Best Undergraduate Business Schools in Illinois

We have found 12 undergraduate business schools in Illinois that offer full-time BBA programs leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Check the following list to see acceptance rate, in-state and out-of-state tuition as well as total enrollment for each of Illinois BBA colleges.

List of Best Undergraduate Business Schools in Illinois

Rank Undergraduate Business Schools
1 University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
601 E. John Street Champaign, IL 61820
In-State Tuition: $13,640
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,782
Application Deadline: Jan 2
Acceptance Rate: 65.2%
School Setting: urban
Total Enrollment: 31,477

University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign Undergraduate Business

2 DePaul University
1 E. Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60604
In-State Tuition: $28,858
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,858
Application Deadline: Feb 1
Acceptance Rate: 74.2%
School Setting: urban
Total Enrollment: 16,199

DePaul University Undergraduate Business

3 Loyola University Chicago
1032 W. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60660
In-State Tuition: $32,114
Out-of-State Tuition: $32,114
Application Deadline: rolling admission
Acceptance Rate: 78.1%
School Setting: urban
Total Enrollment: 10,077

Loyola University Chicago Undergraduate Business

4 University of Illinois-Chicago
601 S. Morgan M/C 102 Chicago, IL 60607
In-State Tuition: $13,074
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,464
Application Deadline: Jan 15
Acceptance Rate: 63.0%
School Setting: urban
Total Enrollment: 16,044
5 Northern Illinois University
PO Box 3001 DeKalb, IL 60115
In-State Tuition: $12,126
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,646
Application Deadline: Aug 1
Acceptance Rate: 58.5%
School Setting: suburban
Total Enrollment: 18,277
6 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 62901
In-State Tuition: $10,468
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,403
Application Deadline: rolling admission
Acceptance Rate: 68.6%
School Setting: rural
Total Enrollment: 15,551
7 Bradley University
1501 W. Bradley Avenue Peoria, IL 61625
In-State Tuition: $25,424
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,424
Application Deadline: rolling admission
Acceptance Rate: 73.5%
School Setting: urban
Total Enrollment: 5,061
8 Illinois State University
Campus Box 2200 Normal, IL 61790
In-State Tuition: $11,077
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,617
Application Deadline: Mar 1
Acceptance Rate: 61.7%
School Setting: urban
Total Enrollment: 18,389
9 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Box 1600 Edwardsville, IL 62026
In-State Tuition: $8,401
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,401
Application Deadline: May 1
Acceptance Rate: 87.4%
School Setting: suburban
Total Enrollment: 11,144
10 University of Illinois-Springfield
1 University Plaza Springfield, IL 62703
In-State Tuition: $9,815
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,965
Application Deadline: rolling admission
Acceptance Rate: 57.6%
School Setting: urban
Total Enrollment: 3,027
11 Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, IL 61920
In-State Tuition: $9,302
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,542
Application Deadline: rolling admission
Acceptance Rate: 68.4%
School Setting: urban
Total Enrollment: 10,225
12 Western Illinois University
1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455
In-State Tuition: $9,466
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,855
Application Deadline: May 15
Acceptance Rate: 63.6%
School Setting: rural
Total Enrollment: 10,553

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business

Overview

The Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the top public business schools in the country, consistently ranked for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, innovation, and business analytics. Gies provides students with a rigorous academic curriculum, access to internships, and global learning opportunities. Located in Champaign-Urbana, the college benefits from close ties to leading companies in Chicago and across the Midwest.

Majors Offered

Gies College of Business offers a diverse range of undergraduate majors designed to equip students with comprehensive business knowledge and specialized skills:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Business Administration
  • Information Systems
  • Operations Management
  • Supply Chain Management

Top Hiring Companies

Gies graduates are highly sought after by top employers across various industries, including finance, technology, and consulting. Many Gies alumni find employment with major corporations in Chicago and beyond. Some of the top hiring companies include:

  • Deloitte
  • KPMG
  • PwC
  • Ernst & Young (EY)
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • PepsiCo
  • Caterpillar
  • Amazon
  • State Farm
  • Boeing

Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management (Undergraduate Program via Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences)

Overview

While Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management is known for its MBA program, undergraduate students pursuing economics or other business-related fields within the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences often have the opportunity to take Kellogg’s business-focused electives. Located in Evanston, just north of Chicago, Northwestern provides students with a strong liberal arts foundation and access to Kellogg’s business expertise. The school emphasizes leadership, innovation, and global perspectives, making it a top choice for students interested in business careers.

Majors Offered

While Northwestern does not offer a traditional undergraduate business degree, students can major in related fields through Weinberg College, such as:

  • Economics
  • Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences
  • Learning and Organizational Change
  • Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS)

Additionally, students can pursue a certificate in Financial Economics through the Kellogg School.

Top Hiring Companies

Northwestern’s prestigious reputation and proximity to Chicago make its graduates highly attractive to top employers. Students often land positions in finance, consulting, and technology. Some of the top hiring companies for Northwestern graduates include:

  • McKinsey & Company
  • Goldman Sachs
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
  • Microsoft
  • Bain & Company
  • Google
  • Amazon
  • Accenture
  • Morgan Stanley

DePaul University – Driehaus College of Business

Overview

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, DePaul University’s Driehaus College of Business is one of the oldest business schools in the country. DePaul’s business programs are deeply integrated into the local business community, offering students direct access to internships and networking opportunities with major corporations. The school is known for its emphasis on entrepreneurship, real estate, and finance. With small class sizes and a strong focus on experiential learning, DePaul is a great option for students looking to gain practical business experience.

Majors Offered

DePaul’s Driehaus College of Business offers a wide range of undergraduate business majors designed to prepare students for various careers:

  • Accountancy
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Business Administration
  • Real Estate
  • Hospitality Leadership
  • Economics
  • Management Information Systems (MIS)

Top Hiring Companies

Driehaus graduates benefit from the school’s deep ties to the Chicago business community, making them highly sought after by local and national companies. Some of the top hiring companies for DePaul graduates include:

  • Deloitte
  • PwC
  • KPMG
  • McDonald’s
  • United Airlines
  • Walgreens
  • CBRE
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Bank of America
  • Northern Trust

Loyola University Chicago – Quinlan School of Business

Overview

Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business is located in Chicago’s financial district and is known for its focus on ethics, sustainability, and global business education. Quinlan offers students a combination of academic rigor and real-world experience through internships, corporate partnerships, and study abroad programs. Loyola’s Jesuit values also emphasize social responsibility and ethical leadership, making it an attractive option for students who want to make a positive impact through business.

Majors Offered

Quinlan School of Business offers a variety of majors designed to meet the needs of students interested in both traditional and emerging business fields:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Management
  • Information Systems
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Sport Management
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • International Business

Top Hiring Companies

Loyola’s strong focus on ethics and its location in Chicago make it a popular choice for companies looking to hire graduates with strong leadership and business skills. Top hiring companies include:

  • JPMorgan Chase
  • United Airlines
  • PwC
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Northern Trust
  • McDonald’s
  • Allstate
  • Accenture
  • Deloitte
  • Boeing

University of Illinois Chicago – College of Business Administration

Overview

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Business Administration is a top choice for students looking to study business in a diverse, urban environment. Located in the heart of Chicago, UIC provides students with access to internships, networking events, and job opportunities at some of the largest companies in the Midwest. UIC is particularly known for its programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The college also places a strong emphasis on innovation and technology, preparing students for careers in rapidly changing industries.

Majors Offered

UIC’s College of Business Administration offers several undergraduate business majors that help students develop the skills needed to succeed in a variety of business sectors:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Information and Decision Sciences
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Business Analytics

Top Hiring Companies

UIC graduates benefit from the university’s location in Chicago and its strong connections to local businesses and startups. Some of the top hiring companies for UIC graduates include:

  • Northern Trust
  • Bank of America
  • United Airlines
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
  • Groupon
  • GrubHub
  • Walgreens
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • PwC
  • Abbott Laboratories

Illinois State University – College of Business

Overview

Illinois State University’s College of Business, located in Normal, Illinois, is known for its focus on student-centered learning, hands-on experience, and professional development. The school offers a comprehensive business education, with programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in various industries. Illinois State’s College of Business is particularly well-regarded for its accounting, insurance, and risk management programs. Students have access to internships, co-op programs, and opportunities to work on real-world projects with local businesses.

Majors Offered

Illinois State’s College of Business offers a variety of undergraduate business majors that allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Finance
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Business Information Systems

Top Hiring Companies

Illinois State graduates are well-prepared for careers in finance, insurance, and management, and are highly recruited by top companies in Illinois and beyond. Some of the top hiring companies include:

  • State Farm
  • Country Financial
  • Caterpillar
  • Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
  • Allstate
  • Zurich Insurance
  • Enterprise Holdings
  • Edward Jones
  • Deloitte
  • KPMG

Northern Illinois University – College of Business

Overview

Northern Illinois University’s (NIU) College of Business, located in DeKalb, offers a strong business education with a focus on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. NIU is known for its close ties to Chicago’s business community and its emphasis on hands-on learning. The school offers a variety of programs that provide students with real-world experience, including internships, co-op programs, and corporate partnerships. NIU’s College of Business is particularly strong in finance, accounting, and marketing.

Majors Offered

NIU’s College of Business offers a wide range of undergraduate business majors designed to prepare students for successful careers in a variety of fields:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Operations and Information Management
  • Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility

Top Hiring Companies

NIU’s College of Business has strong ties to major companies in the Chicago area and beyond, providing graduates with excellent career opportunities. Some of the top hiring companies include:

  • Caterpillar
  • Motorola Solutions
  • Discover Financial Services
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • CDW
  • PepsiCo
  • Deloitte
  • Chase Bank
  • Edward Jones
  • KPMG