects Illinois' commitment to educational access while maintaining selective excellence. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign balances both worlds with strong outcomes at $15,201 net cost, serving 34,623 students who benefit from the state's engineering and agricultural research leadership. Chicago's job market in finance and healthcare creates strong demand for graduates from institutions like DePaul and Loyola University Chicago, both commanding premium tuition but delivering median earnings above $68,000. The MAP Grant program helps low-income Illinois students access these opportunities, particularly important given that costs range from Chicago State's $10,133 to Loyola's $35,196. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 16.9% to 95.9%, often correlating with institutional resources and student support systems. Manufacturing centers throughout the state provide internship and career opportunities for students from regional universities like Western Illinois and Eastern Illinois, where lower costs make education accessible to first-generation college students.
13
Schools
$18,474
Avg. Net Price
$63,452
Avg. Earnings
61.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Illinois

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 34,623 $15,201 84.9% 44.8%
2 8,960 $27,143 95.9% 7.2%
3 21,814 $12,313 60.3% 78.7%
4 18,414 $18,996 66.3% 86.2%
5 11,277 $12,909 49.6% 70.7%
6 3,865 $23,572 72.1% 75.1%
7 14,283 $29,141 70.0% 70.2%
8 11,576 $35,196 76.9% 79.2%
9 4,398 $14,093 45.2% 68.0%
10 8,116 $16,177 56.3% 91.5%
11 4,939 $11,592 44.8% 75.0%
12 8,836 $13,696 55.0% 97.5%
13 1,414 $10,133 16.9% 48.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Northwestern University different from other Illinois colleges?

Northwestern accepts just 7.21% of applicants and produces graduates earning $89,363 median income, the highest in the state. With 8,960 students, it operates as a highly selective research university compared to larger public institutions that serve broader populations with more accessible admissions standards.

How do graduation rates vary among Illinois Division I schools?

Graduation rates span from Chicago State's 16.9% to Northwestern's 95.9%, a 79-point difference reflecting varying student support systems and resources. Schools like Bradley University achieve 72.1% with smaller enrollments of 3,865 students, while larger institutions face different retention challenges.

Is the University of Illinois system affordable for in-state students?

The UI system offers competitive value with Urbana-Champaign at $15,201 net cost and Chicago at $12,313, both below many private alternatives. These flagship campuses serve 34,623 and 21,814 students respectively while maintaining strong employment outcomes above $68,000 median earnings.

Does Chicago's job market influence college choice in Illinois?

Chicago's finance and healthcare sectors create demand for graduates from local universities like DePaul ($68,751 earnings) and Loyola Chicago ($71,530 earnings). The city hosts multiple Division I schools, giving students direct access to internships and career opportunities in major industries.

Where can students find the most affordable Division I education in Illinois?

Chicago State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,133, followed by Western Illinois at $11,592 and University of Illinois Chicago at $12,313. However, graduation rates at these institutions range from 16.9% to 60.3%, requiring careful consideration of completion likelihood.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Illinois Cheapest Programs in Illinois

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.