Ranking Illinois colleges - suggestions?

I'm currently looking at colleges in Illinois and would like to know how they rank against each other. Can anyone recommend a list or site that ranks Illinois colleges, or share their favorites? Thanks!

There isn't a specific site that ranks only Illinois colleges, but you can use general college ranking websites like U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, or CollegeVine to compare Illinois schools. Keep in mind that rankings should only be used as a starting point, and a school's fit to your needs, interests, and goals should be the primary consideration. After all, a school may be lower-ranked overall, but be especially strong in the areas that matter most to you.

With that said, here are some notable colleges in Illinois, not necessarily in order, to help you start your research:

1. University of Chicago (UChicago) - A highly-ranked, prestigious private institution known for its strong programs in economics, social sciences, and biology alongside many other fields. UChicago is also famous for its unique intellectual environment, rigorous academics, and unusual supplemental essay prompts, which you can get a breakdown of on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-uchicago-essays-2023-2024

2. Northwestern University - A prestigious private university located near Chicago with a strong focus on research and interdisciplinary programs. Northwestern has especially strong offerings in journalism, engineering, business, and performing arts. CollegeVine's blog also contains guidance on Northwestern's essays, if you want tips on how to maximize your odds of acceptance: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-northwestern-university-essays

3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) - A public research university known for its outstanding engineering, computer science, and business programs. UIUC also has a strong emphasis on research and practical experience, and you can read up on how to tackle their essays here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-essays

4. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) - A private institution located in Chicago that focuses on technology and engineering, with programs in areas like architecture, computer science, and engineering.

5. Loyola University Chicago - A private Jesuit university with strong programs in nursing, criminal justice, psychology, and business.

6. DePaul University - A private institution located in Chicago that offers a wide range of programs, including in the humanities, business, and communication.

7. University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) - A public university in Chicago known for its diverse student body and programs in health sciences, engineering, and business.

8. Illinois State University - A public university with a wide array of degree programs, including education, business, and psychology.

9. Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) - A public university offering a variety of programs, with strengths in aviation, agriculture, and engineering.

Again, these are just a few of the colleges in Illinois to give you an idea of some notable institutions. It's essential to research each one and consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, campus culture, and financial aid to select the best overall fit for you. Good luck!