The Blues Brothers and Ferris Bueller rolled around Chicago for a reason: It's the playground of Illinois. From summertime blues and barbecue festivals to sailing on Lake Michigan, the city draws students from all across the state. Party at night on Rush and Division Streets or walk through world-class art and history museums. Take a study break at historical ballparks, stadiums and concert halls. More than 60 state parks offer hiking, boating and camping to students breaking from classrooms in Carbondale, Chicago, Evanston, Urbana-Champaign and Springfield.
Colleges and universities span the state from north to south, including renowned institutions like Northwestern University, The University of Illinois, and De Paul University. Students also enjoy a wide selection of options among public and private colleges and online degree programs.
The Illinois economy and careers after college
Traditionally, the Illinois economy was built on a wide economic base balanced between agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. Today's top employers are in the education, financial, insurance and health care sectors and include businesses such as Abbott Laboratories, Allstate Insurance Company, Chase Bank, Loyola University Hospital and more. Occupations with the most openings in the state and the associated mean wages earned by workers in those fields, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, were:
These careers all require a postsecondary education to enter the field. Illinois could be the educational answer for you and provide you with a place to work and play as well as to launch a career.
See also: Illinois Vocational Schools and Career Training
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Explore a new direction with SOLEX College. We offer certificate and associate degree programs in the business and allied health fields at our campus in Wheeling, Illinois.
Look no further than Illinois School of Health Careers to give you the training you need to excel in Health Care.
Advance your career with a certificate, diploma or bachelor's degree from Vatterott College. Our innovative, hands-on training helps you build the life you want.
American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.
You could earn your MBA with Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. We offer a number of convenient program options for busy professionals looking to earn a General Management MBA Degree, including evening, day, and weekend classes.
Capella is an accredited, online university where you'll experience unparalleled support, join a community of accomplished professionals, and be challenged with rigorous academics. Learn more about our online doctoral, master’s, MBA, undergraduate, and certificate programs by answer a short form.
Get the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Study online with Bethel University - College of Criminal Justice. We offer bachelor and master's degrees in criminal justice that can be completed 100% online.
North Park's School of Adult Learning offers you a convenient and affordable way to finish your bachelor's degree while working full-time. Face-to-face and online courses mean convenience and scheduling flexibility, and you can choose from one of seven different majors, including business administration, criminal justice, and nonprofit management.
Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.
Get your career started with the Ohio/Illinois Centers for Broadcasting. We offer an accelerated 10-month program in TV and radio broadcasting at our six campuses in Ohio, Illinois, and Colorado.
A graduate degree really can make a difference, especially when it's from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. Online, evening and weekend classes are available.
Take your career to the next level with a degree from Concordia University. Earn your associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from one of our four colleges: education; health and human services; theology, arts, and sciences; and management.
Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.
Getting your Online degree does not have to be impersonal. At Post University Online, you will engage in meaningful career-oriented programs with like-minded students and receive personal attention from our dedicated faculty within a caring and supportive learning environment. Earn your bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate in one of the many programs offered by Post University entirely online.
Get the certification you're looking for at Computer Systems Institute! Technology is growing fast, and qualified, trained and certified specialists are in demand. CSI offers programs in computers, business and healthcare that can help prepare you for a rewarding career. Learn from industry-experienced instructors!
Pursuing an education in cosmetology is the first step to discovering a career filled with endless opportunity. The Salon Professional Academy's goal is to maximize your artistic potential through programs that teach not only the latest techniques, but also proven business strategies.
Expand your career horizons with an online degree from Everest University Online. Balance work and family while you study for your Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree.
First Institute - Crystal Lake has programs that were designed to provide students with the best opportunity to integrate theory and practice and understand what takes place in the workplace of the chosen fields.
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We've been collecting links to universities and colleges in Illinois, where you can find information on admissions, courses, degree programs and more. We hope these links help your Illinois college search, but please note that each school is responsible for its own website, business practices and academic standards.
