Colleges in Chicago: Universities, Trade and Technical School

Chicago is known for its architecture, museums, performing arts and restaurants. Balancing its urban features are 580 parks and 8,300 acres of green space. Named America's Best Bike City in 2016, Chicago boasts 303 miles of bike lanes — a boon for college students at the 75+ Chicago colleges.

College-bound students in Chicago public schools can get a jump-start on college through a Dual Enrollment program that allows them to enroll in college courses at one of the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) campuses. And Early College STEM high schools give students a technology-focused education with the goal of eventually earning an associate degree.

Fun Facts about Trade and Technical Schools in Chicago

Both the HVAC Technical Institute and Coyne College educate students to work in the electrical construction and HVAC trades. Coyne also prepares students to become medical and pharmacy assistants and technicians.

At the Illinois Media School - Chicago Campus students get hands-on broadcasting and online media training with instructors who are seasoned broadcast professionals and on-air TV and radio personalities, in a high-tech learning environment.

Fun Facts about Chicago Colleges and Universities

The roster of colleges in Chicago is as large and varied as the city itself. Three standout schools are:

The University of Chicago is known for academic excellence and innovation. Its Chicago campus features buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Loyola University is one of the largest Jesuit Catholic universities in the country. It has four campuses, including the main campus along the shores of Lake Michigan and a downtown campus near Chicago's famous "Miracle Mile."

Northwestern University has three campuses, one in Chicago. Recognized for academic excellence, Northwestern is especially well known for its research in neuroscience, nanotechnology, biotechnology and drug discovery.

Graduate Schools in Chicago

In addition to the schools listed above, several universities in Chicago offer advanced degrees. Founded in 1911, John Marshall Law School has an extensive career program for students. Adler University offers only advanced degrees, in psychology, counseling and family therapy, and public service and leadership. And several theological colleges in Chicago offer graduate degrees.

For more about higher education in the state, we also provide an extensive list of Illinois Colleges.

Sources:

  • City of Chicago, https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html, accessed September 2018
  • National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator, http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/, accessed September 2018
  • Coyne College, https://www.coynecollege.edu/, accessed September 2018
  • HVAC Tech, https://www.hvac-tech.com/, accessed September 2018
  • Illinois Media School, Chicago Campus, https://beonair.com/locations/, accessed September 2018
  • University of Chicago, https://www.uchicago.edu/, accessed September 2018
  • University of Illinois at Chicago, http://www.uic.edu/, accessed September 2018
  • Northwestern University, Facts, http://www.northwestern.edu/about/facts.html, accessed September 2018
  • John Marshall Law School, https://www.jmls.edu/, accessed September 2018
  • Adler University, https://www.adler.edu/, accessed September 2018
Education Institutes in Chicago
Total Number of Educational Institutes
69
Total Enrollment in all institutes
216,575
Number of Public Educational Institutes
11
Number of Private For-Profit Institutes
22
Number of Private Non-Profit Institutes
36
Graduation Rate
16.7%
Total Graduates With Bachelors Degree
9,759
On Campus and Online Programs in Chicago
Number of Institutes Offering on-campus programs
2
Number of Institutes Offering on-line programs
5
Number of Institutes Offering both
62

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
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