Every year, on the Friday before Labor Day, students, alumni, and fans across the country celebrate College Colors Day, a tradition that began in 2004 thanks to the Collegiate Licensing Company. This year, it falls on Friday, August 29, 2025, and the theme is “Flip the Switch”, encouraging everyone to activate their fan mode and proudly wear the colors of their alma mater or favorite college.

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. 

Every year, on the Friday before Labor Day, we celebrate College Colors Day. This day is an opportunity for people to showcase their school pride by wearing the colors of their alma mater or favorite college or university. It's a celebration of the rich academic culture and diverse educational opportunities that Illinois has to offer.