
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Studying in the USA has long been a dream for Indian students, and Chicago, often referred to as the "Windy City," stands out as a top destination. With its iconic skyline, rich cultural diversity, and world-class educational institutions, Chicago offers Indian students a unique blend of education and experience. Talking about education, Chicago is home to some of the top universities in the USA such as, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Illinois Institute of Technology among others.
Being a major city, the cost of living in Chicago can be higher for many Indian students. Without rent, a single person’s estimated monthly expense is approximately 1,282 USD or 1.08 lakhs INR. The monthly rent can vary from 1,513 to 4,491 USD (1.27 lakhs to 3.79 lakhs), depending upon your chosen accommodation. Hence, look for student accommodations in USA to save money.
This article will help you understand what are the top universities in Chicago area, their popular programs, ranking and average annual tuition fees.
Also read: Cost of Studying in USA
Top Universities in Chicago Area
Given below are the rankings, popular programs, and average annual fees for the best universities in Chicago area.
| Ranking in 2025 | University | Popular Programs | Annual Fees in USD |
|---|---|---|---|
|
QS: #21 US News: #25 (Global Universities) |
University of Chicago | Anthropology, Economics, Accounting and Finance, Sociology, Social Science and Management | 12,942-84,198 |
|
QS: #50 US News: #6 (National universities) |
Northwestern University | Material Sciences, Business and Management Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Communication and Media Studies | 43,100-115,936 |
|
QS: #365 US News: #80 (National universities) |
University of Illinois at Chicago | Nursing, Education and Training, Pharmacy and Pharmacology | 31,800-47,796 |
|
QS: #601-610 US News: #80 (National universities) |
Illinois Institute of Technology | Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Physics, Computer Engineering, Architecture | 50,636-53,400 |
|
QS: #1001-1200 US News: #132 (National universities) |
Loyola University Chicago | Business, Management, Health Profession, Biology, Psychology | 28,100-54,300 |
|
US News: #165 (National universities) |
DePaul University | Design, Information Technology, Business, Communication | 21,690-53,716 |
| US News: #73 (Regional universities, Midwest) | North Park University | Nursing, Business Administration, Biology, Psychology, Marketing | 17,400-40,200 |
Exchange rate: 1 USD= 84.39 INR as on November 18, 2024
Insight: These universities are listed under the top Chicago universities for masters and the top Chicago universities for MBA in USA. Hence, we did not list them separately to avoid repetition.
Also check: MBA Colleges in USA
Admission Process for Best Universities in Chicago
Chicago universities also have the same admission process as the other universities in USA. Check the application deadlines of these universities as per the intakes in USA and apply. Below are the general admission requirements for the good universities in Chicago.
- Academic transcripts
- Proficiency scores in English Exams for USA
- IELTS: 6.5-7.5
- TOEFL iBT: 60-100
- PTE: 54-70
- DET: 80-100
- Standardized test scores
- SAT: 1300
- GRE: 160 in both section
- GMAT: 650+
- Personal statement
- LOR
- Financial proof
- US student visa
Must read: Requirements to Study in USA
Job Opportunities After Studying in Chicago Universities
Being a major city, the job opportunities after studying in good universities in Chicago are also rewarding. Here, we have listed the popular recruiters in Chicago area along with their average annual salary offerings.
| Company | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. | 105,340 USD (88.89 lakhs INR) |
| The Northern Trust Company | 87,160 USD (73.55 lakhs INR) |
| Northwestern Medicine | 84,273 USD (71.11 lakhs INR) |
| United Airlines INC | 89,469 USD (75.50 lakhs INR) |
| Northwestern University | 66,423 USD (56.05 lakhs INR) |
| EY | 96,134 USD (81.12 lakhs INR) |
| Accenture | 102,118 USD (86.17 lakhs INR) |
| University of Chicago | 73,569 USD (62.08 lakhs INR) |
| Mediline Industries | 79,704 USD (67.26 lakhs INR) |
| Deloitte | 86,955 USD (73.38 lakhs INR) |
Exchange rate: 1 USD= 84.39 INR as on November 18, 2024
Also read: Popular Job Sectors in USA
Popular Jobs and Salaries After Studying from Universities in Chicago
Here, we have given a few popular job roles that student can get after completing their studies from Chicago universities.

Exchange rate: 1 USD= 84.39 INR as on November 18, 2024
Also check:
| Post Study Work Guide in USA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Job Opportunities in USA | High Paying Jobs in USA | Top US Cities for Job Opportunities |
| Post Study Work Visa in USA | H1-B Visa | US Work Visa Types |
With its blend of top universities, diverse communities, and robust career opportunities, Chicago paves the way for success. Universities in Chicago also offer scholarships for international students in the form of tuition fee waiver, stipends etc. You can also check merit-based and need-based scholarships to study in USA.
FAQs
Ques: What is the top university in Chicago?
Ans: The University of Chicago is widely regarded as the top university in Chicago. It is globally recognized for its academic excellence, particularly in fields like Economics, Law, and Business. With a consistent top-10 global ranking and numerous Nobel laureates, it offers world-class education and research opportunities.
Ques: Is University of Chicago as good as Ivy League?
Ans: Yes, the University of Chicago is considered on par with Ivy League universities. Although it is not part of the Ivy League (which is a group of eight Northeastern US schools), UChicago often ranks higher than many Ivies in global rankings.
Ques: Is IIT Chicago better than DePaul University?
Ans: The choice between Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT Chicago) and DePaul University depends on your academic and career goals:
IIT Chicago:
- Ideal for STEM fields, particularly Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology.
- Offers strong research opportunities and industry connections in science and innovation.
- Better for students aiming for technical careers.
DePaul University:
- Known for Business, Arts, and Social Sciences programs.
- Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, offering great access to the business scene.
- Better for students seeking careers in business or liberal arts.
Both universities have active Indian student communities and scholarships, so the decision should align with your field of interest.
Ques: Is University of Chicago a top 10 schools?
Ans: Yes, the University of Chicago is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally. It is especially renowned for its programs in Economics, Political Science, and Business, and is home to the prestigious Booth School of Business.
























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