Illinois Colleges

Illinois is the most populated state in the Midwest and home to over 300 colleges and universities. While the Chicago metropolitan area alone has over 250 post secondary education institutions, the selection of colleges in Illinois reaches far beyond the bustling Lake Michigan city with schools in Springfield, Champaign, Peoria, Rockford and more. Both Illinois Institute of Technology - Chicago and Northwestern University are consistently ranked among the top schools in the country. Other prominent research universities include University of Chicago and University of Illinois - Urbana - Champaign. Principia College, a Christian religiously affiliated school and Loyola University - Chicago a Roman Catholic affiliated school are considered two of the best private Illinois colleges. The state also boasts nearly 50 community colleges under the Illinois Community College System, which includes the City Colleges of Chicago, seven community colleges and two culinary schools.

Illinois College and Degree Offerings

The vast array of Illinois colleges opens doors for students in the state to explore any number of majors and degree programs. Bachelors degree and masters degree students can choose a large public school with hundreds of majors to choose from such as Northern Illinois University or Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. Alternately, more specialized schools including Illinois Center for Broadcasting, Illinois College of Optometry and The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago all provide exciting and unique degree opportunities. Students seeking a liberal art education have top-notch schools to choose from including Lake Forest College, Knox College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Wheaton College and Elmhurst College. In addition, 2-year career training degrees and certificate programs are offered at a variety of community colleges and career colleges in Illinois.

Illinois Career Opportunities

From the bustling urban area of Chicago to the central suburban areas, this Midwest state is full of opportunities for students who graduate from Illinois colleges. An aging population and a boost of health-conscious behavior has led to a higher demand for healthcare professionals in Illinois. Career colleges throughout the state will prepare you for careers as a Medical/Clinical Assistant, Ultrasound Technician or Pharmacy Technician/Assistant among others. Many colleges in Illinois offer top programs in Nursing as well including top-ranked Loyola University. Teachers and other educators are always in need in Illinois and the state hosts some of the top schools for degrees in Education and Teaching and Early Childhood Education. To take advantage of the business career opportunities in Chicago, consider a Business Administration and Management or General Business degree. For graduate school, the University of Chicago and Northwestern University have two of the top MBA programs in the country.