First Institute has been recognized by USA TODAY and Statista as one of the Top 250 Best Vocational Schools in the U.S., based on graduation rates, graduate salaries, time to pay off net costs, social mobility, and diversity.

Of the 13 Illinois schools ranked, First Institute is one of only six that are not community colleges.

You can view the full list here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/07/21/top-vocational-schools-in-us-ranked-2025/84497925007/