Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024

MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN ILLINOIS

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in llinois. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois 2024

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  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  2. University of Illinois Chicago
  3. Northern Illinois University
  4. Illinois State University
  5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  6. Chicago State University
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  8. Western Illinois University
  9. University of Illinois Springfield
  10. Eastern Illinois University
  1. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 98%
  2. National Louis University 97%
  3. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 95%
  4. Illinois State University 92%
  5. University of Illinois Chicago 79%
  6. University of Illinois Springfield 79%
  7. Lincoln College 74%
  8. Western Illinois University 72%
  9. Eastern Illinois University 72%
  10. Northern Illinois University 70%
  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 20 to 1
  2. Illinois State University 19 to 1
  3. University of Illinois Chicago 18 to 1
  4. National Louis University 16 to 1
  5. Northern Illinois University 16 to 1
  6. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 16 to 1
  7. Lincoln College 15 to 1
  8. Eastern Illinois University 14 to 1
  9. Western Illinois University 13 to 1
  10. St. Augustine College 13 to 1
  1. Lincoln College $19,800
  2. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $15,240
  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,446
  4. Western Illinois University $13,669
  5. Northern Illinois University $12,478
  6. University of Illinois Chicago $12,253
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $12,219
  8. St. Augustine College $12,120
  9. National Louis University $11,505
  10. Illinois State University $10,932
  1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign $14,635
  2. University of Illinois Chicago $13,927
  3. National Louis University $11,646
  4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $11,268
  5. Northern Illinois University $8,942
  6. University of Illinois Springfield $8,375
  7. Western Illinois University $8,319
  8. Northeastern Illinois University $7,947
  9. Illinois State University $7,805
  10. Eastern Illinois University $7,691
  1. St. Augustine College
  2. Lincoln College
  3. Governors State University
  4. National Louis University
  5. Northeastern Illinois University
  6. Eastern Illinois University
  7. University of Illinois Springfield
  8. Western Illinois University
  9. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  10. Chicago State University
  1. Chicago State University 47%
  2. Governors State University 52%
  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 60%
  4. Northeastern Illinois University 62%
  5. Northern Illinois University 70%
  6. Eastern Illinois University 72%
  7. Western Illinois University 72%
  8. Lincoln College 74%
  9. University of Illinois Springfield 79%
  10. University of Illinois Chicago 79%
  1. Chicago State University 9 to 1
  2. Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11 to 1
  3. Governors State University 11 to 1
  4. University of Illinois Springfield 12 to 1
  5. Northeastern Illinois University 12 to 1
  6. Western Illinois University 13 to 1
  7. St. Augustine College 13 to 1
  8. Eastern Illinois University 14 to 1
  9. Lincoln College 15 to 1
  10. National Louis University 16 to 1
  1. Chicago State University $7,488
  2. Governors State University $7,512
  3. Eastern Illinois University $9,207
  4. University of Illinois Springfield $9,645
  5. Northeastern Illinois University $10,091
  6. Illinois State University $10,932
  7. National Louis University $11,505
  8. St. Augustine College $12,120
  9. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $12,219
  10. University of Illinois Chicago $12,253
  1. Chicago State University $5,850
  2. Governors State University $6,354
  3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville $7,146
  4. Eastern Illinois University $7,691
  5. Illinois State University $7,805
  6. Northeastern Illinois University $7,947
  7. Western Illinois University $8,319
  8. University of Illinois Springfield $8,375
  9. Northern Illinois University $8,942
  10. Southern Illinois University Carbondale $11,268

Key Takeaways

  • The most affordable colleges in Illinois have an average tuition fee of $14,000. But Illinois residents looking to save money on their education enroll in Governors State University. GSU has the lowest tuition and fees at an average of $10k per year.
  • The two most prominent public institutions in Illinois are the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
  • Students from all corners of the globe can access Illinois’ on-campus and online learning. Both public and private colleges and universities in Illinois offer affordable online degree programs.

Colleges and Universities in Illinois

Prospective students searching for colleges in Illinois have plenty of excellent schools to choose from. Illinois offers over 130 higher education institutes throughout the state. Thanks to an expansive public university system and several top private institutions, students can select from an extremely wide array of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Illinois.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois at Chicago, the state’s two largest public universities in Illinois. Students can access a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degrees for in-state tuition rates of $13,000 to $15,000 respectively. Both public universities also offer a full selection of online degree programs.

It’s also worth noting that Illinois residents who pursue online degrees at public colleges in Illinois will qualify for in-state tuition rates. Out of state students will generally pay more whether pursuing on-campus or online degrees.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

More than half of the colleges in Illinois are actually private schools. Among these private colleges and universities, the most notable are DePaul University, Northwestern University, and Loyola University Chicago. Tuition from these three private schools can be costly, ranging from $44,000 to $55,000. However, each of these private schools boasts a high graduation rate and excellent professors.

Illinois is also home to many small private schools, including Benedictine University and National Louis University.

Popular disciplines in Illinois include disciplines like criminal justice, social work, nursing, education, religious studies, communications, and medicine. Both traditional and online students have a wide range of options in each of these subject areas.

Degree completion programs are also widely available for lapsed students who have already accumulated some college credits. This is an especially popular online degree option among working professionals in Illinois.

Additionally, Illinois offers several loan forgiveness-based financial aid programs for qualifying students pursuing careers as teachers, public defenders or prosecutors, or nurses.

From the skyscrapers in Chicago to the vast prairie lands in the north, Illinois is a place where city meets country. Students can grab a Chicago-style hotdog on the way to a Cubs game, explore the ancient sandstone cliffs in the Shawnee National Forest, or admire an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago, all while attending one of The Prairie State’s universities or colleges.

The higher education institutes in Illinois have also produced many prominent alumni, including Stephen Colbert, Phillip Glass, and Kurt Vonnegut. Students hoping to walk the same streets as these well-known individuals can check out some of the state’s top programs and universities.


What are Illinois’s Colleges & Universities?

Illinois’s Best Overall

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Affordable Colleges? Try Illinois!

Illinois, just like other states, experienced a downturn in college enrollment during the start of COVID-19. But in the middle of 2021, the state began to experience a quick rebound. Because of its strong economy, Illinois is a desirable area to pursue higher education and a profession.

While Illinois takes pride in hosting one of the most affordable colleges in the United States, college-bound students are still looking for financial aid opportunities. It will also help students decide which major to pursue if they know which careers provide the highest ROI in Illinois.

Financial Aid Opportunities in Illinois

AIM HIGH: The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) Grant Pilot Program of the State of Illinois provides funding for the AIM HIGH Scholarship. This initiative aims to make education more affordable for Illinois students, helps them pay off their student loans, and encourages them to attend an in-state university.

Grants: Grants are non-repayable gifts from federal, state, or university monies based on demonstrable financial need.

Scholarships: Scholarships are gifts that don’t have to be paid back and are given out based on several criteria, such as academic excellence, talent, athletic prowess, leadership qualities, geographic location, the field of study, or financial necessity.

Loans: Loans are borrowed monies that must be repaid whenever a student graduates, leaves college, or drops below half-time status. They are used to assist you in paying for your college or graduate school educational expenditures.

Student Employment: Employment enables undergraduate and graduate students to make money while still attending classes.

In-Demand Illinois Jobs

Graduates decide which career path to take based on several reasons, including the undergraduate and graduate programs they pursue, their individual skills, interests, and suggestions from peers.

However, a crucial factor—the demand for workers in a specific job—is frequently ranked lower or not considered. Researching job trends can help you concentrate on an in-demand career with future growth, especially for professionals in the workforce considering a career change.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) names these top five most in-demand majors/jobs in Illinois:

Management Occupations

In many businesses, management positions provide some of the most direct paths to increasing your level of responsibility. Businesses and organizations need someone to be in charge of overseeing staff productivity and progress.

According to BLS, management occupations are expected to grow by 8% in the next ten years.

Business and Financial Operations Occupations

The major duty of finance professionals is to provide financial services using their understanding of finance, tax regulations, and accounting. These professionals usually help with financial planning in businesses and individuals. According to BLS, business and financial occupations are expected to grow by 7% in the next ten years.

Computer and Mathematical Occupations

Professionals in computer and mathematical occupations are tasked to help companies or organizations model networks, analyze, plan, and synchronize network and data communications hardware and software. Additionally, professionals help computer network specialists manage network security.

According to BLS, computer and mathematical occupations are expected to grow by 15% in the next ten years.

Architecture and Engineering Occupations

You should consider an architecture or engineering job if you are interested in science, math, and construction techniques. These professionals gather data for mapping and other uses while designing and creating various products, systems, and buildings.

According to BLS, architecture and engineering occupations are expected to grow by 4% in the next ten years.

Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

Life sciences occupations often entail studying living organisms. Principles of chemistry and physics are often studied and applied in physical science occupations. Social science specialists study interpersonal relationships and human civilization.

According to BLS, Life, physical, and social science occupations are expected to grow by 7% in the next ten years.

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There are 15 affordable colleges and universities in Illinois with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Illinois is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/30

    What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign known for?

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  2. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    What is Southern Illinois University Edwardsville known for?

    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    985/21

    Western Illinois University’s Online Degrees

    BB in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BB in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interpersonal Communication And Processes
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    What is University of Illinois Springfield known for?

    University of Illinois Springfield’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Illinois Springfield’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 53-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Eastern Illinois University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Development
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication In Organizations
    • Required Credits: 46
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Promotion
    Degree Concentrations
    • Emergency Management And Disaster Preparedness
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #11

    Governors State University

    University Park , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    940/19

    What is Governors State University known for?

    Governors State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Governors State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business And Applied Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    910/18

  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    6K

    What is National Louis University known for?

    National Louis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    National Louis University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Sciences
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BABS in Communications
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Leadership
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #14

    Lincoln College

    Lincoln , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Lincoln College known for?

    Lincoln College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #15

    St. Augustine College

    Chicago , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    99%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is St. Augustine College known for?

    St. Augustine College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Illinois’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Chicago State University
  2. Governors State University
  3. Northeastern Illinois University
  4. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  5. St. Augustine College
  6. Eastern Illinois University
  7. University of Illinois Springfield
  8. Illinois State University
  9. Western Illinois University
  10. National Louis University
  11. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  12. Northern Illinois University
  13. University of Illinois Chicago
  14. Midstate College

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