Illinois is home to a diverse array of private colleges and universities that offer a broad range of academic opportunities, personalized learning environments, and a commitment to leadership and innovation. Whether rooted in the liberal arts tradition or focused on professional studies, these institutions provide students with unique educational experiences that foster personal and intellectual growth.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the world. Known for its rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and emphasis on intellectual debate, the university offers a challenging and rewarding academic environment. The University of Chicago is especially well-regarded for its programs in economics, law, political science, and the sciences.
Overview
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Founded: 1890
- Enrollment: Approximately 17,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
The University of Chicago offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across numerous disciplines, with a focus on interdisciplinary study and critical thinking.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Economics
- Political Science
- Biological Sciences
- Mathematics
- English Literature
- Graduate Programs:
- Law (University of Chicago Law School)
- Business (Booth School of Business)
- Public Policy (Harris School of Public Policy)
- Medicine (Pritzker School of Medicine)
Core Curriculum and Research
The University of Chicago’s Core Curriculum is a hallmark of its undergraduate education, emphasizing a broad foundation in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
- Core Curriculum: Every undergraduate student must complete the Core Curriculum, which includes courses in literature, philosophy, history, science, and mathematics.
- Research Opportunities: The university is a world leader in research, with renowned centers like the Argonne National Laboratory and the Becker Friedman Institute for Research in Economics.
Campus Life
The University of Chicago offers a vibrant intellectual and social environment, where students can engage in a wide variety of extracurricular activities.
- Student Organizations: With over 400 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and political organizations, students have many ways to get involved.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, University Athletic Association, with strong programs in soccer, swimming, and tennis.
Notable Alumni
- Milton Friedman: Nobel Prize-winning economist.
- Bernardine Dohrn: Activist and academic.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University, located in Evanston, is one of the top private research universities in the United States. Known for its outstanding programs in journalism, engineering, business, and the sciences, Northwestern offers a rigorous academic environment and a strong emphasis on research, interdisciplinary study, and global engagement.
Overview
- Location: Evanston, IL (with additional campuses in Chicago and Doha, Qatar)
- Founded: 1851
- Enrollment: Approximately 22,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: None (historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church)
Academic Programs
Northwestern University is organized into 12 schools and colleges, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Journalism (Medill School of Journalism)
- Economics
- Engineering (McCormick School of Engineering)
- Theatre (School of Communication)
- Biological Sciences
- Graduate and Professional Schools:
- Kellogg School of Management (MBA)
- Feinberg School of Medicine
- Pritzker School of Law
- School of Education and Social Policy
Research and Global Focus
Northwestern is a research-intensive university with a strong global focus, encouraging students to participate in research, internships, and study abroad programs.
- Research Centers: Northwestern is home to numerous research institutes, including the Northwestern University Materials Research Center and the Institute for Policy Research.
- Study Abroad: Northwestern offers more than 100 study abroad programs in over 50 countries, giving students the opportunity to gain global perspectives.
Campus Life
Northwestern offers a dynamic campus life, with numerous opportunities for involvement in academics, arts, athletics, and social organizations.
- Greek Life: About 40% of Northwestern undergraduates participate in Greek life, with fraternities and sororities playing a major role in social life and philanthropy.
- Student Organizations: There are over 500 student organizations, including cultural groups, academic societies, and service organizations.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I, Big Ten Conference, with competitive teams in football, basketball, and lacrosse.
Notable Alumni
- Stephen Colbert: Comedian and television host.
- Warren Beatty: Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker.
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a private Catholic university known for its strong emphasis on social justice, community service, and academic excellence. With a scenic campus located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Loyola provides students with a robust liberal arts education, alongside professional programs in law, business, and healthcare.
Overview
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Founded: 1870
- Enrollment: Approximately 17,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (Jesuit)
Academic Programs
Loyola offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on interdisciplinary study and ethical leadership.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Biology
- Nursing
- Business Administration (Quinlan School of Business)
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Graduate and Professional Schools:
- School of Law
- Stritch School of Medicine
- Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
- School of Social Work
Jesuit Education and Service
As a Jesuit institution, Loyola emphasizes ethical leadership, social justice, and service to others in its curriculum and extracurricular activities.
- Service Learning: Loyola incorporates service-learning opportunities into many courses, encouraging students to engage with the local community and address social issues.
- Jesuit Values: The university’s mission is rooted in Jesuit values, focusing on the development of the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
Campus Life
Loyola offers a diverse and active campus life, with opportunities for students to engage in academics, service, and the arts.
- Student Organizations: With more than 250 student organizations, students can participate in cultural clubs, academic societies, and service organizations.
- Campus Ministry: Loyola’s Campus Ministry provides spiritual support for students, offering retreats, service trips, and faith-based activities.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I, Missouri Valley Conference, with strong programs in basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
Notable Alumni
- Bill Rancic: Entrepreneur and television personality.
- Nancy Pelosi: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (attended, but transferred).
DePaul University
DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States, offering a wide variety of academic programs and a commitment to providing a diverse, inclusive, and urban-centered education. Located in the heart of Chicago, DePaul has a strong focus on experiential learning, civic engagement, and professional preparation.
Overview
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Founded: 1898
- Enrollment: Approximately 22,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (Vincentian)
Academic Programs
DePaul offers more than 130 undergraduate majors and over 175 graduate programs, with strengths in business, technology, liberal arts, and the arts.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Accounting (Driehaus College of Business)
- Computer Science
- Film and Television (School of Cinematic Arts)
- Political Science
- Marketing
- Graduate and Professional Schools:
- Kellstadt Graduate School of Business
- College of Computing and Digital Media
- College of Law
- School of Music
Experiential Learning and Civic Engagement
DePaul emphasizes practical, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for success in their chosen careers.
- Internships and Co-ops: DePaul has strong connections with Chicago’s business, nonprofit, and arts communities, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and cooperative education programs.
- Service and Community Engagement: As part of its Vincentian mission, DePaul encourages students to engage with the community through service-learning projects and volunteer work.
Campus Life
DePaul offers a lively urban campus experience, with numerous opportunities for student involvement, professional development, and social activities.
- Student Organizations: DePaul has more than 350 student clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural groups, and service organizations.
- Greek Life: DePaul has a growing Greek life, with fraternities and sororities offering opportunities for leadership and community service.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I, Big East Conference, with competitive teams in basketball, soccer, and track and field.
Notable Alumni
- Gillian Anderson: Emmy Award-winning actress.
- Richard M. Daley: Former Mayor of Chicago.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is a private research university located in Chicago, known for its strong programs in engineering, architecture, and technology. IIT provides a rigorous education with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary research, preparing students to excel in fields such as engineering, computer science, and business.
Overview
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Founded: 1890
- Enrollment: Approximately 7,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
IIT offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, architecture, science, and business.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Architecture (College of Architecture)
- Business Administration (Stuart School of Business)
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Data Science
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Innovation and Research
IIT is a research-driven university with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Research Centers: IIT is home to several research institutes, including the Institute of Design and the Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research.
- Entrepreneurship Programs: IIT’s Kaplan Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship offers students the tools and resources needed to launch startups and develop new technologies.
Campus Life
IIT offers a dynamic campus environment with opportunities for students to engage in academics, research, and extracurricular activities.
- Student Organizations: IIT has more than 150 student organizations, including academic clubs, professional organizations, and cultural groups.
- Greek Life: IIT has a small but active Greek life, with fraternities and sororities focused on leadership, service, and academic success.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, with programs in basketball, soccer, swimming, and track and field.
Notable Alumni
- Martin Cooper: Inventor of the mobile phone.
- S. R. Srinivasa Varadhan: Abel Prize-winning mathematician.
Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college located in Bloomington, Illinois. Known for its small class sizes, personalized education, and focus on the liberal arts and sciences, Illinois Wesleyan provides a student-centered learning environment with strong programs in the arts, business, and the sciences.
Overview
- Location: Bloomington, IL
- Founded: 1850
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,600 students
- Religious Affiliation: Historically Methodist, now non-denominational
Academic Programs
Illinois Wesleyan offers a range of undergraduate programs, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary study and individualized learning.
- Popular Majors:
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Music (School of Music)
- Psychology
- Political Science
Focus on the Liberal Arts
Illinois Wesleyan emphasizes the value of a liberal arts education, encouraging students to explore multiple disciplines and develop critical thinking and communication skills.
- Interdisciplinary Programs: Illinois Wesleyan offers interdisciplinary programs such as Environmental Studies and International Studies, which allow students to engage in complex global issues from multiple perspectives.
Campus Life
Illinois Wesleyan provides a vibrant and close-knit campus community, with opportunities for involvement in academics, arts, and social activities.
- Student Organizations: There are more than 100 student-run organizations, including academic clubs, performance groups, and service organizations.
- Arts and Culture: Illinois Wesleyan has a strong focus on the arts, with numerous opportunities for students to participate in theater productions, musical performances, and art exhibitions.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), with teams in football, basketball, and swimming.
Notable Alumni
- Adlai Stevenson III: Former U.S. Senator.
- Jack Sikma: NBA Hall of Fame basketball player.
Knox College
Knox College is a private liberal arts college located in Galesburg, Illinois. Known for its commitment to diversity, academic freedom, and experiential learning, Knox provides students with a personalized and intellectually challenging educational experience. The college emphasizes critical thinking, civic engagement, and global perspectives.
Overview
- Location: Galesburg, IL
- Founded: 1837
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,200 students
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
Knox offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with an emphasis on the liberal arts and interdisciplinary study.
- Popular Majors:
- Political Science
- Creative Writing
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- History