College Compass GuideTrue north for every college search.

Best colleges for NCAA Division II athletes in Illinois

Colleges that compete in NCAA Division II athletics, ranked by Compass Score.

Best colleges for NCAA Division II athletes in Illinois5 schools

5 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.

How this list is made

  • Schools in Illinois.
  • Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
  • Competes in NCAA Division II (the school's athletics association, from federal and association data).
  • Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
  • Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

  1. 1

    Lewis University

    Romeoville, IL · Private nonprofit

    Top 18% for earnings

    • NCAA Division II athletics
    • 67% graduate
  2. 2

    University of Illinois Springfield

    Springfield, IL · Public

    Top 15% for low net price

    • NCAA Division II athletics
    • 53% graduate
  3. 3

    Quincy University

    Quincy, IL · Private nonprofit

    Good: Compass grade B-

    • NCAA Division II athletics
    • 45% graduate
  4. 4

    McKendree University

    Lebanon, IL · Private nonprofit

    #39 in Illinois

    • NCAA Division II athletics
    • 53% graduate
  5. 5

    Roosevelt University

    Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit

    #52 in Illinois

    • NCAA Division II athletics
    • 35% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
Lewis University$17,028$21,500$66,09967%
University of Illinois Springfield$9,833$19,128$57,10353%
Quincy University$20,359$24,000$50,36945%
McKendree University$24,717$23,250$58,57253%
Roosevelt University$20,194$22,000$48,71235%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →

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