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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Biotechnology Schools in Illinois

2 Colleges in the United States
107 Biotechnology Degrees Awarded
$69,140 Avg Early-Career Salary

Biotechnology is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for biotechnology students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Biotechnology in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall biotechnology education in Illinois.

Top Schools in Biotechnology

1
Rush University crest
Rush University
Chicago, IL

Leading the list is Rush University, our #1 school for biotechnology. Located in the city of Chicago, Rush University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. There were roughly 30 biotechnology students who graduated with this degree at Rush University in the most recent data year. Biotechnology graduates of Rush University earn a median of $81,296 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $31,206 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in biotechnology from Rush University

2

Students looking for a strong biotechnology program will find one at University Of Illinois At Chicago, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. University Of Illinois At Chicago awarded about 23 biotechnology degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biotechnology degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $61,829. Typical student debt for the program is $20,115. More information about a degree in biotechnology from University Of Illinois At Chicago

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in biotechnology, ranking #3. This very large public university is located in the city of Champaign. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 16 biotechnology degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent year. Students who receive their biotechnology degree from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn around $57,461 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in biotechnology from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

4

Northwestern University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in biotechnology, ranking #4. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 38 biotechnology students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biotechnology program make about $75,972 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete this degree. Get the full biotechnology details for Northwestern University

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 5 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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