Best Economics Colleges in Illinois

Illinois, home to one of the nation’s busiest metropolises and sprawling agricultural expanses, has an economic dynamic that’s rich and multifaceted. Consequently, it hosts some of the nation’s premier institutions for economics education. This guide provides an insight into the top economics colleges in the state.

University of Chicago

Information About Economics Programs

The University of Chicago is synonymous with excellence in economics. Its Economics department has produced numerous Nobel Prize laureates. The curriculum is research-intensive, encouraging students to critically evaluate economic theories and their implications.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition averages around $59,000 annually. Enrollment hovers around 17,000, with an SAT range of 1500-1570 for most admitted students.

Northwestern University

Information About Economics Programs

Located in Evanston, Northwestern’s economics program combines rigorous analytical training with real-world applications. The faculty is renowned for research in diverse fields, from development economics to industrial organization.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Annual tuition stands at about $56,000. The university enrolls over 22,000 students, with an SAT score range of 1480-1560.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Information About Economics Programs

UIUC offers a versatile economics program that encompasses traditional theory, empirical work, and policy analysis. They boast a vibrant research environment with numerous seminars and workshops.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition costs around $32,000 for out-of-state students and approximately $16,000 for in-state. Total enrollment is over 51,000 with an SAT range of 1260-1480.

Wheaton College – Illinois

Information About Economics Programs

Wheaton College offers a holistic approach to economics, integrating Christian faith with rigorous academic study. The program prepares students for careers in finance, government, academia, and more.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition averages $38,000 annually. The college has an enrollment of roughly 3,000 students, and the SAT range for admitted students is 1190-1380.

Illinois Wesleyan University

Information About Economics Programs

Offering a blend of liberal arts education and specialized economic instruction, IWU’s economics program emphasizes experiential learning and global perspectives.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition costs around $49,000 per year. The enrollment is approximately 1,700 students, with an SAT range of 1170-1380.

Lake Forest College

Information About Economics Programs

Situated near Chicago, this college offers students access to a dynamic economic hub. The program emphasizes practical applications, internships, and research.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition is about $49,000. The college enrolls around 1,500 students, with an SAT range of 1080-1300.

University of Illinois Chicago

Information About Economics Programs

UIC provides a vibrant urban learning environment. Their economics program focuses on policy-relevant research and teaching, preparing students for a variety of careers.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Out-of-state tuition stands at $27,000, while in-state is $14,000. The university’s enrollment is over 33,000, with an SAT range of 1020-1240.

Knox College

Information About Economics Programs

Knox offers an interdisciplinary approach, connecting economics with other fields. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, research, and global perspectives.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition is around $47,000 annually. The college enrolls about 1,300 students, and the SAT range lies between 1090-1310.

North Central College

Information About Economics Programs

Located in Naperville, this college offers a comprehensive economics program that emphasizes critical thinking, research, and real-world applications.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

The annual tuition fee is approximately $40,000. It enrolls over 2,900 students, with an SAT range of 1060-1260.

Augustana College – Illinois

Information About Economics Programs

Augustana combines a liberal arts foundation with specialized economics instruction. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, internships, and research.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Tuition stands at about $44,000 annually. The college’s enrollment is roughly 2,500 students, and the SAT range is 1080-1290.

Best Economics Colleges in Three Other States

Best Economics Colleges in Iowa

The University of Iowa and Iowa State University lead in providing top-tier economics education in the Hawkeye State.

Best Economics Colleges in Michigan

The University of Michigan and Michigan State University offer profound insights into the world of economics.

Best Economics Colleges in Indiana

Indiana University Bloomington and Purdue University stand out with their exceptional economics programs.

How to Prepare for the SAT On Your Own

Self-preparation for the SAT involves a strategic blend of practice tests, time management, mastering the test’s structure, and utilizing online resources. Setting a study schedule, identifying and addressing weak areas, and consistently practicing can lead to substantial improvement.

In conclusion, Illinois boasts a rich academic heritage in economics, offering students diverse options that cater to varying interests and career aspirations. From globally-renowned institutions to small liberal arts colleges, the state provides a comprehensive education in the realm of economics.