Touring Colleges in Chicago

Our guide to 9 top colleges in and around Chicago, IL

Why visit Chicago?

Chicago is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and world-class educational institutions. From the prestigious Northwestern University to the dynamic University of Chicago, the city offers a plethora of opportunities for students seeking academic excellence and a vibrant campus life. With a mix of urban and suburban campuses, Chicago provides a unique blend of experiences for prospective college students.

Disclaimer: This article was written by a New Yorker (from the home of the greatest pizza in the world) who considers deep dish pizza…a casserole at best.

Top colleges in and around Chicago

Here are 7 (+2) well-known schools in the Chicago area to consider:

Northwestern University (Evanston)

• Overview: Ranked #6 by US News and located in Evanston, just north of Chicago, Northwestern offers a blend of rigorous academics and a vibrant campus life. The university is known for its strong programs in journalism, engineering, and the arts.

• Tour Link: Northwestern University Campus Tours

• Must-See: The Lakefill, the Block Museum of Art, and the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion.

• Nearby Eats: Colectivo is a go-to for fun coffee drinks, like a pistachio matcha latte or a blood orange cold brew spritz. 10Q’s panko-fried, Korean-Southern fusion chicken is great for wings, bowls, and sandwiches!

• Tip: Northwestern's campus is situated along Lake Michigan, offering beautiful waterfront views.

University of Chicago (UChicago) (Hyde Park)

• Overview: Ranked #11 by US News, UChicago is renowned for its rigorous academics and commitment to intellectual inquiry. The university's Core Curriculum encourages students to explore a wide range of disciplines, fostering critical thinking and a broad-based education.

• Tour Link: UChicago Tour Registration

• Must-See: The Gothic architecture of the Main Quadrangle, the Smart Museum of Art, and the Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

• Nearby Eats: If you have time, go for the long-standing classic comfort food of Medici on 57th for pizza and sandwiches. On the go? Head to Cafe 53 and be sure to order something on their Dutch crunch bread.

• Tip: UChicago's campus is expansive; wear comfortable shoes and plan for a fair amount of walking. 31st Street Beach is nearby, if you have time to lounge!

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

• Overview: UIC is a public research university with a diverse student body and strong programs in health sciences, engineering, and urban planning. The campus is located near the heart of Chicago.

• Tour Link: UIC Campus Tours

• Must-See: The UIC Pavilion, the Daley Library, and the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.

• Nearby Eats: Carm’s Beef and Italian Ice, Fontano’s Subs, and Busy Burger will have you eating like a true Flame. There’s also a cluster of Greek restaurants nearby!

• Tip: Give yourself extra time to navigate campus—parking can be tricky in the city. Consider taking the CTA Blue Line to the UIC-Halsted stop for easy access to the main campus.

DePaul University

• Overview: DePaul is known for its commitment to providing accessible education and its strong programs in business, communication, and the arts. The university's downtown campus offers a dynamic urban experience.

• Tour Link: DePaul University Campus Tours

• Must-See: The Theatre School, the Vincent G. Rinn Law Library, and the DePaul Art Museum.

• Nearby Eats: Lou Malnati’s. Yes, it’s deep dish pizza casserole—but hey, that crust deserves respect. Check out study-spot-favorite Bourgeois Pig for an extensive coffee list and all-day breakfast.

• Tip: If you're touring both campuses, plan ahead—they’re about 20 minutes apart by CTA train. Grab a Ventra card (or Apple Pay, cash, single-journey ticket, day pass, etc.) and hop on the Red or Brown Line to make the most of your visit.

Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech)

• Overview: Illinois Tech is a private research university known for its strong engineering, architecture, and business programs. The campus features modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Tour Link: Illinois Tech Campus Tours

• Must-See: The Crown Hall, the McCormick Tribune Campus Center, and the Galvin Library.

• Nearby Eats: Harold’s Chicken #88 and Global Grounds on campus will be a meal fit for a Scarlet Hawk.

• Tip: Illinois Tech's campus is located in the Bronzeville neighborhood, offering students access to a rich cultural history.

Loyola University Chicago

• Overview: Loyola is a Jesuit university with a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement. The Lake Shore campus offers a traditional college experience with access to the city's resources.

• Tour Link: Loyola University Chicago Campus Tours

• Must-See: The Madonna della Strada Chapel, Loyola Beach, and the Cudahy Library.

• Nearby Eats: Khmai for Cambodian food, Cafe Nova for Sri Lankan food, and bubble tea at TBaar are great ways to take advantage of the concentration of delicious Asian food in the area.

• Tip: Be sure to walk along the Lake Shore Campus’s lakefront path—it offers some of the most scenic views in Chicago and gives you a real feel for Loyola’s peaceful, coastal vibe in the middle of the city.

Wheaton College

• Overview: Wheaton is a private Christian liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics, close-knit community, and strong programs in the humanities, sciences, and music. The college integrates faith and learning, with a vibrant spiritual life on campus.

• Tour Link: Wheaton College Campus Tours

• Must-See: The Billy Graham Center Museum, Blanchard Hall, and the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts.

• Nearby Eats: Egg’lectic Café for cozy breakfast fare or Adelle’s Fine American Fare for a refined dinner experience are both in downtown Wheaton, about a 5-minute walk from campus.

• Tip: Located in the quiet suburb of Wheaton, the campus offers a peaceful environment while still providing easy access to downtown Chicago via Metra rail.

Have time for a mini road trip?

Purdue and UIUC are each about a 2.5-hour drive from Chicago. If you're feeling ambitious—or planning an overnight—it could be worth the trip.

Purdue University

• Overview: Purdue is a large public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, best known for its top-ranked engineering, aviation, and agriculture programs. It has a spirited campus community and a strong emphasis on innovation and STEM.

• Tour Link: Purdue Campus Tours

• Must-See: The Bell Tower, Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, and the Purdue Memorial Union.

• Nearby Eats: Triple XXX Family Restaurant for a classic Purdue experience or Nine Irish Brothers for hearty pub fare.

• Tip: Don’t miss the Engineering Fountain during warmer months—it's a popular student hangout spot and iconic photo op.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

• Overview: UIUC is a top-tier public research university known for its strengths in engineering, business, computer science, and the liberal arts. With a sprawling campus and a Big Ten atmosphere, it offers both academic rigor and vibrant campus life.

• Tour Link: UIUC Campus Tours

• Must-See: The Main Quad, the Grainger Engineering Library, and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

• Nearby Eats: Maize Mexican Grill for local flavor or The Bread Company for European-style fare near campus.

• Tip: Bring comfortable shoes—the campus is large and walkable, but distances between colleges can be significant. Consider using the MTD campus bus system to get around efficiently during your visit.

Honorable mentions

I’m going to mention a few more colleges below since they might suit specific interests. They are: Roosevelt University (also home of Chicago College of Performing Arts), School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Columbia College Chicago, and Trinity Christian College.

Just starting out in your college research journey? Groupings by vibe:

🏛️ Traditional & Elite

• University of Chicago (UChicago)

• Northwestern University (Evanston)

• Purdue (West Lafayette, IN) (while not “elite,” Purdue is academically prestigious and IN’s flagship)

• UIUC (Urbana Champaign) (similar to Purdue; IL’s flagship)

🏙️ Urban & Career-Oriented

• DePaul University

• University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

• Roosevelt University

• Illinois Institute of Technology

📚 Liberal Arts or Suburban

• Wheaton College

• Loyola University Chicago

• Trinity Christian College

🎨 Creative/Communications Focus

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

• Columbia College Chicago

• Chicago College of Performing Arts (Roosevelt University)

Know what you’re looking for academically? Groupings by academic interest:

• STEM/Engineering → Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), Purdue, UIUC

• Pre-law/Political Science/International Relations (IR) → University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University

• Creative Arts/Media/Writing → School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Columbia College Chicago, DePaul University, Northwestern

• Business/Economics → Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), DePaul University, UChicago, Loyola, UIUC

• Health/Nursing/Social Work → University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Loyola University Chicago

• Liberal Arts/Undecided → University of Chicago, Trinity Christian College, Loyola University Chicago, Wheaton College

Recommended itinerary

⭐ 3-Day Plan

Day 1 – North of I-290 (the highway that divides central Chicago)

• Morning: Northwestern (starting with coffee from Colectivo)

• Early afternoon: Loyola

• Optional: Walk through DePaul

Day 2 – South of I-290

• Morning: UIC

• Afternoon: UChicago

• Optional: Walk through IIT

Day 3 – Beyond Chicago city proper

• Morning: Wheaton College (starting with breakfast in downtown Wheaton), Purdue, or UIUC

• Afternoon: Head back into Chicago and explore! I highly recommend an architecture river boat tour!

Tips for visiting Chicago

• Transit: Chicago’s CTA system (L trains and buses) is reliable and affordable—grab a Ventra card for easy travel between campuses and neighborhoods.

• Booking: Schedule campus tours in advance, especially for schools like UChicago, Northwestern, and DePaul, which often book up during peak seasons.

• Traffic: Driving in the city can be slow, especially during rush hour (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM). If possible, rely on public transit or rideshares to stay on schedule.

• Walking shoes: Many campuses are urban and spread out, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to explore on foot.

• Food tip: Take advantage of Chicago’s diverse food scene—whether it’s deep-dish pizza near DePaul, tacos near UIC, or global eats near Loyola, plan a meal stop as part of your visit. Doughnut Vault doesn’t really have a place above, but it’s a favorite for perfect, happy, delicious donuts. Lastly, it wouldn’t really be a trip to Chicago for me without stopping by a Portillo’s.

Happy touring! And don’t forget—if there’s no tour registration confirmation, did it even happen?