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Best Universities in illinois for International Students

Darshan Shah
Darshan Shah

24 Sep 2024

Illinois is one of the most ideal locations for international students to experience world class education and a rich cultural landscape. It is home to some of the world’s best colleges offering various programmes in different fields. For students who are willing to explore different fields and interests, Illinois is a perfect destination. Some of the top universities include- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago. These universities are known for top research, high ranking, access to global markets and welcoming communities. Illinois offers different cities, whether it’s enjoying the Metropolitan life of Chicago or small towns' cultural landscape, it is a perfect place. Illinois provides an educational environment and academic excellence. They provide students with real-world opportunities and practical experience. Some top courses include Finance, technology, healthcare, and engineering. Students get a lot of internship opportunities in these fields. It offers a very affordable cost of living and a moderate tuition fee, especially in public universities. This blog will help you with the best Universities in Illinois for International Students, why international students choose Illinois and what is the cost of living in Illinois. 

Why choose Illinois

Illinois is among the favourite options for international students for their further education. Here at the list of reasons-

  • World-class universities

Some of the top universities include- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago. These universities are known for top research, high ranking, access to global markets and welcoming communities. 

  • Academic excellence

Universities are known for their excellent academic programmes and diverse specialisations. Students who are willing to explore different sectors and fields must think of Illinois universities as their priority option. They provide the best research opportunities and practical project experience.

  • Diverse environment

International students get to experience a very diverse and dynamic cultural environment in the state. Students visit for their further education and get a chance to interact with culturally different people and make a global network. 

  • Student communities

The universities offer many student communities that organise many cultural programmes and fun activities in the college. By taking part in these activities, students get a chance to interact with each other and network. This friendly environment also helps international students settle in.

  • Strong support service

Universities usually help international students to settle in and other processes. They help them by giving them mentorship and counselling regarding their career and professional growth. They also help them with visa assistance and Internships.

  • Access to the job market

Students get great opportunities in technology, healthcare, engineering, and the business sector. Universities introduce students to a diverse global market, where they get a lot of opportunities for growth. Students get a lot of internships and job placement opportunities also from the universities.

Cost of living in Illinois for international students 

Cost of living in Illinois is considered low for international students when compared to other US states. Cost of living and tuition fees are a very important factor that international students look into before deciding on their university. These factors clearly depend on the personal preferences of the students. We have put down an approximate range for the same.

  • Tuition fees- 

International students must expect a fee of around $25,000-$50,000 per year for undergraduate programmes.

For graduate programs, they must expect a fee of around $30,000-$60,000 yearly.

  • Housing-

Many students choose on-campus housing options. The approximate rent ranges from around $1000 to $1800 for one month.

If students go for off-campus housing, it clearly depends on the size of the city. For a one-bedroom flat, students can expect around $600-$1200 monthly. 

  • Utilities-

Utilities, mainly include water, heating-cooling and electricity. The expense for this completely depends on the utility of the service. The approximate cost ranges between one $100-$200 monthly.

  • Food-

Students can expect around $200-$400 monthly for groceries depending on their personal choices and preferences.

If students choose to dine out, then they must expect around $10 to $20 per meal.

If students choose on-campus meals that may cost around $3000-$5000 yearly.

  • Transportation 

If students go for public transportation, the approximate cost is around $75-$105 monthly.

Students will rent a car or own a car. The yearly approximate spend will increase, it is around $1500 to $3000

  • Health insurance 

Almost all the universities provide health insurance to international students. Students approximately spend $500 to $2000 yearly, depending on the type of health insurance that they take.

  • Miscellaneous expense 

Other miscellaneous expenses include entertainment, shopping, and other personal things. This one completely depends on personal choice and lifestyle, but the approximate spending is around $100 to $300 monthly.

Top universities in Illinois for international students 

There are many top-ranked, public and private universities in Illinois that offer diverse academic programmes to international students. We have curated a list of all the top universities for you. Check it out below.

University of Chicago

  • Location- Chicago, Illinois
  • Type- Private Research University 
  • Tuition fees-

The approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes for international students is $64,000 yearly.

The approximate average tuition fee for Masters programmes for international students is $77,000 yearly.

  • Scholarship Program-

Merit-based scholarship

Need-based scholarship

Odyssey scholarship (need based)

Neubauer family adelante (need based)

  • Degree offered-

Bachelors

Masters

Doctoral Degree

  • Top programs-

Computer science

Economics 

Law

Political science 

Business 

Sociology 

Physics

Public policy 

  • Accredited- 

By HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

  • QS world ranking (2023) - 10

Northwestern University

  • Location- Evanston, Illinois
  • Type- Private Research University 
  • Tuition fees-

The approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes for international students is $67,000 yearly.

The approximate average tuition fee for Masters programmes for international students is $50,000 to $70,000 yearly.

  • Scholarship Program-

Merit-based scholarship

Need-based scholarship

  • Degree offered-

Bachelors

Masters

Doctoral Degree

  • Top programs-

Business

Journalism

Law

Engineering

Medicine 

Economics

Communication studies 

  • Accredited- 

By HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

  • QS world ranking (2023)- 32

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  • Location- Urbana and Champaign, Illinois
  • Type- Public Research University 
  • Tuition fees-

The approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes for international students is $34,000 - $45,000 yearly.

The approximate average tuition fee for Masters programmes for international students is $25,000 to $40,000 yearly.

  • Scholarship Program-

Merit-based scholarship

Need-based scholarship

  • Degree offered-

Bachelors

Masters

Doctoral Degree

  • Top programs-

Computer science

Business 

Agriculture and Environmental Science 

Education 

Mathematics 

Physics

  • Accredited- 

By HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

  • QS world ranking (2023)- 35

Augustana College, Illinois

  • Location- Rock Island, Illinois
  • Type- Private liberal arts college 
  • Tuition fees-

The approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes for international students is $52,000 yearly.

The university mainly provide undergraduate programs 

  • Scholarship Program-

Merit-based scholarship

Need-based scholarship

  • Degree offered-

Bachelors

  • Top programs-

Biology

Business administration

Psychology

Education

Pre-Medicine and health program

Music and fine arts 

  • Accredited- 

By HLC (Higher Learning Commission

Lake Forest College

  • Location- Lake Forest, Illinois
  • Type- private, liberal arts College
  • Tuition fees-

The approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes for international students is $54,000 yearly.

The university offers mainly undergraduate programmes

  • Scholarship Program-

Merit-based scholarship

Need-based scholarship

  • Degree offered-

Bachelors

  • Top programs-

Business and economics

Psychology

Communication

Politics and international relation

Biology and neuroscience

Computer science

  • Accredited- 

By HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

University of Illinois, Chicago

  • Location- Chicago, Illinois
  • Type- Public Research University 
  • Tuition fees-

The approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes for international students is $30,000 - $35,000 yearly.

The approximate average tuition fee for Masters programmes for international students is $28,000 to $40,000 yearly.

  • Scholarship Program-

Merit-based scholarship

Need-based scholarship

  • Degree offered-

Bachelors

Masters

Doctoral Degree

  • Top programs-

Health Science

Architecture

Engineering

Business administration

Computer science

Social work

  • Accredited- 

By HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

  • QS world ranking (2023) - 317

Illinois Institute of Technology

  • Location- Chicago, Illinois
  • Type- Private art and design school
  • Tuition fees-

The approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes for international students is $57,000 yearly.

The approximate average tuition fee for Masters programmes for international students is $53,000 to $55,000 yearly.

  • Scholarship Program-

Merit-based scholarship

Need-based scholarship

  • Degree offered-

Undergraduate (in the field of art and design)

Masters (in the field of art and design)

  • Top programs-

Architecture

Fine arts

Graphic design

Fashion design

Art history

Visual studies

Photography

  • Accredited- 

By HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

  • QS world ranking (2023) - 443

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

  • Location- Chicago, Illinois
  • Type- Private art and design school
  • Tuition fees-

The approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate programmes for international students is $57,000 yearly.

The approximate average tuition fee for Masters programmes for international students is $53,000 to $55,000 yearly.

  • Scholarship Program-

Merit-based scholarship

Need-based scholarship

  • Degree offered-

Undergraduate (in the field of art and design)

Masters (in the field of art and design)

  • Top programs-

Architecture

Fine arts

Graphic design

Fashion design

Art history

Visual studies

Photography

  • Accredited- 

By HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

By NASAD (National association of school of arts and design)

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Illinois offers academic excellence, great career opportunities, and cultural diversity to international students. The state offers a few top universities like the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago, with world-class education in different fields. They provide a very supportive environment for international students to adjust. Illinois offers a vibrant city and affordable cost of living for students. Whether international students are looking for research-based institutes, academically strong institutes, or institutes with good networking, Illinois universities will offer everything. It offers a very dynamic learning experience for international students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the few top institutes in Illinois for international students?

Some top institutes in Illinois for international students include- the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago and many more.

What are a few scholarship options available in institutes in Illinois for international students?

Universities in Illinois offer many scholarship options for international students. A few of them include- Illinois Commitment, northwestern university international student scholarships, need based scholarships, and much more.

What is the approximate tuition fees for international students in universities in Illinois?

International students can expect a fee of around $25,000-$55,000 for undergraduate programs and $20,000 to $60,000 for postgraduates in Illinois universities. This may change depending on the university and the program students choose.

Why is Illinois a good place for international students?

Illinois is a very welcoming state for international students. It is known for its warm climate, diverse culture, top-ranked universities, job opportunities and welcoming community. The cost of living is comparatively lower than in other US states. It is a very comfortable place to live in for international students.

What support services are offered by universities for international students?

Universities support personal and professional life balance for students. Almost all the colleges offer assistance in the admissions and visa process. They have orientation and seminars where students get to interact with other students. They also provide career counselling sessions.