2024 Top Public Universities in Illinois

Best colleges

Students

Social scene

Campus

Athletics

1-14 of 14 results

Freshman: As an international student at UIUC, my time here has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was welcomed with open arms into a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and fosters academic excellence. I was fascinated by how inclusive this community is and the variety of clubs it has to offer aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. I am grateful to the fact that this university has become my home away from home. However, there are a few things that could enhance the experience of future incoming students. For an international student, there were many official tasks like opening up bank accounts, and registering for classes that were not explained very well and could be highly confusing for students who are in a different country and are not familiar with how things work here. By improving this factor, I believe that new students will only cherish this university more!... Read 5,019 reviews
#1 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
CHAMPAIGN, IL,
5019 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says As an international student at UIUC, my time here has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was welcomed with open arms into a vibrant community that....
Read 5019 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Acceptance Rate: 45%,
Net Price: $14,544,
SAT Range: 1320-1510,
Will you get in? Compare Virtual tour
Sophomore: I really love UIC! I think my experiences in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs and the Honors College have played a huge role in why I love it here. They're both smaller, so it feels more personal. I've heard some dorms are not great, but I've really liked living at JST. Rooms I've seen in the ARC and MRH/TBH are good, too. Dining hall is okay- better than some others I've tried, but not amazing. Party scene and campus life are minimal because it's a commuter school, but everyone still makes friends. Great restaurants and lots to do in the area, so I personally don't feel like I'm missing out on frat parties/sports games. If it's really your thing, there are still some, but not as much as a party school or flagship. Internship/professional opportunities are incredible here. I've enjoyed the vast majority of my professors and the diversity of the student body is really great.... Read 3,594 reviews
#2 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
University of Illinois Chicago
4 Year,
CHICAGO, IL,
3594 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says I really love UIC! I think my experiences in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs and the Honors College have played a huge role in why I love it here. They're both smaller, so it feels....
Read 3594 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Acceptance Rate: 79%,
Net Price: $10,384,
SAT Range: 1110-1340,
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Junior: Northeastern is a good school especially for those that want a fresh start with school or are going back to school. Students of all different ages go here so there's no shame if you want that fresh start! The teachers are also very understanding when it comes to additional support and they make time for you. It's a smaller school so the classes typically have around 30 students which allows for more 1 on 1 time with teachers. Because it's a smaller school, there's only 1 advisor for each major so you have to make sure to schedule appointments in advance. There's around 1-3 options for teachers for 1 class in a semester so stalk them heavily on rate my professors to avoid the bad ones.... Read 1,218 reviews
#3 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Northeastern Illinois University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
CHICAGO, IL,
1218 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Northeastern is a good school especially for those that want a fresh start with school or are going back to school. Students of all different ages go here so there's no shame if you want that fresh....
Read 1218 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 63%,
Net Price: $14,262,
SAT Range: 810-1010,
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SponsoredCollege
George Mason University
4 Year·
FAIRFAX, VA
·
Rating 3.71 out of 5 5,053
SponsoredCollege
Wheaton College - Illinois
4 Year·
WHEATON, IL
·
Rating 4 out of 5 689
SponsoredCollege
Ferrum College
4 Year·
FERRUM, VA
·
Rating 3.5 out of 5 386
Sophomore: My overall experience with Western Illinois University has been incredibly positive. As an online student, especially as an international one, I found the school to be welcoming and supportive. The staff was consistently understanding and accommodating, making my educational journey smooth and enjoyable. Their dedication to providing a quality education, coupled with a friendly and inclusive environment, truly made a difference in my academic success. Western Illinois University has exceeded my expectations so far, making me feel valued and connected despite the distance.... Read 1,788 reviews
#4 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Western Illinois University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
MACOMB, IL,
1788 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says My overall experience with Western Illinois University has been incredibly positive. As an online student, especially as an international one, I found the school to be welcoming and supportive. The....
Read 1788 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 75%,
Net Price: $11,213,
SAT Range: 880-1090,
Will you get in? Compare Virtual tour
Sophomore: My experience at the University of Illinois Springfield has been amazing. It is a very welcoming community. I like how small the classes are, leading to a closer relationship with a professor. They also offer a lot of help by advertising the Learning Hub, free tutoring and SI's. I also like how specific programs make me feel like I have a family on campus, like the First Generation group Necessary Steps. I also like how much the school tries to build communities by hosting different types of events. One thing that I would like to see change would be the way the advisors communicate with the students. I know a lot of my fellow classmates, including myself have had issues with their advisors communication. Overall, the university is a great campus!... Read 501 reviews
#5 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
University of Illinois Springfield
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
SPRINGFIELD, IL,
501 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at the University of Illinois Springfield has been amazing. It is a very welcoming community. I like how small the classes are, leading to a closer relationship with a professor. They....
Read 501 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 82%,
Net Price: $11,733,
SAT Range: 1000-1220,
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Sophomore: Overall, I felt the campus was safe and through the Redbird Alert system I was kept up to date on any potential threats on campus. The dorm I was in was nice although the cleaning of the bathrooms was a bit inconsistent and the temperature was either freezing or boiling with no in between. Some professors are better than others, the best experiences have been with professors in classes for my major, the worst have been with my professors for gen ed classes so there was definitely a correlation there.... Read 3,154 reviews
#6 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Illinois State University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
NORMAL, IL,
3154 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says Overall, I felt the campus was safe and through the Redbird Alert system I was kept up to date on any potential threats on campus. The dorm I was in was nice although the cleaning of the bathrooms....
Read 3154 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 86%,
Net Price: $20,551,
SAT Range: 1000-1210,
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Senior: After transferring to Eastern from a community college, I was nervous about the transition. However, my experience at Eastern has been nothing but amazing! The professors in the Department of Public Health have been so accommodating, supportive, and kind! The campus is beautiful, safe, and has so many wonderful opportunities for connecting with other students. There are events nearly everyday, a variety of clubs, and ways to connect beyond the classroom. The campus is diverse, with students of a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. I will always cherish my time at EIU, the friends I've made, and the professors I have met.... Read 1,363 reviews
#7 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Eastern Illinois University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
CHARLESTON, IL,
1363 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says After transferring to Eastern from a community college, I was nervous about the transition. However, my experience at Eastern has been nothing but amazing! The professors in the Department of Public...The campus is beautiful, safe, and has so many wonderful opportunities for connecting with other students. There are events nearly everyday, a variety of clubs, and ways to connect beyond the....
Read 1363 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 68%,
Net Price: $13,380,
SAT Range: 900-1120,
Will you get in? Compare Virtual tour
Graduate Student: As a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, you can expect a diverse and inclusive environment with a strong sense of community. The campus offers a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services to help we students succeed. The surrounding area provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Overall, students often find it to be a welcoming and fulfilling educational experience.... Read 1,726 reviews
#8 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
EDWARDSVILLE, IL,
1726 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says As a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, you can expect a diverse and inclusive environment with a strong sense of community. The campus offers a range of academic programs,....
Read 1726 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 98%,
Net Price: $13,586,
SAT Range: 930-1160,
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Senior: One of the biggest challenges that I have faced during my college career is being social, getting out there making friends and or getting involved at my university. Being a pandemic high school graduate and having my first year on-campus college experience taken from me, made it hard to naturally interact with people again. With that hanging over me, when the world officially opened back up and I transferred to Chicago State, the environment was new and it was the first time actually sitting in a lecture hall; being in a room full of students again. I liked that Chicago State was small and the ratio for student to teacher was just what I need as I was readjusting to the world opening back up. I valued the small campus because all my interactions were so interpersonal and it helped me get back into routine with school and the full time college student life. I do wish the campus would have more student activities on campus so that there can be more student interaction and socializing.... Read 649 reviews
#9 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Chicago State University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
CHICAGO, IL,
649 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says One of the biggest challenges that I have faced during my college career is being social, getting out there making friends and or getting involved at my university. Being a pandemic high school....
Read 649 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 49%,
Net Price: $6,446,
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Senior: I have attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale for the last three years. I am now entering my final year of my undergraduate program. I like everything about the school, from the professors to the classes offered to the events that take place on campus. If there is one thing I would like to see change, it would be the opportunity to apply for the scholarships for which I am eligible. I do plan to apply to grad school at SIUC once graduating with my undergrad.... Read 2,094 reviews
#10 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
CARBONDALE, IL,
2094 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says I have attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale for the last three years. I am now entering my final year of my undergraduate program. I like everything about the school, from the professors....
Read 2094 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 92%,
Net Price: $16,990,
SAT Range: 900-1140,
Will you get in? Compare Virtual tour
Junior: Northern Illinois University (NIU) offers a dynamic and enriching academic environment, known for its diverse range of programs and dedicated faculty. As a student, the experience encompasses a balance of rigorous academic coursework and vibrant campus life, with ample opportunities for research, internships, and extracurricular activities. The university's commitment to inclusivity and support services fosters a welcoming community, while its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area provides access to numerous cultural and professional resources. Overall, NIU provides a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for successful careers and engaged citizenship.... Read 2,792 reviews
#11 Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Northern Illinois University
Blue checkmark.
4 Year,
DEKALB, IL,
2792 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Northern Illinois University (NIU) offers a dynamic and enriching academic environment, known for its diverse range of programs and dedicated faculty. As a student, the experience encompasses a....
Read 2792 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Acceptance Rate: 71%,
Net Price: $13,884,
SAT Range: 940-1170,
Will you get in? Compare Virtual tour
Alum: Governors State University is a transfer friendly school. It is ideal for the those that live in the south suburbs of IL, because it is close to home and affordable compared to other universities. It emphasizes on flexible education, professors who are invested in you, and to learn with people from all walks of life. With a smaller class size there is more of a personal touch within the professors and easy to make study groups within the class. Most of the students are working commuter students so the college experience is not as lively but there are plenty of night classes to accommodate the working schedule. There are clubs you can be part of but there are not a lot of frats and sororities. The food is subpar, and the advisors need to be improved.... Read 410 reviews
Governors State University
4 Year,
UNIVERSITY PARK, IL,
410 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Governors State University is a transfer friendly school. It is ideal for the those that live in the south suburbs of IL, because it is close to home and affordable compared to other universities. ....
Read 410 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Acceptance Rate: 57%,
Net Price: $9,833,
SAT Range: 830-1060,
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Southern Illinois University Online
4 Year (Online),
CARBONDALE, IL,
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University of Illinois Springfield Online
4 Year (Online),
SPRINGFIELD, IL,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Graduate Student says Overall this online experience was enjoyable and I would recommend it to others. The only downfall was that sometimes it was hard to get into contact with individuals at the university due to having....
Read 1 reviews.
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SponsoredCommunity College
Waubonsee Community College
2 Year·
SUGAR GROVE, IL
·
Rating 3.77 out of 5 638
SponsoredCollege
National Louis University
4 Year·
CHICAGO, IL
·
Rating 3.98 out of 5 554
SponsoredCollege
South University - Virginia Beach
4 Year·
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
·
Rating 4.15 out of 5 115

2024 Top Public Universities in Illinois

Best programs

Students

Social scene

Campus

Athletics

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago

Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University

University of Illinois Springfield

University of Illinois Springfield

Illinois State University

Illinois State University

Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Chicago State University

Chicago State University

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University

Governors State University

Governors State University

Southern Illinois University Online

Southern Illinois University Online

University of Illinois Springfield Online

University of Illinois Springfield Online