ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Biological & Physical Sciences Schools in Illinois

34 Colleges in the United States
4,311 Biological & Physical Sciences Degrees Awarded
$34,388 Avg Early-Career Salary

Biological & Physical Sciences is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 50 schools to find the best for biological & physical sciences students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/biological-and-physical-sciences/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/biological-and-physical-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/biological-and-physical-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/biological-and-physical-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/biological-and-physical-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/biological-and-physical-sciences/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/biological-and-physical-sciences/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: No offers_data.offers found, showing generic ESYOH widget

Best Schools for Biological & Physical Sciences in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall biological & physical sciences education in Illinois.

Top Schools in Biological & Physical Sciences

1

College Of Lake County tops our 2026 ranking of the best biological & physical sciences schools. Set in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public institution. There were roughly 135 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at College Of Lake County in the most recent data year. Biological & Physical Sciences graduates of College Of Lake County earn a median of $37,724 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $7,833 to complete this degree. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for College Of Lake County

2

Elgin Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical sciences schools. Located in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public university. There were roughly 193 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at Elgin Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biological & physical sciences program make about $43,975 in their early career. Elgin Community College graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for Elgin Community College

3
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in biological & physical sciences, ranking #3. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. There were roughly 401 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at Harper College in the most recent data year. Biological & Physical Sciences graduates of Harper College earn a median of $27,081 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $8,250. Read more about the biological & physical sciences program at Harper College

4

Waubonsee Community College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in biological & physical sciences, ranking #4. Set in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public institution. About 261 biological & physical sciences degrees were awarded at Waubonsee Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biological & physical sciences degree from Waubonsee Community College earn around $24,939 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $8,067 to complete this degree. See the full biological & physical sciences program report for Waubonsee Community College

5
Mchenry County College crest
Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL

Mchenry County College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in biological & physical sciences, ranking #5. Mchenry County College is a large public school located in the rural area of Crystal Lake. Mchenry County College awarded about 155 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Biological & Physical Sciences graduates of Mchenry County College earn a median of $28,614 early in their careers. Mchenry County College graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for Mchenry County College

6

Southwestern Illinois College placed #6 among the best biological & physical sciences schools. Located in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public university. Southwestern Illinois College awarded about 114 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from Southwestern Illinois College generally make around $29,678. Typical student debt for the program is $6,196. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for Southwestern Illinois College

7

City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical sciences schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Chicago. About 132 biological & physical sciences degrees were awarded at City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biological & physical sciences degree from City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College earn around $33,115 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete this degree. See the full biological & physical sciences program report for City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College

8

Richland Community College came in at #8 for biological & physical sciences this year. Located in the city of Decatur, Richland Community College is a mid-sized public university. Richland Community College awarded about 39 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from Richland Community College generally make around $46,233. Typical student debt for the program is $9,562. Read more about the biological & physical sciences program at Richland Community College

9
Oakton Community College crest
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL

Oakton Community College placed #9 among the best biological & physical sciences schools. Located in the city of Des Plaines, Oakton Community College is a large public university. Oakton Community College awarded about 51 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from Oakton Community College generally make around $48,838. Oakton Community College graduates carry a median of $7,750 in student loans. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for Oakton Community College

10
Lake Land College crest
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL

Lake Land College landed the #10 spot for biological & physical sciences this year. Set in the rural area of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public institution. There were roughly 46 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at Lake Land College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their biological & physical sciences degree from Lake Land College earn around $30,294 in the first couple years of their career. Lake Land College graduates carry a median of $7,769 in student loans. Read more about the biological & physical sciences program at Lake Land College

11

Moraine Valley Community College landed the #11 spot for biological & physical sciences this year. Moraine Valley Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Palos Hills. There were roughly 281 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at Moraine Valley Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their biological & physical sciences degree from Moraine Valley Community College earn around $23,128 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete this degree. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for Moraine Valley Community College

12

City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College earned the #12 position for biological & physical sciences this year. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College is a mid-sized public institution. About 27 biological & physical sciences degrees were awarded at City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College generally make around $26,939. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500. Read more about the biological & physical sciences program at City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College

13
Rock Valley College crest
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL

Rock Valley College landed the #13 spot for biological & physical sciences this year. Rock Valley College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rockford. Rock Valley College awarded about 176 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from Rock Valley College generally make around $21,956. Typical student debt for the program is $6,632. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for Rock Valley College

14

Rend Lake College came in at #14 for biological & physical sciences this year. This mid-sized public university is located in the rural area of Ina. About 108 biological & physical sciences degrees were awarded at Rend Lake College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from Rend Lake College generally make around $24,444. Typical student debt for the program is $8,688. More information about a degree in biological & physical sciences from Rend Lake College

15

Joliet Junior College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical sciences schools. Set in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public institution. Joliet Junior College awarded about 118 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $30,509. Typical student debt for the program is $6,500. More information about a degree in biological & physical sciences from Joliet Junior College

16

City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College came in at #16 for biological & physical sciences this year. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a large public university. About 102 biological & physical sciences degrees were awarded at City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biological & physical sciences degree from City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College earn around $30,203 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $8,965. More information about a degree in biological & physical sciences from City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College

17

City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College came in at #17 for biological & physical sciences this year. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College is a moderately-sized public university. City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College awarded about 143 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Biological & Physical Sciences graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College earn a median of $27,451 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $8,750. See the full biological & physical sciences program report for City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College

18

Illinois Valley Community College came in at #18 for biological & physical sciences this year. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Oglesby. There were roughly 114 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at Illinois Valley Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biological & physical sciences program make about $18,345 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $6,363. See the full biological & physical sciences program report for Illinois Valley Community College

19

Lewis And Clark Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical sciences schools. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. There were roughly 80 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at Lewis And Clark Community College in the most recent data year. Biological & Physical Sciences graduates of Lewis And Clark Community College earn a median of $27,320 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $8,315 to complete this degree. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for Lewis And Clark Community College

20

City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical sciences schools. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public institution. There were roughly 132 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College generally make around $26,130. Typical student debt for the program is $5,583. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College

21

Black Hawk College earned the #21 position for biological & physical sciences this year. Set in the city of Moline, Black Hawk College is a moderately-sized public institution. Black Hawk College awarded about 69 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biological & physical sciences program make about $44,286 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the biological & physical sciences program at Black Hawk College

22

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College earned the #22 position for biological & physical sciences this year. Located in the town of Olney, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College is a large public university. There were roughly 23 biological & physical sciences students who graduated with this degree at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College generally make around $38,331. Typical student debt for the program is $9,434. Read more about the biological & physical sciences program at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College

23
Parkland College crest
Parkland College
Champaign, IL

Parkland College earned the #23 position for biological & physical sciences this year. Located in the city of Champaign, Parkland College is a moderately-sized public university. Parkland College awarded about 140 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical sciences degree recipients from Parkland College generally make around $26,547. Parkland College graduates carry a median of $8,628 in student loans. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for Parkland College

24
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage placed #24 among the best biological & physical sciences schools. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. College Of Dupage awarded about 232 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their biological & physical sciences degree from College Of Dupage earn around $22,654 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,664. Get the full biological & physical sciences details for College Of Dupage

25
Morton College crest
Morton College
Cicero, IL

Morton College earned the #25 position for biological & physical sciences this year. Located in the suburb of Cicero, Morton College is a moderately-sized public university. Morton College awarded about 107 biological & physical sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their biological & physical sciences degree from Morton College earn around $22,435 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $6,000. See the full biological & physical sciences program report for Morton College

Rest of the Top 44 Biological & Physical Sciences Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s biological & physical sciences ranking:

26
27
Triton College crest
Triton College
River Grove, IL
28
29
30
Carl Sandburg College crest
Carl Sandburg College
Galesburg, IL
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Prairie State College crest
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL
41
John A Logan College crest
John A Logan College
Carterville, IL
42
Kaskaskia College crest
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL
43
44
South Suburban College crest
South Suburban College
South Holland, IL

ADBLOCK #173
View All Biological & Physical Sciences Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 50 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options