Illinois’ rate of population decline between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018, was the third highest among the 50 states and Puerto Rico, according to population estimates released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau.

One Illinois university made a list of 20 schools that defied recent trends and posted the smallest decreases in student acceptance rates over the past 12 years, according to a new study by BusinessStudent.com.

Illinois universities topped a national ranking of prestigious schools whose acceptance rates have declined a collective 37 percent over the past 12 years, according to a new study by BusinessStudent.com.

Illinois ranked seventh most popular for college football among the 50 states, according to a Prairie State Wire analysis of college sports participation.