Chicago’s universities and colleges rebounded in total enrollments, reaching 205,000 undergarduate and graduate students in 2023. The schools experienced enrollment growth that exceeded pre-COVID totals.
Chicago’s vibrant economy thrives on a steady influx of skilled and educated professionals, and the City’s higher education institutions play a crucial role in meeting that demand. With 20 colleges and universities producing approximately 57,000 graduates annually, these institutions’ impact on the local workforce is undeniable.
A Diverse Talent Pool
Chicago’s colleges and universities attract a diverse student body, This diversity is reflected in fulltime enrollments totals by ethnicity in 2023, ensuring a rich talent pool for businesses across various sectors.
Full time 2023 enrollments by ethnicity:
- Asian: 18,000
- Black: 15,373
- Hispanic: 35,609
- White: 46,265
- Non-resident alien: 22,731
- Other: 9,315
Equipping Graduates with In-Demand Skills
These institutions offer various programs, equipping graduates with specific skills and knowledge in fields such as nursing, education, engineering, and business, just to name a few, which are in high demand in today’s job market.
2023 Graduates by major degree category:
- Physical Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resources: 963
- Liberal Arts: 9,040
- Fine Arts: 1,711
- Social Sciences: 7,937
- Medicine and Biological Sciences: 8,465
- Business, Management and Law: 10,832
- Engineering: 7,436
- Education: 2,978
- Other: 1,394
Investing in Chicago’s Future: Congratulations Class of 2025!
By investing in higher education, Chicago is not just investing in its future but shaping it. These institutions are not just educating the next generation of workers but contributing to the City’s overall economic vitality and cultural richness, paving the way for a brighter future.
Chicago benefits from having one of the highest concentrations of universities and students in the U.S., providing a continuously renewed stream of talent for the region’s economy. We applaud the hard work and dedication of our students, representing the best and brightest, from the arts to software engineering and everything in between. Join us as we celebrate our newest “Scholars Who Will Be Fueling The Skyline!”