State + Major Rankings

Best Economics Schools in Illinois

Top Economics programs in Illinois ranked by national standing and graduate earnings -- updated 2026.

Programs listed: 15

Avg major earnings: $73,731

Top Economics Programs in Illinois

Nationally ranked schools appear first. Earnings reflect graduates of this specific major.

#	School	Type	4yr Earnings	1yr Earnings	Admit Rate
1	University of Chicago #14 national	Private	$127,832	$92,075	4.8%
2	Northwestern University #50 national	Private	$105,795	$84,932	7.1%
3	UIUC #67 national	Public	$75,600	$58,921	43.7%
4	DePaul University #246 national	Private	$60,508	$37,151	73.5%
5	University of Illinois Chicago #248 national	Public	$63,369	$37,767	78.5%
6	North Central College #285 national	Private	N/A	$52,728	58.3%
7	Wheaton College #401 national	Private	$60,894	$62,889	90.0%
8	Illinois State University #415 national	Public	$56,964	$44,015	89.0%
9	Lake Forest College #433 national	Private	$62,870	$53,529	59.4%
10	Northern Illinois University #663 national	Public	$63,359	$45,386	70.5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Excludes for-profit institutions.

See all schools offering Economics and compare earnings, debt, and outcomes.