Catholic colleges with the strongest Catholic core in Illinois
Catholic colleges ranked by the theology and core pillar: required theology and philosophy, Catholic content, and the core curriculum.
Catholic colleges with the strongest Catholic core in Illinois5 schools
5 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Illinois.
- Catholic undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Has a graded theology and core pillar and a complete Compass Score.
- Ordered by the theology and core pillar score alone, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 12, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
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Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade C
- 2 required theology courses
- 3
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade D
- 1 required theology course
- 4
- 5
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade F
- 1 required theology course
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy University | $20,359 | $24,000 | $50,369 | 45% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $36,079 | $24,157 | $71,530 | 73% |
| Saint Xavier University | $10,970 | $22,223 | $58,656 | 57% |
| DePaul University | $30,902 | $23,168 | $68,751 | 68% |
| University of St. Francis | $13,006 | $21,079 | $63,926 | 67% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.