These universities in Illinois, St. Louis are among top 25 in US, Forbes reports
Two colleges in Illinois and one in St. Louis were recently named among the top 25 in Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges” list, and 18 Illinois schools in total made the top 500.
Forbes evaluated “thousands” of colleges on metrics such as median alumni salary, typical debt incurred, graduation rate, return on investment, retention rate, academic success and the Forbes American Leaders list, which recognizes graduate success. The “top colleges” list recognizes the 500 best-performing institutions in Forbes’ analysis.
The University of Chicago was named No. 13 in the nation, while Northwestern University wasn’t far behind in 16th. Additionally, Washington University in St. Louis ranked 25th.
Here’s how each of the high-ranking colleges compared, as well as the full list of Illinois institutions to make the ranking.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private institution with 9,174 undergraduate students, Forbes reports. The school has also been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, as well, landing in the No. 6 spot nationally.
“Students partner with their neighbors and work with organizations in Hyde Park to help small businesses and nonprofits,” Forbes’ analysis said. “The area of impact for economic opportunity and entrepreneurship creates job opportunities for local residents while helping local entrepreneurs address challenges and develop new strategies for growth.”
The university’s acceptance rate is just 5%, and the total annual cost comes to $90,360, according to Forbes. A typical alumnus of the University of Chicago has an annual salary of $151,000.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University, located in Evanston, is also a private institution. The university has 10,210 undergraduate students, with a 7% acceptance rate. Attending typically costs $91,290 per year, and the median alumni salary is $144,700.
Forbes describes Northwestern as a “leading research university in Illinois.”
“The most popular majors are engineering, social sciences, and journalism. The university has achieved both national and international recognition through its world-renowned Medill School of Journalism, which is ranked among the top journalism programs in the nation,” Forbes’ article said.
In U.S. News & World Report’s ranking, Northwestern came in 7th in the nation, tied with Duke University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis, also known as WashU, is a private university with 8,821 undergraduate students, according to Forbes. The school has a 12% acceptance rate, with total annual costs of $88,488 and a median alumni salary of $146,800.
“Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri is dedicated to research, patient care, service to society, and sustainability through discovery and impact. There are about 26 Nobel Laureates affiliated with this institution whose motto is Per Veritatem Vis (Strength Through Truth),” Forbes’ article said.
In U.S. News & World Report’s ranking, WashU tied for 20th place in the nation along with Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and the University of Notre Dame.
In addition to academic accolades, both Northwestern and WashU were recognized by Condé Nast Traveler earlier this year for having two of the most beautiful college campuses in the country.
The News-Democrat has contacted staff with the University of Chicago, Northwestern University and WashU for comment on the Forbes analysis of top schools.
Top 18 colleges in Illinois
Here’s how all 18 of Illinois’ colleges to make the cut stacked up, according to Forbes’ analysis:
- University of Chicago, ranked 13th in the U.S.
- Northwestern University, 16th
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 38th
- University of Illinois at Chicago, 108th
- Wheaton College, 159th
- Illinois Institute of Technology, 171st
- DePaul University, 208th
- Loyola University Chicago, 242nd
- Illinois State University, 260th
- Bradley University, 305th
- Illinois Wesleyan University, 329th
- Augustana College, 346th
- Lewis University, 376th
- Northern Illinois University, 379th
- University of Illinois at Springfield, 387th
- Lake Forest College, 390th
- Elmhurst University, 403rd
- North Central College, 458th
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