Augustana College
Illinois is home to some very impressive liberal arts colleges in addition to big research universities, both public and private. Many of the colleges were set up during the mid-half of the 19th century starting from 1829, with some of them having religious affiliations. The sizes of these colleges vary from around one thousand to more than 24,000 students, with the location of the colleges also varying from rural areas to campuses in the heart of Chicago.
Augustana College is located in Rock Island, IL, on the Mississippi River. Established in the late 1800s, this school is home to over 75 different student operated clubs and organizations as well as a popular Business Management program. Augustana has a relatively high acceptance rate, categorizing it as a non selective college, though the happiness of its first year students is evident in a very high retention rate.
East-West University primarily caters to minority populations and provides quality education to students who do not necessarily have access to it. East-West University has the highest number of international students in the country. At its campus in Chicago, East-West enrolls nearly 1,200 students and with majors offered including government, urban planning and social work. This school has a very high acceptance rate.
Illinois College was founded in 1829, and is the oldest college in Illinois. Though it is a relatively small college, it offers over 40 majors and 30 minor programs. This is a moderately selective school and it has a 13 to 1 student to faculty ratio and greatly encourages close relationship between faculty and students.
Illinois Wesleyan University is a moderately selective college known for both its high retention and graduation rates. It has students coming in from all 50 states in the country and over 50 countries across the world. It offers more than 50 academic programs from both the College of Liberal Arts and College of Fine Arts.
Lake Forest College is a moderately selective college with an acceptance rate. Lake Forest College encourages its students to get involved with many activities, organizations and services so as to prepare for the professional world. This school has membership in Phi Beta Kappa for strong liberal arts and sciences, and it offers around 26 programs for a student to choose from.
Monmouth College wants to promote awareness and exploration and value diversity, equality, and freedom among students. The average class size is around 18 students, and offers its students over 30 majors to choose from. Monmouth College conducts small seminar-style classes. This college is home to Pi Beta Phi, the first national secret college society for women.
Wheaton College is a private Christian liberal arts college and one of the best value colleges in the country. It is a moderately selective college, and the school has students follow its Statement of Faith and Educational Purpose, which empowers students to take part in the strong community established at the school that enables students to carry out their Christian duties within their academic community, church and social communities.
Illinois offers a good choice of colleges to students looking for good higher education in the Liberal Arts arena, with many of them having garnered national recognition for the quality of education they provide. They also offer a wide range of programs to choose from for the student looking to create a career in the liberal arts.
