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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#16 Best College for English
Average Salary $31,616
Average Debt $26,665
Program Size 146
DePaul University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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DePaul University , located in Chicago, IL has 146 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $31,616.
Acceptance Rate 72%
Undergraduates 6,392 students
Tuition $36,361
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#17 Best College for English
Average Salary $31,236
Average Debt $17,379
Program Size 188
University of Illinois at Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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University of Illinois at Chicago, located in Chicago, IL has 188 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $31,236.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 7,334 students
Tuition $13,664
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#18 Best College for English
Average Salary $30,409
Average Debt $20,464
Program Size 90
Wheaton College
4 Year
Wheaton, IL
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Wheaton College , located in Wheaton, IL has 90 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $30,409.
Acceptance Rate 71%
Undergraduates 813 students
Tuition $32,950
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#19 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt $28,346
Program Size 37
Aurora University
4 Year
Aurora, IL
Aurora University, located in Aurora, IL has 37 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 1,757 students
Tuition $22,080
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#20 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,685
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 28
Knox College
4 Year
Galesburg, IL
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Knox College, located in Galesburg, IL has 28 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,685.
Acceptance Rate 64%
Undergraduates 309 students
Tuition $41,847
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#21 Best College for English
Average Salary $29,141
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 35
Augustana College
4 Year
Rock Island, IL
Augustana College, located in Rock Island, IL has 35 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $29,141.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 501 students
Tuition $38,466
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#22 Best College for English
Average Salary $27,126
Average Debt $21,458
Program Size 69
Eastern Illinois University
4 Year
Charleston, IL
Eastern Illinois University, located in Charleston, IL has 69 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $27,126.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 2,354 students
Tuition $11,312
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#23 Best College for English
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt $26,125
Program Size 59
Western Illinois University
4 Year
Macomb, IL
Western Illinois University, located in Macomb, IL has 59 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 60%
Undergraduates 2,682 students
Tuition $12,889
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#24 Best College for English
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt $23,992
Program Size 55
University of Illinois at Springfield
4 Year
Springfield, IL
University of Illinois at Springfield, located in Springfield, IL has 55 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 1,869 students
Tuition $11,413
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#25 Best College for English
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt $22,052
Program Size 26
Saint Xavier University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Saint Xavier University, located in Chicago, IL has 26 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 75%
Undergraduates 977 students
Tuition $30,920
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#26 Best College for English
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 22
Eureka College
4 Year
Eureka, IL
Eureka College, located in Eureka, IL has 22 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 62%
Undergraduates 140 students
Tuition $20,510
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#27 Best College for English
Average Salary $25,194
Average Debt $29,172
Program Size 21
Bradley University
4 Year
Peoria, IL
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Bradley University, located in Peoria, IL has 21 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $25,194.
Acceptance Rate 66%
Undergraduates 1,451 students
Tuition $31,480
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#28 Best College for English
Average Salary $23,807
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 51
Lake Forest College
4 Year
Lake Forest, IL
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Lake Forest College, located in Lake Forest, IL has 51 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $23,807.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 403 students
Tuition $42,644
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#29 Best College for English
Average Salary $23,456
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 9
Olivet Nazarene University
4 Year
Bourbonnais, IL
Olivet Nazarene University, located in Bourbonnais, IL has 9 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $23,456.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 1,496 students
Tuition $32,790
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#30 Best College for English
Average Salary $23,351
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 11
Monmouth College
4 Year
Monmouth, IL
Monmouth College, located in Monmouth, IL has 11 students majoring in English. On average, graduates earn $23,351.
Acceptance Rate 62%
Undergraduates 289 students
Tuition $34,200
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