2 Best Colleges and Universities Near Springfield, IL

Enrolling in a college in or near Springfield, IL offers students the opportunity to pursue higher education in a vibrant and historic city.

As a whole, the city offers a variety of four-year and two-year colleges that are located either directly in the city or nearby.

Along with its history, students are eligible to receive affordable tuition costs, network connections, and career opportunities. All of the institutions provide a welcoming community as well as an inclusive campus life.

Learn.org identifies the 10 best colleges in or near Springfield, IL and informs readers about the best way to choose a college in the city.

Featured Colleges in Springfield, IL

The following list contains the best colleges available in Springfield, IL.

1. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is one of the three campuses of the University of Illinois system. It is located in Springfield, the capital city of the state of Illinois.

UIS offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study, including business, computer science, education, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, public administration, and public health.

The university has a large student population and offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. It is the largest university located directly in Springfield with an annual student enrollment of around 4,000.

2. Lincoln Land Community College

Lincoln Land Community College is a public community college that is located in Springfield, IL. The college was first established in 1967, and is widely known to provide associate degrees, certificate programs, and technical education programs.

Once enrolled, students are eligible to choose from nearly 100 programs that cover a variety of areas, such as:

• business
• healthcare
• information technology
• agriculture
• arts and sciences

In addition, the college offers affordable tuition costs and values student-to-faculty interaction.

Other Colleges Available Near Springfield, IL

The following list contains other colleges available near the city of Springfield.

Illinois State University

Illinois State University is a public university located in Normal, IL. It is one of the oldest public universities in the state and it's known to offer high-quality academic programs.

The institution has more than 20,000 students currently enrolled and over 1,000 out-of-state and international students. The college has consistently been ranked as a first-choice institution that provides a welcoming community and high retention rates.

The university has six academic colleges, including:

• College of Applied Science and Technology
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Fine Arts
• College of Nursing

Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts university in Bloomington, IL. Founded in 1850, the college is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to the liberal arts tradition.

The university has around 1,600 students and offers 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The institution also provides a strong focus on the arts and offers opportunities for students to explore and engage in creative expression through its School of Music and School of Theatre Arts.

Overall, the school has over 80 majors and provides more than 700 study-abroad opportunities.

Greenville University

Greenville University is another possible choice for residents in or near Springfield, IL. The institution is a private liberal arts university located in Greenville, IL, 70 miles away from Springfield.

The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of disciplines. Possible areas of study include:

• criminal justice
• engineering
• digital media
• business
• psychology

Overall, the institution provides a close-knit community as well as numerous student organizations for students to partake in.

Illinois College

Illinois College is a private liberal arts college located in Jacksonville, IL. Since being founded in 1829, the college has remained committed to providing a wide range of undergraduate programs in:

• arts
• humanities
• sciences
• social sciences

The college follows a liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and interdisciplinary learning. Students have the opportunity to pursue majors and minors tailored to their academic interests.

The college also prides itself on its small class sizes and close interaction between students and faculty. The college has a low student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for personalized attention, mentorship, and meaningful engagement in the classroom.

Blackburn College

Blackburn College is another private liberal arts college that is located in Carlinville, IL, only 50 miles south of Springfield. The college is a four-year institution that offers the traditional college experience to its students.

The college is made up of 80 acres and has accommodated the rural town of Carlinville since 1837. Overall, the college provides its students with a liberal arts education that includes programs in:

• humanities
• natural sciences
• social sciences
• arts

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. In addition to its coursework, the college is also known for its unique work program, which is central to its educational philosophy.

All students are required to work on campus for at least 160 hours per semester, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to their education.

Spoon River College

Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college located on the western side of Illinois. The college serves 4,000 students each year and has a total campus size of over 1,000 square miles.

From the college, students are provided with:

• two years of college and pre-professional courses
• career and technical education
• business and industry training

The college provides a great pathway for students who are interested in transferring to other four-year colleges and universities. The academic programs available are highly diverse and include various areas of study, including:

• commercial driver training
• nursing
• medical laboratory technician
• welding
• nursing assistant

Richland Community College

Richland Community College is another two-year college that has served the Decatur and nearby areas for years. Established in 1971, the college is made up of 155 acres and has strong partnerships with the region's communities, businesses, and industries.

The college provides more than 80-degree programs and certificates that cover a variety of subjects. Possible areas of study include:

• communication
• culinary arts
• information technology
• health information technology
• practical nursing

Overall, the college has a modern campus with facilities that support student learning and engagement, such as classrooms, computer labs, science labs, student centers, and much more.

Millikin University

Millikin University is another independent, four-year university located in Decatur, IL. The university has an average enrollment of around 1,800 students and provides both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Academically, the institution offers more than 50 majors and programs, including majors in:

• health and medicine
• culture and history
• law, policy, and politics
• human behavior
• art and design
• technology

The university also has more than 75 student organizations and clubs, including fine arts and performance clubs to academics and service organizations. The university is approximately 40 miles away.

What Is the Biggest School Near Springfield, IL?

The largest school near Springfield, IL is Illinois State University. The university is located in Normal, IL, which is 70 miles away from Springfield. The college is a public institution with a total campus size of more than 1,000 acres.

How To Choose the Right College Near Springfield, IL

Choosing the right college near Springfield, IL involves considering several factors, such as:

• academic goals and interests
• location and campus culture
• affordability

Many colleges and universities offer tour visits for prospective students to gain an understanding of what the institution has to offer. During the visit, future students can ask more in-depth questions about life on campus.

Paying for Your Degree Near Springfield, IL

There are many different financial aid resources available for students who need financial assistance.

Students in or near Springfield, IL have access to:

• Federal loans
• Federal grants
• Private loans

Aside from financial aid, students are eligible to apply for scholarship opportunities as well as tuition assistance programs.

Students are advised to contact their institution's financial aid office for more information.

Start Your Degree Near Springfield, IL Today

Springfield, IL offers plenty of colleges and universities that provide high-quality academic programs and inclusive campus environments. If any of these institutions resonate with you, please visit the institution's official website for more information.