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Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 16 colleges offering Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,645 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $34,914 on average within two years — 9% above the national average of $32,158, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: DePaul University graduates earn $59,756 while Illinois State University graduates earn $27,222 — a $32,534 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

16
Schools in IL
$34,914
IL Avg. Earnings
$32,158
National Avg.
456
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Illinois

Public Schools (9)
$32,238
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (7)
$38,355
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,117 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$59,756
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $59,652
Graduates: 321
Acceptance: 73.5%
#2
R

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$47,327
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.3%
#3
B

Blackburn College

Carlinville, IL · Private

$40,456
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 80.1%
#4
U

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL · Public

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,644
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 84.4%
#5
Q

Quincy University

Quincy, IL · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,865
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 49.9%
#6
N

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$33,604
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,313
Graduates: 140
Acceptance: 70.4%
#7
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$33,565
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,748
Graduates: 99
Acceptance: 70.5%
#8
W

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$32,658
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,956
Graduates: 249
Acceptance: 75.0%
#9
E

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

$32,634
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,984
Graduates: 178
Acceptance: 67.8%
#10
G

Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public

$32,498
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,787
Graduates: 130
Acceptance: N/A
#11
C

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

$32,391
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,460
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: 40.5%
#12
S

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,559
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 85.8%
#13
U

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$28,960
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,324
Graduates: 203
Acceptance: 4.8%
#14
L

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · Private

$28,309
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 72.7%
#15
S

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$27,280
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,026
Graduates: 60
Acceptance: 90.4%
#16
I

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$27,222
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,380
Graduates: 151
Acceptance: 89.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Illinois?
DePaul University ranks #1 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $59,756 within two years of graduation. There are 16 schools offering Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs in the state.
How much do Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates earn in Illinois?
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates in Illinois earn an average of $34,914 within two years of graduation. This is 9% above the national average of $32,158 for this major.
What is the hardest Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities school to get into in Illinois?
University of Chicago is the most selective Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs in the state is 69.9%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs produce average earnings of $38,355 vs $32,238 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 7 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773
All colleges in Illinois →

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.