CLT Colleges in

Illinois

Concordia University Chicago, founded in 1864 as Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary, is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in River Forest, Illinois. Affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and serves over 5,000 students. It has four colleges: Business, Education, Health, Science & Technology, and Theology, Arts & Humanities. Concordia Chicago is a member of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) and fields a wide range of men's and women's sports. The university also has a strong music program, with ensembles like the Wind Symphony and Kapelle performing internationally. Faith is central to student life, with numerous opportunities for spiritual growth.

Greenville University, an Illinois private college affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, began as Almira College in 1855 before becoming Greenville College in 1892. It was further renamed to its present name in 2017, and holds students to a Christ-centered lifestyle as stated in the Lifestyle Statement, cultivating a grace-based atmosphere for growth and recovery. The 800-student campus has historical structures and a wireless network pioneer. Football, track and field, basketball, and other sports have enjoyed success in the NCAA Division III and SLIAC. The faculty-centered educational approach prioritizes excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

North Central College, a private institution in Naperville, Illinois, was founded in 1861 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers 73 undergraduate majors, 17 minors, 25 graduate programs, and 4 certificates across multiple schools. The 65-acre campus includes historic and modern facilities like Pfeiffer Hall, Wentz Concert Hall, and Carnegie Hall. The college emphasizes liberal arts education, study abroad programs, and hands-on learning. Recognized for academic excellence, it has earned accolades for Fulbright scholars and internationalization efforts.

Olivet Nazarene University, founded in 1907, exemplifies a dedication to Christian principles in higher education. It is located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and provides recognized programs ranging from associate to doctoral degrees in more than 140 fields of study. The 275-acre site features cutting-edge technology as well as historic landmarks. It is a faith-based organization with a long history and strong denominational ties to the Church of the Nazarene. The university, which is noted for its academic and athletic programs, has a varied student body, with over 80 clubs and 21 intercollegiate sports teams known as the Tigers. Previously, the Chicago Bears had their training camp here.

Trinity Christian College is a private Christian institution in Palos Heights, Illinois, founded in 1959 by Chicago businessmen. The campus has nearly 70 programs and important facilities such as the Ozinga Chapel, Heritage Science Center, Art and Communication Center, and the DeVos Athletics and Recreation Center. Trinity offers about 1,000 traditional undergraduates and has expanded to include graduate and adult programs, with a strong emphasis on Reformed Christianity. It is The Higher Learning Commission-accredited and emphasizes accelerated learning, with cohorts for adult programs and hybrid courses for master's degrees. The Trolls compete in 14 varsity sports at the NAIA and NCCAA levels.

Trinity International University (TIU), an evangelical Christian university, traces its roots to 1897 and is affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. Headquartered in Bannockburn, Illinois, TIU includes Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity Law School (Santa Ana, California), and previously Trinity College. In 2023, TIU shifted its undergraduate programs online, set to close in 2025. Trinity Graduate School and TIU-Florida closed in 2024, but the seminary and law school remain operational. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, TIU was active in NAIA athletics until 2023. The women’s volleyball team won the NCCAA D1 National Championship in 2022.

Wheaton College, founded by abolitionists in 1860, exemplifies evangelical Christian beliefs. It broke denominational connections, backed the Underground Railroad, and graduated Edward Breathitte Sellers, one of Illinois' first black graduates, in 1866. J. Oliver Buswell's term provided progress but ended in turmoil in 1940. Despite criticism, Wheaton College rose to prominence as a premier Evangelical university, emphasizing faith-integrated learning and a thriving musical conservatory. It is known for its academic excellence, but it is also known for its conservative viewpoints, which has led to its designation as an LGBTQ-unfriendly institution. While advancing academically and athletically, the college remains committed to Christian ideals.