22 out of 30
- Universities in Chicago
- Ranked in at least one ranking
34
- Different Rankings list
- Universities in Chicago
- (27 institution and 7 subject rankings)
29
- Global Rankings rank
- Universities in Chicago
- Among TOP 200
Chicago is a city made up of many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own charms and attractions that will draw in different kinds of people.
All of these neighbourhoods are connected by Chicago’s considerable topside railway and bus services, which university students are entitled to ride for free.
Chicago is a large city that offers its inhabitants all manner of activities to enjoy in their free time, from symphony orchestras, to all manner of dining options, and even street festivals when the weather is good.
PROS
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Chicago is home to a total of 28 universities, and the majority of them are well-ranked by university ranking organisations, and some are even among the highest rated in the world.
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Residents prefer to make use of the city’s very developed public transport system, because it’s cheaper and less stressful than trying to take a car through Chicago’s congested streets. Students use trains and buses mainly, but also the bike rental system.
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Of course, the prices vary dramatically from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, but one can expect to find a comfortable apartment for around $900-$1300 around a half an hour’s commute away from the Downtown area.
CONS
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According to statistics, the cost of living in Chicago is around 20% higher than the average for the rest of the country. This figure is calculated with the daily essentials like food, transport, and so on.
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The job market is known for being slow in Chicago, but many recommend networking with as many people as possible to increase your chances of getting a part-time job you can do while studying.
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Many agree that your general quality of life suffers during the winter in Chicago, as you get much less daylight, activity, and socialising opportunities compared to the summer.
For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Chicago, USA
Latest ranking updates related to universities in Chicago
- 29 Mar, 2021: New edition of US News: Best Grad Schools (US) (Engineering). 39 universities in Chicago ranked.
- 18 Mar, 2021: Publication of Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities. University of Chicago with highest ranking among universities in Chicago ranked #38.
- 04 Mar, 2021: Latest QS World University Rankings By Subject (Biological Sciences) from British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK. 48 universities from Chicago appear in this ranking.
- 30 Jan, 2021: New edition of UniRank 4icu - Top English-Speaking Universities. 3 universities in Chicago ranked.
Highest subject rankings of universities in Chicago
Economics
#1
University of Chicago
Physics
#3
University of Chicago
English
#3
University of Chicago
Art & Design
#7
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Nursing
#13
Rush University
Chemical Engineering
#21
University of Chicago
Communication & Media Studies
#51
University of Illinois at Chicago
Agriculture
#92
University of Chicago
Rankings of universities in Chicago, USA 2021
Student satisfaction:
4.3 / 5.0
(4597 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
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THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education
[Published 24 August, 2020] |
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 10 June, 2020] |
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Student satisfaction:
4.1 / 5.0
(1230 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
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THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education
[Published 24 August, 2020] |
||
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 10 June, 2020] |
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Student satisfaction:
4.3 / 5.0
(168 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
||
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THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education
[Published 24 August, 2020] |
||
|
QS World University Rankings
[Published 10 June, 2020] |
||
Student satisfaction:
4.4 / 5.0
(601 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
||
|
QS World University Rankings
[Published 10 June, 2020] |
||
|
Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities
[Published 18 March, 2021] |
||
Student satisfaction:
4.0 / 5.0
(53 reviews)
|
THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education
[Published 24 August, 2020] |
||
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Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities
[Published 18 March, 2021] |
||
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US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 19 October, 2020] |
||
Student satisfaction:
3.0 / 5.0
(163 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
||
|
Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities
[Published 18 March, 2021] |
||
|
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 19 October, 2020] |
||
Student satisfaction:
4.0 / 5.0
(471 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
||
|
Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities
[Published 18 March, 2021] |
||
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Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions
[Published 04 May, 2020] |
||
Student satisfaction:
4.6 / 5.0
(142 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
||
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Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions
[Published 04 May, 2020] |
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US News Best Colleges
[Published 13 September, 2020] |
||
Student satisfaction:
5.0 / 5.0
(139 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
||
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Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions
[Published 04 May, 2020] |
||
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MONEY Best Colleges
[Published 25 August, 2020] |
||
Student satisfaction:
4.5 / 5.0
(222 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
||
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MONEY Best Colleges
[Published 25 August, 2020] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
||
Student satisfaction:
4.2 / 5.0
(180 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
|
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
|
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
|
Student satisfaction:
4.0 / 5.0
(219 reviews)
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2020] |
|
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
|
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
|
Student satisfaction:
3.7 / 5.0
(30 reviews)
|
US News Best Colleges
[Published 13 September, 2020] |
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National Universities
[Published 31 August, 2020] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
||
Student satisfaction:
4.1 / 5.0
(603 reviews)
|
Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions
[Published 04 May, 2020] |
|
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
|
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
|
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Reuters Most Innovative Universities
[Published 23 October, 2019] |
|
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
4.7 / 5.0
(1510 reviews)
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 15 August, 2020] |
|
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
4.2 / 5.0
(66 reviews)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
5.0 / 5.0
(69 reviews)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
4.9 / 5.0
(104 reviews)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
4.7 / 5.0
(85 reviews)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
5.0 / 5.0
(4 reviews)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
Student satisfaction:
4.4 / 5.0
(70 reviews)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 01 January, 2021] |
#23
Graduate School of Real Estate, Realtor University
Student satisfaction:
5.0 / 5.0
(297 reviews)
#24
VanderCook College of Music
Student satisfaction:
4.8 / 5.0
(72 reviews)
Student satisfaction:
4.4 / 5.0
(134 reviews)
#26
Resurrection University
Student satisfaction:
4.0 / 5.0
(21 reviews)
#27
East-West University
Student satisfaction:
3.9 / 5.0
(27 reviews)
#28
Adler University
Student satisfaction:
3.8 / 5.0
(50 reviews)
#30
Chicago School of Professional Psychology
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Student Opinions About Studying in Chicago
“Chicago is a very ‘you love it or you hate it’ kind of city. The winters are very challenging, and there’s more people packed into the city than a lot of other comparable places in the USA. For me personally, Chicago is worth it for the people, the cuisine, and the passionate sports fans.”
“The best thing you can do in Chicago is just embrace the public transport systems, because insuring a car is very expensive here, and drivers are extremely competitive when it comes to getting a parking space. For me it’s not worth it and I prefer to just go to my classes using the train since it’s so well connected.”
“Beaches aren’t really what most people associate with Chicago, but there are actually four spread out around the city. For me they’re a great way to disconnect from the busy metropolitan noise of the city.”
Chicago Key Facts for International Students
Population: 2696000
Elevation: 179 m. above sea level
Time: GMT -6
District/province: Illinois, Cook County
Living costs for students in Chicago:
* 100 = prices in London
- Living costs without accommodation 99* (1% cheaper than London)
- All costs including accommodation 96* (4% cheaper than London)
- Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 103* (3% more expensive than London)
- Average Big Mac price 5.74 US$
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Map with location of universities in Chicago
FAQ
University of Chicago ranks #1 in Chicago in our meta ranking composed of 96 university rankings.
Among all universities in Chicago University of Chicago is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 45 rankings where University of Chicago is listed.
University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Social Studies & Humanities (Economics). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.
University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Natural Sciences (Physics). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.
University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Languages & Literature (English). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Arts Visual & Performing (Art & Design). See all rankings for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Rush University is ranked best in Chicago for Medicine & Health (Nursing). See all rankings for the Rush University.
University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Engineering (Chemical Engineering). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.
University of Illinois at Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Journalism & Media Studies (Communication & Media Studies). See all rankings for the University of Illinois at Chicago.
University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 200
- Published:
- 30 January, 2021
- Universities:
- 200
- Published:
- 30 January, 2021
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 8365
- Published:
- 10 June, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
- Academic Reputation 40%
Employer Reputation 10%
Faculty/Student Ratio 20%
Citations per faculty 20%
International Faculty Ratio 5%
International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 499
- Published:
- 19 September, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
- Employer reputation 30%
Alumni outcomes 25%
Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25%
Employer/Student Connections 10%
Graduate employment rate 10%
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Universities:
- 4000
- Published:
- 15 June, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
- Research Performance 40%
Quality of Education 25%
Alumni Employment 25%
Quality of Faculty 10%
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Universities:
- 1175
- Published:
- 09 July, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
- Academic research publication
Forbes
- Universities:
- 300
- Published:
- 01 January, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -America's Best Value Colleges 2019:
- Rank on Forbes 2018 Top Colleges ranking 20%
Student debt 20%
Alumni earnings 20%
Net price 20%
Graduation rate 10%
Pell Grant recipients 10%
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:
- Quality Criteria 55%
Cost Criteria 45%
MONEY
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY 50 Best Public Colleges:
- Quality of education 33.33%
Affordability 33.33%
Outcomes 33.33%
- Universities:
- 739
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges:
- Quality of education 33.33%
Affordability 33.33%
Outcomes 33.33%
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges You Can Actually Get Into:
- Quality of education 33.33%
Affordability 33.33%
Outcomes 33.33%
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 25 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Colleges That Add the Most Value:
- Quality of education 33.33%
Affordability 33.33%
Outcomes 33.33%
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 799
- Published:
- 10 October, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
- Research excellence 40%
Research impact 35%
Research productivity 25%
- Universities:
- 152
- Published:
- 10 October, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU North America:
- Research productivity 25%
Research impact 35%
Research Excellence 40%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 4357
- Published:
- 04 May, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions:
- Article count (AC)
Fractional count (FC)
Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 1589
- Published:
- 15 August, 2020
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Universities:
- 1697
- Published:
- 04 May, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
- Teaching 40%
Research 40%
International Diversity 10%
Financial Sustainability 10%
- Universities:
- 827
- Published:
- 16 September, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
- Teaching Reputation 50%
Research Reputation 50%
- Universities:
- 828
- Published:
- 16 September, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Research Performance Ranking:
- Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20%
Citation per papers 20%
Papers per academic and research staff 20%
International research reputation 20%
Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 8023
- Published:
- 18 March, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings - Universities:
- Research 50%
Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 10016
- Published:
- 17 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
- Alumni winning research prizes 10%
Staff winning research prizes 20%
Research paper publications 20%
Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded and Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per capita academic performance 10%
StuDocu
- Universities:
- 171
- Published:
- 21 September, 2020
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 8867
- Published:
- 24 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings - Times Higher Education:
- Teaching 30%
Research (volume, income and reputation) 30%
Citations 30%
International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5%
Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%
- Universities:
- 235
- Published:
- 19 November, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global University Employability Ranking - Times Higher Education:
- Employability (survey) 100%
- Universities:
- 214
- Published:
- 26 October, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings - Times Higher Education:
- Research Reputation 66,6%
Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Universities:
- 172
- Published:
- 28 January, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World's Most International Universities - Times Higher Education:
- Proportion of international students 25%
Proportion of international staff 25%
Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25%
University’s international reputation 25%
- Universities:
- 414
- Published:
- 15 June, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -Young University Rankings:
- Teaching 30%
Research (volume, income and reputation) 30%
Citations 30%
International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5%
Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%
Thomson Reuters
- Universities:
- 100
- Published:
- 23 October, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities:
- Patent Volume 33%
Patent Citations 34%
Industry Article Citation Impact 11%
Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11%
Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11%
Urap
- Universities:
- 3000
- Published:
- 03 December, 2020
Us News
- Universities:
- 1999
- Published:
- 13 September, 2020
- Universities:
- 1499
- Published:
- 19 October, 2020
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 797
- Published:
- 14 September, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
- Outcomes 40% (employability)
Resources 30%
Engagement 20% (teaching)
Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 389
- Published:
- 31 August, 2020
- Criteria used in ranking -National Universities:
- Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 24005
- Published:
- 01 January, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
- Visibility 50%
Excellence 35%
Transparency 10%
Presence 5%