Illinois (IL) - College GPA & Education Statistics
Illinois is home to 181 colleges and universities, with an average college GPA of 3.16 and average in-state public tuition of $12,600 per year. Whether you are a current student calculating your semester GPA or a prospective student researching Illinois's higher education landscape, this page provides key statistics about college education in the state.
Education Statistics for Illinois
| Average College GPA | 3.16 |
| Number of Colleges & Universities | 181 |
| Average In-State Public Tuition | $12,600/year |
| Top Universities | University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
Higher Education in Illinois
With 181 institutions of higher education, Illinois offers a range of options from community colleges to research universities. The average GPA across Illinois colleges is 3.16, which is above the national average of approximately 3.15. In-state students at public universities pay an average of $12,600 in tuition, which is near the national average of around $10,000.
Top-ranked institutions in Illinois include University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These schools attract students from across the country and offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. GPA requirements for admission vary, but competitive programs at these universities typically expect a high school GPA of 3.5 or above.
GPA Standards and Dean's List in Illinois
Most colleges in Illinois use the standard 4.0 GPA scale. Dean's List requirements typically range from a 3.5 to 3.7 semester GPA, depending on the institution. Students pursuing graduate school admissions should aim for a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, with top programs often expecting 3.5 or above. Use our GPA calculator to track your progress toward these benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions for Illinois
Students in Illinois often ask about GPA requirements for in-state scholarship programs, transfer credit policies, and how GPAs are evaluated for graduate school admission. Many Illinois schools also offer GPA repair options such as grade forgiveness policies, academic fresh starts, and grade replacement for retaken courses. Contact your school's registrar or academic advising office for policies specific to your institution.
Use our GPA calculator to calculate your semester or cumulative GPA, or browse all states to compare education statistics across the country.