2026 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Illinois

1

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Leading the list is Northwestern University, our #1 school for physician assistant. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Evanston. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 35 physician assistant degrees were awarded at Northwestern University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, physician assistant degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $107,097. Northwestern University graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. See the full physician assistant program report for Northwestern University

2

Midwestern University Downers Grove
Downers Grove, IL

Students looking for a strong physician assistant program will find one at Midwestern University Downers Grove, which ranked #2. Midwestern University Downers Grove is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Downers Grove. There were roughly 82 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Midwestern University Downers Grove in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physician assistant degree from Midwestern University Downers Grove earn around $123,370 in the first couple years of their career. More information about a degree in physician assistant from Midwestern University Downers Grove

3

North Central College
Naperville, IL

North Central College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in physician assistant, ranking #3. North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Naperville. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. North Central College awarded about 31 physician assistant degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physician assistant degree recipients from North Central College generally make around $46,247. North Central College graduates carry a median of $25,699 in student loans. See the full physician assistant program report for North Central College

4

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best physician assistant schools. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. Southern Illinois University Carbondale awarded about 76 physician assistant degrees in the most recent data year. Physician Assistant graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $88,835 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,985. More information about a degree in physician assistant from Southern Illinois University Carbondale

5

Rush University
Chicago, IL

Rush University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best physician assistant schools. Rush University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. There were roughly 30 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Rush University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physician assistant degree from Rush University earn around $97,356 in the first couple years of their career. Rush University graduates carry a median of $35,578 in student loans. Get the full physician assistant details for Rush University

6

Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science
North Chicago, IL

Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science landed the #6 spot for physician assistant this year. Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of North Chicago. About 60 physician assistant degrees were awarded at Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science in the most recent year. Students who receive their physician assistant degree from Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science earn around $107,599 in the first couple years of their career. See the full physician assistant program report for Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science

7

University Of St Francis
Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best physician assistant schools. Located in the suburb of Joliet, University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. University Of St Francis graduates 67% of students within six years. About 37 physician assistant degrees were awarded at University Of St Francis in the most recent year. Physician Assistant graduates of University Of St Francis earn a median of $81,259 early in their careers. University Of St Francis graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in physician assistant from University Of St Francis

8

Dominican University
River Forest, IL

Dominican University placed #8 among the best physician assistant schools. Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of River Forest. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 28 physician assistant degrees were awarded at Dominican University in the most recent year. Physician Assistant graduates of Dominican University earn a median of $112,516 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,236. See the full physician assistant program report for Dominican University