
Best Religious Studies Colleges & Programs in Illinois
How are the Top Religious Studies Programs Chosen in Illinois
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Founded in 1890, The University of Chicago is a private urban research institution. U of Chicago is home to an undergraduate college noteworthy for establishing the fields of Ecology and Sociology. In addition to classroom facilities, the U of...
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
Lake Forest College is a private liberal arts college located north of Chicago, Illinois, near Lake Michigan. The school offers over 200 study abroad programs in places such as Argentina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Poland, and Vietnam. Top fields of study...
If you really want to learn, then you should consider Lake Forest College. Its small class sizes enables for the students to easily establish a relationship with the professor. When one’s stuck, they could easily talk to the professor because (1)...
” – Kelly
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
Established by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, the University of St. Francis is a Franciscan Catholic liberal arts college in the Chicagoland area. St. Francis is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business...
It has a diverse population of students and faculty. The environment is very welcoming and hospitality orientated. Also, the college offers many programs and clubs to get you involved around campus.
” – Tyon from Chicago, 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
Wheaton College is an explicitly Christian, academically rigorous, liberal arts college and graduate school located just 25 miles west of Chicago. Established in 1860 by abolitionists, Wheaton is guided by its original mission to provide excellence...
The profs are great- very good teachers, love what they're doing, and really want to help you succeed.
” – Andy from Wheaton, 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 1829, Illinois College is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Illinois and the first college in the state to offer a degree. Illinois confers undergraduate degrees in over 45 academic fields of study. For students who wish to learn in...
Illinois College offers majors in a wide variety of subjects, whether your field be science, art, English, theater, education, etc. Pretty much you name it and they can probably find a way to make it work for you. As a liberal arts school, students...
” – Sarah from Virginia, 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
Founded by the Free Methodist Church, Greenville University is an evangelical Christian liberal arts college in southern Illinois. Greenville offers undergraduate degrees in over 50 academic majors as well as eleven 3-year degree-granting programs...
If you don't know what a Liberal Arts college is, let me give it to you, how it's been shown to me. GC requires you to take a WIDE range of courses and then shows you how they're interconnected. Connections between health, religion, science, art...
” – Melanie from Harvard, IL
Monmouth College is a private, 4-year established in the state of Illinois. Each student at Monmouth is enrolled in one of many bachelor-of-arts programs, some of which are pre-professional programs, which are designed to prepare students with the...
The class size is normally less than 25, and I even have one class with only 4 other people. It's really close and fun, and makes learning really easy.
” – Rebecca from Roscoe, IL
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
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 as Bible institute dedicated to training preachers, Lincoln Christian University is a Christian college in central Illinois. LCU grants undergraduate degrees in 13 majors including Christian-centered subjects such as Preaching...
First of all, the classes are mostly all religious, so if you're not Christian, don't apply here. You won't like it. Second, there's very few math and sciences courses, so for all of us uber-challenged, that's a huge plus!
The professors are...

McKendree University is a private, liberal arts institution established in Lebanon, Illinois. The campus is situated on wooded land spanning 235 acres and features a number of state-of-the-art facilities, including the Marion K. Piper Academic Center...
You will use your brain at the school. But dont worry if you get stuck every teacher is there to help you. Some teachers even give ther home number so you dont have to worry about missing them during office hours
” – Alexondria from Chicago, 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
Concordia University Chicago is a private liberal arts institution based in River Forest, Illinois, with selective admissions. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and provides a curriculum focused on Jesus Christ. Popular fields...
This college had provided me with the opportunity to take classes that no matter what the subject I learn a lot. My general courses and my specified classes are all very informational for life itself. The professors know how to relate life to the...
” – Heather from South St Paul, MN
With a campus along the banks of the Mississippi River, Principia College is a 4-year liberal arts institution in southwest Illinois with an emphasis on Christian Science. Principia confers bachelor’s degrees in 28 majors as well as an Individualized...
It is one of the most uplifting campus' I have ever been on, because everyone understands the importance of Christian Science. The small size of the campus means that you get one on one time with all your professors, and they are able to take a...
” – Hannah
Founded in 1891, North Park University is a Christian institution in Chicago affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. North Park is home to six colleges and schools as well as a seminary conferring degrees in over 60 undergrad and graduate...
It is very easy to learn everything you need to know at this school. The largest class size is 25 max. Your professors are always available to help you when you need extra help.
” – Shellye from las vegas, NV
The Moody Bible Institute is a school of higher education that was founded in 1886. Moody Bible focuses on Christian education including, but not limited to, biblical studies, divinity, and theology. Moody Bible has various spiritual enrichment...
Moody is renowned for its ability to teach the future generation solid, biblically based teaching and my experience so far has been just that. I came to MBI (the Spokane campus) with quite minimal knowledge of the Bible. In fact, I don't think I've...
” – Ryan from Gilberts, IL
Modeled after Talmudic academies of Eastern Europe and Middle Eastern Torah centers, Telshe Yeshiva-Chicago is a Jewish yeshiva dedicated to training scholars and future rabbis. Telshe Yeshiva-Chicago offers Talmudic Studies undergrad and graduate...

Originally founded as the Chicago Bible College, Christian Life College is a private Christ-centered institution with a Biblical foundation in the Chicagoland area. Christian Life College offers a bachelor’s degree in Ministerial Studies with eight...

Hebrew Theological College is a school of Orthodox Jewish scholarship in the Chicagoland area dedicated to training rabbis and Torah scholars. Known informally as “Skokie Yeshiva,” HTC is home to the Beis Midrash & College Program for Men and...

With campus a short walk from Lake Michigan, American Islamic College is an Islamic university in Chicago dedicated to training future leaders of Muslim institutions. AIC features a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies as well as master of arts and...

With a campus adjacent to Jackson Park, Bexley Seabury Seminary is an Episcopal seminary in Chicago dedicated to formation of clergy and church leaders. Bexley Seabury offers a master’s degree and doctorate in Divinity as well as a diploma in...

Founded as a response to a call for more seminaries in urban locations, the Catholic Theological Union at Chicago is a Roman Catholic grad school on the city’s south side. CTU offers nine theological master’s degree programs as well as a doctorate in...

Established in 1855, Chicago Theological Seminary is a private, Christ-centered institution located downtown beside the University of Chicago. CTS offers master’s and doctoral degrees in seven fields of study, as well as a certificate program in...

Established in 1853, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is a Christ-centered, graduate education institution located in Evanston, Illinois. Garrett-Evangelical offers seven master’s degree programs, a Doctor of Ministry degree program with six...
My view of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary is that it is the best on the North Shore. Since Garrett has accepted me as one of their students, I have grown more and more into a bold leader.
” – Jacqueline from Chicago, IL
Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is a Christ-centered seminary on the south side of Chicago. LSTC confers master’s degrees in Divinity, Ministry, Arts, and Theology as well as...

As one of 12 American institutions affiliated with the Presbyterian church, McCormick Theological Seminary is a Chicago-based seminary in the Reformed tradition. McCormick offers master’s degree programs in Divinity, Ministry, and Theological Studies...

With campus adjacent to Grant Park, Meadville Lombard Theological School is a Unitarian Universalist seminary in Chicago. Meadville Lombard confers master’s degrees in Divinity, Leadership Studies, and Religion with an emphasis on multifaith and...

Established in 1913, Northern Seminary is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Lisle, Illinois. The seminary offers six core degree and certificate programs, providing postgraduate education in fields of study including Divinity...

With campus adjacent to Grant Park, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership is a Jewish graduate school in Chicago. Spertus Institute offers master’s degree programs in Jewish Studies and Jewish Professional Studies. The Institute’s...

As the largest Roman Catholic seminary in the United States, the University of St. Mary of the Lake is a graduate school in the Chicagoland area dedicated to training students for the priesthood. St. Mary of the Lake confers master’s degrees in...
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