66 Best Colleges in Chicago
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Chicago, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Chicago.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Chicago graduates reach $44,248 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $2,000 to $66,939.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionUniversity of Aesthetics & Cosmetology
Annual Tuition
$17,040
Early Salary
$28,955
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Adler University
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
American Academy of Art College
Annual Tuition
$39,510
Early Salary
$34,324
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
American Islamic College
Annual Tuition
$7,650
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
100%
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Annual Tuition
$54,530
Early Salary
$40,151
Acceptance Matrix
76.4%
Cannella School of Hair Design-Chicago
Annual Tuition
$12,490
Early Salary
$29,075
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Catholic Theological Union at Chicago
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
The Chicago School at Chicago
Annual Tuition
$20,844
Early Salary
$56,899
Acceptance Matrix
33.3%
Chicago State University
Annual Tuition
$12,754
Early Salary
$42,778
Acceptance Matrix
40.5%
Chicago Theological Seminary
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
University of Chicago
Annual Tuition
$66,939
Early Salary
$91,885
Acceptance Matrix
4.8%
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College
Annual Tuition
$4,380
Early Salary
$28,467
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College
Annual Tuition
$4,380
Early Salary
$32,427
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College
Annual Tuition
$4,380
Early Salary
$31,114
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College
Annual Tuition
$4,380
Early Salary
$36,484
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College
Annual Tuition
$4,380
Early Salary
$37,962
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
Annual Tuition
$4,380
Early Salary
$36,531
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College
Annual Tuition
$4,380
Early Salary
$41,625
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Columbia College Chicago
Annual Tuition
$32,520
Early Salary
$42,195
Acceptance Matrix
91.2%
DePaul University
Annual Tuition
$44,460
Early Salary
$68,751
Acceptance Matrix
73.5%
Choosing a College in Chicago
01
Academic Diversity
Chicago offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology, Adler University, American Academy of Art College and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Chicago can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Chicago graduates is notably strong. Institutions like University of Notre Dame - lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $99,980. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Chicago has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Melrose Park, Park Ridge, Belleville to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Illinois landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Chicago
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Chicago, IL
Selecting a college in Chicago provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 66 institutions within or near the city limits of Chicago, Illinois. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Chicago cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Chicago area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Illinois.
Our data for Chicago, IL colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Illinois.