2024 Best Colleges for Liberal Arts in Illinois

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Liberal Arts programs in Illinois. We looked at 36 programs to put our Liberal Arts rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Liberal Arts in Illinois. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Liberal Arts is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Liberal Arts: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Liberal Arts in Illinois. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Liberal Arts undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in Illinois. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Liberal Arts degree in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Liberal Arts Majors in Illinois

What is the best university for majoring in Liberal Arts in Illinois?

DePaul University is the best university for majoring in Liberal Arts based on earnings data. On average, graduates from DePaul University earned an average of $60,415 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Liberal Arts in Illinois?

Northeastern Illinois University is the cheapest university for majoring in Liberal Arts based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $9,351 to attend Northeastern Illinois University.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Liberal Arts in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most expensive university for majoring in Liberal Arts based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $51,351 to attend University of Chicago.

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#1 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $60,415
Average Debt $32,934
Program Size 643
DePaul University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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DePaul University , located in Chicago, IL has 643 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $60,415.
Acceptance Rate 72%
Undergraduates 6,392 students
Tuition $36,361
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#2 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $47,327
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 13
Roosevelt University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Roosevelt University, located in Chicago, IL has 13 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $47,327.
Acceptance Rate 72%
Undergraduates 1,494 students
Tuition $27,300
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#3 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $39,369
Average Debt $17,249
Program Size 37
University of Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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University of Chicago, located in Chicago, IL has 37 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $39,369.
Acceptance Rate 8%
Undergraduates 4,896 students
Tuition $51,351
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#4 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $38,289
Average Debt $18,357
Program Size 44
University of Illinois at Springfield
4 Year
Springfield, IL
University of Illinois at Springfield, located in Springfield, IL has 44 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $38,289.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 1,869 students
Tuition $11,413
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#5 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $38,289
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 37
Lincoln College
4 Year
Lincoln, IL
Lincoln College, located in Lincoln, IL has 37 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $38,289.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 61 students
Tuition N/A
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#6 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $37,943
Average Debt $25,248
Program Size 417
Western Illinois University
4 Year
Macomb, IL
Western Illinois University, located in Macomb, IL has 417 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $37,943.
Acceptance Rate 60%
Undergraduates 2,682 students
Tuition $12,889
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#7 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $37,503
Average Debt $22,607
Program Size 189
Northern Illinois University
4 Year
Dekalb, IL
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Northern Illinois University, located in Dekalb, IL has 189 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $37,503.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 5,217 students
Tuition $14,295
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#8 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $36,848
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 12
University of St Francis
4 Year
Joliet, IL
University of St Francis, located in Joliet, IL has 12 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $36,848.
Acceptance Rate 51%
Undergraduates 993 students
Tuition $29,950
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#9 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $35,891
Average Debt $26,344
Program Size 309
Governors State University
4 Year
University Park, IL
Governors State University, located in University Park, IL has 309 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $35,891.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 1,614 students
Tuition $10,246
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#10 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $34,206
Average Debt $16,560
Program Size 377
Northeastern Illinois University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Northeastern Illinois University, located in Chicago, IL has 377 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $34,206.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 2,103 students
Tuition $9,351
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#11 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $33,993
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 4
Quincy University
4 Year
Quincy, IL
Quincy University, located in Quincy, IL has 4 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $33,993.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 284 students
Tuition $26,998
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#12 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $32,634
Average Debt $21,525
Program Size 284
Eastern Illinois University
4 Year
Charleston, IL
Eastern Illinois University, located in Charleston, IL has 284 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $32,634.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 2,354 students
Tuition $11,312
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#13 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $32,391
Average Debt $52,625
Program Size 46
Chicago State University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Chicago State University, located in Chicago, IL has 46 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $32,391.
Acceptance Rate 21%
Undergraduates 847 students
Tuition $9,994
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#14 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $31,851
Average Debt $27,099
Program Size 72
Saint Xavier University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Saint Xavier University, located in Chicago, IL has 72 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $31,851.
Acceptance Rate 75%
Undergraduates 977 students
Tuition $30,920
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#15 Best College for Liberal Arts
Average Salary $30,573
Average Debt $22,858
Program Size 296
Illinois State University
4 Year
Normal, IL
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Illinois State University, located in Normal, IL has 296 students majoring in Liberal Arts. On average, graduates earn $30,573.
Acceptance Rate 88%
Undergraduates 5,164 students
Tuition $13,666
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Other Major Rankings
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