# Best Biology Colleges in Illinois

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 41 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-illinois

## Methodology

Biology programs in Illinois ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, especially for students interested in biology. With the right program, graduates can expect to earn an average salary of $59,547. This list highlights the best biology colleges in Illinois, emphasizing schools that not only offer rigorous academics but also strong post-graduation outcomes.

The difference between the top programs and others often comes down to key metrics: earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall student mobility. These factors paint a clear picture of what to expect after graduation. For instance, schools like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University lead the pack, showing how effective biology programs can translate into impressive salary figures and higher graduation rates.

Take the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Chicago as examples. The University of Chicago boasts earnings of $91,885 and a graduation rate of 95%, while the University of Illinois Chicago lags with earnings of $68,740 and a graduation rate of just 61%. This stark contrast underlines the importance of choosing a biology program that not only fits academically but also supports students' long-term career goals.

## Key Findings

- University of Chicago graduates earn an impressive $91,885 on average.
- Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, making it a strong choice for biology students.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a net price of $14,355, offering a more affordable option.
- University of Illinois Chicago has a graduation rate of only 61%, which may impact long-term earnings.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 95% | $91,885 | $14,860 | $15,000 | 0.16x |
| 2 | [Northwestern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwestern-university) | Evanston, IL | 96% | $89,363 | $29,167 | $15,000 | 0.17x |
| 3 | [Benedictine University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/benedictine-university) | Lisle, IL | 51% | $63,446 | $22,313 | $22,500 | 0.35x |
| 4 | [Lake Forest College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-forest-college) | Lake Forest, IL | 74% | $61,825 | $28,673 | $26,158 | 0.42x |
| 5 | [Southern Illinois University Edwardsville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville) | Edwardsville, IL | 56% | $56,346 | $14,889 | $20,500 | 0.36x |
| 6 | [North Park University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-park-university) | Chicago, IL | 57% | $59,572 | $16,948 | $25,500 | 0.43x |
| 7 | [Illinois College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-college) | Jacksonville, IL | 63% | $52,575 | $18,298 | $25,565 | 0.49x |
| 8 | [Blackburn College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/blackburn-college) | Carlinville, IL | 55% | $46,802 | $18,460 | $24,242 | 0.52x |
| 9 | [Loyola University Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/loyola-university-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 75% | $71,530 | $36,079 | $24,157 | 0.34x |
| 10 | [Illinois Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-institute-of-technology) | Chicago, IL | 74% | $82,592 | $18,425 | $25,000 | 0.3x |
| 11 | [Illinois Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-wesleyan-university) | Bloomington, IL | 78% | $70,871 | $28,199 | $27,000 | 0.38x |
| 12 | [Dominican University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dominican-university) | River Forest, IL | 59% | $60,327 | $11,745 | $24,411 | 0.4x |
| 13 | [Lewis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lewis-university) | Romeoville, IL | 65% | $66,099 | $17,028 | $21,500 | 0.33x |
| 14 | [Saint Xavier University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-xavier-university) | Chicago, IL | 58% | $58,656 | $10,970 | $22,223 | 0.38x |
| 15 | [North Central College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-central-college) | Naperville, IL | 68% | $60,123 | $21,044 | $24,500 | 0.41x |
| 16 | [Eastern Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-illinois-university) | Charleston, IL | 46% | $51,989 | $12,786 | $21,500 | 0.41x |
| 17 | [University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign) | Champaign, IL | 85% | $81,054 | $14,355 | $19,500 | 0.24x |
| 18 | [University of Illinois Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 61% | $68,740 | $10,974 | $16,704 | 0.24x |
| 19 | [Knox College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/knox-college) | Galesburg, IL | 68% | $54,820 | $24,595 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 20 | [Bradley University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bradley-university) | Peoria, IL | 74% | $66,852 | $22,719 | $27,000 | 0.4x |
| 21 | [Elmhurst University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/elmhurst-university) | Elmhurst, IL | 68% | $61,462 | $24,185 | $20,489 | 0.33x |
| 22 | [Monmouth College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/monmouth-college) | Monmouth, IL | 62% | $51,110 | $17,133 | $27,000 | 0.53x |
| 23 | [Quincy University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/quincy-university) | Quincy, IL | 44% | $50,369 | $20,359 | $24,000 | 0.48x |
| 24 | [Northeastern Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northeastern-illinois-university) | Chicago, IL | 18% | $52,234 | $14,109 | $14,600 | 0.28x |
| 25 | [Western Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-illinois-university) | Macomb, IL | 45% | $54,163 | $12,937 | $25,251 | 0.47x |
| 26 | [Greenville University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/greenville-university) | Greenville, IL | 46% | $46,827 | $19,533 | $23,875 | 0.51x |
| 27 | [Augustana College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/augustana-college) | Rock Island, IL | 76% | $62,971 | $22,736 | $27,000 | 0.43x |
| 28 | [Rockford University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rockford-university) | Rockford, IL | 43% | $54,794 | $22,436 | $22,274 | 0.41x |
| 29 | [Roosevelt University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/roosevelt-university) | Chicago, IL | 38% | $48,712 | $20,194 | $22,000 | 0.45x |
| 30 | [Olivet Nazarene University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/olivet-nazarene-university) | Bourbonnais, IL | 61% | $53,213 | $20,729 | $25,000 | 0.47x |
| 31 | [Eureka College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eureka-college) | Eureka, IL | 41% | $51,641 | $17,349 | $23,250 | 0.45x |
| 32 | [Millikin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/millikin-university) | Decatur, IL | 57% | $51,262 | $21,989 | $27,000 | 0.53x |
| 33 | [McKendree University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mckendree-university) | Lebanon, IL | 57% | $58,572 | $24,717 | $23,250 | 0.4x |
| 34 | [University of St Francis](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-st-francis) | Joliet, IL | 66% | $63,926 | $13,006 | $21,079 | 0.33x |
| 35 | [University of Illinois Springfield](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-springfield) | Springfield, IL | 57% | $57,103 | $9,833 | $19,128 | 0.33x |
| 36 | [Wheaton College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wheaton-college) | Wheaton, IL | 86% | $63,756 | $26,975 | $23,250 | 0.36x |
| 37 | [Chicago State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chicago-state-university) | Chicago, IL | 16% | $42,778 | $12,335 | $30,625 | 0.72x |
| 38 | [Southern Illinois University-Carbondale](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-illinois-university-carbondale) | Carbondale, IL | 59% | $53,390 | $13,297 | $21,543 | 0.4x |
| 39 | [Governors State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/governors-state-university) | University Park, IL | 21% | $58,169 | $12,329 | $18,618 | 0.32x |
| 40 | [East-West University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/east-west-university) | Chicago, IL | 20% | $29,963 | $21,697 | $26,986 | 0.9x |
| 41 | [Principia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/principia-college) | Elsah, IL | 75% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Biology Colleges in Illinois." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-illinois

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.