United States City guide
Study in Chicago
Chicago mixes universities, vocational colleges and language schools — the feel shifts by neighbourhood, not just by country. The CTA L connects DePaul's Loop campus to Loyola via the Red Line and UIC-Halsted via the Blue Line; Lake Michigan moderates summer heat but funnels extreme winds downtown in winter. Chicago has the world's second-busiest airport (O'Hare) and is North America's largest freight transportation hub.
The CTA L connects DePaul's Loop campus to Loyola via the Red Line and UIC-Halsted via the Blue Line; Lake Michigan moderates summer heat but funnels extreme winds downtown in winter.
Mid-range costs
F-1 student visa
Up to 20 hours/week on campus while studying
You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.
Chicago has more than one academic face: research universities, technical institutes and language schools often coexist within a few kilometres. Competition between institutions in United States benefits students through wider timetables and more study formats.
ApplySite lists each verified institution: you compare entry rules, shortlist options and send the application to admissions. You do not pay ApplySite — tuition and official fees go to the institution directly, with no hidden platform charges.
Before you enrol in Chicago, confirm health insurance rules, prior credential recognition and proof-of-funds requirements. United States publishes official lists of recognised providers — cross-check them with verified ApplySite profiles.
In Chicago there is a real distinction between living near campus and living in a central zone with good transit. The first cuts your daily commute; the second, in large cities, opens more part-time job and social options. Map the transit lines against the campus address before signing anything.
Comparing cities within United States before deciding is an advantage few guides make easy. Real cost is not just tuition: living in a high-tier city can easily outweigh any savings on a similar programme in another city in the same country. Chicago is one of the United States options listed on ApplySite — check the other cities in the country section to contrast living costs and academic supply.
Applying through ApplySite costs the student nothing: browse verified institutions, compare requirements, costs and start dates, and when you decide, your profile reaches admissions without intermediaries. The institution bills you directly at their official rates — no platform commission or hidden charges.
City guide
Why students choose Chicago
- The CTA L connects DePaul's Loop campus to Loyola via the Red Line and UIC-Halsted via the Blue Line; Lake Michigan moderates summer heat but funnels extreme winds downtown in winter. Chicago has the world's second-busiest airport (O'Hare) and is North America's largest freight transportation hub.
- Mixed academic routes: languages, diplomas and degrees in Chicago
- Side-by-side comparison with other United States cities on ApplySite
- Program catalog in Chicago expanding at launch
Education
Types of institutions
Universities and higher education
Institutions with their own admissions in Chicago; check language of instruction and intake dates.
Colleges and vocational training
Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.
Language schools
Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.
Programs
What you can study in Chicago
Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.
Catalog expanding at launch
Languages in Chicago
Language schools and intensive courses in Chicago to level up before college or university in United States.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Undergraduate study in Chicago
Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Chicago institutions focused on local employability.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Postgraduate programs in Chicago
MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Chicago's ecosystem.
See programs →Student life
Markets, grocery chains and campus canteens drive weekly spend in Chicago. Cooking in a shared flat saves money; eating out daily does not.
Visa and paperwork
To study in Chicago you will typically need the F-1 student visa. Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 20 hours/week on campus while studying Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Guide to United States →Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.
Planning your budget
Cost of living in Chicago
Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.
Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.
United States
Other cities in United States
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Chicago?
In United States, the usual rule is: Up to 20 hours/week on campus while studying. Confirm limits on your offer letter and the official immigration site.
How much does it cost to live in Chicago?
Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Chicago.
How do I apply to a program in Chicago?
On ApplySite you compare programs in Chicago, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.
Are programs already listed for Chicago?
The catalog rolls out in phases at launch. Until then use this guide and contact our team if you already have an institution in mind.
Do I pay ApplySite?
No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.
Are there hidden fees when I apply?
Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.
Planning your move to Chicago?
Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.