If you’re a high school student in Illinois, you might be wondering about your options for university. Are low-tuition colleges and universities as good as expensive ones? How do you find the right program for you? Luckily, Illinois has some of the best public universities in the US, so you can absolutely get a great education at the cheapest colleges In Illinois.
Our guide to the most affordable colleges in Illinois includes in-person programs all over the state, as well as the cheapest online colleges in Illinois for those who want to study remotely.
We cover tuition costs, school rankings, and some of the best undergraduate programs at the cheapest universities in Illinois to help you find the perfect fit.
How Much Does College Cost in Illinois?
The average yearly tuition at an Illinois public school is $14,455 for undergraduate studies. For a private institution, the average tuition is $35,570 per year. These numbers include only the cost of tuition, not room and board. Some other expenses that students might expect to pay include books and supplies, meal plans, non-resident fees, and technology fees.
Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago State University | Chicago | $312/credit (in state), $619/credit (out of state) | $325/credit (in state), $630/credit (out of state) |
| Western Illinois University | Macomb | $317.18/credit (domestic), $475.77/credit (international) | $364.01/credit (domestic), $546.02/credit (international) |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale | $321.25/credit (domestic), $803.13/credit (international) | $469.50/credit (resident), $1,173.75/credit (non-resident) |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston | $323.63/credit (in state), $404.54/credit (out of state) | $329.26/credit (in state), $790.22/credit (out of state) |
| Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | $360.80/credit (domestic), $721.60 (international) | $503.60/credit (domestic), $872.84/credit (international) |
| Aurora University | Aurora | $438/credit | $492-$670/credit, depending on program |
| Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | Edwardsville | $6,279/semester (domestic), $14,425.50/semester (international) | $4,125.60/semester (domestic), $10,017.60/semester (international) |
| National Louis University | Chicago | $10,755/year | $685-$774/credit, depending on program |
| Illinois State University | Normal | $15,416/year (in state), $26,940/year (out of state) | $414.69 (in state), $861.35 (out of state) |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign | $17,138-$22,324/year (in state), $35,110-$42,796/year (out of state) | $13,176/year (in-state base rate), $28,464/year (out-of-state base rate) |
Cheapest Universities in Illinois: A Closer Look
Tuition at famous colleges and universities in Illinois, like Northwestern University or DePaul University, can be very expensive. Luckily, Illinois has a lot of highly-ranked affordable colleges, too! Our list below of the cheapest colleges in Illinois includes cost estimations and popular majors to help you find the best fit for your academic and career goals.
Chicago State University was founded in 1867 and was originally called the Chicago Normal School. They have a 12-to-one student-to-faculty ratio, over 56 degree programs, and over 46 student organizations to help students thrive in their academic life. Popular majors at Chicago State include psychology and business administration.
Chicago State University Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $312/credit (in state), $619/credit (out of state)
- Graduate Tuition: $325/credit (in state), $630/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Chicago State University NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $11,204
- Books and Supplies: $1,800
- On-Campus Room and Board: $8,724
Popular Chicago State University Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This program trains students to become professional accountants, budget analysts, and tax accountants. The coursework includes business law and intermediate accounting.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students in this program learn the knowledge and skills needed to manage organizations and groups. They learn about management principles and organizational behavior.
- Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management. In this program, students learn how to plan and execute processes in inventory management, logistics, storage, and risk management.
Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, Illinois, a small city with 20,000 inhabitants. Campus life is characterized by the school’s NCAA DI athletic teams and 250 student organizations. They offer a wide variety of undergraduate majors, as well as graduate studies and integrated baccalaureate programs that allow students to get a bachelor’s and master’s in five years.
Western Illinois University Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $317.18/credit (in state), $475.77/credit (out of state)
- Graduate Tuition: $364.01/credit (in state), $546.02/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Western Illinois University NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $13,669
- Books and Supplies: $1,200
- On-Campus Room and Board: $10,192
Popular Western Illinois University Programs
- Bachelor of Business in Business Analytics. Topics covered in this Bachelor of Business program include applied statistics, business, information systems, and supply chain management.
- Bachelor of Social Work. This program requires students to complete a practicum, earning 450 hours of hands-on experience in social work, to successfully complete the program.
- Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management. This is one of the university’s online degrees. Students in this program study labor markets and handling organizations.
Eastern Illinois University has 7,415 students studying in 51 undergraduate programs, 32 graduate degree programs, and 10 post-baccalaureate certificate programs. The school welcomes international students and offers study abroad opportunities, with faculty-led programs in Italy, Poland, Austria, and Santiago, Chile.
Eastern Illinois University Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $323.63/credit (in state), $404.54/credit (out of state)
- Graduate Tuition: $329.26/credit (in state), $790.22/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Eastern Illinois University NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $12,562
- Books and Supplies: $150
- On-Campus Room and Board: $10,548
Popular Eastern Illinois University Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This program requires students to complete 120 credits in a wide variety of computing topics, including combinatorial computing and data structures.
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. This program covers both basic and advanced topics in mathematical fields of study, including algebra, calculus, topology, and number theory.
- Bachelor of Science in Geology. The coursework in this program ranges from general sciences like chemistry and physics to specialized geology topics like mineralogy, volcanology, and paleontology.
Northern Illinois University was established in 1895 and has a student population of 16,324. It has seven degree-granting colleges, including the College of Business, College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Law. NIU’s graduate programs include accounting science, Spanish and hispanic studies, theater arts, and mathematics.
Northern Illinois University Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $360.80/credit (domestic), $721.60 (international)
- Graduate Tuition: $503.60/credit (domestic), $872.84/credit (international)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Northern Illinois University NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $12,478
- Books and Supplies: $1,300
- On-Campus Room and Board: $11,000
Popular Northern Illinois University Programs
- Bachelor of Arts or BS in Communication Studies. Students in this program learn how to become effective and ethical communicators across different types of media platforms.
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Engineering students get a solid foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering fundamentals. Specializations include microelectronics, signal processing and communications, power/controls, computer engineering, and electromagnetics.
- Bachelor of Science in Finance. This program prepares students for careers in finance. They study topics like asset management investing, purchasing, and sales.
Aurora University is an affordable private university in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois, that offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Aurora’s affordable tuition rates are complemented by part-time and commuter-study options. The student body enjoys more than 60 student organizations and 50 majors and minors.
Aurora University Overview
- Undergraduate $438/credit
- Graduate Tuition: $492-$670/credit, depending on program
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Aurora University NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $26,760
- Books and Supplies: $1,200
- On-Campus Room and Board: $10,698
Popular Aurora University Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This program focuses on auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial and managerial accounting to teach students about the flow of funds on the individual and institutional level.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The curriculum highlights for this program include collaboration and working in teams, using data to make decisions, and effective professional communication.
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. Students in this program learn about computer programming, cyber security governance, risk management, and organizational resilience.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers degree programs in the humanities, arts, social sciences, business, education, human behavior, and health. It also has a school of dental medicine. Students at SIUE excel thanks to a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $6,279 for fall (domestic), $14,425.50/semester (international)
- Graduate Tuition: $4,125.60/semester (domestic), $10,017.60/semester (international)
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $12,219
- Books and Supplies: $933
- On-Campus Room and Board: $9,881
Popular Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Students in the accounting program learn how to analyze business operations that are impacted by social, economic, political, and legal environments.
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. The department of biological sciences offers specializations in ecology and conservation, genetics, integrative biology, medical science, and medical technology. This degree prepares students who want to continue on to medical school.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. This program teaches students about electric power generation and the automatic control systems that are used in robotics, aircraft, and manufacturing plants.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public research university that was founded in 1869. It ranks in the top five percent of US research schools, with dedicated facilities for aquatic research, Alzheimers, fermentation science, and more. The school’s 11,366 students study in a wide variety of academic programs, such as economics, education, and industrial design.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $321.25/credit (domestic), $803.13/credit (international)
- Graduate Tuition: $469.50/credit (resident), $1,173.75/credit (non-resident)
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $15,240
- Books and Supplies: $1,100
- On-Campus Room and Board: $10,622
Popular Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics. This program helps students build their data analytics skills and develop their knowledge in machine learning and business strategies.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Students learn how to assess, implement, and design computing-based solutions for computational challenges. They’ll also learn the fundamentals of software development and different computing theories.
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. This program is for students who are interested in juvenile justice, law enforcement, and criminal behavior. They’ll build a solid foundation as they go through courses like Introduction to Criminological Theory.
National Louis University is a private institution that was founded in 1886. Aside from academics, there are lots of opportunities to get involved with student life at the university. There are counseling and wellness programs, diversity programs, student organizations, leadership programs, and first-year mentoring.
National Louis University Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $10,755/year
- Graduate Tuition: $685-$774/credit, depending on program
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
National Louis University NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $11,505
- Books and Supplies: N/A
- On-Campus Room and Board: $13,500
Popular National Louis University Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. This program prepares students to apply psychological theories and concepts in business or community settings. They’ll learn about subjects like social psychology and lifespan development.
- Bachelor of Social Work. This program prepares students to support families, communities, and individuals. Students will learn about different contexts for social work, including cultural diversity and social justice.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences and Information Systems. This program teaches students about computing and information and builds technical and soft skills in web development and networking.
Illinois State University was founded in 1857 and was the first state university in Illinois. The university has more than 20,000 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus has an active student body who participate in more than 400 student organizations, varsity athletics, and Greek life.
Illinois State University Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $15,416/year (in state), $26,940/year (out of state)
- Graduate Tuition: $414.69/credit (in state), $861.35/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Illinois State University NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $15,319
- Books and Supplies: $830
- On-Campus Room and Board: $10,146
Popular Illinois State University Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Students learn how to assess and identify the short-term and long-term financial capability of individuals, organizations, and companies. The coursework includes business systems analysis and intermediate accounting.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In this program, students take coursework such as principles of software engineering and computer organization. The computer science department offers hands-on exercises to prepare students for careers like software development and game development.
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Through this program, students prepare to work in social services, the government, or non-profit organizations. The bachelor’s program also prepares them for graduate school, should they choose to pursue a career as a psychologist. The coursework includes careers in psychology and research methods in psychology.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867. It has more than 51,000 students, including international students from over 100 countries. It is a world-class leader when it comes to public engagement, teaching, and research, and boasts 29 Pulitzer Prize-winning alumni.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Overview
- Undergraduate Tuition: $17,138-$22,324 (in state), $35,110-$42,796 (out of state)
- Graduate Tuition: $13,176/year (in-state base rate), $28,464/year (out-of-state base rate), depending on program
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NCES Cost Estimations
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $15,442
- Books and Supplies: $1,200
- On-Campus Room and Board: $12,494
Popular University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Accounting students learn about assurance, taxation, and the role of accounting information in executing and forming key business strategies.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Students in this program learn how to develop essential computing technologies, ranging from computers, chips, and networks to algorithms and programming tools.
- Bachelor of Science in Finance. The finance program teaches students about the management and acquisition of funds from governments, business firms, and individuals. Students learn how to use the essential analytical tools needed to make judgments in business finance.
Cheapest Online Colleges in Illinois
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen College-Illinois | $125-$865/credit, depending on program | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral |
| Governors State University | $313/credit | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral |
| Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | $458.40-$510.90/credit, depending on program | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral |
| American InterContinental University | $345/credit | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Lincoln Christian University | $7,410/semester | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
Cheapest Colleges in Illinois by In-State Tuition
- Chicago State University | $312/credit
- Western Illinois University | $317.18/credit
- Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $321.25/credit
- Eastern Illinois University | $323.63/credit
- Northern Illinois University | $360.80/credit
Cheapest Colleges in Illinois by Out-of-State Tuition
- Northern Illinois University | $360.80/credit
- Eastern Illinois University | $404.54/credit
- Aurora University | $438/credit
- Western Illinois University | $475.77/credit
- Chicago State University | $619/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is expensive because universities invest in excellent student services, including student activities and career services. They also provide academic opportunities for students through faculty, libraries, and hands-on activities in labs and research facilities that prepare them for their careers. We’ve broken down the major components of college expenses below.
Tuition
Tuition is the amount you pay for the classes or courses you’re taking in the program you’ve chosen. You might pay tuition per semester, academic year, or credit. The cost of tuition generally increases with the number of credits you take or your program length. Some schools have yearly tuition increases due to inflation, while others lock in tuition rates for the length of your degree program.
Housing and Transportation
On-campus housing is notoriously expensive, but transportation can also contribute to higher expenses in college, especially if you are far from the university you want to study in. Transportation costs include public transportation fares, gasoline costs, and car payments. The strategic thing to do is to live nearby the university you attend.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses might include money spent on food, laundry, leisure activities, and entertainment. Of course, these are all acceptable expenses. College wouldn’t be fun if you just went back and forth from school and home. However, it is important that you know your priorities and keep a budget so you can determine how to spend your extra allowance.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Apply for scholarships. Both private and public schools offer scholarships and grants. You just have to research to find which ones are available. Filling out the FAFSA can help you get need-based aid. Further, many schools and organizations offer academic scholarships based on merit, ethnicity, hobbies, and sports.
- Schedule when you’ll eat out with friends. Scheduling when you can dine out with friends can help you avoid reckless spending. If you make a budget and only eat out when you plan ahead, you can have fun without overspending.
- Cook your own meals. Meal plans and dining-hall points can be expensive. Home-cooked meals are often healthier and save you money, since you can cook larger quantities and eat leftovers the next day.
- Borrow books. Instead of buying new books, you can borrow them from the library or someone who has already taken the class.
- Apply to work-study programs. Work-study programs are opportunities for students to get part-time jobs on campus or with affiliated businesses. This allows them to earn money to pay for education expenses while studying.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Illinois
- Check in with your chosen university about accessing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
- Prepare the documents needed to submit the FAFSA. This includes your social security number, your parent’s social security number, and information on your financial situation.
- Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA, you will receive a student aid report (SAR). Carefully review your SAR to make sure it’s accurate. Remember that the information you submit in your FAFSA form will be used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.
- If you are eligible for financial aid, you’ll receive instructions from an aid officer. Ask the aid officer if there are additional steps needed to accept the aid offer.
- Depending on how much aid you’ll be receiving, you can receive the money in one or two payments.
Scholarships for Students in Illinois
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Scholarship | Chicago Coalition for the Homeless | $3,500 | Must have experienced homelessness and be attending an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university |
| DKG Carolyn Wones Scholarship | Community Foundation of Northern Illinois | Varies | Open to women graduating from high school residing in Winnebago or Boone county |
| Sorensen Memorial Engineering Scholarship | Community Foundation of Northern Illinois | Varies | Must be a Winnebago or Boone county resident, have a 3.0 GPA, and be involved in a community service |
| James Hunter Anthony & Gerald E. Blackshear Endowment | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Full tuition | Open to incoming first-year students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who graduated from an Illinois high school |
| Matthews Scholars | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $2,000 | Open to incoming first-year students |
| Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship | Community Foundation of Northern Illinois | Varies | Must be a graduating high school senior and resident of Boone, Cook, Dekalb, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, or Winnebago county |
| Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program | Friends of Volo Bog | $1,000 | Open to students pursuing careers in environmental preservation who reside in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will county |
| Palumbo Family Foundation scholarship program | Palumbo Family Foundation | Varies | Open to high school seniors and undergraduates who have a 3.0 GPA and family income of $63,000 or less |
| Lombard Area American Association of University Women Scholarship | American Association of University Women | $5,000 | Open to female students residing in the Lombard Area |
| Peters Foundation Scholarship | Peters Foundation | $2,500 to $5,000 | Open to students at colleges located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona or Colorado |
How to Choose a Cheap College in Illinois
Choosing a cheap college in Illinois involves checking scholarship opportunities, comparing tuition costs between schools, and checking if they have flexible study options. We’ve included more details how to choose a cheap college in Illinois below. Keeping these points in mind will help you find the cheapest universities in Illinois based on your situation.
Check Scholarship Opportunities
If you’re doing well academically, you should look for colleges that offer merit-based scholarships. These are given to students who demonstrate academic excellence in high school. Scholarships are also offered for excellence in the arts or athletics.
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In addition you can receive a scholarship for meeting community service requirements or belonging to a certain group based on yoru gender, class, or ethnicity. Be sure to find out what scholarships are offered by your community, local businesses, and the universities you’re applying to.
Compare Tuition Between Schools
The easiest step in choosing a cheap college is comparing tuition rates between schools. Find out which schools offer the lowest cost per credit in your chosen field of study. You can also check out each program’s coursework to see which schools cover more topics or specializations without necessarily increasing tuition costs.
Check for Flexible and Hybrid Options
If a school offers online programs, you might be able to choose a hybrid study option or even study entirely online. Online students save money since they don’t have to travel to campus as frequently or live on campus. Some schools also offer discounted tuition rates for online classes.
Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Illinois
| Job Title | Average Salary in Illinois | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon | $297,800 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Psychiatrist | $282,240 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Physician | $255,310 | Bachelor’s degree and medical degree |
| Purchasing Manager | $132,960 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Software Engineer | $109,970 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Data Scientist | $104,010 | Master’s degree |
| Architect | $89,610 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Application Developer | $88,880 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Loan Officer | $79,250 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Real Estate Agent | $60,010 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Best Jobs for College Grads in Illinois: Explained
- Average Salary: $208,000
- Average Salary in Illinois: $297,800
- Overall Job Outlook: 3% from 2020 to 2030
A surgeon is responsible for the actual surgical procedures of patients. They gather the patient's medical history to prepare for the operation, make treatment plants for patient care, and work with other medical professionals to perform surgery. They also support patients by following up after surgery, ensuring that healing is progressing smoothly.
- Average Salary: $249,760
- Average Salary in Illinois: $282,240
- Overall Job Outlook: 3% from 2020 to 2030
A psychiatrist is a physician that assesses a patient’s mental state and diagnoses mental conditions. They refer patients for psychological testing, determine the severity of their cases, and make treatment plans. They often provide regular therapy where patients can talk to them about their personal issues and problems.
- Average Salary: $255,110
- Average Salary in Illinois: $255,310
- Overall Job Outlook: 3% from 2020 to 2030
A physician diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries. They examine patients carefully and answer questions they might have about their conditions. They also design treatment plans and prescribe therapies or medications as needed.
- Average Salary: $127,150
- Average Salary in Illinois: $132,960
- Overall Job Outlook: -4% from 2020 to 2030
A purchasing manager talks to suppliers and vendors and negotiates contracts and prices. They assess vendors based on their prices, timeliness, and quality. They also keep up with trends in procurement and develop purchasing strategies.
- Average Salary: $110,140
- Average Salary in Illinois: $109,970
- Overall Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
A software engineer directs and develops testing methods for software systems. They monitor system performance and communicate key project data with other team members. They test new software and fix bugs as needed. They also manage the software development life cycle.
- Average Salary: $108,660
- Average Salary in Illinois: $104,010
- Overall Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
A data scientist works with stakeholders to create algorithms, design data modeling processes, and predictive models to get the necessary data. They perform initial data investigations by applying data science techniques, like statistical modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
- Average Salary: $80,180
- Average Salary in Illinois: $89,610
- Overall Job Outlook: 3% from 2020 to 2030
An architect talks to clients and researches, plans, designs, and executes building projects for them. They use knowledge of construction detailing, architectural design, zoning, building codes, and building materials to create conceptual plans and documents.
- Average Salary: $77,200
- Average Salary in Illinois: $88,880
- Overall Job Outlook: 13% from 2020 to 2030
An application developer executes and creates the source code for new applications. They debug, test code, and assess existing applications to create modifications and updates. They also create technical handbooks to show the code and design of new applications.
- Average Salary: $63,380
- Average Salary in Illinois: $79,250
- Overall Job Outlook: 1% from 2020 to 2030
A loan officer evaluates credit worthiness of loan applicants. They do this by processing loan documents and applications and interviewing applicants to check if they are financially eligible. They write loan contracts and advise clients on restrictions and policies.
- Average Salary: $62,010
- Average Salary in Illinois: $60,010
- Overall Job Outlook: 4% from 2020 to 2030
A real estate agent generates client leads and encourages them to buy, sell, and rent properties. They are the ones who communicate with clients when it comes to prices, mortgages, and market conditions. They also develop competitive market prices by comparing properties.
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in Illinois Worth It?
Yes, a cheap college in Illinois is worth it because you’ll save money without sacrificing the quality of your education. Affordable tuition allows you to spend money on other important priorities or the basic needs of your family. The cheapest colleges in Illinois are some of the best schools in the US and provide academic excellence via state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and expert faculty members.
Cheapest Colleges in Illinois FAQ
Yes, you should choose a cheap college if you cannot pay high tuition fees upfront and want to avoid financial debt. Cost does not necessarily correspond to quality, and Illinois has many excellent, low-tuition colleges. If you can find the program you want to study at a cheaper school, then the wisest decision is to choose a cheap college.
No, there are no free colleges in Illinois, but you can reduce your tuition burden with scholarships, federal grants, and work-study programs. These financial aid options help you pay for college and can lower your expenses. Some scholarships and grants can even cover your entire tuition bill.
No, it is not hard to get into a cheap college in Illinois. The college with the highest acceptance rate on our list is Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, which accepts 98 percent of applicants. Many cheap schools have high acceptance rates, but keep in mind that admission is not a guarantee of success, and you’ll need to work hard to earn your degree.
You should study in Illinois because it is an affordable state with both big cities, like Chicago, and idyllic nature. Many international students’ studies in Illinois because its location in the middle of the United States is strategic for travel. Illinois also has excellent, nationally ranked colleges like University of Chicago and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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