Top-Ranked Universities in Chicago 2025: Courses, Fees & Rankings

Are you planning to apply to the best universities in Chicago for your higher studies? When it comes to top-ranked universities globally, Chicago stands out, with several universities and colleges featuring prominently in the 2025 rankings. Universities in Chicago present world-class academics, diverse programs, and strong career outcomes, especially for international students. 

The landscape of higher education in Chicago is vibrant, and it boasts an array of institutions offering a lively academic and cultural experience for international students. 

In this blog, we explore the best universities in Chicago, including private and public universities, which are recognized for their academic excellence and contribution to the city’s dynamic educational environment.

 

 

Best Universities in Chicago: Public Universities for International Students

Chicago is home to several top public universities that welcome international students with quality education and far-reaching opportunities.  Let us explore the top public universities in Chicago below:

1. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

With over 34,000 students, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is an institution of international prominence and is among the largest universities in the US. UIC boasts 16 academic colleges, seven focused on health sciences, and one public law school to accommodate students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. 

The university offers a wide range of programs in fields such as applied health sciences, architecture, design, and the arts, business administration, dentistry, education, engineering, law, liberal arts and sciences, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, social work, urban planning, and public affairs, among others. 

Parameter	Details
QS Ranking	= 365
Available Programs	Bachelor’s program: 91 Master’s program: 107 MBA:1
Scholarships and Grants	UIC Aspire Grant Honors College Scholarships ROTC Scholarships LAS scholarships Business Scholarships Scholarships and Award programs

2. Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)

NEIU is a renowned public university in Chicago that offers accredited programs in arts, sciences, business, and education. Founded in 1867, the university has a strong history of educational innovation and is known as the most diverse public university in the Midwest. It offers over 40 undergraduate and more than 50 graduate programs, including degrees, certificates, licenses, and endorsements.

Parameter	Details
QS Ranking	#251–300 (bracket)
Available Programs	70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs Wide range of certificate programs
Scholarships and Grants	NEIU For You scholarship NEIU Foundation Scholarships Presidential Scholarship NEIU Star Scholar  Brommel Doctoral Scholarship NEIU Phi Theta Kappa scholarship NEIU Provost Merit Scholarships NEIU DEAN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS External Scholarship Opportunities  Merit, Talent, and Opportunity Scholarships

3. Chicago State University (CSU)

Founded in 1867, Chicago State University is a public university offering many programs to more than 1,450 undergraduate students. The university ranks in the #149–164 range among Regional Universities in the Midwest in the 2025 Best Colleges rankings. 

Parameter	Details
Regional Universities Midwest Ranking	#149–164
Available Programs	30 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs Certificate and PhD programs
Scholarships and Grants	General University Scholarships Transfer Student Scholarships AIM High Scholarships Honors College Scholarships College of Education Scholarships External and Specialized Scholarships

3. Governors State University (GSU)

Governors State University is another reputed public university with over 2,536 undergraduate students. It follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, it is placed in the #149–164 range among Regional Universities in the Midwest. The approximate tuition fee is around $14,506.

Parameter	Details
Regional Universities Midwest Ranking	#149–164
Available Programs	31 undergraduate programs 20+ minor options 27 certification programs
Scholarships and Grants	Transfer AIM HIGH Scholarships Other grants

5. Northern Illinois University (NIU)

At Northern Illinois University (NIU), academic excellence meets Midwestern warmth. The diverse and inclusive campus offers a welcoming space where students can learn, grow, and succeed. From its roots as a teachers’ college, this university has become a top research university with strong academics, hands-on research, Division I sports, and creative arts. What sets NIU apart is the focus on student success, personal attention, and a community where everyone feels they belong.

Parameter	Details
QS Sustainability Ranking	#1501
Available Programs	80+ graduate degree programs across six colleges 65 certificate courses
Scholarships and Grants	Campus Housing Grant Increased Income Threshold for AIM HIGH Huskie Pledge

Best Universities in Chicago: Private Universities Open to International Students

Chicago is also home to many prestigious private universities known for their excellent academics and worldwide recognition. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones below:  

1. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago, founded in 1856, is a top private research university located in the heart of Chicago. It is widely recognized as one of the best universities in the country, consistently ranking in the top ten nationally and globally. The University of Chicago is known for its professional programs, including medicine, business studies, and public policy studies, beyond arts and science programs. 

Parameter	Details
QS World University Rankings	#21
Available Programs	36 undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree programs 21 graduate (master’s) degree programs 3 MBA programs  7 PhD programs
Scholarships and Grants	Need-based scholarships and grant assistance No Barriers Financial Aid Summer scholarship Federal Direct Loans UChicago Grants Odyssey Scholarships

2. Northwestern University

With 3 campuses, 12 schools, colleges, and over 21,000 enrolled students, Northwestern University focuses on excellent teaching, pioneering research, and helping students grow personally and academically in a diverse and supportive community.

Parameter	Details
QS World University Ranking	#50
Available Programs	13 bachelor’s degree programs 3 master’s degree programs  2 MBA programs
Scholarships and Grants	Need-based financial aid Undergraduate Financial Aid Graduate Financial Aid

3. DePaul University 

DePaul University, founded in 1898, is a top-ranked private university located in the lively city of Chicago. It’s one of the largest private and Catholic universities in the U.S., welcoming students from all backgrounds. The university is home to around 21,210 students of diverse ethnicity in its 10 colleges and schools. 

Parameter	Details
QS WUR Ranking by Subject	#601–650 (bracket)
Available Programs	130+ undergraduate majors 170+ graduate programs
Scholarships and Grants	Graduate Presidential scholarship  MBA Graduate Scholarship Dean’s Scholarship CDM Presidential Scholarship

4. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a highly ranked university that attracts students from all across the United States and 82 international destinations. Its students come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. The university offers over 70 undergraduate majors and 140 graduate and professional programs in a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

Parameter	Details
QS World University Ranking	#1001–1200 (bracket)
Available Programs	70 undergraduate majors 140 graduate and professional programs
Scholarships and Grants	Freshman Merit Scholarships Catholic and Jesuit Heritage Awards Departmental Scholarships Athletic Scholarships Gannon Scholars

5. Illinois Institute of Technology

Located in Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology is a top-tier, nationally ranked private research university offering diverse programs. It is one of Chicago’s comprehensive tech-focused universities that offers bachelor's degrees, professional master’s programs, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as certificates in in-demand STEM fields. 

Parameter	Details
QS World University Ranking	#601–610
Available Programs	244 undergraduate and graduate degree programs: 101 bachelor’s programs 119 master’s programs 2 MBA program 22 PhD programs
Scholarships and Grants	First-Year Student Scholarships Undergraduate Transfer Student Scholarships International Undergraduate Student Scholarships International Graduate Dimiter Etimov Endowed Scholarship Graduate Student Scholarships Outside Scholarships and Scholarship Resources

Also read: University of Chicago: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Eligibility and Document Checklist for the Best Universities in Chicago

Students must fulfill the below requirements to be eligible for admission to the best Chicago universities:

• Academic Qualifications

High school diploma for undergraduate programs and a bachelor's degree for graduate programs with a robust GPA

• English Proficiency

TOEFL (usually ≥ 80 iBT), IELTS (usually ≥ 6.5), or equivalent is required.

• Standardized Tests (if any as per university)

SAT/ACT for undergraduate courses and GRE/GMAT for some graduate programs. However, it varies as per university.

• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Generally, students are required to get 1–3 academic or professional references or LORs.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)/Essays

An SOP needs to specify candidates' clear motivations for applying to the specific university and their academic goals

Document Checklist

Here‘s a list of documents that candidates need to arrange to apply for the best Chicago universities:  

• Academic transcripts (official and translated if needed)
• Valid passport
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Standardized test scores (if required)
• Resume/CV (for graduate programs)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement
• Proof of finances (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
• Application fee payment receipt

Intakes at Chicago Universities for International Students

Most universities in Chicago offer international students Fall (August/September) and Spring (January) intakes. Some also provide Summer (May/June) intakes for select programs. It's essential to check specific university websites for exact deadlines and program availability.

The table below gives you a clear idea about the intake at the best universities in Chicago for international students in 2025:

Intake	Deadlines	Description
Fall	August/September	This is the most popular time for student intake in different programs at Chicago universities.
Spring	January	Aspirants willing to study in the USA, Chicago can seek admissions during the spring intake in the USA
Summer	May/June	Students can enroll in many certifications and short-term courses during summer intake.

Scholarships at Top Universities in Chicago 

Top universities in Chicago offer several scholarship opportunities for international students, including merit-based, need-based, and program-specific awards. Besides, they also offer grants and other financial assistance. 

For example, tuition scholarships at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Loyola University Chicago, and Illinois Institute of Technology, etc. Many students are inherently considered by the universities for scholarships at the time of admission as per different criteria.

Take a look at the table below for some scholarship details:

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Benefits
UIC Aspire Grant	University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)	Offer financial assistance to eligible students to cover tuition costs, reduce cost burden,and recognize merit.
NEIU For You scholarship	Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)	Covers up to 12 credit hours of tuition per semester, reduces Financial Stress.
Chicago State University	AIM High Scholarships	Substantial financial assistance toward the cost of education.
Governors State University	AIM HIGH Scholarships	Financial assistance to reduce tuition costs,  better financial planning.
University of Chicago	No Barriers Financial Aid	Loan-Free Financial Aid Packages, full tuition scholarships for families earning less than $125,000 annually.
Northwestern University	Need-based financial aid	Loan-free financial aid, full tuition scholarships to students who family income is than $150, 000 annual income
DePaul University	Graduate Presidential scholarship	$12,000 is offered to qualified international students admitted into select degree
Loyola University Chicago	Freshman Merit Scholarships	Offered to academically outstanding students
Illinois Institute of Technology	Undergraduate Transfer Student Scholarships	Scholarships in the range of $14,000-$25,000 per year is offered to transfer students

Application Process for Universities in Chicago

To apply to universities in Chicago, international students are required to follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Choose their preferred university in Chicago 
2. Choose their preferred program. Or check seat/admission availability for their preferred program
3. Apply by submitting an online application through the university website 
4. Upload required documents (transcripts, test scores, SOP, LORs, etc.)
5. Pay the application fee
6. Track application status and await admission decisions

Alternatively, you can simply connect upGrad to help you with a smooth application process to enroll in your favorite university to pursue your preferred higher education program. upGrad assists students seeking ‘how to apply for foreign universities’.  

We offer guidance on university selection, program selection, documents, and paperwork guidance, as well as help you prepare for entrance exams.   

Student Visa Process for Studying in Chicago

The student visa requirement and visa process can vary slightly depending on the university you are applying to, especially in the way they handle issuing Form I-20, payment deadlines, and required documentation for admission. However, the core U.S. visa process (SEVIS fee, DS-160, interview) remains the same across all institutions, as mentioned in the steps below:

1. Get admitted to a SEVP-approved university
2. Receive the Form I-20 from the university
3. Pay the SEVIS fee (Form I-901)
4. Apply for an F-1 student visa online (DS-160)
5. Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate.

Work Opportunities After Studying at Universities in Chicago

International students, after graduating from universities in Chicago, can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the USA. With OPT, graduates can work for up to 12 months. 

For STEM graduates, this validity goes up to 36 months. Many students also explore H-1B visa sponsorships or other employment-based visas for long-term work opportunities.

For example, entry-level computer science positions typically pay the University of Chicago students a salary between $50,000 (INR 42L) and $80,000 (INR 68L). For software engineering roles at top tier employers, the starting salaries range from $100,000 (INR 85L) - $150,000 (INR 1Cr).

Facebook, Deloitte, United Airlines, KPMG, Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Bloomberg, McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs, and General Dynamics are among the top employers that frequent most universities in Chicago for varied job roles.

Conclusion

The USA is one of the best countries to study abroad with Chicago being one of the premier study abroad destinations in the country.  The city offers top-ranked universities, diverse programs, world-class student amenities, and wide-ranging job opportunities after completion of degrees. 

If you are planning to apply for admission to the top-ranking Chicago universities, upGrad can be your complete support offering expert guidance on university selection, visa application, exam preparation, and pre and post-departure support. upgrad is a trusted digital learning platform that makes your journey to studying in Chicago smooth and well-informed.