Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN ILLINOIS

Published: Mar 23, 2021
Updated: Sep 23, 2024

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.

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.

Table of Contents

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois 2025

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Chicago
Northern Illinois University
Illinois State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Chicago State University
+4
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
–1
Western Illinois University
–1
Eastern Illinois University
University of Illinois Springfield
–2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten most affordable colleges in Illinois remained fairly stable. Chicago State University gained four ranking positions as the school introduced several improvements for the 2025 school year, such as upgraded student housing and modernized classrooms with advanced technology. Additionally, Chicago State has strengthened its commitment to diversity and inclusion through new scholarship programs and initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented students. The introduction of more hands-on learning opportunities and internships in partnership with local industries is also a key highlight for students.

Overview of 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.

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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.

Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois

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

Achieving a college degree shouldn’t mean drowning in debt. For cost-conscious students, Illinois has several institutions that offer an exceptional education at an incredibly affordable price tag.

From public universities to private colleges, the state provides a range of wallet-friendly options without compromising on quality instruction or campus experience. Take a look at our list of the best value institutions for pursuing higher education in Illinois.

Why Choose Illinois for Affordable Colleges?

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.

Exterior of a school building in Chicago

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 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 primary 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

Students busy with their school work at a library

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

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, the number of architecture and engineering occupations is expected to grow by 4% in the next ten years.

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.

Conclusion

From large public universities to small private colleges, Illinois offers an array of affordable higher education options to fit any student’s needs and budget.

With low tuition costs, generous financial aid opportunities, and high-quality academics, these institutions prove that an outstanding college experience doesn’t have to come with a mountain of debt. For smart students seeking value, the cheapest colleges in Illinois provide an excellent return on investment.

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Illinois’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

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Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2025

Key Takeaways

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Overview of Colleges and Universities in Illinois

Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What do we love about University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?

Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Chicago

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of University of Illinois Chicago

What do we love about University of Illinois Chicago?

University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Northern Illinois University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Northern Illinois University

What do we love about Northern Illinois University?

Career Outlook for degree at Illinois State University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Illinois State University

What do we love about Illinois State University?

Career Outlook for degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Southern Illinois University Carbondale

What do we love about Southern Illinois University Carbondale?

Career Outlook for degree at Chicago State University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Chicago State University

What do we love about Chicago State University?

Career Outlook for degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

What do we love about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?

Career Outlook for degree at Western Illinois University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Western Illinois University

What do we love about Western Illinois University?

Western Illinois University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Illinois University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Eastern Illinois University

What do we love about Eastern Illinois University?

Eastern Illinois University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Springfield

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of University of Illinois Springfield

What do we love about University of Illinois Springfield?

University of Illinois Springfield’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Northeastern Illinois University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Northeastern Illinois University

What do we love about Northeastern Illinois University?

Career Outlook for degree at National Louis University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of National Louis University

What do we love about National Louis University?

National Louis University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Governors State University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of Governors State University

What do we love about Governors State University?

Governors State University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at St. Augustine College

Overview of St. Augustine College

What do we love about St. Augustine College?

Why Choose Illinois for Affordable Colleges?

Financial Aid Opportunities in Illinois

In-Demand Illinois Jobs

Management Occupations

Business and Financial Operations Occupations

Computer and Mathematical Occupations

Architecture and Engineering Occupations

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