Too often overlooked and underestimated, Illinois is a great place to study business.⁷ There are undergraduate programs, MBA programs, and even in-person and online options. Looking to build a foundation in finance, management, or analytics? Here are some of Illinois's best business schools.
| School | City/Area | Tuition (MBA) | Enrollment / Selectivity | GMAT Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management | Evanston (near Chicago), IL | Approx. $81,015 per year | Full-time MBA class size approx. 503 students | GMAT or GRE accepted; average GMAT approx. 733 |
| University of Chicago – Booth School of Business | Chicago, IL | Approx. $80,961 per year | Full-time MBA class size approx. 637 students | GMAT or GRE required; no minimum score specified |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business | Champaign–Urbana, IL | Approx. $26,136 total (iMBA program tuition) | Large global cohort; class size varies by delivery model | GMAT/GRE not required for iMBA admission |
| DePaul University – Driehaus College of Business | Chicago, IL | Approx. $1,228 per credit hour (≈ $49,587 annually, depending on course load) | MBA applicant pool typically around 660 applicants annually | GMAT/GRE optional; average GMAT approx. 570 when submitted |
| Illinois Institute of Technology – Stuart School of Business | Chicago, IL | Approx. $1,851 per credit hour (≈ $30,816 annually, program-dependent) | Acceptance rate approx. 73% | GMAT/GRE generally required |
| Illinois State University – College of Business | Normal, IL | Public university tuition varies by residency and program structure | MBA cohort-based admission with selective intake | GMAT/GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 |
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
The emphasis and focus on leadership development, personal development, and how you interact and network is just an unparalleled and transformative experience.
Alexia Anna Constanza Boundaere
Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management is one of the country's most prestigious business schools.⁶ The school is famous for its collaborative learning culture, leadership development focus, and strong industry partnerships. Enjoy a program that balances academic rigor with practical leadership and networking development.
University of Chicago - Booth School of Business
Illinois supports a diverse economy that includes finance, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, logistics, and professional services.¹⁰ Chicago's position as a transportation and financial hub creates strong demand for graduates specializing in supply chain management, analytics, corporate finance, and consulting. Students studying business in Illinois often benefit from the state's diverse industries, which can expand career options after graduation.
The University of Chicago is a strong choice for business in Illinois. The Booth School of Business offers individualized academic pathways rather than a rigid core curriculum like some of California's top business schools. For students looking for flexibility, this could be the right choice.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Gies College of Business
Gies allows students to access high-quality coursework from anywhere in the world through its digital learning infrastructure. The program focuses on career accessibility, meaning students can complete business degrees while still employed. Many choose Gies because of the balance between affordability and academic recognition.
DePaul University - Driehaus College of Business
Driehaus focuses on internship placement and job readiness.³ With regular collaborations with local businesses, students can enjoy the kind of project-based learning that some of Texas's best business schools also offer. If you're interested in early-career momentum, DePaul's strong connections in Chicago's business community can help.
Illinois Institute of Technology - Stuart School of Business
Technology-focused coursework that reflects modern business demands in analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. Students at Stuart frequently participate in applied research projects that tackle current business challenges. This is for students who want to combine technical expertise, leadership, and management training.
Illinois State University - College of Business
Illinois State maintains partnerships with regional employers, creating networking and employment opportunities for graduates, much like the best business schools in Florida do with their local employers. The balance between academic support and career development is a massive plus for the school. When you graduate from here, you'll be ready for work.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Business Schools in Illinois
How can you choose the right business school for your needs and goals? You have to consider factors such as format flexibility (online, hybrid, or part-time), extracurriculars, and location. The best school isn't the one that tops the tables if it isn't right for you. Work out your priorities first, do your research, and find the school that is a good fit for you.
Undergraduate business degrees introduce students to core subjects such as management, accounting, marketing, and finance. MBA programs are postgraduate degrees designed for students with professional experience who want to advance into leadership or specialized roles. Students choosing between these options should consider career goals, work experience, time commitment, and financial investment before deciding which path aligns best with their professional ambitions.
Why Study Business in Illinois?
Illinois's diverse industry landscape offers career opportunities across various sectors. There are strong professional networking opportunities after graduation, and there are even geographical advantages, especially for students from the coasts.
Chicago is one of the largest financial, consulting, and logistics centers in the United States. The city hosts major stock exchanges, Fortune 500 headquarters, and global consulting firms. Business students studying in Illinois often benefit from internship pipelines, corporate mentorship opportunities, and networking events that connect universities with industry leaders. This close relationship between education and industry can help students gain practical experience before graduation and improve employment prospects after completing their degree.
AACSB-accredited business schools.¹
References
- AACSB International. AACSB-Accredited Schools. https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- Colleges of Distinction. Top Undergraduate Business Schools in Illinois for 2026. https://collegesofdistinction.com/undergraduate-business-schools-in-illinois/ Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- DePaul University. Driehaus College of Business Admissions and Tuition. https://business.depaul.edu/ Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- Illinois Institute of Technology. Stuart School of Business MBA Programs. https://www.iit.edu/stuart Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- Illinois State University. College of Business Undergraduate and Graduate Programs. https://business.illinoisstate.edu/ Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Full-Time MBA Admissions and Program Information. https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/ Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- Niche. 2026 Best Colleges for Business in Illinois. https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-business/s/illinois/ Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Full-Time MBA Admissions and Cost. https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Gies College of Business Programs and Admissions. https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/ Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard. https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Summarize with AI:
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
