Best
Value Colleges in Illinois in 2027

Business Administration

A business administration degree in Illinois combines coursework in accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and data analysis with practical projects and internships. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or business consultant. Popular options include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois State University, and the University of Illinois Chicago. Programs may offer concentrations in entrepreneurship, supply chain management, or analytics.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Illinois offers coursework in research methods, developmental psychology, social behavior, cognition, statistics, and abnormal psychology. Programs often combine classroom learning with labs, internships, or community experience. Graduates may pursue roles such as human-services assistant, case manager, behavioral technician, or market research analyst; further education can prepare them for counseling, psychology, or research careers. Popular options include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University, and Southern Illinois University.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Illinois offers access to universities and technology employers. Programs typically cover programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build practical skills through labs, projects, and internships. Popular choices include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and DePaul University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, or computer and information research scientists.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Illinois combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, and group counseling with supervised fieldwork. Students may specialize in school, clinical mental health, or rehabilitation counseling. Popular Illinois options include Northwestern University, Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Graduates pursue roles such as school counselor, mental health counselor, career counselor, or rehabilitation counselor; many clinical positions require supervised experience and state licensure.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Illinois prepares students to deliver compassionate care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Programs typically cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, pediatrics, mental health, and maternal-newborn care, alongside supervised clinical practice. Graduates may work as registered nurses, nurse educators, or public health nurses, depending on degree and licensure. Many popular Illinois college options include the University of Illinois Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, Rush University, and Illinois State University.

Best Colleges in Illinois Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $27,757.0 overall, compared with $50,956.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-10% figure higher.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 73.34% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 73.34%. Schools receive an average of 8,491.38 applicants, while top-10% schools average 23,235.4 applicants. The median applicant counts are 1,832.0 men and 2,227.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,130.41 on the SAT and 24.65 on the ACT.
• Schools average 5,431.08 enrolled students. Average enrollment figures are 378.58 men and 477.18 women.
• The average graduation rate is 54.95%, compared with 75.5% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 51.0% for men and 64.0% for women.
• There are 23 institutions offering associate's degrees, 72 offering bachelor's degrees, 77 offering master's degrees, and 40 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 73 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid together, and consider how acceptance rates, applicant volumes, test scores, enrollment figures, and graduation rates fit your priorities. Also check which degree levels are offered and whether the school's student and coeducational profile suits you.

How much does studying at a college in Illinois cost?

For an Illinois student, the reported average total cost of studying is $28,707.95, a useful starting point for budgeting - but it should not be mistaken for the full price of an entire degree. College costs accumulate by year, and the amount you pay depends on your school, program, housing choice, and financial aid.

Key reported averages include:

• Tuition and fees: $29,947.73
• Room and board: $13,547.40
• Books and supplies: $1,424.00

Tuition and fees alone exceed the reported total, so the figures may reflect different calculation methods. Check each college's current cost-of-attendance estimate before budgeting.

At popular Illinois schools such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern, and DePaul, costs vary by program and housing. Comparing colleges, living at home, and seeking scholarships and federal aid may reduce expenses. A budget and early aid search can help you choose a school aligned with your goals and finances in Illinois.

How long does it take to finish college in Illinois?

In Illinois, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at a community college usually takes about two. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern, or the University of Chicago, your timeline depends on major, course availability, and attendance. Many students take longer, so needing extra time is normal - not a setback.

Across Illinois schools, the average graduation rate is 54.95%, so about 55 in 100 graduate; among the top 10% of schools, it is 75.5%. Rates average 48.91% for men and 60.88% for women. You can improve your pace by bringing in AP or dual-enrollment credits, transferring eligible community-college coursework, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated program. Check degree requirements and transfer policies early, especially before enrolling at UIC or a community college. A clear plan can help you save time and feel encouraged as each completed course brings graduation closer.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Illinois have a median alumni salary of about $48,622. At schools in the top 10% nationally, the median alumni salary is about $75,006, offering an encouraging picture of what a degree may help you earn.

Illinois students can choose from well-known institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Illinois State University. The salary figures are broad benchmarks, not guarantees or earnings specific to any one school; your field of study and career path can affect what you earn after graduation.

People also ask

What college in Illinois has the lowest tuition?

There isn't one dependable answer without knowing whether you mean a two-year or four-year college and whether you qualify for local-district or Illinois-resident rates. Community colleges, including City Colleges of Chicago for eligible district residents, are often among the least expensive options. Compare the current tuition and fees for your specific residency status before choosing.

What are Tier 1 schools in Illinois?

"Tier 1" has no single official meaning; it is often used informally for universities with high research activity, such as Carnegie R1 institutions. Major Illinois examples include the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The label describes research activity, not whether a school is the right fit for you.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Illinois Ranking in 2026-2027

Northwestern University, based in Evanston near Chicago, is a private research university known for interdisciplinary study, strong professional programs, and a lively campus culture. For an Illinois student, its location offers access to Chicago internships while keeping a distinct campus setting. It enrolls 23,431 students, with a 95% graduation rate and an 8% acceptance rate. Total cost of studying is $67,158, so compare aid carefully. Median alumni salary is $62,881, offering one outcome measure when weighing this selective, high-cost option.

The University of Chicago, located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, is a research university recognized for rigorous academics and a distinctive intellectual culture. Illinois students can study in a major city while accessing cultural institutions, transit, and internships. Enrollment is 16,221; the graduation rate is 96%, and the acceptance rate is 4%. The total cost of studying is $67,446, making financial aid and budgets important considerations. Median alumni salary is $62,367, a measure to consider alongside its selective academic environment.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, is a large public research institution with broad academic choices and extensive campus resources. For Illinois residents, its in-state setting may make it a practical option compared with costly private universities, though individual aid varies. It enrolls 60,848 students, graduates 85%, and admits 42%. Total study cost is $36,804. Median alumni salary is $54,871, providing a point of comparison as you assess affordability, campus scale, and career goals.

Northern Illinois University, a public university in DeKalb, offers Illinois students a campus-based experience outside the Chicago metropolitan area, with numerous diverse academic opportunities. Its enrollment is 16,078, while its 49% graduation rate and 70% acceptance rate provide context for evaluating student outcomes and admissions access. The listed total study cost is $10,232, substantially below the other schools here. Median alumni salary is $50,097. Consider program fit, support services, and travel from your Illinois home when comparing this lower-cost choice.

Illinois Institute of Technology, based in Chicago, is a private university with a technology-focused identity and a campus setting. Illinois students may value proximity to city employers, transit, and professional opportunities when choosing a degree. It enrolls 7,499 students, with a 75% graduation rate and 55% acceptance rate. Total cost of studying is $50,636, so compare scholarships and aid. Median alumni salary is $73,790, the highest among these five schools, though salary outcomes vary by field and individual circumstances.