Advantage Academy ranks No. 8, empowering students to excel in higher education

DeVry University Advantage Academy (DUAA) has been recognized among the top 10 Chicago Public High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition highlights DeVry University’s partnership with the Chicago Public Schools and Advantage Academy’s commitment and dedication to providing students with the support they need to succeed.

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U.S. News & World Report Ranks DeVry University Advantage Academy in Top 10 of Chicago Public High Schools

“At DeVry University, we believe innovation in education is essential to fueling success for every generation of learners,” said Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University. “DeVry’s Advantage Academy reflects that belief, giving Chicago Public School students the chance to graduate high school with a diploma, a college degree and a powerful head start on their future. We are proud to see our program recognized among the top ten Chicago Public High Schools and to see its city and state rankings continue to climb year after year.”

“We are exceptionally proud of our educators, partners, faculty and student support staff,” added Brian Niro, assistant dean, teaching and learning for DeVry University. “They have dedicated so much of themselves to providing students with the knowledge and confidence to meet–and exceed–expectations in their education and future pathways. This recognition reaffirms that commitment, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Of the top 10 high schools ranked, Advantage Academy is recognized at No. 8 on the publication’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools list out of 149. Nationally, nearly 18,000 schools were evaluated and the methodology focused on six factors: college readiness; state assessment performance; underserved student performance; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.

Founded in 2004, DeVry University Advantage Academy is a dual-enrollment program for qualified 11^th and 12^th grade students offered at no additional cost. It currently welcomes 167 students from 48 high schools, 69% of whom are from economically disadvantaged families, across the Chicago Public School system. Advantage Academy students earn their associate degrees in Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Network Systems Administration or an Associate Degree in Business Administration—while earning a high school diploma at the same time.

“We recognize the responsibility we have as educators to ensuring our students are prepared for their next educational journey,” noted Niro. "Programs like DUAA not only accelerate education, but also break down barriers, transform futures and show our learners what is possible when they believe and dedicate themselves to their future.”

DUAA Chicago boasts a 100% graduation rate, with nearly 95% of students continuing their education at a four-year college or university. Earlier this year, 73 DUAA students earned an associate degree alongside their high school diploma and participated in DeVry University’s graduation ceremonies.

In addition to its top 10 ranking in Chicago, U.S. News & World Report ranked DUAA No. 29 among high schools in Illinois, No. 29 among Chicago, IL metro area high schools and No. 690 nationally out of 17,901 high schools.

To learn more, visit DeVry University Advantage Academy.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

About DeVry University

DeVry University strives to close society’s opportunity gap and address emerging talent needs by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change. Founded in 1931, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online in Business, Healthcare and Technology. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, www.hlcommission.org/). The university’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. To learn more, visit devry.edu

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“At DeVry University, we believe innovation in education is essential to fueling success for every generation of learners,” said Elise Awwad. “DeVry’s Advantage Academy reflects that belief."