If you are looking to study at a Liberal Arts College in Illinois, choosing the right one or one of the best colleges is one of the biggest decisions in a student’s life. A liberal arts college could be the perfect option for many students because it focuses on small classes, strong faculty-student relationships, and a broad education that prepares you for many different careers. Unlike large universities that emphasize research or technical programs, liberal arts colleges put students at the center, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills.
Illinois is home to some of the best liberal arts colleges in the U.S., with schools that balance academic excellence, affordability, community, and strong alumni networks. Illinois has the option for you, whether a faith-based college, a vibrant campus life, or a school that emphasizes character development.
This article will guide you and show you the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois for 2025, the cost, and about the institutions and why they are the best liberal arts colleges in Illinois. Read this article carefully, compare your options, and choose the college that best fits your goals.
Top Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois
Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington):
The Illinois Wesleyan University is a selective, small private liberal arts college known for strong undergraduate programs across the arts, sciences, and business. It stands out because it is one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in Illinois and is also known for rigorous academics and a strong return on investment.
Students often highlight close faculty mentorship and a strong career preparation culture. It has high academic standards, close faculty mentorship, and strong graduate/ career outcomes. Tuition is approximately $55,000–$70,000 per year, with active campus life and good internship connections in the Midwest.
Wheaton College (Illinois) (Wheaton):
Wheaton College is a Christian liberal arts college with a long history and a strong faith-based community. The college stands out because it is a nationally respected Christian liberal arts college. Wheaton offers not just academics but also a vibrant faith-based community. Students praise extracurricular activities such as chapel bands, intercultural arts, and student leadership opportunities.
Wheaton College combines rigorous academics with campus values and many student activities (music, chapel, service). The tuition is approximately $45,000–$60,000 per year, with a good alumni network and student support services.
Augustana College (Illinois), Rock Island:
Augustana College is a well-regarded liberal arts college in western Illinois with strong programs in education and the sciences. Augustana stands out as the best college because it is well-known for its supportive faculty, particularly in education and languages. Many students find jobs quickly after graduation, showing the college’s strong connections with employers and emphasis on real-world preparation.
The tuition ranges from $45,000–$60,000 per year, with a good job placement for graduates.
Lake Forest College (Lake Forest):
Lake Forest College (Lake Forest) is a private liberal arts college close to Chicago with a global student body. It stands out because it is located near Chicago, and Lake Forest attracts international students and offers a global community feel. Students benefit from small class sizes and professors who are invested in their success. The location also provides access to internships in a major city and cultural opportunities.
It has strong career services and study-abroad options, with tuition ranging from $50,000–$65,000 per year.
Knox College (Galesburg):
Knox College is a small liberal arts college known for engaged teaching and a close academic community. Knox prides itself on its passionate professors and vibrant student community. Students say small class sizes allow for deep conversations, though the surrounding town is quieter, making campus life the core of the college experience.
The faculty mentor students closely; there is a lively campus culture. The town is quiet, so campus activities are important for student life, and the tuition is relatively low, between $45,000–$60,000 per year.
Principia College (Elsah):
Principia College is a small Christian liberal arts college emphasizing character and community. Principia College has a tight-knit campus culture with an emphasis on personal and character development. It is a dry campus, but students enjoy strong peer support and a culture of personal growth. It has a small student body and strong peer support, with the tuition approx $30,000–$45,000 per year.
Monmouth College (Monmouth):
Monmouth College is a small liberal arts college with a focus on hands-on learning and close faculty attention. It stands out due to its personalized learning and good undergraduate research opportunities. Monmouth is praised for small class sizes and professors who truly care about student progress. Campus life is quiet but rewarding for students who stay active in sports, clubs, or social activities.
It has a strong community feel and extracurriculars, with a tuition fee of $40,000–$55,000 per year.
Blackburn College (Carlinville):
Blackburn College is a small liberal arts college located in Carlinville, known for its integrated work-study program. It is more affordable than many peers thanks to work programs that reduce tuition costs and strong experiential learning. Blackburn is one of the most affordable options among liberal arts colleges in Illinois. Its unique work program helps students gain real-life experience while reducing costs, making it attractive for budget-conscious students.
It has great options for students who want lower out-of-pocket costs and real job experience while studying with a tuition of $20,000–$35,000 per year, net cost (varies widely with work program).
Illinois College (Jacksonville):
Illinois College is one of the oldest colleges in Illinois, offering a wide range of liberal arts programs. It is a small college where students get personal attention from professors. It has a long history of academic excellence and a strong sense of tradition. Small class sizes mean students don’t get “lost in the crowd,” and professors really know their students.
Students get plenty of hands-on opportunities like internships, leadership programs, and practical projects that prepare them for real-world jobs. The tuition fee is approximately $35,000–$50,000 per year before financial aid.
Elmhurst University (Elmhurst):
It is a liberal arts school just outside Chicago (formerly Elmhurst College). It offers both classic liberal arts programs and career-focused degrees. It gives students the best of both worlds: a small-college atmosphere with close faculty connections and easy access to Chicago for internships and job opportunities.
Its tuition is $35,000–$50,000 per year before financial aid, and Elmhurst College is a great fit for students who want a balance between a close-knit campus and the big city experience for networking and careers.
North Central College (Naperville):
It is a private liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Chicago. It offers a wide variety of programs, including business, arts, and sciences, with a tuition of $40,000–$55,000 per year before financial aid. It stands out because students benefit from a strong balance between academics and career readiness.
The college has a powerful alumni network, especially in the Chicago area, which helps graduates find internships and jobs. It is popular with both residential students and commuters. Being near Chicago means students get great internship opportunities without giving up a small-campus feel.
Millikin University (Decatur):
Millikin University is a private university with a liberal arts foundation. It’s best known for its programs in the performing arts, business, and communications. It has a tuition of $35,000–$50,000 per year before financial aid. Millikin blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences like internships, performances, and projects.
The arts programs are especially strong and attract talented students from around the country. It is also perfect for students passionate about theatre, music, or media, but also solid in other fields. Graduates leave with strong professional portfolios.
Greenville University (Greenville):
Greenville University is a small Christian liberal arts college that emphasizes both academics and values-based learning. It is known for its close community feel. Greenville supports students both academically and personally.
It’s also more affordable than many private colleges in Illinois, with a tuition of $25,000–$40,000 per year before financial aid. It is also a great choice for students who want a Christian environment, smaller classes, and a supportive, family-like atmosphere.
Judson University (Elgin):
Judson University is another Christian liberal arts college that blends traditional liberal arts with practical, career-focused programs. Judson emphasizes preparing students for their careers while also fostering a faith-based environment.
The mentoring culture helps students feel guided throughout their studies. The tuition is $25,000–$40,000 per year before financial aid, and the campus is small and friendly, making it a good fit for students who like a close-knit community.
Rockford University (Rockford):
Rockford University is a smaller liberal arts college that has been focusing more on career development in recent years. Rockford University provides students with personalized learning and strong community connections. It combines the feel of a small college with growing professional opportunities and has a tuition of approximately $25,000–$40,000 per year before financial aid.
It is also a great choice for students who want small class sizes, personal attention, and strong internship opportunities in the Rockford region.
Tips for Choosing the Best Liberal Arts College in Illinois
- Know your priorities, whether a faith-based education, a highly selective program, or a college with a strong community feel.
- Compare costs and value because some schools are more expensive but may offer stronger job outcomes, or scholarships and financial aid change the real price dramatically.
- Schools near big cities (like Chicago) offer more internship opportunities, while smaller towns give a quieter, community-based experience, so the location matters.
- Liberal arts colleges shine in mentorship, so choose a school where professors are known to be approachable.
- Consider your long-term goals, such as whether you want to go into graduate school, teaching, business, or public service, and pick a school with strong programs in your area of interest.
- Ask about career services and internship help, as that matters after graduation.
- Pick a college known for the program you want.
Illinois offers a wide variety of liberal arts colleges, each with its own culture, strengths, and opportunities. From selective schools to more affordable community-driven colleges, there is always a place for every kind of student. We believe this article, “Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois,” is helpful, and with the right choice, you can gain not only a degree but also lifelong skills, experiences, and friendships that shape your future. Keep visiting this website for more updates!