Colleges where Pell Grant students thrive in Illinois
Colleges where at least a third of students receive federal Pell Grants, ranked by graduation rate.
Colleges where Pell Grant students thrive in Illinois5 schools
5 schools qualify, ranked by graduation rate.
How this list is made
- Schools in Illinois.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- At least a third of undergraduates receive Pell Grants, and the college has a graduation rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by graduation rate, highest first.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL · Private nonprofitTop 21% for graduation
- 70% graduate
- 37% receive Pell Grants
- 2
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL · Private nonprofitTop 21% for earnings
- 67% graduate
- 39% receive Pell Grants
- 3
- 4
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL · PublicTop 16% for earnings
- 62% graduate
- 49% receive Pell Grants
- 5
Trinity Christian College
Palos Heights, IL · Private nonprofit#21 in Illinois
- 58% graduate
- 35% receive Pell Grants
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmhurst University | $24,185 | $20,489 | $61,462 | 70% |
| University of St. Francis | $13,006 | $21,079 | $63,926 | 67% |
| Monmouth College | $17,133 | $27,000 | $51,110 | 65% |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $10,974 | $16,704 | $68,740 | 62% |
| Trinity Christian College | $19,125 | $25,009 | $55,700 | 58% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.