As the US’ third-largest city, it’s no surprise that Chicago is home to nearly 30 universities. Some of these are highly ranked in the country, while others appear in global rankings among the best in the world. With this in mind, you may be wondering which university or college is right for you. In this article, we’ve selected the top five, which you can easily and conveniently tour in order to find the one best suited to your future professional aspirations. Let’s take a look at how they rank locally and globally and what they offer.

5. DePaul University

Ranking in at number five in Chicago for 2022 and at number 231 in terms of the US College Rank 2022, DePaul University offers over 130 undergraduate majors and over 175 graduate programs. This is the largest Catholic university in the US and private institution in Chicago, serving nearly 23,000 students. In addition, DePaul “places special emphasis on recruiting first-generation students and others from disadvantaged backgrounds.” The student body is highly diverse, representing a plethora of religious, ethnic, and geographical backgrounds. These include over 60 foreign countries.

In terms of layout, the university has two campuses. One is in Lincoln Park and the other at the Loop. Lincoln Park offers the Colleges of the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Science and Health, Education, School of Music, the Theater School and the John T. Richardson Library. The Loop campus is home to the Colleges of Communication, Computing and Digital Media, the College of Law, the School of Public Service and the School for New Learning. There, you will also find the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Also at the Loop campus, one can find the Loop Library, the Rinn Law Library, and the Barnes and Noble-based Student Center.

4. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University is ranked at number four in the Chicago Ranks for 2022 and at number 177 in the US College Rank 2022. This is a Jesuit Catholic university. Its main focus is on education that fosters knowledge, curiosity, and global perspectives.

Founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College, it offers multiple courses across its 13 schools and colleges. These include “arts and sciences; business; communication; continuing and professional studies; education; environmental sustainability; health sciences and public health; graduate studies; law; medicine; nursing; social work and Arrupe College, a two-year degree programme.“

The university has three main campuses. These are Lake Shore, Water Tower, and Health Sciences. In addition to this, there is the Retreat and Ecology Center and the Cueno Mansion and Gardens event center. Loyola University boasts over 200 student organisations and sports clubs, in addition to spiritual programmes while religious diversity and exploration of other faiths is encouraged. In addition, it has a study abroad department with centres in both Rome and in Vietnam.

3. Illinois Institute of Technology

The Illinois Institute of Technology ranks at number three on the Chicago Rank for 2022 and at number 107 for the US College Rank 2022. Situated in Chicago, this is the “only technology-focused university in the city.” Its portfolio of academic degrees is diverse and fields range from engin

eering, science, architecture, business, design, human sciences, applied technology, and law. Some of the institute’s most notable buildings include the S. R. Crown Hall, State Street Village, McCormick Tribune Campus Center (MTCC), and Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship. The university has four massive campuses, some of which were designed by notable architects in the 20th century.

2. University of Illinois at Chicago

Ranking in second place on the Chicago Rank for 2022 and at number 91 on the US College Rank for 2022, is the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). UIC was officially established in 1982 when the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle was consolidated with the University of Illinois at the Medical Center. Today, it paves the way in areas and subjects including nursing, pharmacy, communication, education, law, and public administration. As Chicago’s largest university, it is home to over 33,000 students, 12,000 employees, 16 colleges, and the state’s major public medical center.

1. The University of Chicago

We now come to the highest rank university in Chicago for 2022 with the University of Chicago, ranking in at number one on the Chicago Rank 2022 and at a low 14 on the US College Rank 2022. A private research university, its main campus is in Chicago’s Hyde Park. It offers one undergraduate college and has five graduate research divisions. The university has additional campuses and centers in London, Paris, Beijing, Delhi, and Hong Kong, as well as in downtown Chicago. Some of the most popular majors include:  Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Mathematics, Biology/Biological Sciences, Public Policy Analysis, Political Science and Government, Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, Statistics and Philosophy.

Bonus: Northwestern University

Our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Northwestern University (NU). Although it’s not in Chicago per se, it is located just 12 miles north in Evanston, Illinois. We chose this private research and teaching institution because it almost always outranks all the others and even beats tertiary education institutions such as Dartmouth, Duke, Cornell, Vanderbilt, Georgetown and more. Founded in 1851, at present, NU is ranked at number 10 on the Forbes Top 50 universities and it is almost a given that it ranks in the top five in the country and the world. It therefore deserves some special attention.

So, what does this prestigious institution offer? Apart from its three impressive campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City (in Doha, Qatar), the Chicago campus is possibly one of the most beautiful in the city, NU also offers under- and postgraduate world-class academic programs including the Kellogg School of Management, Pritzker School of Law, Feinberg School of Medicine, in addition to faculties of Economics, Engineering, Education and a plethora of many others.

But apart from its impressive academic offering is also NU’s athletics and sports programs. These include Wildcats football, basketball and soccer programs. This is a great way to demonstrate that NU students have both brain and brawn indeed. Some notable alumni include David Schwimmer and Stephen Colbert, among many others.

A school tour with a difference

Choosing a college to attend will involve a lot of research as this decision has the potential to impact your professional and personal life to a large extent. Knowing which college is best for you will mean visiting the location and talking to students and faculty there so that you can make a more informed decision. Traveling around is not always going to be easy due to the multiple campuses most of the top five universities and our special bonus inclusion of NU have. This is why you’re welcome to join us on a tour of Chicago’s top schools with a private bus. Never worry about finding parking or getting lost again. We’ll make the journey as smooth and pleasant and possible so that you can focus on your future. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We’re just a call away.