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Chicago is a dynamic metropolis nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan and stands as a beacon of American culture and commerce. Its architectural marvels from the soaring Willis Tower to the iconic Art Deco Tribune Tower stretched across its skyline. The year 2022 saw 50 million tourists savouring its deep-dish pizza, jazz heritage and artistic theatre scene. Often mistaken for a state, Chicago proudly stands as a city within Illinois. Its allure lies in its unique blend of urban grit and Midwestern hospitality. Today, it has become the third-largest city in the United States and the core for finance, commerce and innovation. 

 

Students have the opportunity to study abroad in Chicago at Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago and 28 others. Over time, The University of Chicago has secured a notable 10th place in the QS World University Rankings 2023. Additionally, on the northern outskirts lies Northwestern University, which holds the 24th spot in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. We see philosopher John Howard Moore, author George R. R. Martin, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, and the accomplished actor Warren Beatty, who graduated from these universities. 

 

Why Study In Chicago?

From undergraduate to masters in Chicago, international students have the choice of applying to any. Apart from that, what makes the city the creme de la creme of Illinois is because of these top reasons: 

 

Academia

Students will be spoiled for choice because of the expansive network of City Colleges of Chicago. Additionally, Chicago's coding boot camps cater to tech-savvy individuals seeking tech training without the time commitment of a full-fledged degree programme. The cost of studying in Chicago ranges from expensive to affordable. So make your choice wisely.

 

Sports 

Chicago holds the fort in sports, anchored by legendary teams like the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. College sports also hold a prominent place in Chicago's sporting landscape, with rivalries like the Northwestern Wildcats versus the Ohio State Buckeyes igniting a fervour among fans. 

 

Transportation

Chicago's well-connected public transportation system, known as the "L", connects the downtown with ease. College students can avail of transportation discounts through their respective universities, ensuring economical travel throughout the city. For instance, the University of Chicago's U-Pass grants unlimited access to both rail and bus systems during the academic year. 

 

Living

Chicago offers a surprisingly affordable living environment compared to other major metropolitan areas despite being the third-largest city in the United States. A study by Statista revealed that Chicago's living costs are considerably lower than those of New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix. The cost of living in Chicago ranges from $2,075 to $2,107. 

 

Culture

Chicago's cultural diversity is a defining characteristic, with white, Black and Hispanic residents comprising approximately 48%, 30% and 29% of the population. The neighbourhoods of Little Italy, Chinatown, Greektown and Pilsen attract a large number of international students. Additionally, Chicago's strong Polish community adds to the city's rich cultural tapestry. 

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Top Universities And Global Ranking

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Chicago, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 23,640
Tuition Fee
$ 30,000
ranking
Country Rank
#10
Cost Of Living
$ 23,640
Tuition Fee from
$ 30,000
ranking
Country Rank
#22

The University of Chicago is a private research university founded in 1856 and is located in the heart of Chicago, the third-most populated city in the country. It is one of the best institutions in the nation outside of the Ivy League and consistently ranks in the top 10 globally and nationally. The uni is located in Hyde Park and provides a vibrant campus environment in the heart of the city. In addition, the university offers postgraduate programs at the highly regarded Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, Pritzker School of Medicine, and Law School.

 

The Old University of Chicago campus was destroyed by fire, foreclosure, and demolition in 1890, and the modern campus gloriously arose in its place. This is symbolised by a phoenix rising from the ashes on the college's crest. The contentious senator Stephen Douglas, a pro-slavery originator of the Kansas-Nebraska act, donated property to establish the old institution. The new campus, in contrast, was co-educational and supported by gifts from well-to-do Chicagoans and oil magnate John D. Rockefeller.

 

And over 400 clubs and societies are organised by students, and they include a normal mix of athletic teams, artistic, cultural, and religious groups, intellectual and political organisations, and societies that support a variety of shared interests. The University of Chicago's competitive Model UN team was the top-ranked team in North America from 2013–14 and 2014–2015.

 

Chicago, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 23,640
Tuition Fee
$ 10,616
ranking
Country Rank
#85
Cost Of Living
$ 23,640
Tuition Fee from
$ 10,616
ranking
Country Rank
#54

The University of Illinois is a public university which was established in 1867. One of the land-grant universities established by the Morrill Act of 1862 was this university. It was established as Illinois Industrial University in 1867, and classes started at Urbana-Champaign the following year. The establishment of the school of pharmacy and the department of medicine in Chicago in 1894 and 1897, respectively, marked the beginning of the university's presence there. 

 

This world-renowned university has three sites: the main campus is in the Champaign-Urbana twin city, and there are also campuses in Springfield and Chicago. The colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programmes, including doctoral and professional degrees, and have the status of land-grant institutions. The school's Fighting Illini are a part of the Big Ten Conference and competes in more than 20 NCAA Division I varsity sports. Nearly a quarter of the student body is active in the university, one of the biggest Greek systems in the nation. 

 

The 16 major academic institutions run by the main campus include the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, the College of Applied Life Studies, the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Colleges of Engineering, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, and the Institute of Aviation, which issues pilot licences and ratings on behalf of the United States. There are over 80 research institutions there.

 

Chicago, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 23,640
Tuition Fee
$ 8,329
Cost Of Living
$ 23,640
Tuition Fee from
$ 8,329
ranking
Country Rank
#204

DePaul University, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a private, Catholic research university. The university was founded in 1898 by the Vincentians and is named after the 17th-century French monk Saint Vincent de Paul. It became the largest Catholic institution in North America in terms of enrollment in 1998. Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, DePaul makes a special emphasis on attracting first-generation students and students from low-income families. DePaul University's two main campuses are in Chicago's Loop and Lincoln Park areas. DePaul's 10 academic colleges, which house more than 130 undergraduate majors and are distributed between the two main campuses, offer in-person, online, and hybrid instructional options. 

 

Adult students are catered to by DePaul's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, which offers additional credit opportunities depending on existing professional experience. The older and larger of DePaul's two campuses is the Lincoln Park Campus (main campus). This campus, which spans 36 acres (14.57 hectares) in Chicago's famed Lincoln Park area, provides a classic university setting. The twelve residence halls at DePaul University are home to about 2,400 students. 

 

The university has around 275 undergraduate and graduates degree programmes in business, education, communication, computing and digital media, science and health, music, theatre, and liberal arts and social sciences. It also runs a law school and a continuing education programme called the School for New Learning. Doctorates are conferred in the fields of computer and information sciences, education, philosophy, psychology, and law. .

 

Chicago, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 23,640
Tuition Fee
$ 27,438
ranking
Country Rank
#443
Cost Of Living
$ 23,640
Tuition Fee from
$ 27,438
ranking
Country Rank
#168

Chicago, Illinois is home to the private research university Illinois Institute of Technology (also known as IIT or Illinois Tech). The university which dates back to 1890, chose its current name in 1940 after the Armour Institute and Lewis Institute merged. The university's historical foundations can be found in a number of American engineering and professional education institutions from the 19th century. Through the work of its dean of architecture Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who also constructed its campus, it became intimately connected with modernist architectural ideas in the middle of the 20th century. Illinois Tech also included the Institute of Design, Chicago-Kent College of Law, and Midwest College of Engineering.

 

Law, psychology, finance, graphic designing, engineering, industrial technology, computer technology, and science are among the subjects the college offers courses in. It is one of the 21 members of the Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU). Around more than 40 undergraduate programs and 70 minor programs are available at IIT. Seven institutions and colleges provide about 100 graduate-level degree-granting courses. The university is listed as belonging to the category "R2: Doctoral Universities - High Research Activity".

 

Illinois Institute of Technology’s acceptance rate stands at 66% with around 6,500 students out of which 46% of all enrolled students are from outside the United States. There are five campuses at the university, all of which are in Chicago. With a contemporary infrastructure and cutting-edge amenities, its main campus, Mies, spans a vast 120-acre area. Graduate students come from all over the world in significant numbers, making it an international university with a varied student body. The campuses of the Law, Design, and Business Institute are in the heart of the city, in a reputable area.

 

The American Institute of Architects listed the main campus as one of the 200 most significant architectural works in the United States, while Princeton Review named the Illinois Institute of Technology the state's most environmentally friendly university. Its main campus, which includes sororities and athletic facilities, is housed in the Mies Campus Building. It has a fantastic infrastructure and a sizable 120-acre footprint. A further benefit is that Chicago's downtown is only a short drive away. Martin Cooper, the creator of the cell phone, Jamshyd Godrej, the chairman of Godrej & Boyce, Sanjay Kirloskar, the managing director of Kirloskar Brothers, and Rohit Prasad, the inventor of Amazon's Alexa are some of the famous alumni of Illinois Institute of Technology.

Chicago, United States

Cost Of Living

$ 23,640
Tuition Fee
$ 11,389
Cost Of Living
$ 23,640
Tuition Fee from
$ 11,389
ranking
Country Rank
#517

Chicago State University (CSU) is a public university located on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1867 as the Cook County Normal School and later renamed Chicago Teachers College. In 1967, the school merged with Chicago State College to form Chicago State University. Today, the university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programmes in various fields of study.

 

CSU is a diverse institution with a student body of over 3,500 students. The university offers over 30 bachelor’s degree programmes, 20 master’s degree programmes, and four doctoral degree programmes. Some of the most popular majors at CSU include nursing, criminal justice, business administration, and psychology.

 

One of the unique aspects of CSU is its commitment to providing educational opportunities to underrepresented and minority students. The university is designated as a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) and serves a predominantly African-American student population. CSU has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusivity, and this is reflected in its student body, faculty, and staff.

 

In addition to its academic programmes, CSU offers a variety of student services and resources to support student success. The university has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and students have opportunities to participate in internships, research projects, and community service activities. CSU also has a comprehensive advising and counselling programme to help students navigate academic and personal challenges.

 

CSU has faced challenges in recent years, including declining enrolment and financial difficulties. However, the university has taken steps to address these issues and is committed to ensuring that it remains a viable institution for years to come. CSU has developed a strategic plan that focuses on improving student retention and graduation rates, increasing enrolment, and enhancing the quality of its academic programmes.

Admission Process & Requirements

Most of the colleges in Chicago have more or less similar entry requirements. In some rare cases, students will be asked to give an interview as well. Let us understand all the application process aspects to  study in Chicago.

 

Documents Required:

  • Academic transcripts.
  • GPA required: 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
  • English proficiency test scores. TOEFL-IBT: 83-100/IELTS: 6.0-6.5
  • 2 Letters of recommendation 
  • Statement of Purpose/Essay (stating academic and professional goals)
  • C.V. and portfolio.
  • Resume or CV.

 

Admission Process

  1. Complete the application form: Begin by thoroughly filling out the online application form on the university's website. Ensure you provide accurate and complete information.
  2. Enroll in your Desired Course: Select the course that aligns with your academic interests and career aspirations. Carefully review the programme requirements and prerequisites.
  3. Gather necessary documents: Assemble all the required documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardised test scores. Ensure they are in the correct format and meet the university's deadlines.
  4. Settle application fees: If applicable, pay the application fee promptly to avoid any delays in processing your application.
  5. Review and submit: Thoroughly review your application for any errors or omissions. Once satisfied, submit the application electronically or by mail, adhering to the university's guidelines.
  6. Await university response: Once submitted, patiently await the university's response. They will typically notify you of their decision via email or mail.

 

Scholarships In Chicago

The Windy City presents a number of financial opportunities for international students landing on its shores. Scholarships in Chicago are known to help 25% of students, whether be it domestic or international. These are some of the options ready to apply:

 

  1. Illinois Monetary Award Programme (MAP): MAP is the largest grant programme for low-income college students in Illinois. It provides need-based grants to undergraduate students enrolled in Illinois colleges and universities.

Amount: $8,400

 

  1. Fulbright Scholarships: The Fulbright Scholarship Programme is a prestigious international educational exchange programme sponsored by the U.S. government. The programme offers grants to students, researchers and teachers to study, research, or teach in a country other than their own.

Amount: $2,710 - $3,145/month

 

  1. University of Chicago Scholarships: They offer a variety of merit-based scholarships, including the Odyssey Scholarship, Neubauer Family Adelante Programmes, UChicago Evans Scholarship and UChicago Promise Scholarships.

Amount: At least $2,000 received

 

  1. Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship: This scholarship provides financial assistance to dependents of displaced energy workers pursuing postsecondary education.

Amount: Variable amount

 

  1. Illinois Institute of Technology Scholarships: IIT offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships for international students, primarily through the Presidential Scholarship Programme and the Dean's Scholarship Programme.

Amount: $60,000 to $120,000 over 4 years

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FAQs

Yes, absolutely. The degree programmes offered by universities in Chicago are internationally acclaimed, holding rankings across various specialisations.

The University of Chicago, which was founded in 1890, is ranked highly across various publications.

Securing a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago as a student will be an average of $1,104 per month. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent reaches $1,917, while a spacious three-bedroom apartment will cost around $2,533 per month. Overall, you will be spending $1,297 - $1,329, if you live cost-effectively. 

For undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Chicago, the tuition fee ranges from $50,000 - $80,000.

These are some of the best universities in Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · University of Illinois, Chicago.

Chicago State University, Olive-Harvey College, Malcolm X College, and Governors State University are some to name.