Best colleges for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Illinois
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the Illinois programs in the federal field-of-study file, University of Chicago leads: its Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates earn a median $96,510 four years after finishing, against the field's $53,072 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Chicago | $96,510 | +$43,438 |
| 2 | Northwestern University | $93,180 | +$40,108 |
| 3 | DePaul University | $86,444 | +$33,372 |
Frequently asked questions
Which Illinois college is best for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities?
By graduate earnings, University of Chicago — its Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelor's graduates earn a median $96,510 four years out, the highest of the 3 Illinois programs in the federal file.
What do Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates earn in Illinois?
Across the ranked Illinois programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $86,444 to $96,510. The field's national median is $53,072.
Is a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates earn $4,712/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.