Best Higher Education Institutions Companies in Illinois, United States
The 40 best Higher Education Institutions companies in Illinois, United States in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: University of Illinois at Chicago.
Ranked: Best Higher Education Institutions companies in Illinois
| # | Company | Last round | Disclosed funding | Employees | Tech stack | Web popularity | Patents & IP focus | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adler University University offering multiple courses and degrees across diversified streams | — | — | 216 | WordPress Site EditorWordPressApple iCloud Mail+33 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 2 | AFIT Provider of advanced, multi-disciplinary academic education and professional continuing education | — | — | 3,405 | BootstrapAmazon Web ServicesNginx+15 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 3 | Aurora University University offering multiple courses and degrees across diversified streams | — | — | 509 | WordPressApple iCloud MailMySQL+41 | Top 1M | — | — |
| 4 | chamberlain university Chamberlain College of Nursing offers academic nursing programs with a student-focused learning environment… | — | — | 3,022 | DrupalPHPSalesforce+35 | Top 100k | — | — |
| 5 | CLC College offering multiple courses across diversified streams | — | — | 5 | Progress SitefinityPHPWindows Server+17 | Top 500k | — | — |
| 6 | College of DuPage College offering multiple courses and degrees across diversified streams | — | — | 4 | Omni CMSApple iCloud MailFacebook Login+26 | Top 100k | — | — |
| 7 | DePaul University offering multiple courses and degrees across diversified streams | — | — | 4,048 | SentryApple iCloud MailMicrosoft 365+34 | Top 500k | — | — |
| 8 | Elmhurst University University offering multiple courses and degrees across diversified streams | — | — | 504 | WordPressMySQLPHP+35 | Top 1M | — | — |
Top 12 Higher Education Institutions companies in Illinois
#1
Funding Raised · Chicago, Illinois · founded 1965 · 31 employees$26.5Mraised▾
University offering multiple courses and degrees across diversified streams
- Dec 2025Grant (prize money)$2.5M
- Dec 2025Grant (prize money)$390K
- Dec 2025Grant (prize money)$64.2K
- Dec 2025Grant (prize money)$1.5M
#2
Funding Raised · Chicago, Illinois · founded 1993$16.1Mraised▾
University provides undergraduate and graduate education, alumni engagement, and related support services. It offers academic programs across various disciplines, fostering student success through resources and support. The university cultivates a community for alumni through events, networking, and opportunities for continued involvement. It facilitates giving programs to support university initiatives, scholarships, and student resources.
- Sep 2025Grant (prize money)$4M
- 2023Grant (prize money)$106.9K
- 2020Grant (prize money)—
- 2019Grant (prize money)—
#3
Funding Raised · Chicago, Illinois · founded 1890 · 6725 employees$2.5Mraised▾
Provider of STEM-focused undergraduate and graduate educational programs and research. It offers various degree options designed to prepare individuals for careers. The institution provides access to experiential opportunities, including research and internships. It maintains a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its educational environment.
- Dec 2025Grant (prize money)$2.5M
#4
Funding Raised · Greenville, Illinois · founded 1892 · 177 employees$300Kraised▾
University offering multiple courses and degrees across diversified streams
- Mar 2025Grant (prize money)$300K
#5
Funding Raised · Quincy, Illinois · founded 1996 · 800 employees$14.5Mraised▾
Community college providing educational programs, workforce training, and student support services. It offers degrees, certificates, and courses for students pursuing higher education and career advancement. The college provides academic resources, student services, and community education programs. It focuses on preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce.
- Mar 2015Grant (prize money)—
- Oct 2012Grant (prize money)$1.2M
- May 2012Grant (prize money)$1.2M
- Jul 2011Grant (prize money)$1.5M
#6
Funding Raised · Kankakee, Illinois · founded 2005 · 870 employees$10.7Mraised▾
Community college providing academic programs, workforce training, and continuing education. It offers pathways to transfer programs, associate degrees, and certificates. The college provides resources such as advising, tutoring, and career services. It operates multiple campus locations and extension centers. The college also provides community-based programs, arts and culture events, and workforce development initiatives.
- May 2012Grant (prize money)$1.7M
- Jul 2011Grant (prize money)$337.1K
- Jul 2011Grant (prize money)$1.3M
- Aug 2010Grant (prize money)$400K
#7
Seed · Hinsdale, Illinois · founded 2017 · 28 employees$4Mraised▾
College offering multiple courses and degrees across diversified streams
- Oct 2021Seed$4M
#8
Funding Raised · Harrisburg, Illinois · founded 2002 · 407 employees$4.4Mraised▾
College provides academic programs, workforce training, student support, and community engagement. It offers transfer programs, career and technical education, and adult basic education. The college facilitates student success through academic advising, tutoring, and disability services. Additionally, it fosters community connections via alumni relations, community education, and cultural events.
- Sep 2010Grant (prize money)$399.6K
- Aug 2010Grant (prize money)$1.4M
- Sep 2009Grant (prize money)$190K
- Aug 2009Grant (prize money)$1.1M
#9
Funding Raised · Lombard, Illinois · founded 2000 · 73 employees$2.5Mraised▾
Provider of educational programs and resources in the health sciences
- Sep 2009Grant (prize money)$722K
- Jul 2008Grant (prize money)$1.1M
- Mar 2008Grant (prize money)$722K
#10
Funding Raised · Chicago, Illinois · founded 1996$1.4Mraised▾
Provider of post-secondary education and vocational training programs for adult learners
- Sep 2010Grant (prize money)$399.9K
- Jul 2009Grant (prize money)$199.7K
- Sep 2008Grant (prize money)$772K
#11
Funding Raised · Carlinville, Illinois · founded 1913$239.7Kraised▾
Institute offering multiple courses across diversified streams
- Sep 2011Grant (prize money)$14.7K
- Jul 2010Grant (prize money)$225K
#12
Funding Raised · Chicago, Illinois · founded 2003 · 2355 employees$128.9Kraised▾
Provider of arts courses
- May 2008Grant (prize money)$128.9K
Funding & investor landscape
Notable founders
Market landscape — 10 sub-themes by coverage
Share of Higher Education Institutions coverage by sub-theme.
Regulatory-risk over time rising
Funding & growth over time
funding rising · growth rising