Top Schools & World-Class Universities Fuel a Talent Pipeline that is Driving Business Growth in Chicagoland.

Chicagoland’s schools — from elementary through world-class universities — are one of the region’s greatest assets and a major reason why people and businesses choose to build their futures here.

With more than 145,000 students in the city and thousands more across nearby Big Ten and Midwest institutions, Chicago truly stands as America’s College Town— a magnet for talent from across the region and beyond.

As students continue to head back to school, the World Business Chicago Research Center highlights some of the strengths and fun facts about our education system that power the pipeline of tomorrow’s workforce.

Chicagoland’s education ecosystem is one of the region’s greatest strengths, shaping both the lives of its students and the future of its economy.

From pre-K to postsecondary, the scale and quality of education in our seven-county region make Chicagoland not only a great place to live and raise a family, but also a powerful magnet for businesses seeking skilled talent.

A region of learners.

With more than 2,100 public schools serving 1.2 million children, Chicagoland is home to one of the largest K–12 systems in the country. That includes 1,457 elementary schools, 306 middle schools, 297 high schools, and 56 early childhood centers. This expansive network reflects the region’s commitment to educational opportunity at every stage.

Nationally ranked excellence.

Chicagoland is home to 39 of the nation’s top 1,000 high schools, with the top five in Illinois located right here in the city. Schools like Payton College Preparatory High School, Northside College Preparatory High School, Lane Technical High School, Young Magnet High School, and Jones College Prep High, consistently earn national recognition thanks to their rigorous curricula, strong STEM programs, and advanced coursework.

It’s no surprise Illinois ranks 7th in the nation for eighth-grade reading scores, a testament to the state’s strong academic foundation.

Education is also part of Chicagoland’s value proposition as an affordable and high-quality place to live. Compared to peer metros, families here enjoy greater access to top-ranked schools without the sky-high housing costs, making the region a top choice for parents seeking both opportunity and stability.

When comparing the density of students ages 15–19 enrolled in “top 1,000” high schools with the median gross rent across major metro areas, Chicagoland stands out.

Families here enjoy greater access to top-ranked schools relative to the cost of living than in peer regions.

Education itself is one of Chicagoland’s largest industries, employing more than 150,000 people — from pre-K teachers to university professors and librarians. It is the fourth-largest educational services workforce in the nation, and demand is expected to keep growing. This sector represents not only a critical community service but also a major employer powering the region’s economy.

Chicago Public Schools continue to break new ground. The Class of 2025 set records for early college achievements, with more than 200 students earning associate degrees and 6,000 students securing 66,000 early college credits while still in high school. Initiatives like the Chicago Roadmap and the University of Chicago Education Lab’s Elevate program are expanding dual-credit access and personalized learning, ensuring students graduate ready for college and career.

Also worth noting…

• 138,741 Chicagoland residents report being a “high school super fan.”
• 497,845 attended a public meeting on town or school affairs in the past 12 months.
• 878,941 participated in an adult education course in the past 12 months.
• 530,323 donated to an educational institution in the past 12 months.

All told, Chicagoland is a highly educated region.

• The metro area has the third most college graduates over age 25 in the U.S. — 2.7 million people, representing 41.6% of the population.
• Every year, 145,000 students complete a postsecondary program, including degrees and certificates.
• An additional 1.6 million adults hold at least an associate’s degree or have completed some college.
• Across more than 300 high schools in the seven-county area, over 60,000 students are engaged in career and technical education (CTE).
• The region is home to 500+ postsecondary programs approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, including 20 community colleges, 68 four-year colleges, and more than 60 trade schools. See where they are here.

Chicago’s education ecosystem is far more than a civic asset — it is one of the region’s greatest economic advantages. From nationally ranked high schools to world-class universities, Chicagoland produces a steady pipeline of talent that fuels business growth, attracts investment, and drives innovation across industries. As WBC CEO Phil Clement notes:

“Chicago is America’s College Town — a place where talent from across the Midwest and around the world comes to learn, grow, and build the future. Education here isn’t just about schools and universities; it’s about powering an economy and shaping the next generation of innovators.”