Best Private Colleges in Illinois for 2026
Illinois is home to some of the nation’s most respected private colleges—institutions that pair academic excellence with personalized attention, vibrant campus communities, and opportunities for real-world learning. From the historic charm of DePaul University in Chicago to the close-knit environment of Illinois Wesleyan University, private schools across the state are preparing students for success in ways that go far beyond the classroom.
These colleges offer more than just strong academics. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and engaged alumni networks, they foster mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth. Students at institutions like Loyola University Chicago and Wheaton College benefit from hands-on research, community service programs, and global learning opportunities that help them graduate career-ready and confident.
Whether you’re seeking a liberal arts foundation, specialized professional programs, or a values-driven education, the 2026 Best Private Colleges in Illinois highlight the schools where students truly thrive.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
With over 300 undergraduate programs, the breadth of academic excellence at DePaul is vast and varied. The university’s world-class faculty are experts in their field who bring their years of experience to the classroom every day. Although DePaul’s faculty are conducting groundbreaking, award-winning research everyday, their biggest priority is the success of their students. Classes are small to maximize engagement between students and professors. Students are challenged to meet their potential and inspired to reach their goals.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Whether it’s a mission to Mars or the supply chain on steroids, there are new and exciting problems for DePaul students to solve. Research is integral to the student experience, so students will find many opportunities to make their mark on the world. Research isn’t reserved just for STEM majors, either. Students are encouraged to explore undergraduate research opportunities regardless of their major. Faculty are active participants and leaders in various professional organizations, centers, and initiatives that focus on research and creative activity.
Acceptance rate 74% • Net price $32,129 • SAT Range 1130-1340
Total Undergrad Population 14,374 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 70% • Retention rate 87% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Where the multitalented go to learn. Illinois Wesleyan is a true renaissance university at which students are encouraged to explore all of their interests. Double majors in diverse subjects like physics and music are common. Students have a host of compelling opportunities to enrich their education with off-campus experiences that might involve spending a year at Pembroke College/Oxford University or perhaps a semester in Washington D.C. through American University.
OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
The community surrounding Illinois Wesleyan offers distinctive opportunities for students who look to supplement their classroom experiences with off-campus learning experiences. The best example of this is the Action Research Center, which coordinates research projects undertaken by Illinois Wesleyan University students, faculty, and staff in partnership with groups in the larger central Illinois community. Current projects include work on McLean County’s ten-year plan to end homelessness, a tutoring and mentoring program, and work with the Ecology Action Center to reduce pesticide use.
Acceptance rate 45% • Net price $31,310 • SAT Range 1140-1330
Total Undergrad Population 1,576 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 83% • Retention rate 85% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Superior education in a world-class city. An outstanding, nationally lauded institution, Loyola University Chicago continues to advance the 450-year-old Jesuit tradition of rigorous academic study grounded in the liberal arts. Loyola helps students prepare for meaningful careers with top programs in business, the sciences, and other disciplines, along with opportunities for internships in Chicago and beyond. Loyola’s well-rounded, transformative education will help each student develop as a whole person—intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually.
CAREER SERVICES
Loyola’s Career Development Center (CDC) provides all of the resources students need to start their careers after graduation. The CDC annually lists thousands of jobs and internships and helps students and alumni connect with prospective employers for job opportunities and making connections before and after graduation. The CDC also provides mock interviews, job fairs, resume referral services, and regular internship newsletters.
Acceptance rate 81% • Net price $37,592 • SAT Range 1160-1340
Total Undergrad Population 12,487 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 76% • Retention rate 84% • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
North Park University
Chicago, IL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1891, North Park University prides itself on its deep Christian roots and its commitment to providing a world-class education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology. North Park’s location in Chicago offers students a unique opportunity to learn, serve, and develop their faith in an increasingly diverse community.
CRUX
Crux is a living-learning cohort in which first-year students are inspired to develop their identity in Christ while experiencing the city. Coursework, experiential learning, mentorship, and discipleship training comprise the Crux experience, earning students college credit while living and learning within an on-campus cohort. They also complete multiple service projects to further develop a life of community engagement.
Acceptance rate 73% • Net price $19,910
Total Undergrad Population 1,876 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 56% • Retention rate 69% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Trinity Christian College
Palos Heights, IL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Trinity Christian College has been changing students’ lives since 1959, having been begun by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to develop Chicago-area Christians who would put their faith into action, not just believe. As a smaller college, Trinity provides students with individualized attention, harnessing an extensive network throughout Chicago in order to make a difference in the world. Trinity faculty help students discover their passion and develop it into incredible achievement. Through a Biblically informed liberal arts education, the College community endeavors to provide an environment of Christian integrity and love, enhancing and supporting the entire learning experience.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND SERVICE-LEARNING
Trinity’s community believes strongly that service is not something to be done exclusively in the summer or over spring break; rather, it should be woven into the fabric of their lives. At the core of the Office of Community Partnerships and Service-Learning (OCPSL) is a strong college-organization relationship with valued partners. Through reciprocal relationships with these community partners, Trinity is able to serve not only students, but the larger community as well. Trinity seeks to equip local organizations with dedicated, responsible student volunteers and interns. It’s with these partners that the College prepares its students to be “active members of a community based on the Biblical requirements of justice, humility, and love.”
Acceptance rate 89% • Net price $17,218 • SAT Range 1050-1200
Total Undergrad Population 827 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 64% • Retention rate 79% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
A Wheaton College education prepares students for lives that are wholly dedicated to serving Christ and His kingdom.
LIBERAL ARTS FOR DIVERSE SUCCESS
Wheaton is proud of the work it does to prepare its students for postgraduate success. Upon graduation, Wheaton scholars are well equipped with the tools and skills necessary to succeed in the working world. This is achieved largely through Wheaton’s liberal arts education; it is both general and specific in a way that earns students a wealth of knowledge in a span of disciplines. Aside from the degree itself, the College boasts a list of credentials that prove the value of a Wheaton education.
Acceptance rate 90% • Net price $31,346 • SAT Range 1260-1440
Total Undergrad Population 2,119 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 87% • Retention rate 94% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
What it’s like to attend private schools in Illinois and other FAQ:
Colleges of Distinction has recognized schools such as DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and Wheaton College for their exceptional academic quality and student support.
Many Illinois private colleges offer generous merit-based scholarships and need-based aid. For example, North Park University provides substantial financial aid packages to make education accessible.
Private colleges often feature smaller class sizes, individualized academic advising, and close faculty mentorship, leading to a more personalized college experience.
Each school has met our rigorous Four Distinctions criteria—Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Development—along with Illinois-specific strengths in academics and student life.
Graduates from schools like Illinois Wesleyan University and Wheaton College enter fields such as business, healthcare, education, and technology, often supported by strong alumni networks.
How We Chose the Best Private Colleges in Illinois
Every school featured on this list has earned the College of Distinction designation through a rigorous selection process focused on four key distinctions: Engaged Teaching, Student Success, Community Engagement, and Career Development.
For our Private Colleges recognition, we also evaluate:
- Small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios that foster personalized learning.
- High retention and graduation rates that reflect student satisfaction and success.
- Strong faculty credentials and commitment to teaching excellence.
- Robust career services and alumni networks that help graduates thrive professionally.
- Rich campus life with opportunities for research, internships, and global learning.
Data Sources: We combine quantitative data from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database and the College Scorecard with qualitative insights from direct communication with schools, faculty interviews, and publicly available program information.
Author: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Reviewed by: Katie Creel
Last updated in August 2025 with data from IPEDS and College Scorecard.
Explore More Illinois Colleges of Distinction
- 🎓 Best Colleges in Illinois
- 💰 Best Affordable Colleges in Illinois
- 🏛️ Best Public Colleges in Illinois
- 🩺 Best Undergraduate Nursing Schools in Illinois
- 💼 Best Undergraduate Business Schools in Illinois
- ⚙️ Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Illinois