5 Great Colleges|Universities In Chicago

If you’re looking to complete an undergraduate degree or you’d like to complete a Master’s or Ph.D., then here are 5 outstanding universities and colleges in Chicago you have to check out before you fill out an application. We know that we are all about the “Top Tens of Chicago,” but we really thought with “back to school” in full swing, it was a good idea to talk about some of our favorite educational institutions in the City :: Here are 5 Great Colleges or Universities In Chicago ::

#1 University of Chicago
Situated in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood, the University of Chicago is a private research institution that has been host to many world-class thinkers and innovators of the 20th century. There have been eight-seven Nobel Prize recipients in residence as students, faculty or researchers over the years, as well as forty-nine Rhodes Scholars, winners of the MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant, a Grammy Award, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Medal of Science and more. It’s considered one of the top educational institutions in the nation and is only 15 minutes from downtown Chicago.

#2 Northwestern University
Situated 12 miles north of Chicago in beautiful Evanston, IL, Northwestern is famous for the Medill School of Journalism and the J.L. Kellogg School of Management. Established in 1851 to serve the Northwest Territory, this Big Ten private school is known for its Northwestern Wildcats. With strong academics for undergraduate and graduate students alike, their impressive lakefront campus is definitely worth a visit.

#3 Columbia College Chicago
Host to the largest film program in the nation, with a state-of-the-art facility that matches large production companies on either coast, Columbia College Chicago provides a strong background in the liberal arts for students looking for a robust experience in the arts. With undergraduate programs in fashion studies, audio arts & acoustics, art & design and more, they create a year-end, mind-blowing arts celebration that takes over the South Loop each spring. Their graduate-level photography and creative writing programs are taught by practicing artists that are making recognized contributions to their fields.

#4 University of Illinois at Chicago
This state-funded university is most noted for the UIC medical school, which is one of the largest in the nation, and its associated programs. Its campus is situated on the Near West Side, which is right next to Chicago’s bustling Loop district. In 2012 it was ranked as the 150th best national university by U.S. News & World Report, and it has a strong range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

#5 DePaul University
The largest Roman Catholic university, as well as one of the 10 largest private institutions in the nation, DePaul is host to a variety of reputable programs. Situated in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It has been ranked #1 on two separate occasions by U.S. News & World Report for providing the most satisfactory experience for undergrads in the United States. Many of its programs place emphasis on experimental and service-based learning to get students in touch with experts in their fields. And don’t forget their NCAA Division I sports teams, the DePaul Blue Demons.

Astounding Educational Opportunities
Chicago is home to an amazing range of higher educational institutions. It’s definitely worth visiting each campus and program before or when you apply. Urban campuses create an atypical setting for an educational adventure and there’s no better place to study than a world-class city like Chicago.