10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Naperville, IL

This list provides essential information for students seeking the best universities and colleges near Naperville, Illinois, to meet their educational goals.

Naperville, Illinois, and its surrounding area boast several top-tier institutions that provide students with quality education and a clear path toward their desired careers.

Here is a list of featured universities and colleges near Naperville, Illinois, that will help get your academic goals on the right track.

Featured Colleges in Naperville, IL

Prospective students can explore many colleges in Naperville that offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and professional certification and training, as described below.

1. North Central College

North Central College in Naperville is a small private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Students can expect a valuable education from expert faculty focused on liberal arts and sciences.

Undergraduate and graduate degrees can be obtained in many areas, including:

  • Computer Science
  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Special Education

Professional certifications are also available that cover various in-demand topics, including financial management, medical writing, and regulatory writing.

2. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a private institution with multiple locations across the nation, including in Naperville. They have more than 50 degree programs to choose from.

Students select from several areas of study, such as the following:

  • Business Management
  • Software Application Development
  • Information Technology
  • Human Resources
  • Healthcare Management
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Nursing

It offers traditional on-campus classes or learning through flexible and convenient online education.

Financial aid and military benefits are accessible to those who qualify.

3. Benedictine University

Benedictine University is a private Roman Catholic institution. It has a campus in Lisle, which is part of Naperville and is around two and a half miles from downtown.

They feature a selection of 75 majors and minors and 45 graduate programs for aspiring students focusing on the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

It offers degrees in subjects including:

  • Computer Science
  • Business Administration
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Health Science
  • Global Studies

4. DeVry University

DeVry University has a campus in the Lisle section of Naperville, around four miles or ten minutes from downtown.

They have many online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate degrees and certifications available.

Examples of the areas of study they offer include:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Accounting
  • Healthcare
  • Technology
  • Media Arts

Eligible students have multiple options to obtain financial aid through avenues such as scholarships, grants, military benefits, and state-funded programs.

5. Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University has many regional campuses featuring diverse academic programs, including one in Naperville.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study such as:

  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Public Administration
  • Elementary Education
  • Business Administration
  • Special Education
  • Adult and Higher Education
  • Educational Administration

Their undergraduate and graduate programs are typically held in the evenings and on weekends.

Financial aid is obtainable in many ways, including grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, and other sources.

6. Midwestern University

Midwestern University is a private institution in the village of Downers Grove, which is around 12 miles from Naperville and 25 miles from Chicago.

It also has a campus in Glendale, Arizona.

They are a leader in healthcare education, with an experienced faculty providing hands-on experience and teaching compassionate patient care.

It offers several areas of study to choose from, such as:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Pharmacy
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Public Health
  • Speech-language Pathology

7. University of St. Francis

The University of St. Francis is a private Catholic institution with many options for earning undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Professional certifications are also available.

Areas of study that are accessible to students include:

  • Art and Design
  • Elementary Education
  • Information Technology
  • Communication and Media Arts
  • Healthcare Management
  • Business Administration
  • Nursing

Their programs offer a quality education with a focus on faith-based learning. The campus is located in Joliet, approximately 18 miles from Naperville.

8. Wheaton College

Wheaton College, a top-tier Christian institution around 10 miles from Naperville, provides a valuable liberal arts education.

They offer many ways to earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees or certifications.

Their available programs include:

  • Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Business Economics
  • Health Science
  • Education
  • Computer Science
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Environmental Science

It prides itself on extending a supportive Christ-centered community that prepares graduates to become successful leaders across many fields.

9. Aurora University

Located in the second largest city in Illinois, about 13 miles from Naperville, is Aurora University in Aurora. This private institution also has a campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Students can engage in several areas of study, such as:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Business Administration
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Social Work
  • Nursing

It has many undergraduate, master's, and graduate-level programs that are available through in-person classes and flexible and convenient online learning.

10. Lewis University

Lewis University is a private institution in Romeoville, a neighboring village of Naperville.

It provides Catholic-based programs, offering over 80 undergraduate and 35 graduate-level degrees, two doctorates, and professional certifications.

Degrees can be obtained in many subjects, such as:

  • Business Administration
  • Communication
  • Computer Science
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Engineering

Around 98% of their students receive some type of financial aid, helping to make it an affordable way to earn a college degree.

What Is the Biggest School Near Naperville, IL?

The biggest school that is in the city of Naperville, Illinois, is North Central College.

It currently has an enrollment of almost 3,000 students who engage in over 65 total undergraduate and graduate programs.

How To Choose the Right College Near Naperville, IL

There are many factors to consider when choosing colleges near Naperville, Illinois. Some of the most significant aspects are the tuition costs and available financial aid.

The degrees and programs offered must be taken into account, as students need to ensure they align with their academic and career goals.

Campus atmosphere and extracurricular activities should also be factored in, as well as the location of the school and its size. Students need to conduct their research to make an informed decision.

Paying for Your Degree Near Naperville, IL

Financial considerations should be taken into account when it comes to paying for degrees from colleges near Naperville, Illinois.

There are various ways of obtaining financial assistance for college, such as through:

It is crucial to determine the total tuition costs and expenses, along with all available financial aid options, to ensure that the chosen school is affordable and feasible.

Start Your Degree Near Naperville, IL Today

This list of colleges near Naperville, Illinois, puts students on the right track to pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from accredited institutions that offer diverse programs in various fields of study.