Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Chicago

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Updated October 27, 2022

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Chicago is a destination city for students around the world. Home to one of the oldest and most successful city college networks in the country, Chicago is also host to several state universities, as well as a mosaic of private, non-profit schools from among the country's smallest to the country's largest—and everything in between. A leader in modern education, both the public and private institutions in Chicago provide a range of distance learning programs that serve as models for higher learning facilities nationwide.

Universities in Chicago

The City College of Chicago system consists of seven colleges and seven satellite campuses. Over more than a century, more than a million students have passed through the Chicago City College system. Not only is it the largest community college system in Illinois, but it is also one of the largest in the nation. The system—with campuses spread across the city—offers affordable education to students who want to move on to pursue degrees at four-year schools or move directly into the workforce. It is governed by the Illinois Community College Board and has partnerships with four-year institutions throughout the city. The campuses in the Chicago City College System are:

  • Harold Washington College
  • Harry S. Truman College
  • Kennedy-King College
  • Malcolm X College
  • Olive-Harvey College
  • Richard J. Daley College
  • Wilbur Wright College

In addition to community colleges, there are three public universities in Chicago, all of which are part of the Illinois State University system. The largest, with more than 30,000 enrollees, is the University of Illinois at Chicago. Northeastern Illinois University enrolls nearly 15,000 students, and Chicago State University has around 10,000.

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Chicago is home to more than two dozen private, non-profit colleges and universities. From the Catholic Theological Union with around 500 students to destination schools such as DePaul University—which enrolls nearly 30,000—Chicago is dotted with private higher learning institutions of every size and makeup. Among Chicago's most noteworthy private institutions are:

  • Loyola University
  • The University of Chicago
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Roosevelt University
  • Robert Morris University
  • North Park University

Below is a glance at five of Chicago's top colleges and universities:

#1 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

University of Illinois at Chicago connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. Its programs foster learning through a robust program curriculum and supportive learning community. Beyond the classroom, students can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.

Prospective applicants seeking remote study should know that 5% of the college's degrees run fully online. Enrollees benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.

University of Illinois at Chicago at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 287

Number of Online Programs: 14

Admission Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 61%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 78%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $13,136

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 38%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,283

Average Price After Aid: $12,322

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,924
Out-of-state
$26,224
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,276
Out-of-state
$23,850
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
32,324
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
24% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Chicago

Northeastern Illinois University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Northeastern Illinois University connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. The college's programs equip students with industry-relevant knowledge, preparing them for the demands of a career. With a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enrollees benefit from personalized study. Learners can participate in collaborative opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects.

Degree candidates can complete coursework at the school's main campus or pursue remote learning. All students can access institutional resources and receive personal and professional guidance.

Northeastern Illinois University at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 74

Number of Online Programs: Data not available

Admission Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 21%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 84%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,786

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 31%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,902

Average Price After Aid: $14,941

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,698
Out-of-state
$19,397
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,419
Out-of-state
$14,839
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
7,423
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Chicago

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

DePaul University connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. The school's programs prepares enrollees for future careers through foundational and specialized coursework. Learners benefit from a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Enrollees can attend online or on-campus classes. Prospective applicants seeking remote study should know that 6% of the college's programs support fully online study. Degree-seekers benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.

DePaul University at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 263

Number of Online Programs: 17

Admission Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 74%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 98%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 54%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,590

Average Price After Aid: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$40,551
Out-of-state
$40,551
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,584
Out-of-state
$19,584
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
22,064
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Chicago

University of Chicago

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Campus

University of Chicago reaches learners worldwide through its flexible academic programs, available in person and online. Degree candidates benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.

All learners, whether they enroll in person or online, can access institutional resources geared toward student success.

University of Chicago at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 218

Number of Online Programs: Data not available

Admission Rate: 6%

Graduation Rate: 95%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 57%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 8%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,914

Average Price After Aid: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,642
Out-of-state
$57,642
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$60,300
Out-of-state
$60,300
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
6%
Students Enrolled
17,452
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Chicago

Loyola University Chicago

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Loyola University Chicago reaches learners worldwide through its flexible academic programs, available in person and online. The college's programs equip students with industry-relevant study, preparing them for the demands of a career. Students hoping to deepen their knowledge can collaborate with faculty members on research projects and other endeavors.

Approximately 2% of the college's programs include online options. Whether in person or online, students can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance.

Loyola University Chicago at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 324

Number of Online Programs: 7

Admission Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 74%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 57%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,690

Average Price After Aid: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$44,105
Out-of-state
$44,105
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,594
Out-of-state
$18,594
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
17,159
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Online Colleges in Chicago

Spotlight University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Students of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) have access to a generous selection of online options, including undergraduate and graduate degrees and numerous certificate programs. UIC has won recognition from U.S. News & World Report, which ranked it ninth nationally for online bachelor's programs and in the top 50 for online graduate engineering programs. UIC Online features 22 certificate and eight master's degree programs in subjects such as education, medicine and engineering. Many programs represent emerging fields that blend technology and applied health sciences, for example, bioinformatics, health informatics and public health geographic information systems.

Distance education reflects UIC's strengths in disciplines relating to health services. UIC is one of the nation's largest medical schools, and it also plays a large role in educating health care professionals in Illinois. Both of UIC's online baccalaureate completion programs award degrees related to health care. Students enrolling in the health information management program need an associate degree in a related field, while the undergraduate nursing program is designed for registered nurses seeking a BSN degree. UIC Online also features two doctoral programs, one in nursing and one in public health.

UIC Online is proud to offer instruction by the same faculty that teaches campus-based classes. Interaction with professors and peers can take place electronically in virtual meetings or via chat or email. Collaborative learning may involve working with other classmates as a partner or as a team. Students can log in to UIC Online 24/7 to download assignments, participate in discussions or receive faculty feedback.

The menu of web-based offerings also serves UIC students in traditional, campus-based programs. Traditional students can take advantage of more than 60 blended classes in fields such as applied health sciences, business administration, education and social work. Broad-ranging online courses from the College of Liberal Arts include academic writing, algebra, finance, statistics and foreign languages. Hybrid courses could entail some in-person participation or work in labs on UIC campuses.

College NameUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
Sub-LocationNear West Side
# of Online Programs34
SubjectsApplied Health Sciences, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Public Health
LevelsBachelor's (completion), Master's, Doctorate, Graduate Certificate

Chicago prides itself on hosting a patchwork of innovate and forward-thinking institutions of higher learning. Its city college network is conveniently spread across the city, but for those who can't attend physically, City Colleges of Chicago offers the Center for Distance Learning (CDL). CDL serves 10,000 students per year and offers 85 courses in a wide range of disciplines.

The public university system also promotes groundbreaking distance-learning options. The University of Illinois at Chicago, for example, provides one of the most highly regarded online programs in the country. Online programs are available in academic areas such as applied health sciences, business administration, education, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, urban planning, public affairs, public health, social work, and external education.

Private universities and colleges also contribute to Chicago's stellar distance learning environment. DePaul University, Chicago's largest private university, allows students to take a single course or earn their entire degree online. Undergrad courses include communications, computing and digital media, new learning and science & health. There are also graduate study options, certificate programs and other options.

Top Industries, Careers and Employers

Chicago's economy is based on a thriving blend of both old and new industries. Traditional sectors—such as manufacturing, transportation and distribution—still play a major role in Chicago's workforce and economy. Emerging industries, however—such as infotech, green energy and research & development—are driving the city's future. Chicago's diverse population and saturation of quality colleges and universities ensures an educated workforce for employers who are either in the city already or that plan to move there.

Among Chicago's largest employers are:

  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Advocate Healthcare
  • Allstate
  • AT&T
  • Chase
  • Jewel-Osco
  • J.P. Morgan
  • United Continental Holdings Inc.
  • Walgreen's

The Chicago area ranks among the top five metropolitan areas in the United States in the following sectors:

Business and Financial Services

More than a million people are employed in the business and financial sectors in the greater Chicago area. Their professions include accounting, advertising, recruiting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll, legal and management services.

Manufacturing

Positioned in the heart of America's Midwestern manufacturing belt, nearly half a million people work in Chicago's combined manufacturing industries. Although manufacturing in general has witnessed a decline, Chicago has gotten a boost from an influx of “new” manufacturers, such as producers of green building materials.

Biotech

Life science and biotech entrepreneurs flock to Chicago because of its massive educational and research apparatus, its technological infrastructure and the lure of city and state financial incentives. Companies involved in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, food and agriculture, and genomics all call Chicago home.

Infotech

The city's vibrant educational and research culture have culminated to make Chicago a beacon for the global tech industry. Industries such as tech consulting, Internet publishing and broadcasting, data processing and hosting, technical consulting, and research & development all flourish in Chicago.

Colleges & Universities in Chicago

Colleges & Universities in Chicago

COLLEGESIZETUITIONTYPE
University of Illinois at Chicago31,221$9,879Public
DePaul University29,862$30,000Not For Profit (Private)
Loyola University-Chicago18,190$32,200Not For Profit (Private)
University of Chicago17,645$41,853Not For Profit (Private)
Northeastern Illinois University14,818$6,000Public
Columbia College-Chicago13,173$20,094Not For Profit (Private)
National Louis University9,773$18,855Not For Profit (Private)
Chicago State University8,981$6,648Public
Illinois Institute of Technology8,654$33,100Not For Profit (Private)
Roosevelt University8,224$25,000Not For Profit (Private)
Saint Xavier University5,805$26,280Not For Profit (Private)
Robert Morris University Illinois5,661$21,600Not For Profit (Private)
Moody Bible Institute4,136$8,480Not For Profit (Private)
North Park University3,777$20,990Not For Profit (Private)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago3,599$36,930Not For Profit (Private)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago3,425N/ANot For Profit (Private)
Rush University2,175$25,402Not For Profit (Private)
Ellis University2,127$13,410Not For Profit (Private)
Saint Augustine College2,095$8,760Not For Profit (Private)
The John Marshall Law School1,872N/ANot For Profit (Private)
VanderCook College of Music1,236$21,900Not For Profit (Private)
East-West University1,223$15,900Not For Profit (Private)
Adler School of Professional Psychology988N/ANot For Profit (Private)
Illinois College of Optometry640N/ANot For Profit (Private)
Catholic Theological Union at Chicago541N/ANot For Profit (Private)

Community Colleges and Vocational Schools in Chicago

CollegeSizeTuitionType
City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College20,587$5,207Public
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College19,590$5,207Public
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College16,512$5,207Public
City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College14,819$5,207Public
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College13,065$5,207Public
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College10,320$5,207Public
City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College7,791$5,207Public

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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