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Easy Admission Colleges in Illinois

38 schools in Illinois. See our methodology.

Wheaton College maintains an 86.6% graduation rate while accepting 88% of applicants, proving that accessible admissions don't compromise outcomes. This pattern emerges across Illinois higher education, where 38 institutions with acceptance rates above 70% serve over 150,000 students. Net prices span from $8,916 at University of Illinois Springfield to $35,196 at Loyola University Chicago, reflecting the state's commitment to educational access through programs like the MAP Grant. Illinois's economy drives much of this accessibility. Chicago's finance sector creates demand for business graduates, while the state's manufacturing base needs engineering talent from schools like Northern Illinois University. Healthcare employers throughout Illinois recruit from nursing programs at institutions like Chamberlain University, where graduates earn $92,405 annually despite the school's 91% acceptance rate. The state's 97.5% maximum acceptance rate at some institutions demonstrates how Illinois prioritizes educational opportunity. Even specialized programs remain accessible, with Worsham College of Mortuary Science accepting 76% of applicants while maintaining strong employment outcomes. Regional employers from Caterpillar to Abbott Laboratories rely on this pipeline of graduates. The MAP Grant program particularly benefits students at schools like University of Illinois Springfield, where the $8,916 net price makes quality education affordable for Illinois families across income levels.
38
Schools
$19,573
Avg. Net Price
$55,478
Avg. Earnings
57.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in Illinois

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 100.0% 70 $17,094 46.7%
2 100.0% 6
3 97.5% 8,836 $13,696 55.0%
4 94.8% 6,294 $26,788 48.5%
5 94.3% 78 $6,182 7.7%
6 94.1% 1,586 $25,007 62.0%
7 94.1% 873 $21,270 51.4%
8 93.1% 1,817 $23,529 51.0%
9 93.0% 1,337 $16,774 47.4%
10 92.1% 4,100 $16,157 36.9%
11 91.5% 8,116 $16,177 56.3%
12 91.3% 140 $21,386 45.7%
13 90.9% 12,188 $26,933 50.0%
14 90.7% 725 $18,034 60.1%
15 89.5% 2,271 $15,113 62.4%
16 88.4% 2,087 $26,984 86.6%
17 88.3% 2,583 $20,152 41.0%
18 86.7% 522 $22,048 40.6%
19 86.2% 18,414 $18,996 66.3%
20 84.1% 3,030 $12,093 59.0%
21 82.0% 2,292 $8,916 61.4%
22 81.9% 4,021 $18,992 58.3%
23 79.4% 70 $14,735 67.6%
24 79.2% 11,576 $35,196 76.9%
25 79.0% 2,762 $49,822 64.0%
26 78.7% 21,814 $12,313 60.3%
27 77.2% 925 $17,945 61.1%
28 76.5% 187 $23,925 69.2%
29 76.0% 2,954 $21,063 65.2%
30 75.4% 1,458 $8,837 59.1%
31 75.1% 3,865 $23,572 72.1%
32 75.0% 4,939 $11,592 44.8%
33 74.1% 3,665 $18,370 62.6%
34 73.3% 997 $24,875 67.5%
35 71.4% 81 $11,197 73.1%
36 70.7% 11,277 $12,909 49.6%
37 70.7% 796 $16,381 63.9%
38 70.2% 14,283 $29,141 70.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What acceptance rate qualifies as easily accessible in Illinois?

Illinois colleges with 70% or higher acceptance rates are considered easily accessible. The 38 schools in this category range from 70.2% to 97.5% acceptance rates, with many exceeding 80%. Schools like Southern Illinois University-Carbondale accept 91.5% of applicants while maintaining reasonable graduation standards.

How do graduation rates compare at high-acceptance Illinois schools?

Graduation rates at accessible Illinois colleges range from 44.8% to 86.6%. Wheaton College leads with 86.6% despite accepting 88% of applicants. Hebrew Theological College achieves 73.1% with a 71% acceptance rate, while larger universities like Illinois State maintain 66.3% graduation rates.

Is attending an easily accessible Illinois college financially worthwhile?

Yes, with graduates earning $33,291 to $92,405 annually. Chamberlain University graduates average $92,405 despite 91% acceptance rates. Even lower-cost options like University of Illinois Springfield produce graduates earning $57,103 with net costs under $9,000 annually.

Does the MAP Grant help with costs at these schools?

The MAP Grant significantly reduces costs at participating Illinois institutions. Students at University of Illinois Springfield pay just $8,916 net price, while Northern Illinois University costs $12,909. The grant particularly benefits families at accessible state universities throughout Illinois.

Where do Illinois accessible college graduates find employment?

Illinois's varied economy employs graduates across Chicago's financial district, healthcare systems, and manufacturing centers. DePaul graduates earning $68,751 often work in Chicago's business sector, while Bradley University alumni find opportunities in central Illinois's corporate market and healthcare networks.

What makes some accessible Illinois schools maintain high graduation rates?

Strong support systems and regional employer partnerships drive success. Wheaton College's 86.6% graduation rate reflects small class sizes with 2,087 students. Trinity Christian College maintains 63.9% graduation rates through personalized attention across 796 students, proving size matters for student success.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.