Across Illinois, more than 200 colleges and universities shape the character of their communities, each one steeped in legacy, alive with tradition, and bursting with color. The state’s academic landscape stretches wide: sprawling campuses that fuel innovation, quiet quads that nurture reflection, and every kind of learning environment in between.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The flagship campus of the state’s largest university proudly wears orange and blue, a combination adopted in 1894 to represent courage and loyalty. These colors are a rallying cry for the Fighting Illini, whose fans fill Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center in a sea of orange every season.
Beyond athletics, the university’s colors are a symbol of innovation and community. With world-renowned programs in engineering, agriculture, and the arts, UIUC fosters a culture of excellence that stretches across disciplines. The orange and blue are lived in classrooms, research labs, and student-led initiatives that shape the future of Illinois and beyond.
Northwestern University
Founded in 1851 and located in Evanston and downtown Chicago, Northwestern’s purple and white have symbolized excellence since 1892. In Chicagoland, school spirit runs deep. The Wildcats roar through stadiums, brilliant minds fill lecture halls, and campus colors brighten neighborhoods with energy. These colors represent institutions and they’re part of the rhythm of everyday life.
Northwestern’s legacy is built on academic rigor and civic engagement. From groundbreaking medical research to Pulitzer-winning journalism, the university’s impact reaches far beyond its campuses. The purple and white reflect a commitment to leadership, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge that defines the Wildcat community.
Loyola University
Chicago Loyola’s maroon and gold reflect its Jesuit roots and commitment to service. The university gained national attention during the 2018 NCAA basketball tournament, and the Ramblers continue to inspire pride across the state.
But Loyola’s influence extends well beyond the court. With a strong emphasis on social justice, healthcare, and ethics, the university prepares students to lead with compassion and integrity. The maroon and gold are worn by those who believe in making a difference through community outreach, academic excellence, and spiritual growth.
Southern Illinois University
With campuses in Carbondale and Edwardsville, SIU represents southern Illinois with maroon and white (Carbondale) and red and white (Edwardsville). Both campuses are vital to regional development and educational access.
SIU’s colors reflect a deep connection to place and purpose. These institutions serve as anchors for their communities, offering pathways to opportunity and innovation. Whether it’s agricultural research, healthcare training, or the arts, SIU’s campuses empower students to shape the future of southern Illinois with pride and purpose.
Wheaton College
Located west of Chicago, Wheaton College’s blue and orange reflect its mission to integrate faith and learning. These colors are worn proudly by students and alumni who value academic rigor and spiritual growth.
Wheaton’s campus fosters a unique blend of intellectual challenge and personal reflection. With strong programs in theology, music, and the sciences, the college encourages students to explore their calling in a supportive, values-driven environment. The blue and orange represent a community grounded in purpose, curiosity, and conviction.
Illinois Wesleyan University
In Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan’s green and white symbolize its liberal arts tradition and commitment to excellence. The university continues to shape leaders in arts, sciences, and public service.
IWU’s vibrant campus culture is built on creativity, collaboration, and civic engagement. Students pursue passions across disciplines, supported by faculty who challenge and inspire. The green and white are a reflection of a community that values thoughtfulness, leadership, and lifelong learning.
College Colors Day is a reflection of the identity, pride, and the stories stitched into every campus banner and alumni sweatshirt. Across Illinois, school colors carry meaning that goes beyond the classroom or the stadium. They represent generations of achievement, resilience, and community. On August 29, flip the switch. Let your colors speak volumes. Let them remind the world who you are, what you stand for, and the legacy you are part of.