Top Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois

The state of Illinois has a rich history of higher education, with several prestigious institutions contributing to its reputation as a hub for academic excellence. Among the numerous colleges and universities in the state, five liberal arts colleges stand out, making it to the U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges rankings in 2009. These institutions are Wheaton College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Augustana College, Knox College, and Lake Forest College. Together, these schools represent the best of what Illinois has to offer in the field of liberal arts education, each providing students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous academic studies while also fostering personal growth and a strong sense of community.

Wheaton College, located in Wheaton, Illinois, is the highest-ranked liberal arts college in the state, occupying the 56th position in the national rankings. In addition to its placement in the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, Wheaton College has earned recognition for its academic excellence and overall quality of life. One of the most notable features of Wheaton College is its consistent ranking as one of the most popular liberal arts colleges in the country. In the 2009 U.S. News & World Report, it was ranked 7th in terms of popularity, which speaks to its strong reputation and the demand for a Wheaton education. The college is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and it provides a robust environment for students seeking intellectual challenge and personal development.

One of the reasons Wheaton College consistently ranks highly in both academic and student experience categories is its commitment to providing a well-rounded education. The institution is known for its exceptional campus food, ranked #1 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 rankings for Best Campus Food. This ranking reflects Wheaton College's dedication to enhancing the overall student experience, ensuring that students are not only challenged intellectually but are also supported in their daily lives. Wheaton’s top ranking in Town-Gown Relations further underscores its commitment to creating strong ties between the college and the surrounding community, fostering an environment where students can engage meaningfully with the local area while pursuing their academic goals. These rankings reflect Wheaton’s efforts to create a campus culture that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in community and student well-being.

Additionally, Wheaton College's commitment to providing value for its students is reflected in its inclusion on The Princeton Review’s 100 Best Value Colleges for 2009 list. This prestigious ranking highlights Wheaton’s ability to offer an excellent education at an affordable price, ensuring that students receive a high return on investment for their education. The college's emphasis on providing a quality education at an accessible cost has made it an appealing choice for students seeking value in their higher education experience. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance also recognized Wheaton as one of the nation’s best values in private colleges, ranking it 15th for Best Values in Private Colleges for 2009. These rankings speak to the college’s dedication to offering a strong academic experience while remaining mindful of students’ financial needs, a crucial factor for many families when choosing a college.

Another key factor that contributes to Wheaton College's impressive standing is its placement as 3rd in the nation among liberal arts colleges by Washington Monthly. This ranking highlights Wheaton's overall commitment to producing well-rounded, globally conscious graduates who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society. The college is known for its rigorous academic programs, which challenge students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with the world in a meaningful way. Additionally, Wheaton College’s emphasis on preparing students for lives of service and leadership is a major component of its mission, ensuring that graduates leave with the tools they need to become active, informed citizens of the world.

Following Wheaton College in the rankings is Illinois Wesleyan University, located in Bloomington, Illinois, which holds the 60th position nationally among liberal arts colleges. Illinois Wesleyan is widely regarded as one of the top liberal arts institutions in the state and has built a strong reputation for providing an academically rigorous education in a supportive and engaging environment. The university’s strong performance in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence, and its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.

Illinois Wesleyan University is particularly well-known for its emphasis on global education and study abroad opportunities. The university ranks 31st in the nation for the total number of students studying abroad, according to the latest Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Open Doors report. This ranking reflects Illinois Wesleyan’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to expand their horizons beyond the classroom and gain valuable cross-cultural experiences. Through its study abroad programs, Illinois Wesleyan encourages students to engage with the global community, enhancing their academic experiences and preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

In addition to its global education initiatives, Illinois Wesleyan University has earned recognition for its value as a private liberal arts institution. It was ranked 34th among the nation’s best values in private liberal arts colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance in 2009. This recognition reflects the university’s ability to offer a high-quality education at a cost that is manageable for many families. Illinois Wesleyan’s commitment to providing value to its students is evident in its financial aid offerings and its efforts to keep tuition costs competitive while maintaining the quality of its academic programs.

Like Wheaton College, Illinois Wesleyan University is also highly regarded for its strong sense of community and student engagement. The university provides students with numerous opportunities to get involved in campus life, from student organizations and clubs to service learning and leadership programs. These opportunities help students develop important skills outside of the classroom and build lasting relationships with their peers. The university’s welcoming and inclusive campus culture contributes to its reputation as an institution that values the holistic development of its students.

Illinois Wesleyan’s strong academic programs, commitment to global education, and dedication to providing value make it one of the top liberal arts institutions in Illinois. Its position as the second best liberal arts college in the state is well-deserved, and the university’s continued success in rankings reflects its status as a top choice for students seeking an academically rigorous and globally focused education.

Next in the rankings are Augustana College and Knox College, both of which share the 88th position nationally in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 rankings. Augustana College, located in Rock Island, Illinois, is known for its strong academic programs in the liberal arts, as well as its commitment to providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The college offers a variety of academic disciplines and encourages students to engage in interdisciplinary studies, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Augustana’s strong emphasis on experiential learning ensures that students have the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for successful careers after graduation.

Knox College, located in Galesburg, Illinois, is another respected institution in the state. Knox is known for its academic rigor and its commitment to fostering an environment of intellectual exploration and personal growth. The college has a strong tradition of encouraging students to challenge themselves both inside and outside of the classroom, and it offers a variety of academic programs that allow students to pursue their passions. Knox is particularly well-known for its active student body and its emphasis on service and community engagement. Students at Knox have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, from student-run organizations to community service projects, helping them develop leadership skills and become more involved in their communities.

Finally, Lake Forest College, located in Lake Forest, Illinois, rounds out the list of the top liberal arts colleges in the state, coming in at 94th nationally in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Lake Forest College offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on preparing students for success in a variety of fields. The college emphasizes the development of critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for success in the modern world. With a variety of academic programs, as well as opportunities for internships, study abroad, and community engagement, Lake Forest College provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for life after graduation.

Together, Wheaton College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Augustana College, Knox College, and Lake Forest College represent some of the best liberal arts institutions in Illinois. These colleges offer strong academic programs, opportunities for personal and intellectual growth, and a commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive campus communities. Whether through their emphasis on global education, student engagement, or value for money, these colleges continue to be top choices for students seeking an exceptional liberal arts education in the state of Illinois.

List of leading liberal arts colleges in Illinois (US):

• Lake Forest College
  
• MacMurray College
  
• McKendree University
  
• Monmouth College
  
• North Central College
  
• Rockford College
  
• Shimer College
  
• Trinity Christian College
  
• Wheaton College, Illinois
  
• Augustana College
  
• Blackburn College
  
• Eureka College
  
• Greenville College
  
• Illinois College
  
• Illinois Wesleyan University
  
• Judson University
  
• Knox College (Illinois)