The Best Accounting Programs in Illinois for 2026

Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #4 of the 25 ranked here, earning an 85.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 73% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Loyola University Chicago admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Loyola University Chicago charges $52,230 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $208,920 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.

Based in Rock Island, IL, Augustana College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #5 of the 25 ranked here, earning an 85.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 73% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Augustana College admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Augustana College charges $51,438 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $205,752 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.

Based in Chicago, IL, University of Illinois Chicago is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #6 of the 25 ranked here, earning an 84.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. University of Illinois Chicago admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, University of Illinois Chicago charges $12,789 a year in-state, roughly 2.3x the $28,849 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $51,156 in tuition for residents, against $115,396 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.

Bradley University is a private, nonprofit institution in Peoria, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #7 of the 25 analyzed here with an 83.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 76% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Bradley University admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%. The university enrolls 4,777 students overall.

On cost, Bradley University charges $41,210 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $164,840 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.

Northern Illinois University is a public institution in Dekalb, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #8 of the 25 analyzed here with an 80.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Northern Illinois University admits 70% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%. The university enrolls 15,414 students overall.

On cost, Northern Illinois University charges $10,232 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $40,928 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.

Based in Elmhurst, IL, Elmhurst University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #9 of the 25 ranked here, earning an 80.3 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 70% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Elmhurst University admits 74% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 3,997 students.

On cost, Elmhurst University charges $42,495 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $169,980 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.

Based in Joliet, IL, University of St Francis is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #10 of the 25 ranked here, earning an 80.3 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 67% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. University of St Francis admits 65% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, University of St Francis charges $38,110 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $152,440 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.

Olivet Nazarene University is a private, nonprofit institution in Bourbonnais, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #11 of the 25 analyzed here with a 79.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Olivet Nazarene University admits 56% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Olivet Nazarene University charges $37,910 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $151,640 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.

Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #12 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 79.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 65% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Illinois State University admits 88% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Illinois State University charges $11,215 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $22,863 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $44,860 in tuition for residents, against $91,452 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.

Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #13 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 78.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 67% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Lewis University admits 71% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%. The university enrolls 7,011 students overall.

On cost, Lewis University charges $38,800 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $155,200 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.

North Central College is a private, nonprofit institution in Naperville, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #14 of the 25 analyzed here with a 78.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. North Central College admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, North Central College charges $45,446 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $181,784 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.

Blackburn College is a private, nonprofit institution in Carlinville, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #15 of the 25 analyzed here with a 76.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Blackburn College admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Blackburn College charges $28,149 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $112,596 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.

Judson University is a private, nonprofit institution in Elgin, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #16 of the 25 analyzed here with a 75.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 60% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Judson University admits 48% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Judson University charges $29,237 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $116,948 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.

Western Illinois University is a public institution in Macomb, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #17 of the 25 analyzed here with a 74.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 45% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Western Illinois University admits 71% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%. The university enrolls 6,332 students overall.

On cost, Western Illinois University charges $9,662 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $38,648 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.

Hebrew Theological College is a private, nonprofit institution in Skokie, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #18 of the 25 analyzed here with a 74.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 50% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Hebrew Theological College admits 57% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Hebrew Theological College charges $14,750 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $59,000 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.

Based in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #19 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 74.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 60% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Aurora University admits 81% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Aurora University charges $28,800 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $115,200 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 25 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.

Based in Chicago, IL, Saint Xavier University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #20 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 73.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Saint Xavier University admits 84% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Saint Xavier University charges $37,755 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $151,020 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 25 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public institution in Carbondale, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #21 of the 25 analyzed here with a 73.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%. The university enrolls 11,790 students overall.

On cost, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale charges $9,638 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $38,552 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.

Eastern Illinois University is a public institution in Charleston, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #22 of the 25 analyzed here with a 71.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Eastern Illinois University admits 65% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Eastern Illinois University charges $9,848 a year in-state, versus $12,330 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $39,392 in tuition for residents, against $49,320 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.

Based in University Park, IL, Governors State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #23 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 71.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 22% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Governors State University admits 48% of applicants, more selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%. The university enrolls 4,397 students overall.

On cost, Governors State University charges $8,232 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $32,928 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.

Trinity Christian College is a private, nonprofit institution in Palos Heights, IL. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #24 of the 25 analyzed here with a 71.5 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 58% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Trinity Christian College admits 85% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%.

On cost, Trinity Christian College charges $19,980 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $79,920 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 25 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.

Based in Jacksonville, IL, Illinois College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #25 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 71.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 79 group average, in the lower third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Illinois College admits 78% of applicants, less selective than the 69% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 85%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 942 students.

On cost, Illinois College charges $37,976 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $151,904 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,232 at Governors State University to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.