CHICAGO - Several Illinois colleges earned recognition on Forbes’ annual list of the nation’s top schools.

What we know:

The list ranked 500 institutions based on outcomes such as graduate earnings, student debt, and academic success.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology claimed the No. 1 spot overall, but Illinois schools also stood out for producing successful graduates while maintaining strong retention rates and accessible opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

While cost and campus fit remain top considerations for students and families, the recognition highlights the strength of Illinois’ higher education system. Three Illinois schools made the top 50.

Best Illinois colleges

By the numbers:

Eighteen schools in Illinois made the Forbes list of America's

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