Education in Illinois 2026

Best Colleges for Education in Illinois 2026

Teacher shortages across Illinois make education graduates highly employable upon completion. These programs combine pedagogy, subject expertise, and student teaching placements to produce classroom-ready professionals.

We analyzed 100 colleges and universities in Illinois offering Education programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Education Programs in Illinois

Detailed School Profiles

1. University of Illinois at Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 77.4%
• In-State Tuition: $14,338 | Out-of-State: $29,884
• Enrollment: 22,170 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 62% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,600
• Average Financial Aid: $12,850

View full University of Illinois at Chicago profile →

2. University of Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
• In-State Tuition: $70,662 | Out-of-State: $70,662
• Enrollment: 7,569 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
• Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Earnings (6yr): $54,300
• Average Financial Aid: $42,732

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3. Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 7.7%
• In-State Tuition: $68,322 | Out-of-State: $68,322
• Enrollment: 9,201 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
• Graduation Rate: 95% | Median Earnings (6yr): $58,900
• Average Financial Aid: $45,427

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4. Illinois Wesleyan University

Location: Bloomington, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 39.3%
• In-State Tuition: $57,704 | Out-of-State: $57,704
• Enrollment: 1,582 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,600
• Average Financial Aid: $27,418

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5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Location: Champaign, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 42.4%
• In-State Tuition: $16,004 | Out-of-State: $35,124
• Enrollment: 36,258 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Earnings (6yr): $47,100
• Average Financial Aid: $14,328

View full University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign profile →

6. Chicago State University

Location: Chicago, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 43.3%
• In-State Tuition: $12,754 | Out-of-State: $12,754
• Enrollment: 1,384 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Graduation Rate: 15% | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,400
• Average Financial Aid: $12,050

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7. Judson University

Location: Elgin, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 47.6%
• In-State Tuition: $31,360 | Out-of-State: $31,360
• Enrollment: 708 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,700
• Average Financial Aid: $19,210

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8. Governors State University (GOVST)

Location: University Park, Illinois • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 48.3%
• In-State Tuition: $12,004 | Out-of-State: $12,004
• Enrollment: 2,556 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 22% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,300
• Average Financial Aid: $9,021

View full Governors State University (GOVST) profile →

9. Quincy University (QU)

Location: Quincy, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 50.9%
• In-State Tuition: $37,140 | Out-of-State: $37,140
• Enrollment: 1,010 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,200
• Average Financial Aid: $21,599

View full Quincy University (QU) profile →

10. Illinois Institute of Technology

Location: Chicago, Illinois • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 54.9%
• In-State Tuition: $52,386 | Out-of-State: $52,386
• Enrollment: 2,833 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Earnings (6yr): $55,800
• Average Financial Aid: $34,691

View full Illinois Institute of Technology profile →

How to Choose the Right Education Program in Illinois

Selecting the best Education program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Illinois residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Education.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Education programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Education in Illinois?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Education programs in Illinois include University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Chicago, and Northwestern University.

How much does a Education degree cost in Illinois?
In-state tuition for Education programs in Illinois averages around $37,267 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Education degree from a Illinois school?
Graduates from Illinois's Education programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.