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Small Colleges in Illinois

50 schools in Illinois. See our methodology.

Methodist College in Peoria accepts just 33% of applicants while maintaining a net price of $14,867, making it the most selective small college in Illinois. The state's 111 colleges under 5,000 students range dramatically in cost from Lake Land College's $3,271 to Illinois Wesleyan's $29,550. Community colleges dominate the affordable end, with seven schools charging under $12,000 annually. Illinois Institute of Technology graduates earn $82,592 on average, reflecting Chicago's strong tech sector demand. Rural colleges like Olney Central and Wabash Valley both produce graduates earning $37,533, serving agricultural communities across southern Illinois. The state's MAP Grant program supports low-income students at these smaller institutions. Morrison Institute of Technology enrolls just 54 students but achieves a 67% graduation rate, demonstrating how specialized technical programs can succeed at tiny scale. Manufacturing and healthcare employers throughout Illinois actively recruit from these colleges, particularly two-year programs that align with regional industry needs. Graduation rates span from 45% to 83%, with private colleges generally outperforming community colleges. Springfield's University of Illinois campus accepts 82% of applicants while charging $8,916, offering public university access at community college prices.
50
Schools
$11,855
Avg. Net Price
$46,110
Avg. Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Illinois

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 374 $14,867 75.0% 33.3%
2 54 $24,326 66.7%
3 1,570 $29,550 82.5% 42.2%
4 549 $9,968 62.1%
5 526 $8,134 59.2%
6 1,196 $7,309 60.4%
7 2,812 $19,353 72.4% 61.4%
8 2,492 $3,271 53.5%
9 2,991 $11,389 51.8%
10 1,164 $8,388 51.5%
11 292 $10,611 53.3%
12 19 67.9%
13 187 $23,925 69.2% 76.5%
14 44 $17,610 58.2%
15 2,292 $8,916 61.4% 82.0%
16 796 $16,381 63.9% 70.7%
17 1,842 $6,839 48.5%
18 1,292 $16,284 64.6% 58.4%
19 2,252 $4,281 47.8%
20 1,851 $3,957 44.5%
21 1,412 $5,393 46.5%
22 4,335 $8,093 39.3%
23 659 $5,571 51.0%
24 2,418 $12,437 79.2% 61.2%
25 360 $8,719 46.6%
26 926 $5,359 46.0%
27 1,387 $6,596 45.9%
28 3,865 $23,572 72.1% 75.1%
29 733 $19,198 61.5%
30 3,917 $5,294 42.5%
31 2,087 $26,984 86.6% 88.4%
32 81 $11,197 73.1% 71.4%
33 735 $6,584 43.1%
34 2,266 $6,718 43.2%
35 2,360 $23,033 71.1% 60.9%
36 4,362 $7,325 39.5%
37 4,909 $11,510 40.4%
38 1,794 $6,480 38.4%
39 675 $4,542 44.1%
40 1,904 $5,190 38.2%
41 3,665 $18,370 62.6% 74.1%
42 2,018 $7,599 41.5%
43 4,398 $14,093 45.2% 68.0%
44 780 $25,027 53.3% 58.2%
45 4,186 $2,651 32.5%
46 1,600 $24,190 59.5% 68.4%
47 1,360 $2,943 37.9%
48 1,124 $1,036 37.0%
49 2,485 $21,539 60.3% 57.8%
50 3,293 $8,271 32.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Methodist College so selective compared to other small Illinois colleges?

Methodist College accepts only 33% of applicants, the lowest rate among Illinois small colleges. With 374 students and a $14,867 net price, it combines selectivity with relative affordability. Graduates earn $69,800 on average and achieve a 75% graduation rate, indicating strong academic outcomes that justify the competitive admissions process.

How do community college costs compare across Illinois small schools?

Lake Land College offers the lowest net price at $3,271, while most community colleges range from $7,000-$12,000 annually. Rend Lake College charges $7,309, and Heartland Community College costs $11,389. These schools serve 1,000-3,000 students each, providing affordable access to higher education across rural and suburban Illinois communities.

Is Illinois Institute of Technology worth the higher cost for small college students?

IIT graduates earn $82,592 annually, the highest among Illinois small colleges, justifying its $19,353 net price. With 2,812 students and a 72% graduation rate, it offers strong outcomes in Chicago's tech-focused job market. The 61% acceptance rate makes it accessible while maintaining academic standards.

Does specialized training at tiny colleges produce good employment outcomes?

Morrison Institute of Technology enrolls just 54 students but graduates earn $63,571 annually. Worsham College of Mortuary Science has 187 students with graduates earning $61,574. These specialized programs demonstrate how niche technical training can lead to strong career outcomes despite extremely small enrollment numbers.

Where can students find the best value among Illinois small private colleges?

Lincoln Christian University charges $17,610 with graduates earning $43,038, serving just 44 students. Illinois Wesleyan costs $29,550 but offers an 83% graduation rate and $70,871 average earnings for 1,570 students. Methodist College provides strong value at $14,867 with $69,800 graduate earnings and high selectivity.

How do graduation rates vary between small public and private colleges in Illinois?

Private colleges achieve higher graduation rates, with Illinois Wesleyan at 83% and Methodist College at 75%. Community colleges range from 51-62%, including Heartland at 52% and Olney Central at 62%. The 30-point gap reflects different student populations, with private colleges serving more traditional full-time students.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.