2024 Best Colleges for English in Illinois

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best English programs in Illinois. We looked at 47 programs to put our English rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for English in Illinois. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether English is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in English: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in English in Illinois. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a English undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in Illinois. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a English degree in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering English Majors in Illinois

What is the best university for majoring in English in Illinois?

Illinois Wesleyan University is the best university for majoring in English based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earned an average of $42,682 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in English in Illinois?

Northeastern Illinois University is the cheapest university for majoring in English based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $9,351 to attend Northeastern Illinois University.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in English in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most expensive university for majoring in English based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $51,351 to attend University of Chicago.

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#1 Best College for English
Average Salary $42,682
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 23
Illinois Wesleyan University
4 Year
Bloomington, IL
Illinois Wesleyan University, located in Bloomington, IL has 23 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $42,682.
Acceptance Rate 62%
Undergraduates 437 students
Tuition $42,490
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#2 Best College for English
Average Salary $39,741
Average Debt $27,250
Program Size 24
Roosevelt University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Roosevelt University, located in Chicago, IL has 24 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $39,741.
Acceptance Rate 72%
Undergraduates 1,494 students
Tuition $27,300
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#3 Best College for English
Average Salary $38,289
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 26
North Central College (NCC)
4 Year
Naperville, IL
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North Central College (NCC), located in Naperville, IL has 26 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $38,289.
Acceptance Rate 57%
Undergraduates 770 students
Tuition $35,421
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#4 Best College for English
Average Salary $38,289
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 15
McKendree University
4 Year
Lebanon, IL
McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL has 15 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $38,289.
Acceptance Rate 64%
Undergraduates 784 students
Tuition $27,930
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#5 Best College for English
Average Salary $37,980
Average Debt $16,500
Program Size 137
University of Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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University of Chicago, located in Chicago, IL has 137 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $37,980.
Acceptance Rate 8%
Undergraduates 4,896 students
Tuition $51,351
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#6 Best College for English
Average Salary $37,640
Average Debt $18,975
Program Size 220
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
4 Year
Champaign, IL
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), located in Champaign, IL has 220 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $37,640.
Acceptance Rate 66%
Undergraduates 12,243 students
Tuition $15,054
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#7 Best College for English
Average Salary $36,848
Average Debt $23,500
Program Size 47
Governors State University
4 Year
University Park, IL
Governors State University, located in University Park, IL has 47 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $36,848.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 1,614 students
Tuition $10,246
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#8 Best College for English
Average Salary $36,668
Average Debt $22,306
Program Size 48
Elmhurst College
4 Year
Elmhurst, IL
Elmhurst College, located in Elmhurst, IL has 48 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $36,668.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 915 students
Tuition $34,450
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#9 Best College for English
Average Salary $36,131
Average Debt $16,024
Program Size 89
Northeastern Illinois University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Northeastern Illinois University, located in Chicago, IL has 89 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $36,131.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 2,103 students
Tuition $9,351
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#10 Best College for English
Average Salary $35,772
Average Debt $16,500
Program Size 94
Northwestern University
4 Year
Evanston, IL
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Northwestern University, located in Evanston, IL has 94 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $35,772.
Acceptance Rate 13%
Undergraduates 7,290 students
Tuition $49,047
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#11 Best College for English
Average Salary $35,060
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 24
North Park University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
North Park University, located in Chicago, IL has 24 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $35,060.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 805 students
Tuition $25,860
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#12 Best College for English
Average Salary $34,526
Average Debt $22,839
Program Size 142
Northern Illinois University
4 Year
Dekalb, IL
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Northern Illinois University, located in Dekalb, IL has 142 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $34,526.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 5,217 students
Tuition $14,295
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#13 Best College for English
Average Salary $33,840
Average Debt $20,691
Program Size 224
Illinois State University
4 Year
Normal, IL
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Illinois State University, located in Normal, IL has 224 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $33,840.
Acceptance Rate 88%
Undergraduates 5,164 students
Tuition $13,666
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#14 Best College for English
Average Salary $33,604
Average Debt $24,735
Program Size 94
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE)
4 Year
Edwardsville, IL
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Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE), located in Edwardsville, IL has 94 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $33,604.
Acceptance Rate 88%
Undergraduates 3,241 students
Tuition $10,247
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#15 Best College for English
Average Salary $33,459
Average Debt $25,000
Program Size 120
Loyola University Chicago (LUC)
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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Loyola University Chicago (LUC), located in Chicago, IL has 120 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $33,459.
Acceptance Rate 71%
Undergraduates 4,485 students
Tuition $40,426
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