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 |
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 |
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 |
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
- 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