2025 Best Colleges in the Chicago Area

Whether you already live in the Chicago area or have always dreamt of living and studying there, we are more than happy to help connect you with the best colleges the city offers.

With our help, your search for the best college in Chicago will be 100% backed by facts and driven by actual student and faculty reviews. Your search for the best school is tailored to you and your needs. You can search by location, acceptance rate, tuition, and more! So let us help you find the right fit for you when it comes to Chicago's best colleges.

How Many Colleges Are There in Chicago?

As a state, Illinois boasts many excellent colleges and universities. And some of the best schools in the country can be found in Chicago, including the University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. Both of these colleges are located right in the city — and they’re not the only ones!

Chicago has no shortage of great colleges to offer you as a student. Here at Niche, we can connect you with any of the 100+ four- and two-year colleges in the Chicago area. You have your pick of small schools that offer a more personalized touch, schools that offer a wide variety of academic programs, and even schools specific to your artistic passions, like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Are There Two-Year Degree Opportunities in Chicago?

As mentioned above, the Chicago area has a great mix of schools, including two-year degree colleges. Sometimes your career path might not require a traditional four-year degree. So if a four-year degree doesn't seem like the best fit for you, we can show you the many options that Chicago offers.

What Makes Chicago a Great Place To Study?

Chicago is a big city, with over 2.7 million people living within its limits. With that figure in mind, going to school in Chicago means having access to countless academic and professional networking opportunities.

And when you have the time to take a break from your studies, Chicago has nearly infinite ways to fill your time. On top of a great art and dining scene, Chicago is also synonymous with sports. Living in or around the city means being able to experience the electricity and energy that comes with going to a Sox, Cubs, Blackhawks, or Bulls game. Chicago is also famous for its deep-dish pizzas, which can be a lifesaver when you’re neck-deep in books.

Expand Your Horizons in Chicago

We know that success in college starts with connecting with the right college. Narrowing your choices to just one city, even one as dynamic as Chicago, may seem like limiting your options, but we’ve shown you that there’s more to Chicago than meets the eye.

Your search with us will help you expand your horizons and open your eyes to options you may not have known existed. With our help at Niche, you can find your best match at one of Chicago's top colleges.