Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in Illinois
- 41
- Schools
- $56,738
- Avg. Earnings
- 56%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,153
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,144
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $42,778 at the low end to $70,871 at the top. That 1.7× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of Illinois Chicago offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $68,740 against $10,974 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, University of Illinois Springfield at $9,833 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $57,103, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Wheaton College graduates 86% of its students, well above the 56% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Illinois Chicago: graduates owe only 0.24× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Trinity Christian College ($55,700 earnings), not the highest earner, Illinois Wesleyan University ($70,871). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Illinois Springfield ($9,833/yr) and DePaul University ($30,902/yr) produce graduates earning $57,103 and $68,751 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $21,069 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Illinois Chicago outperforms Illinois Wesleyan University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of Illinois Chicago and Wheaton College. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $56K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Trinity Christian College #1 overall | $55,700 ▼ -2% vs avg | $19,125 | 61% | 81 |
| 2 Illinois State University #2 overall | $62,117 ▲ +9% vs avg | $19,398 | 65% | 80 |
| 3 Blackburn College #3 overall | $46,802 ▼ -18% vs avg | $18,460 | 55% | 79 |
| $66,099 ▲ +16% vs avg | $17,028 | 65% | 77 | |
| $46,827 ▼ -17% vs avg | $19,533 | 46% | 76 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in Illinois
This analysis ranks 41 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $56,738 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 56% and an average net price of $18,153.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Illinois Chicago — Net Price: $10,974 | Graduation Rate: 61%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Wheaton College — 86% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Illinois Wesleyan University — Median alumni earnings: $70,871
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$56,330
Median earnings (10yr)
58%
Median graduation rate
$18,448
Median net price
1.6%
Avg. mobility rate
Society needs more teachers than it is producing, yet pay and working conditions make retention a persistent problem. Education programs are the gateway to the profession. The best of them pair pedagogical training with strong clinical practice and placement networks that keep graduates in the profession.
Across the 41 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $56,330 ten years after they first enrolled, about $8,330 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 58%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $18,448 a year, with about $23,250 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 39% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.6%.
In education, low debt matters as much as a solid paycheck. Graduates earn a median of $56,330 against a typical net price of $18,448. That ratio makes cost-conscious program selection essential in a profession with modest pay and a public mission.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Trinity Christian College lands at #1 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $55,700 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,125 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Illinois State University lands at #2 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $62,117 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,398 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Blackburn College lands at #3 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $46,802 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,460 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Lewis University lands at #4 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,099 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,028 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Greenville University lands at #5 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $46,827 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,533 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Edwardsville, IL · 98% accepted · $14,889 net
Why it ranks #6
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lands at #6 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,346 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,889 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Eastern Illinois University lands at #7 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $51,989 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,786 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Northern Illinois University lands at #8 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $57,808 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,391 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Elmhurst University lands at #9 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $61,462 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,185 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
North Park University lands at #10 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $59,572 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,948 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Saint Xavier University lands at #11 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,656 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,970 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Dominican University lands at #12 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $60,327 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,745 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Olivet Nazarene University lands at #13 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $53,213 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,729 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Northeastern Illinois University lands at #14 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $52,234 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,109 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Rockford University lands at #15 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $54,794 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,436 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Western Illinois University lands at #16 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $54,163 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,937 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
McKendree University lands at #17 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $58,572 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,717 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Bradley University lands at #18 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $66,852 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,719 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Aurora University lands at #19 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,709 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,838 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Millikin University lands at #20 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $51,262 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,989 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Roosevelt University lands at #21 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $48,712 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,194 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Knox College lands at #22 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $54,820 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,595 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Eureka College lands at #23 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $51,641 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,349 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Illinois Wesleyan University lands at #24 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $70,871 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,199 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
North Central College lands at #25 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $60,123 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,044 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Monmouth College lands at #26 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $51,110 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,133 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
DePaul University lands at #27 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $68,751 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,902 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Illinois College lands at #28 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $52,575 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,298 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Judson University lands at #29 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $56,313 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,558 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
University of Illinois Chicago lands at #30 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (62/100). Graduates earn a median $68,740 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,974 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Quincy University lands at #31 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $50,369 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,359 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
National Louis University lands at #32 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,799 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,641 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Chicago State University lands at #33 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $42,778 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,335 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
University of St Francis lands at #34 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $63,926 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,006 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
University of Illinois Springfield lands at #35 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $57,103 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,833 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Carbondale, IL · 87% accepted · $13,297 net
Why it ranks #36
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale lands at #36 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $53,390 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,297 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Augustana College lands at #37 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $62,971 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,736 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Concordia University-Chicago lands at #38 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $54,089 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,436 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Wheaton College lands at #39 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $63,756 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,975 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Governors State University lands at #40 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,169 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,329 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Principia College lands at #41 with a 25/100 composite, led by value per dollar (100/100) and pulled down by social mobility (7/100). Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 40 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right college for an education degree is crucial for aspiring teachers, and Illinois has several strong options. These schools not only offer solid programs but also aim to prepare students for successful teaching careers. With a range of earnings between $45,799 and $68,740, prospective students can find programs that fit their financial and career goals.
What sets the top education colleges apart is their focus on outcomes that truly matter. Graduation rates, average earnings, student debt, and mobility are key indicators of how well a school prepares its graduates for the workforce. The data below highlights institutions that excel in these areas, helping students and families make informed choices about their futures.
Take, for instance, Illinois State University and National Louis University. Both are located in Illinois, yet they present different paths. Illinois State boasts a graduation rate of 65% and average earnings of $62,117. In contrast, National Louis has a lower graduation rate of 33% and earnings of $45,799. This stark difference illustrates how outcomes can vary widely, making it essential for students to consider what matters most to them as they navigate this decision.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 31 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.6%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Chicago State University leads the group at 3.7%, with Northeastern Illinois University (3.2%) and Roosevelt University (3.2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 7% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Chicago State University enrolls the most, at 25.7%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 25.6% across the list, peaking at 53.9% at Illinois Wesleyan University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.63, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Judson University is highest at 1.78.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When we analyze the data on these education colleges, a clear pattern emerges. Illinois State University outperforms National Louis University significantly, with a graduation rate nearly double at 65% compared to National Louis's 33%. This difference in completion rates often correlates with better earnings, evidenced by Illinois State's average salary of $62,117 versus National Louis's $45,799.
After reviewing these colleges, it's essential to weigh factors beyond just the numbers. Consider what you value most in a college experience: Do you prioritize location, specific program offerings, or campus culture? Think about your financial situation as well. A school with a higher net price might be justified if it offers better support and outcomes. Take the time to visit campuses, speak with current students, and reflect on what environment will best support your goals.
Ultimately, the data reflects important realities about the journey from college to a stable career. Education degrees can lead to meaningful work, but choosing the right school is vital. One decision can shape not just a career path, but also financial stability and quality of life for years to come.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Education Colleges in Illinois: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in Illinois ranking? +
Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in Illinois ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $55,700 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 61% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Illinois Wesleyan University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $70,871 ten years after enrollment, well above the $56,738 average across the 40 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Illinois Chicago leads: graduates earn a median $68,740 against net price of about $10,974 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Wheaton College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 86%, compared with a 56% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,153 a year across the 40 ranked schools with cost data. University of Illinois Springfield is among the most affordable at roughly $9,833. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education Colleges in Illinois ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 41 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
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