Illinois is home to an active higher education community. It is a stronghold for higher education with nine public universities, about 50 community colleges, and nearly 100 private not-for-profit schools, the state an ideal location for those looking to pursue a degree or credential at any level.
Want to see the most affordable public colleges in Illinois? Choosing a school or college is never an easy task, so we’ve compiled a list of the best private colleges and universities in Illinois to help make the process less daunting.
Keep reading to learn more about the educational opportunities Illinois has to offer, including college rankings, tuition & fees, and degree programs specific to the state. Explore your options at Illinois State, and prepare for your future. Good Luck!!!
Table of Contents
City Colleges of Chicago Malcolm X College
Malcolm X College works with healthcare and industry partners to provide students with career-oriented education in the healthcare field. The associate in arts degree offers five different majors: business administration, English, history, psychology, and theater arts. The college provides open admissions; all prospective students are admitted. Madison St. Malcolm X College focuses on adult education and continuing education. The college offers a number of different degree choices, including associate degrees in arts, in general studies, in applied science, and in science. The associate in general studies degree offers four different majors: communication and fine arts, biology, natural and behavioral sciences, and mathematics.
Founded In: 1911
Ranking: 1st
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition: 3,070 USD (2015), Domestic tuition: 7,891 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (312) 850-7000
Website: http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/Pages/default.aspx
City Colleges of Chicago Harold Washington College
Harold Washington College is a student-centered institution that empowers all members of its community through accessible and affordable academic advancement, career development and personal enrichment. HWC as a community college offers two years “Associates” degrees in a wide variety of majors and provides transfer assistance to local four-year upper-division colleges and universities. They serve thousands of students annually by supporting each one in pursuit of a certificate or degree and ensuring they are ready to succeed in further college or a career after graduation.
Founded In: 1962
Ranking: 2nd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition: 3,070 USD (2015), Domestic tuition: 7,891 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (312) 553-5600
Website: http://hwashington.ccc.edu/
City Colleges of Chicago Kennedy King College
Kennedy-King College embodies the commitment to academic excellence and civic responsibility exemplified by its namesakes. Kennedy-King provides robust, holistic student support through programs, services, and social engagement opportunities designed to foster student development as well as promote college and career success. KKC is a co-educational institution that awards associate degrees and career certificates. Kennedy-King College offers associate degrees, shorter-term certificate programs, free adult education classes, and special interest courses.
Founded In: 1935
Ranking: 3rd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 8,126 USD, Out-of-state 11,906 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (773) 602-5000
Website: http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/kennedy/Pages/default.aspx
Morton College
Morton College is the second oldest community college in Illinois that was founded in 1924. Currently, the college has an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students, about 25% of whom are full-time. Morton College provides many online courses in different programs. They host the online and hybrid courses in the Blackboard Learn 9.1, the online learning platform for students and faculty. Morton College maintains articulation with colleges and universities throughout Illinois.
Founded In: 1924
Ranking: 4th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 7,764 USD, Out-of-state 9,812 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (708) 656-8000
Website: http://www.morton.edu/
City Colleges of Chicago Richard J Daley College
Richard J. Daley College provides high-quality education which leads to academic success, career development, and personal enrichment that fulfill diverse community needs. CCC has many useful resources to help students succeed, including transfer services, GED/ESL classes, continuing education, and career planning services. Daley College offers associate degrees, shorter-term certificate programs, free adult education classes, and special interest courses. CCC’s non-credit courses are affordable and convenient.
Founded In: 1960
Ranking: 5th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 8,126 USD, Out-of-state 11,906 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (773) 838-7500
Website: http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/daley/
City Colleges of Chicago Harry S Truman College
Truman is the largest of the City Colleges of Chicago with a yearly enrollment of over 23,000 students and has the largest English as a second language and GED program in Illinois. The college offers multiple 2-year associate degrees, as well as occupational training in a number of fields. Harry S Truman College offers many associate degree programs for students seeking direct entry into a career and those seeking to transfer to a school offering a bachelor’s degree. Many vocational certificates are also offered.
Founded In: 1956
Ranking: 6th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 8,126 USD, Out-of-state 11,906 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (773) 907-4000
Website: http://www.ccc.edu/truman
City Colleges of Chicago Olive Harvey College
Olive-Harvey College is dedicated to the academic success of all of its students and provides high-quality educational programs and support services. Olive-Harvey offers many Associate’s degrees, certificate and short-term training programs to prepare students to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs or to move directly into the workforce. Olive-Harvey College offers a number of programs in transportation, distribution, and logistics (TDL) – one of the region’s fastest growing industry segments.
Founded In: 1970
Ranking: 7th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 8,126 USD, Out-of-state 11,906 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (773) 291-6100
Website: http://oliveharvey.ccc.edu/
City Colleges of Chicago Wilbur Wright College
Wilbur Wright College is a public community college in Chicago. Wright College is a learning-centered, multi-campus institution of higher education, offering students of diverse backgrounds, talents, and abilities a quality education leading to baccalaureate transfer, career advancement, and/or personal development. It offers 2-year associate’s degrees, as well as occupational training in IT, manufacturing, medical, and business fields. CCC has many useful resources to help students succeed, including transfer services, GED/ESL classes, continuing education, and career planning services. CCC offers non-credit Continuing Education courses every semester for professional development and personal enrichment.
Founded In: 1934
Ranking: 8th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition: 5,607 USD, Domestic tuition: 7,311 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (773) 777-7900
Website: https://www.ccc.edu/wright
Triton College
Triton College’s facilitates accredited Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Fine Arts, and Associate of Applied Science for transfer and career. The institution also offers English as a second language (ESL) and GED classes. Students can earn bachelor’s degrees on Triton’s campus from Southern Illinois University, Dominican University, Benedictine University, and others through the University Center. The college also offers the academically rigorous Scholars Program for high achieving incoming freshman.
Founded In: 1964
Ranking: 9th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 9,360 USD, Out-of-state 11,630 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 708.456.0300
Website: https://www.triton.edu/
South Suburban College
More than 9,000 students, on average, are enrolled at South Suburban College during a typical year. The College offers a wide selection of career education and college transfer credit programs. On average there are more than 11,000 students enrolled at South Suburban College. SSC will continue to provide educational opportunities to the community in traditional areas, as well as in new and emerging fields. South Suburban College’s Business & Career Institute offers non-credit customized training, short-term instruction for business, and dozens of special interest classes.
Founded In: 1927
Ranking: 10th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 10,786 USD, Out-of-state 12,173 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (708) 596-2000
Website: http://www.ssc.edu/
