Universities in Chicago, USA
- Rankings & Reviews -

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Chicago, USA

Latest ranking updates related to universities in Chicago
  • 18 Jul, 2024: QS Global EMBA Rankings (Business Administration) updated with Booth School of Business, University of Chicago in position 13.
  • 16 Jul, 2024: Latest The Princeton Review: Best MBA Programs by Subject (Finance) from The Princeton Review. 2 universities from Chicago appear in this ranking.
  • 08 Apr, 2024: US News: Best Business Schools (US) (Business) updated with Booth School of Business, University of Chicago in position 3.
  • 08 Apr, 2024: Publication of US News: Best MBA Programs by Specialty (US) (Finance). Booth School of Business, University of Chicago with highest ranking among universities in Chicago ranked #6.

Chicago is home to several world class universities so it is teeming with students, lots of possible new acquaintances for an international student to connect with. It is a city made up of many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own particular charms and attractions that 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 huge metropolis with so much to offer a visiting student. From the wonderful museums to the numerous libraries where you can get lost amid centuries worth of books and art. Chicago, the windy city (and it will live up to that name) is famed the world over for its jazz and classical music scenes but soul, rock and hip hop are more Chicago's style in the last 40 years.

Being such a large city means that Chicago also has all kinds of food on the go. So whether you want to discover some of the local cuisine, or if you're missing a taste of home, you're very likely to find just what you are hoping for.


Rankings of universities in Chicago, USA 2024

Student satisfaction: 4.3 / 5.0 (based on 7580 student ratings)
  • #8 
  • #13 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #8 
  • #21 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024]
  • #16 
  • #38 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
Show 26 more rankings of University of Chicago and subject specific rankings for 12 subjects


  • #82 
  • #351 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #87 
  • #601 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024]
  • #141 
  • #662 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
Show 14 more rankings of Illinois Institute of Technology and subject specific rankings for 6 subjects


Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (based on 146 student ratings)
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  • #113 
  • #501 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #130 
  • #594 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #112 
  • #479 
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 June, 2024]
Show 7 more rankings of Rush University and subject specific rankings for 4 subjects

  • #161 
  • #1001 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024]
  • #180 
  • #916 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #179 
  • #953 
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 June, 2024]
Show 12 more rankings of Loyola University Chicago and subject specific rankings for 5 subjects

Student satisfaction: 3.0 / 5.0 (based on 165 student ratings)
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  • #369 
  • #2790 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #253 
  • #1693 
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 June, 2024]
  • #474 
  • #2852 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
Show 7 more rankings of DePaul University and subject specific rankings for 3 subjects

#7
USA

Chicago State University

Student satisfaction: 4.3 / 5.0 (based on 349 student ratings)
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  • #434 
  • #3378 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #475 
  • #2854 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
  • #504 
  • #2643 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (based on 75 student ratings)
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  • #419 
  • #2611 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
  • #385 
  • #390 
US News Best National Universities
[Published 17 September, 2023]
  • #378 
  • #384 
Washington Monthly - National Universities
[Published 25 August, 2024]
Show 1 more rankings of Roosevelt University and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects

#9
USA

North Park University

Student satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0 (based on 365 student ratings)
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  • #539 
  • #3006 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
  • #997 
  • #6640 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

  • #409 
  • #395 
US News Best National Universities
[Published 17 September, 2023]
  • #55 
  • #55 
Washington Monthly - National Universities
[Published 25 August, 2024]
  • #380 
  • #382 
MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value
[Published 16 May, 2022]
Show 1 more rankings of Illinois, National-Louis University

#11
USA

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Student satisfaction: 4.4 / 5.0 (based on 436 student ratings)
  • #659 
  • #3358 
Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024]
  • #619 
  • #622 
MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value
[Published 16 May, 2022]
  • #682 
  • #4074 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#12
USA

Northeastern Illinois University

Student satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0 (based on 703 student ratings)
  • #524 
  • #4409 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #527 
  • #2763 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#13
USA

Saint Xavier University

  • #169 
  • #169 
MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value
[Published 16 May, 2022]
  • #493 
  • #2552 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#14
USA

East-West University

  • #185 
  • #186 
US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges
[Published 27 October, 2023]

#15
USA

DeVry University

  • #30 
  • #39 
StuDocu World University Ranking - US & Canada
[Published 30 January, 2023]
  • #949 
  • #6318 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#16
USA

Columbia College Chicago

Student satisfaction: 4.0 / 5.0 (based on 219 student ratings)
  • #774 
  • #5396 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#17
USA

University of Illinois - System

  • #803 
  • #5635 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#18
USA

Catholic Theological Union

Student satisfaction: 4.3 / 5.0 (based on 148 student ratings)
  • #946 
  • #6308 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#19
USA

Illinois College of Optometry

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (based on 150 student ratings)
  • #1005 
  • #6670 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#20
USA

Moody Bible Institute

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (based on 2240 student ratings)
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  • #1215 
  • #7713 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024]

#21
USA

The John Marshall Law School


#22
USA

Kendall College

Student satisfaction: 4.6 / 5.0 (based on 201 student ratings)

#23
USA

Adler University

Student satisfaction: 3.8 / 5.0 (based on 46 student ratings)
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#24
USA

Shimer College

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (based on 4 student ratings)
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#25
USA

Saint Augustine College


#26
USA

Resurrection University


#27
USA

Harrington College of Design


#28
USA

VanderCook College of Music

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#29
USA

Chicago School of Professional Psychology


Highest subject rankings of universities in Chicago

Finance GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#1 
University of Chicago
Economics GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#1 
University of Chicago
Law US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#3 
University of Chicago
Statistics GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#5 
University of Chicago
Physics GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#11 
University of Chicago
Chemical Engineering NTU Rankings by Subject
#30 
University of Chicago
Artificial Intelligence Nature Index - Top 100 Institutions in Artificial Intelligence
#31 
University of Chicago
Linguistics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#32 
University of Chicago
Medicine QS World University Rankings By Subject
#34 
University of Chicago
Education URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
#48 
University of Illinois at Chicago

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

PROS

  • Chicago is home to a total of 28 universities, the majority of which are well-ranked by university ranking organizations, and some are even among the highest rated in the world.

  • 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.

  • The prices vary dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood, 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


20 out of 29 Universities in Chicago Ranked in at least one ranking

33 Different Rankings list Universities in Chicago (22 institution and 11 subject rankings)

30 Global Rankings rank Universities in Chicago Among TOP 200

Population: 2747000

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 5.15 US$
  • Plug Type A
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Plug Type B
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz

Map with location of universities in Chicago

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FAQ

University of Chicago ranks #1 in Chicago in our meta ranking composed of 101 university rankings.

Among all universities in Chicago University of Chicago is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 37 rankings where University of Chicago is listed.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Business (Finance). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

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 Law (Law). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Mathematics (Statistics). 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 Engineering (Chemical Engineering). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Medicine & Health (Medicine). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Illinois at Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Education (Education). See all rankings for the University of Illinois at Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Arts Visual & Performing (Performing Arts). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Agriculture (Agricultural Sciences). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

Ranking publishers

4icu

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British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

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%

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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%

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CWUR Center for World University Rankings

Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:

Research Performance: 40%

  • Research Output: 10%
  • High-Quality Publications: 10%
  • Influence: 10%
  • Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

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Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

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Forbes

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MONEY

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Public Colleges:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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NTU ranking

Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:

Research Productivity: 25%

  • # Articles last 11 years: 10%
  • # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

  • # Citations last 11 years: 15%
  • # Citations last 2 years: 10%
  • Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

  • H-index last 2 years: 10%
  • # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
  • # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

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Nature Index

Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector:

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

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RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:

Teaching: 40%

  • Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

  • Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
  • Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
  • Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

  • International Faculty: 2%
  • International Students: 2%
  • International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
  • Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
  • International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

  • Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
  • Institutional Income per Student: 2%
  • Papers per Research Income: 2%
  • Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
  • Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:

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%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

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Scimago Institutions

Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:

Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%

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ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:

Quality of Education 10%

  • Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

  • Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
  • Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

  • Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
  • Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

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StuDocu

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THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

  • Reputation survey: 15%
  • Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
  • Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
  • Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
  • Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

  • Reputation survey: 18%
  • Research income: 6%
  • Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

  • Proportion of international students: 2.5%
  • Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
  • International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:

Employability (survey) 100%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:

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%

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The Princeton Review

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Urap

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Us News

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Washington Monthly

Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:

Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%

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Webometrics

Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

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