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
The USC School of Social Work’s MSW@USC offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California. This online program is designed to prepare social workers with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in world, improve the lives of people and communities and eradicate pressing societal problems.
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.
Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.
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.
Start a career in the beauty industry with the Cosmetology & Spa Institute. We offer programs in esthetics and cosmetology.
Start your career with an education from Anna Maria College. We are a private, not-for-profit, regionally accredited university that offers online degree programs as an alternative to our traditional campus courses.
Bellevue University makes it possible for motivated adult learners to earn a high-quality college degree.
Purdue University offers a strong foundation of tradition and history, an environment of intellectual curiosity and discovery, and a supportive, student-centered approach to learning.
Get started on your career with training from Spa Vargas University. You could become a massage therapist in as little as six months with our comprehensive, accelerated program.
Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.
Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.
Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.
Regis University offers a rich tradition of Jesuit education to enrich your life and further your career.
UNC Kenan-Flagler is one of the world's top-ranked business schools. At UNC Kenan-Flagler, you develop the skills that make you a highly effective leader and prepare you for long-term career success. The strength of the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA degree comes from a school culture in which members live the business school's core values of excellence, leadership, teamwork, integrity and community.
Get hands-on training from industry experts in Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) or Welding Technology. You'll learn the latest technology from leaders in technical education and training in Chicago, IL.
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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.
