Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois
If you are interested in a Liberal Arts College in Illinois, this article offers you a stress-free way to explore the best Liberal Arts colleges in Illinois.
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students who seek to pursue a well-rounded education at colleges. The top liberal arts colleges in Illinois offer a wide selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
Aspiring students who are searching for colleges in Illinois are spoiled for choice of excellent schools. Illinois boasts over 130 higher education institutes throughout the state and due expansive public university system and several top private institutions, students have an incredibly wide array of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Illinois. Check out our list of the best liberal arts colleges in Illinois.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois
1. Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University is located 20 miles northeast of St. Louis and is one of the newest and smallest institutions in the Southern Illinois University system. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville was established in 1957, it is also known as SIUE or The “e”.
The school places excellent undergraduate education as a top priority, although graduate and professional programs are also offered.
Southern Illinois University provides a full and outstanding education in cultural arts, public service, and creative and scholarly research, this is what makes it one of the best liberal arts colleges in Illinois.
The college offers an average of $5,932 in financial aid to students. The average net price of this college is $15,047.
2. Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, Illinois, the college was founded in 1899 originally as a teachers’ college. Today, the university offers a wide range of academic programs in Macomb and the second campus in Moline.
Western Illinois University aims to provide an affordable path to the development of academic excellence, creativity, and social responsibility. The school has a student population of about 10,000 undergraduate students who are studying majors in 41 academic departments and schools, all of which provide Honors College options in addition to the regular course of study.
The college offers an average of $7,699 in financial aid to students. The average net price of this college is $16,919.
3. Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University was founded as a teacher’s college in 1895. Today, Eastern Illinois University is a comprehensive university located in Charleston, Illinois.
The college offers inclusiveness, diversity, student-faculty scholarship, and applied learning experiences. These qualities characterize the academic and social climate at Eastern Illinois University.
The university offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate levels through four undergraduate colleges, a graduate school, and a school of continuing education. About 9000 students are enrolled in this college.
The college offers an average of $6,050 in financial aid to students. The average net price of this college is $17,751.
4. University of St. Francis
The University of St. Francis is a Catholic, Franciscan university that operates a main campus in Joliet, Illinois, southwest of Chicago.
USF’s main focus is on forming people of integrity who will make an impact through leadership roles and compassionate service.
The college offers real-world experience such as studying abroad, serving the community creates, and participating in student organizations this in turn equips the college’s students with the habit of lifelong learning.
The University of St. Francis offers renowned education and healthcare professions programs the college also offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education opportunities.
The college offers an average of $18,448 in financial aid to students. The average net price of this college is $17,556.
5. North Central College
North Central College is a private liberal arts college located in Naperville, Illinois this college maintains an affiliation with the United Methodist Church.
North Central is popular for its theater program, however, the college also offers over 50 other undergraduate majors that students can choose from. The college also offers a five-year dual degree program including degrees in Leadership Studies, Liberal Studies, and various business fields.
The college offers an average of $18,409 in financial aid to students. The average net price of this college is $22,715.
6. Lewis University
Lewis University is a Catholic university located in Romeoville, Illinois, the college receives sponsorship from an international Roman Catholic teaching order called the De La Salle Christian Brothers.
The school was founded in 1932 by the Archdiocese of Chicago as the Holy Name Technical School, which emphasized aviation technology courses. Lewis still offers a strong aviation program and 80 other undergraduate majors. Graduate, online, and adult undergraduate programs are also available.
The college offers an average of $15,031 in financial aid to students. The average net price of this college is $19,015.
7. Elmhurst College
Elmhurst College is a private liberal arts college located in Chicago. Elmhurst College is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and emphasizes service-oriented learning. The college is home to nearly 3,000 undergraduates.
There are three academic centers that help students find career options and internships that fit their skills and passions.
8. Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts college located south of Chicago. Olivet Nazarene University seeks to develop students professionally, personally, and academically, by preparing them for a life of service to God.
The school offers over 100 areas of study, but few of them are multiple study abroad options. The university’s campus includes a student-run Christian radio station, a new chapel for worship and community events, and one of three planetariums in Illinois with digital projection capabilities in addition to classrooms and residence halls.
9. North Park University
North Park University by the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1891. North Park University is a private college located north of Chicago. North Park also has a graduate school and a seminary in addition to undergraduate programs.
Students at North Park graduate with an understanding of practical and profound things, and are therefore equipped to make a significant impact on the world.
The college offers an average of $12,432 in financial aid to students. The average net price of this college is $18,724.
St. Xavier University is a private Roman Catholic institution established in 1846. St. Xavier University is located in Chicago and has an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students.
St. Xavier University upholds a diverse community concerned with personal growth as well as social responsibility. SXU also operates a campus in Orland Park, which offers professional studies and business administration programs.
The college offers an average of $18,923 in financial aid to students. The average net price of this college is $16,465.