Illinois D2 colleges: how do they compare?

Hey everyone, I'm currently looking at Division 2 colleges in Illinois. Can anyone give me some insight on how they compare to each other academically and athletically? Thanks in advance!

Hello! There are a few Division 2 colleges in Illinois, and each comes with its own pros and cons, both academically and athletically. While it's difficult to cover all the nuances of these schools, I can provide you with an overview of three notable D2 colleges in Illinois: Lewis University, McKendree University, and Quincy University.

1. Lewis University:

Academically: Lewis University is a private institution that offers a comprehensive set of majors, with strong emphasis on programs such as aviation, nursing, psychology, and various STEM fields.

Athletically: Lewis competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). They excel in sports like women's and men's volleyball, men's basketball, and track and field.

2. McKendree University:

Academically: McKendree University is the oldest college in Illinois with a rich background. It offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with some of the popular ones being nursing, business, education, and arts and sciences.

Athletically: McKendree is also a member of the GLVC. Bearcats (their sports teams) are known for their achievements in men's and women's wrestling, men's and women's bowling, and men's and women's golf.

3. Quincy University:

Academically: Quincy University is a smaller-scale liberal arts institution with a range of undergraduate degrees on offer, including notable programs in business administration, psychology, and arts & sciences fields.

Athletically: Like the other two schools, Quincy competes in the GLVC as well. Their sports teams, the Hawks, are particularly known for men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, and baseball.

It's essential to keep in mind that each of these colleges will have different offerings for financial aid, campus atmosphere, and resources, among others. Academically, they all have various strong programs, so it's crucial to research and take into account which majors you are most interested in. Athletically, the competition level varies between sports and schools, so diving into the specifics of your intended sport at each institution would be essential.

Visiting the schools in person or attending virtual tours and info sessions can help you better understand the environment and offerings of each institution. Also, don't hesitate to engage with current students, alumni, and coaches to get a handle on the campus community and athletics programs.

Ultimately, the best Division 2 college in Illinois for you will depend on your academic and athletic preferences and how you feel about each school's campus community.