
Best Design Colleges & Programs in Illinois
How are the Top Design Programs Chosen in Illinois
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An Educational Ideal
A liberal arts college amidst a world-renowned research university, the University of Chicago offers a dynamic education, where over 7,000 students from 50 states and 100 countries encounter great thinkers, sharpen critical...
The classes are very educational and require a lot of focus. The best part is the university understands this, and so there are a lot of opportunities to get help from free tutors and TA's almost every day throughout the quarter.
” – Faisal from Los Angeles, CA
Northwestern University is a 4-year private research institution in the Chicagoland area. Northwestern is home to 12 colleges and schools and is renowned for its Medill School of Journalism, Kellogg School of Management, and Bienen School of Music...
If you can to learn, you will. The professors don't spoon-feed information - instead, they give you the tools to learn the subjects yourself. Also, just hanging out with people (students, and sometimes students hang out with professors) helps you...
” – Allison from Port Barrington, IL
Established in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a 4-year liberal arts university in Bloomington, IL. IWU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic fields of study, as well as an optional May Term, a month-long experiential learning option...
The starting points for classes are well tailored to your high school work. I was placed onto the Analysis track based on my AP scores, but the new information I was acquiring was similar to my sociology class. I have never taken sociology before...
” – Nick from Lexington, IL
Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public institution in central Illinois and the flagship campus of the U of I system. UIUC is home to 15 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 150 areas of...
I've learned things so far in every course I've taken and have met really great professors and instructors. You learn a lot from the people as well. They're from all over the world.
” – Kristen from Chicago, IL
Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1860. Located in Rock Island, IL, Augustana offers more than 90 majors and related study programs in the humanities and fine arts, natural and social sciences, and pre-professional...
The faculty here are intelligent and more than qualified, plus they show a genuine caring attitude towards the students. The tri-mester schedule allows students to take more classes and double and even triple major.
” – Ashley from Dixon, IL
North Central College is a private comprehensive institution located just 30 miles west of Chicago in Naperville, Illinois. Founded in 1861, North Central offers nearly 100 different majors, minors and programs that serve the needs and interests of...
The classes have been small and very informative. I have had no problems scheduling classes when I want them or changing time/day if I need to. I was also allowed to apply to the teacher education program before starting my sophomore year. The...
” – Tyler from Sandwich, IL
Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is a Catholic, Jesuit university located in the city of Chicago. Loyola has four campuses in the Chicago area–the main Lake Shore Campus along Lake Michigan, Water Tower Campus in the heart of downtown, the...
As a nursing student at Loyola University I was immediately enrolled in classes directly related to my major. The teachers for my nursing classes encouraged me to take initiative in getting involved early within the nursing field. They taught me...
” – Heather
Lewis University is a private institution based in Romeoville, Illinois. The university operates two regional sites in Oak Brook and Tinley Park, as well as a satellite campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The school is affiliated with the Roman...
Lewis is an amazing school. There are many different types of majors and degrees offered and it has the top rated Aviation and Nursing programs in the Midwest. Lewis is a small, close knit and friendly community.
” – Martina from Burbank, IL
Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, founded by Lydia Moss Bradley, an amazing, future-focused woman in 1897. Here, you’ll have lots of opportunities to discover and learn through study abroad programs, unique...
Wow. Bradley University is a wonderful college for those who want to receive a great education in any chosen field of study. Bradley offers the best of the best college professors who all share the same passion and enthusiasm in not only their...
” – BRITTANY from Matteson, IL
Elmhurst University is a liberal arts institution in the Chicagoland area affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Elmhurst offers bachelor’s degrees in over 60 academic majors. Additionally, the school operates the Elmhurst Learning and Success...
I really am learning a lot in this school. I'm not just learning things for my major but also things that I can apply towards life in general. Going to a liberal arts school helps you learn many things that can used for many majors.
” – Liliana from Glendale Heights, IL
Benedictine University was founded in 1887 by Benedectine monks. It is a private institution that has a “selective” admissions process and bases its curriculum on Roman Catholic teachings. It is home to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum which houses...
It is a small university. There is a lot of interaction between the professors and students. Professors are extremely nice and helpful, and they would help you anytime. This way i am learning a lot in every single course i am taking.
” – Mirza from Naperville, IL
DePaul University is one of the largest private universities in the country. Located in Chicago, DePaul has more than 22,000 students, offers more than 300 degree programs over ten academic colleges and schools, and offers two campuses in the heart...
I have just recently transferred to DePaul University in June of this year. I have taken 3 summer classes and found I am able to graduate almost 6 months early due to the University's flexible and accomodating class requirements. In three months I...
” – Ashley from Chicago, IL
Trinity Christian College is a private liberal arts institution located in the wooded suburb of Palos Heights, IL, offering degrees in three areas, Arts & Humanities, Natural & Applied Sciences, and Social Sciences. All programs require an internship...
The professors at Trinity are rather wonderful. You can learn a lot from them in and out of the classroom. I have learned a lot of other cultures from international students and by talking to students from across the nation.
” – Christine from Wheaton, IL
Founded in 1907, Olivet Nazarene University is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Olivet Nazarene confers bachelor’s degrees in over 140 academic areas of study. As a Christian institution, ONU holds twice...
Because I was an undeclared major my freshman year I took a lot of different classes. I learned a lot of things in all of them. All the teachers that I had were very good and really cared about their students.
” – Andy from Peoria, IL
Founded by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, Dominican University is a Catholic institution in the Chicagoland area. Dominican is home to seven colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in 65 academic majors. As a Catholic university...
In my experience, I have not attend other schools so this is based on just my experience in this school The reason that I rate learning a lot 5 of 5 is: almost all the classes were very fun as well informative. to make sure you get this 5 out of 5 is...
” – Roberto from River Grove, IL
Founded in 1897, Trinity International University is a Christian liberal arts institution in the Chicagoland area operated by the Evangelical Free Church of America. Trinity confers undergraduate degrees in over 30 academic majors focused on core...
tiu is a place that encourages the development of each student holistically. the university's aim is to create a community in which every student can maximize their impact in the world.
” – Paul from Eagle River, AK
Saint Xavier University is a private four-year institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. SXU operates two campuses, one in a residential neighborhood of Chicago and a second in suburban Orland Park, Illinois. The school provides a...
I like Saint Xavier because the classes are smaller and it is easy access to get in touch with the teacher. They help you if you have questions and it is more intimate where you can get that one on one needed sometimes.
” – Victoria from University Park, IL
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public research university located in the Windy City. UIC’s 15 colleges and schools offer 87 bachelor’s degrees, 53 certificates, and more than 150 graduate degrees, as well as multiple research...
UIC is a great learning environment if you are able to use the resources offered to you. It's not always easy, and the classes are tough, but it's a great learning experience.
” – KN major.
Eastern Illinois University is a 4-year institution in Charleston featuring four colleges on a 320-acre campus. EIU offers 60 bachelor’s degrees, which can be complemented by any of the 85 minors offered, as well as four areas of undergraduate study...
The Gen. Ed. classes are all enjoyable and my major classes were taught by teachers who knew their subjects very well.
” – William from Schaumburg, IL
Founded in 1857, Illinois State University is a 4-year institution in central Illinois and the first public university in the state. The ISU campus hosts six colleges and schools as well as an Honors Program and Milner Library. In addition, ISU is...
Really great school for many different majors. I am a business major, and could not be happier with the professionalism and personal attention for all of the professors in the college of business. When here that Illinois State is a big school with a...
” – Paul from Pocahontas, IL
There are a varity of subjects on campus apply to the different types of people here on campus
” – Stephenie from Chillicothe, IL
Founded in 1855 by a group of abolitionists, Eureka College is a 4-year liberal arts and sciences institution in central Illinois, as well as the first college in the state to admit both genders. Eureka grants bachelor’s degrees in 36 academic majors...
The teachers are fantastic and really committed to educating their students. You will never have a class of more than about 25 people (and that's for a gen-ed requirement) and you will never be taught by a TA.
” – Jillian from Peoria, IL
Originally founded in 1860 as St. Francis Solanus College, Quincy University is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Illinois affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Quincy grants undergrad degrees in over 40 academic majors and provides a...
Quincy University is a campus near the Mississippi river and is gorgeous. The staff are all very friendly and willing to help many people when ever they need to or are needed. Like the staff the students are all very outgoing and willing to meet new...
” – Taylor from Quincy, IL
Aurora University is a private liberal arts college based in Aurora, Illinois. AU offers more than 50 academic programs. At Aurora University, we strive to help students discover what matters and build a life around it both in and out of the...
If you take the time to work towards good grades, your professors will too. They truly care about your success.
” – Becca from Illinois
Judson University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Elgin and Rockford, Illinois. Undergraduate students are required to earn at least 25 chapel credits each semester, and contribute to their GPA on a pass/fail basis. Judson...
a very social college, very close to Chicago, lots to do near campus, love the people there
” – Benjamin from Elgin, IL
Named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor, Roosevelt University is a private institution in Chicago with a dedication to social justice. Roosevelt offers over 70 undergraduate majors and 15 graduate and doctoral programs at...
The students ans staff are great. Everyone is friendly, and willing to help in whatever they can.
” – Nancy from Chicago, IL
Founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University in Carbondale is a public flagship university and the oldest university in the SIU system. SIU is home to ten colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as well as an Honors Program. For...
All of my teachers at SIUC overall have been fantastic. I especially recommend Dr. Hahn for Philosophy 104 and Dr. Martin for Sociology 108. Dr. Hahn is a wonderful teacher and does a good job keeping lectures very interesting. He does not put up...
” – Lauryn from Illinois
Founded in 1866, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the most historically significant accredited independent schools of art and design in the world. SAIC is consistently ranked among the top art and design schools by QS World...
If there is anything I am learning about the art world at SAIC, its everything! Experimenting in different mediums and art types is daily routine. Film, sculpture, plaster, and sound are just a few things that I have dipped my hands into since being...
” – Cassie from Papillion, NE
Columbia College Chicago is a private non-profit college located in the heart of Chicago. The one and only campus has more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from, in addition to programs available entirely online. Every...
I learn from not only my professors but also the fellow students around me. The professors not only work for the school but also have careers in their fields within the city. They all encourage students to seek outside education and experience with...
” – Rey from Nashville, TN
Northeastern Illinois University is a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution located in Chicago, Illinois. NEIU offers a Tuition Guarantee Program for all students up to six years. The school has three unique campus locations in the Chicago...
Northeastern has a very comfortable environment. Teachers that you don't even have will ask you about your day and classes, they'll even offer any help that you would need. As well with the students, everyone is very talkative and welcoming.
” – Migdalia from Chicago, IL
The American Academy of Art is a small, private, 4-year institution established in Chicago, Illinois. The Academy offers nine bachelor’s degree programs: Illustration and Digital Illustration, Life Drawing, Oil or Watercolor Painting, Graphic Design...

Parkland College is a two-year community college based in Champaign, Illinois, that confers associate’s degrees and workforce certificates. Serving 54 communities across central Illinois, Parkland offers over 100 degree and certificate programs and a...
Parkland is a really great way to get accustomed to the college life! From my personal experience thus far, the professors truly care about their students and are passionate about the subjects they teach. They are there to help and answer any...
” – Lauren from Champaign, IL
William Rainey Harper College is a public institution established in Palatine, Illinois. As the school is located in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, Harper College serves one of the largest community college student populations in the US. New...
I can honestly say I have never been at a school where the teachers care so much about their students. My professors have always made themselves available for out of classroom assistance and are willing to go over tricky topics if you find yourself...
” – Courtney from Wonder Lake, IL
Kankakee Community College is a 2-year institution serving six counties in northeast Illinois. KCC grants degrees and certificates from areas of study in seven academic departments including Agriculture/Horticulture and Human & Public Service. In...

Highland Community College is a 2-year institution in northwest Illinois. Highland features four academic divisions granting degrees and certificates in over 60 fields of study and an honors program. Beyond the classroom, Highland hosts the...

South Suburban College is a 2-year community college with two campuses offering classes in 16 academic departments. SSC recognizes outstanding students with admission to its Honors Program as well as naming them to its Dean’s List and as Presidential...
i have learn a lot from this college. I have learn how to a be successful college student. Not only that, but I've learn something I have never had a chance to learn in high school an that's studying.
” – Shaunte' from Phoenix, IL
Richland Community College is a 2-year community college with a main campus and two extension sites in central Illinois. Richland is home to six academic divisions offering degrees and certificates in over 80 fields of study. For environmentally...
All of my teacher are very knowledgeable, and they demonstrate that in each class. The ways they teacher makes going to class enjoyable and they are very eager to help all the students learn.
” – Jessica from Bethany, IL
The College of DuPage is a two-year community college situated in the suburban town of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The school has an open admissions policy and nontraditional students can gain college credits based on life experience. Top fields of study...
This college has surprisingly good academics. I wasn’t expecting much from a junior college, but COD really delivers. They offer a wide variety of courses and a high quality curriculum. The professors are competent and helpful. I have heard of some...
” – Benjamin from Carol Stream, IL
The College of Lake County is a public, 2-year institution established in Grayslake, Illinois, with additional campuses in Waukegan, Vernon Hills, as well as satellite facilities throughout the region. CLC prepares students for career placement and...
Since the classes are small you are in a cozier environment and you have much more one on one time with the teacher. The curriculum is complex and yet easy to work with and you achieve a much higher educational experience then you think you would get...
” – Leslie from Waukegan, IL
Elgin Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Illinois, with satellite locations in Hanover Park, Burlington, and Streamwood. ECC offers 138 degree and certificate programs, including over 25 different fields of study for...
ECC has such a great variety of classes, there's pretty much something for everyone. In my experience, the teachers are easily contacted, and very knowledgeable about their subjects.
” – Alaina from Elgin, IL
Illinois Central College is a public, 2-year institution established in East Peoria, with satellite facilities located in Pekin and Peoria. ICC offers over 200 associate’s degree and certificate programs, many of which feature opportunities for...
I think Illinois Central College is a great learning environment . I love going to this school this has changed my life for the better. All thanks to Illinois central College
” – Steven from Peoria, IL
Illinois Valley Community College is a 2-year institution serving an eight county area and the second oldest community college in Illinois. Illinois Valley’s academic offerings feature a Wind Energy program that utilizes the college’s prairie...

Joliet Junior College is a 2-year community college based in Joliet, Illinois. It is a public college that offers professional certifications and associate degrees in a wide range of subjects. The most popular majors are automotive mechanics. nursing...
This is a GREAT place to get started if you are planning to go on to a four year college or university. It's a wonderful learning environment!
Also, JJC has well respected Associate of Applied Science programs that allow you to streamline into a...

Kishwaukee College is a 2-year community college serving three counties in the northern Illinois area. In addition to over 70 associate degree and certificate programs, Kish offers five transfer degrees and its Health and Education department...
All the classes I'm taking are doing a great job at giving me critical information. The teachers here are extremely smart. I would strongly recommend Mrs. Anderson for anything she teaches in chemistry and Dr. Thomas for any of his philosophy/ethics...
” – Nicholas from Oregon, IL
Moraine Valley Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on a 297-acre campus in Palos Hills, Illinois, with satellite locations in Tinley Park and Blue Island. The college offers over 140 academic programs, including transfer...
The classes are small, 30 students max. This makes for great communication between you and the professor (no teacher assistants here!). All of my teachers are excited to teach each day, and make the material exciting (even math). I don't believe...
” – angelika from Orland Park, IL
Originally housed in a local high school, Morton College is a 2-year institution and the second oldest community college in Illinois. Morton is home to eight academic departments offering associate degrees and certificate programs. Additionally...
I absolutly love Morton College. The staff here actually cares about each individual student and does not act like the education of people should be treated as just a business.
” – Zitlali from Chicago, IL
Oakton Community College is a two-year college with two locations near Chicago’s North Shore, in Des Plaines and Skokie, Illinois. Offering 80 associate’s degrees and certificates, Oakton Community College offers facilities in the arts, health care...
The professors are great and i do enjoy my time here! They have learning center where students can go and study with tutors.
” – Khandkar from Niles, IL
Triton College is a public, 2-year institution established on an urban, 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Triton offers over 100 associate’s degree and certificate programs, with flexible learning options available including online courses...
One of the best junior colleges around. Triton has a variety of classes to choose from. Located in a very convenient location, lots of transportation near by.
” – Frank from Chicago, IL
Waubonsee Community College is a public, 2-year institution with a main location near Chicago, Illinois, in Sugar Grove. Waubonsee has three satellite locations, as well, two in Aurora and one in Plano. The community college offers two types of...
Best choice before transferring to a 4 year school. Their dual placement program with 4 year institutions is awesome! You will save alot of money by going this route. Instead of paying $1000-$2000 a class you'll pay about $300. (not including books)
” – Sandy from Aurora, IL
Black Hawk College is a public, 2-year institution established in Moline and Galva, Illinois. BHC offers a number of transfer programs and degree programs, with focuses ranging from Agribusiness to Music Industry. The campus features a wide variety...
Too many people feel that a community college will offer a sub par education compared to a four year university. The teaching staff here is excellent and I know that I am getting the same education as my friends at large universities. If anything...
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