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Colleges and Universities in Illinois
Illinois — the Prairie State — is home to 201 accredited colleges and universities, including 53 public institutions and 148 private schools. The state flagship, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, anchors a higher education landscape that ranges from large research universities in Chicago to small liberal arts colleges across the state.
Use the college finder above to search every accredited institution in Illinois. Filter by tuition cost, institution type, acceptance rate, and more to build your 2026 college list.
Higher education in Illinois at a glance
- Total accredited colleges: 201
- Public universities: 53
- Private colleges: 148
- Flagship institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Largest higher-ed city: Chicago
Types of colleges in Illinois
Public universities in Illinois are state-funded institutions that offer significantly reduced in-state tuition to Illinois residents. These schools are typically larger, with broad program offerings across undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
Private colleges in Illinois include both nonprofit institutions — which reinvest tuition revenue into academics and financial aid — and for-profit schools focused on career and technical programs. Private nonprofit colleges in Illinois often have smaller class sizes and more generous need-based aid packages than their published tuition suggests.
Frequently asked questions — colleges in Illinois
How many colleges are in Illinois?
There are 201 accredited colleges and universities in Illinois in the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard database, including 53 public and 148 private institutions.
What is the cheapest college in Illinois?
Community colleges in Illinois typically offer the lowest tuition — often under $5,000 per year for in-state students. Use the college finder above to find the most affordable options.
What is the largest university in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is among the largest and most well-known universities in Illinois. Search for it by name in the college finder above to view its full data profile.