Find Teaching Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Best Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

39 Schools Ranked
$31,914 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$25,787 Avg Student Debt

Today's teaching students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Teaching Degree Search has developed this Best Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois ranking. Our analysis looked at 39 schools in Illinois to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences for teaching students. To come up with a school's ranking, we analyzed numerous factors related to post-graduation wages, the quality of education offered by the school, average accumulated student debt, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
$60,768 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,404 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Northwestern University the best school in Illinois for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you want to attend Northwestern, expect to pay an average of $60,768 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Northwestern accumulate an average of $18,404 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Full Northwestern University Report

$15,240 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,761 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a great place for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree.

The average tuition and fees at SIUC is $15,240. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,761 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SIUC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 43% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Southern Illinois University Carbondale Report

$17,634 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,891 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 39 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign landed the # 3 spot on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UIUC is $17,634. Out-of-state students pay an average of $37,632. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,891 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that UIUC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#4

Wheaton College Illinois

Wheaton, Illinois
$40,820 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Wheaton College Illinois is a great place for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $40,820 to cover tuition and fees at Wheaton College Illinois. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Wheaton College Illinois. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 37% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Wheaton College Illinois Report

#5

Augustana College

Rock Island, Illinois
$46,189 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,410 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Augustana College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best teaching schools in Illinois.

Augustana does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $46,189. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,410 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Augustana, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 41% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Augustana College

$15,603 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,801 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Chicago did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #6 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UIC is $15,603. Out-of-state students pay an average of $30,370. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,801 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UIC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full University of Illinois at Chicago Report

#7

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
$13,968 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,109 Avg Student Debt

Illinois State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #7 on the list.

Students from Illinois who attend Illinois State full time pay an average of $13,968 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $24,172. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,109 in student loans.

Illinois State does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#8

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, Illinois
$52,512 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,212 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Wesleyan University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #8 on the list.

If you want to attend Illinois Wesleyan, expect to pay an average of $52,512 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,212 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Read More…

#9

North Central College

Naperville, Illinois
$42,206 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,457 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, North Central College did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $42,206 to cover tuition and fees at North Central. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,457 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at North Central. In 2019-2020 about 83% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#10

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois
$36,360 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,068 Avg Student Debt

Bradley University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree teaching programs.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $36,360 to cover tuition and fees at Bradley. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,068 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Bradley does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Bradley University Report

#11

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
$47,808 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,570 Avg Student Debt

Loyola University Chicago landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree teaching programs.

If you want to attend Loyola Chicago, expect to pay an average of $47,808 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,570 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Loyola Chicago does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 97% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#12

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, Illinois
$33,275 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,340 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Trinity Christian College did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Trinity Christian does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $33,275. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,340 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Trinity Christian does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 70% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Trinity Christian College Report

#13

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois
$35,472 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,413 Avg Student Debt

Lewis University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #13 on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $35,472 to cover tuition and fees at Lewis. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,413 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Lewis does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 91% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Lewis University Report

#14

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
$28,383 Avg Student Debt

University of St Francis landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree teaching programs.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,383 in student loans.

University of Saint Francis does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 89% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#15

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, Illinois
$39,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,567 Avg Student Debt

Elmhurst University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking.

The average tuition and fees at Elmhurst is $39,400. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Elmhurst accumulate an average of $21,567 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Elmhurst does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 90% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Elmhurst University

#16

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois
$35,420 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,422 Avg Student Debt

Dominican University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

The average tuition and fees at Dominican U is $35,420. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Dominican U accumulate an average of $26,422 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Dominican U. During the 2019-2020 year, about 96% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Dominican University Report

#17

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois
$26,760 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,543 Avg Student Debt

Aurora University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $26,760 to cover tuition and fees at Aurora. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,543 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Aurora does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 96% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#18

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
$14,738 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,759 Avg Student Debt

Northern Illinois University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree teaching programs.

NIU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $14,738. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,759 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NIU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 4% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Northern Illinois University Report

#19

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois
$12,297 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,733 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #19 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at EIU is $12,297. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,551. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from EIU accumulate an average of $23,733 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

EIU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 60% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#20

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
$42,012 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,156 Avg Student Debt

DePaul University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $42,012 to cover tuition and fees at DePaul. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,156 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at DePaul. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full DePaul University Report

#21

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, Illinois
$12,064 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,044 Avg Student Debt

Northeastern Illinois University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree teaching programs.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $12,064 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northeastern Illinois University. Out-of-state students pay an average of $22,155. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Northeastern Illinois University accumulate an average of $21,044 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Northeastern Illinois University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Northeastern Illinois University Report

#22

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, Illinois
$35,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,018 Avg Student Debt

Saint Xavier University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking.

If you want to attend SXU, expect to pay an average of $35,060 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from SXU accumulate an average of $26,018 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SXU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Saint Xavier University Report

#23

Millikin University

Decatur, Illinois
$39,592 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,442 Avg Student Debt

Millikin University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking.

If you want to attend Millikin, expect to pay an average of $39,592 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,442 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Millikin. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Millikin University

#24

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Illinois
$37,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,166 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Olivet Nazarene University did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Olivet Nazarene does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $37,440. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,166 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Olivet Nazarene does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 47% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Olivet Nazarene University

#25

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
$13,297 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,617 Avg Student Debt

Western Illinois University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree teaching programs.

WIU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $13,297. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from WIU accumulate an average of $28,617 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

WIU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 91% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Western Illinois University Report

Best Teaching Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

View Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Teaching Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited education & teaching schools across the U.S.