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2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois

89 Schools Ranked
$45,060 Average Earnings
$21,268 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for teaching students. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Teaching Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois ranking. Our analysis looked at 89 schools in Illinois to see which programs were the most popular for teaching students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois
1,158 Total Awards
$48,291 Average Earnings
$28,209 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named National Louis University the most popular school in Illinois for teaching students working on their degree. NLU is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,158 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $28,209 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $479 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, NLU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,291 during the early year of their career. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Full National Louis University Report

#2

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois
987 Total Awards
$53,770 Average Earnings
$26,522 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Concordia University, Chicago. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois list. River Forest, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 987 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,522 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Concordia University, Chicago graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,770 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

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#3

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
956 Total Awards
$44,092 Average Earnings
$21,109 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Illinois State University is a great place for teaching students. Illinois State is a public institution located in Normal, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 956 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,109 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $312.After graduating from Illinois State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,092 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Illinois State University

#4

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
630 Total Awards
$48,041 Average Earnings
$25,759 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Northern Illinois University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois list. NIU is a fairly large public school situated in Dekalb, Illinois. It awarded 630 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from NIU accumulate an average of $25,759 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $216. During the early years of their career, NIU graduates make an average of $48,041 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

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567 Total Awards
$53,270 Average Earnings
$18,891 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular teaching schools in Illinois. Located in Champaign, Illinois, the large public school handed out 567 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UIUC accumulate an average of $18,891 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $415, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UIUC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,270 during the early year of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#6

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
452 Total Awards
$49,846 Average Earnings
$24,047 Avg Student Debt

DePaul University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 452 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,047 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $517, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, DePaul graduates make an average of $49,846 annually. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Full DePaul University Report

#7

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Illinois
399 Total Awards
$44,879 Average Earnings
$27,166 Avg Student Debt

Olivet Nazarene University ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and it awarded 399 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,166 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $364, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Olivet Nazarene graduates make an average of $44,879 annually. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Olivet Nazarene University Report

385 Total Awards
$53,836 Average Earnings
$19,801 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Chicago landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. UIC is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 385 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UIC accumulate an average of $19,801 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $259. Once they receive their degree, UIC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,836 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

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#9

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois
366 Total Awards
$38,688 Average Earnings
$23,733 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #9 on the list. EIU is a public institution located in Charleston, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 366 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from EIU accumulate an average of $23,733 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $178. During the early years of their career, EIU graduates make an average of $38,688 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

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#10

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, Illinois
356 Total Awards
$40,833 Average Earnings
$21,044 Avg Student Debt

Northeastern Illinois University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois ranking. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 356 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Northeastern Illinois University accumulate an average of $21,044 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Northeastern Illinois University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,833 during the early years of their career. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northeastern Illinois University

334 Total Awards
$42,413 Average Earnings
$23,594 Avg Student Debt

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois ranking. SIUC is a fairly large public school situated in Carbondale, Illinois. It awarded 334 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,594 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $165. During the early years of their career, SIUC graduates make an average of $42,413 annually. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale

#11

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
334 Total Awards
$60,805 Average Earnings
$28,383 Avg Student Debt

University of St Francis landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. University of Saint Francis is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Joliet, Illinois. It awarded 334 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,383 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $332, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, University of Saint Francis graduates make an average of $60,805 annually. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

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#13

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois
313 Total Awards
$47,673 Average Earnings
$25,543 Avg Student Debt

Aurora University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Aurora is located in Aurora, Illinois and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 313 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $25,543 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $198.After graduating from Aurora, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,673 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
277 Total Awards
$38,708 Average Earnings
$28,617 Avg Student Debt

Western Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #14 on the list. Located in Macomb, Illinois, the medium-sized public school awarded 277 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WIU accumulate an average of $28,617 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $266. Once they receive their degree, WIU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,708 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Read full report on Western Illinois University

#15

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois
230 Total Awards
$48,984 Average Earnings
$23,413 Avg Student Debt

Lewis University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois ranking. Lewis is a private not-for-profit institution located in Romeoville, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 230 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Lewis accumulate an average of $23,413 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $411. Once they receive their degree, Lewis graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,984 during the early year of their career. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

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#16

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois
213 Total Awards
$45,746 Average Earnings
$24,579 Avg Student Debt

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. This fairly large public school is located in Edwardsville, Illinois, and it awarded 213 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,579 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $221, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, SIUE graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,746 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Report

#17

Roosevelt University

Chicago, Illinois
183 Total Awards
$41,771 Average Earnings
$26,690 Avg Student Debt

Roosevelt University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 183 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,690 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $413 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Roosevelt graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,771 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

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#18

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
178 Total Awards
$47,459 Average Earnings
$22,930 Avg Student Debt

Loyola University Chicago ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 178 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Loyola Chicago accumulate an average of $22,930 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $652.After graduating from Loyola Chicago, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,459 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Loyola University Chicago

#19

North Park University

Chicago, Illinois
133 Total Awards
$49,147 Average Earnings
$26,826 Avg Student Debt

North Park University ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois list. North Park is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 133 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $26,826 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $263.After graduating from North Park, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,147 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

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#20

McKendree University

Lebanon, Illinois
129 Total Awards
$47,532 Average Earnings
$24,607 Avg Student Debt

McKendree University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. McKendree is located in Lebanon, Illinois and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 129 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $24,607 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $207 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, McKendree graduates make an average of $47,532 annually. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

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#21

North Central College

Naperville, Illinois
120 Total Awards
$40,224 Average Earnings
$23,457 Avg Student Debt

North Central College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois ranking. North Central is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Naperville, Illinois. It awarded 120 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,457 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $330. Once they receive their degree, North Central graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,224 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

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#22

Rasmussen University - Illinois

Rockford, Illinois
117 Total Awards
$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Illinois came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois ranking. Located in Rockford, Illinois, the small private for-profit school awarded 117 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,604 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $127, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rasmussen University - Illinois, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,940 during the early years of their career. Around 98% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Rasmussen University - Illinois Report

#23

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois
114 Total Awards
$52,822 Average Earnings
$25,068 Avg Student Debt

Bradley University ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Peoria, Illinois, and it awarded 114 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,068 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $575 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Bradley graduates make an average of $52,822 annually. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bradley University Report

#24

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, Illinois
111 Total Awards
$47,474 Average Earnings
$21,567 Avg Student Debt

Elmhurst University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Schools in Illinois list. Located in Elmhurst, Illinois, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 111 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,567 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $321 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Elmhurst graduates make an average of $47,474 annually. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Elmhurst University

#25

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, Illinois
104 Total Awards
$43,856 Average Earnings
$29,340 Avg Student Debt

Trinity Christian College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. Trinity Christian is a private not-for-profit institution located in Palos Heights, Illinois. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 104 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $29,340 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Trinity Christian graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,856 during the early year of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Trinity Christian College

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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.

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