Best Undergraduate Business Schools In Chicago

A ranking of the best business schools in Chicago. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated February 3, 2023

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What can you do with an undergraduate degree in business administration? Your career options are limitless. You can work for a consulting company, an accounting company, a financial planning firm, an investment firm, nonprofit, or in advertising.

If none of these options are appealing, then a business degree will help you build your own business.

Because college degrees can be expensive, many people shy away from going to school. According to CNBC, "Employers are estimated to hire about 5 percent more graduates from the class of 2016 than last year." The source explains that unemployment is decreasing and employment for bachelor degree holders is increasing. A BBA degree can put you in a great position to get your dream job in the current financial climate.

Undergraduate business programs give you once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. For example, College Choice's top undergraduate business school allows students to study in Spain and Rome. Another school creates unique networking opportunities for students by partnering with companies in Chicago. Undergraduate business programs like these, cultivate competent and diverse leaders.

Chicago is a metropolitan city with approximately 2,720,546 people. The windy city is an ideal place to study business because you get to interact with, learn from, and engage many people, ideas, and places. College Choice's top-ten undergraduate business schools in the Chicago, Illinois area, have many resources for students to be successful in the business world.

Rankings

#1 Best Undergraduate Business Schools In Chicago

Loyola University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Loyola University, a private institution, offers a top-ranking international business program. From its campus in Chicago, Illinois, the school enrolls degree-seekers in on-campus and online programs. Undergraduates benefit from the school's support services, which include academic and career advising.

Majors earn a bachelor's degree from the program after taking business and general education courses. STEM, social science, and humanities classes make up the general education curriculum. Graduates prepare for entry-level roles or further education in advanced courses, which cover theoretical and practical issues in the field.

Loyola University Chicago at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 67%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1

Total Bachelor's Programs: 100

Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 7

Undergrad Tuition In State: $44,105

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $44,105

Graduation Rate: 74%

Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $45,200

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$44,105
Out-of-state
$44,105
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,594
Out-of-state
$18,594
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
17,159
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Undergraduate Business Schools In Chicago

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The bachelor of science in business administration program at DePaul University is one of 98 total bachelor's programs. A business administration degree prepares students for careers in diverse fields. Graduates also meet the requirements for master's programs after completing a bachelor's degree.

The bachelor's curriculum includes introductory classes and upper-division courses. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates take general education courses that build writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. Declaring a minor or double majoring helps students explore other interests.

Incoming degree candidates can expect strong college support whether they enroll on campus or online. For example, career counselors work with students to determine their professional goals and create a plan to reach them.

DePaul University at a Glance:

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Type of School: Private

Admission Rate: 68%

Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 3

Undergrad Tuition In State: $40,551

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $40,551

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$40,551
Out-of-state
$40,551
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,584
Out-of-state
$19,584
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
22,064
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Undergraduate Business Schools In Chicago

Illinois Institute of Technology

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The Illinois Institute of Technology enrolls learners in 52 bachelor's programs, including a business administration BS degree. The degree builds the knowledge and skills required for a variety of entry-level and mid-level careers. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates also apply to master's programs to continue their education.

The bachelor's curriculum includes introductory classes and upper-division courses. Undergraduates also strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills during general education classes. Students gain interdisciplinary skills by declaring a minor or second major.

The school's student services help incoming degree candidates thrive in their bachelor's program. For example, financial aid counselors meet with students to identify their financial need and suggest funding sources.

Illinois Institute of Technology at a Glance:

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Type of School: Private

Admission Rate: 60%

Undergrad Tuition In State: $47,299

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $47,299

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$47,299
Out-of-state
$47,299
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$29,487
Out-of-state
$29,487
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
6,515
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Undergraduate Business Schools In Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The BBA program at the University of Illinois at Chicago is one of 94 total bachelor's programs. A business degree prepares students for careers in diverse fields. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates also apply to master's programs to continue their education.

The bachelor's curriculum introduces foundational and advanced principles in business administration. Undergraduates complete general education courses that strengthen communication, writing, and critical thinking skills. Minors and second majors allow students to explore their other interests.

The school's student services provide support for incoming degree candidates. For example, career counselors help students identify strengths and plan for the job market.

University of Illinois at Chicago at a Glance:

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 73%

Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 3

Undergrad Tuition In State: $11,924

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $26,224

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,924
Out-of-state
$26,224
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,276
Out-of-state
$23,850
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
32,324
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
24% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Undergraduate Business Schools In Chicago

Saint Xavier University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The bachelor of business administration program at Saint Xavier University, which offers 52 bachelor's degrees, helps degree-seekers reach their goals. The business degree builds the knowledge and skills required for a variety of entry-level and mid-level careers. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates also pursue higher degrees to specialize their training.

The bachelor's curriculum covers the major principles and methods in business. General education requirements also strengthen writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. Students can explore other interests by declaring a complementary minor or second major.

The school's student services help incoming degree candidates transition into a bachelor's program. For example, academic advisors work with students to transfer credits into the school and select courses.

Saint Xavier University at a Glance:

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Type of School: Private

Admission Rate: 73%

Undergrad Tuition In State: $33,300

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $33,300

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,300
Out-of-state
$33,300
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,000
Out-of-state
$16,000
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
3,623
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

See our rankings methodology page.

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