{"id":117581,"date":"2022-07-18T13:15:03","date_gmt":"2022-07-18T20:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=117581"},"modified":"2025-10-01T11:58:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T18:58:39","slug":"cheapest-colleges-in-illinois","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/","title":{"rendered":"Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: Low Tuition, Cheap Degrees, and Financial Aid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- load the widget code --><div class=\"esy_widget_container esy_type_search\" style=\"min-height:175px\"><\/div><script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) {ESY.Widget({category_id: '',domain_id: 'careerkarma.com',widget_id: '945946',custom_options: '',tags: '',intro: '',type: 'search'});});<\/script><!-- END load the widget code -->\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-does-college-cost-in-illinois\">How Much Does College Cost in Illinois?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/programs\/digest\/d20\/tables\/dt20_330.20.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">average yearly tuition at an Illinois public school<\/a> is $14,455 for undergraduate studies. For a private institution, the <a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/programs\/digest\/d20\/tables\/dt20_330.20.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">average tuition is $35,570<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-most-affordable-colleges-in-illinois-the-basics\">Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: The Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table class=\"course-info-table\">\n<thead>\n  <tr>\n    <th>School <\/th>\n    <th>Location<\/th>\n    <th>Undergraduate Tuition<\/th>\n    <th>Graduate Tuition<\/th>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Chicago State University<\/td>\n    <td>Chicago<\/td>\n    <td>$312\/credit (in state), $619\/credit (out of state)<\/td>\n    <td>$325\/credit (in state), $630\/credit (out of state)<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Western Illinois University<\/td>\n    <td>Macomb<\/td>\n    <td>$317.18\/credit (domestic), $475.77\/credit (international)<\/td>\n    <td>$364.01\/credit (domestic), $546.02\/credit (international)<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Southern Illinois University-Carbondale<\/td>\n    <td>Carbondale<\/td>\n    <td>$321.25\/credit (domestic), $803.13\/credit (international)<\/td>\n    <td>$469.50\/credit (resident), $1,173.75\/credit (non-resident)<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Eastern Illinois University<\/td>\n    <td>Charleston<\/td>\n    <td>$323.63\/credit (in state), $404.54\/credit (out of state)<\/td>\n    <td>$329.26\/credit (in state), $790.22\/credit (out of state)<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Northern Illinois University<\/td>\n    <td>DeKalb<\/td>\n    <td>$360.80\/credit (domestic), $721.60 (international)<\/td>\n    <td>$503.60\/credit (domestic), $872.84\/credit (international)<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Aurora University<\/td>\n    <td>Aurora<\/td>\n    <td>$438\/credit<\/td>\n    <td>$492-$670\/credit, depending on program<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville<\/td>\n    <td>Edwardsville<\/td>\n    <td>$6,279\/semester (domestic), $14,425.50\/semester (international)<\/td>\n    <td>$4,125.60\/semester (domestic), $10,017.60\/semester (international)<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>National Louis University <\/td>\n    <td>Chicago<\/td>\n    <td>$10,755\/year<\/td>\n    <td>$685-$774\/credit, depending on program<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Illinois State University<\/td>\n    <td>Normal<\/td>\n    <td>$15,416\/year (in state), $26,940\/year (out of state)<\/td>\n    <td>$414.69 (in state), $861.35 (out of state)<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign<\/td>\n    <td>Champaign<\/td>\n    <td>$17,138-$22,324\/year (in state), $35,110-$42,796\/year (out of state)<\/td>\n    <td>$13,176\/year (in-state base rate), $28,464\/year (out-of-state base rate)<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cheapest Universities in Illinois: A Closer Look<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"accordions-117588\" class=\"accordions-117588 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:true,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;117588&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}>\r\n                <div id=\"accordions-lazy-117588\" class=\"accordions-lazy\" accordionsId=\"117588\">\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"items\"  style=\"display:none\" >\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1658173042160\" id=\"header-1658173042160\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173042160 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Chicago State University | Tuition and Fees: $11,204\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173042160\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173042160\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Chicago State University | Tuition and Fees: $11,204<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173042160 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/chicago-state-university\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chicago State University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chicago State University Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $312\/credit (in state), $619\/credit (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $325\/credit (in state), $630\/credit (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 47%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 21%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chicago State University NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $11,204<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $1,800<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $8,724<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular Chicago State University Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Accounting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program trains students to become professional accountants, budget analysts, and tax accountants. The coursework includes business law and intermediate accounting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Business Administration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Students in this program learn the knowledge and skills needed to manage organizations and groups. They learn about management principles and organizational behavior.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. In this program, students learn how to plan and execute processes in inventory management, logistics, storage, and risk management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1658173089842\" id=\"header-1658173089842\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173089842 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Western Illinois University | Tuition and Fees: $13,669\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173089842\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173089842\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Western Illinois University | Tuition and Fees: $13,669<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173089842 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/western-illinois-university\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Western Illinois University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is located in Macomb, Illinois, a small city with 20,000 inhabitants. Campus life is characterized by the school\u2019s 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\u2019s and master\u2019s in five years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Western Illinois University Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $317.18\/credit (in state), $475.77\/credit (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $364.01\/credit (in state), $546.02\/credit (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 72%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 51%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Western Illinois University NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $13,669<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $1,200<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $10,192<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular Western Illinois University Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Business in Business Analytics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Topics covered in this Bachelor of Business program include applied statistics, business, information systems, and supply chain management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Social Work<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program requires students to complete a practicum, earning 450 hours of hands-on experience in social work, to successfully complete the program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This is one of the university\u2019s online degrees. Students in this program study labor markets and handling organizations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-1658173136517\" id=\"header-1658173136517\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173136517 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Eastern Illinois University | Tuition and Fees: $12,562\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173136517\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173136517\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Eastern Illinois University | Tuition and Fees: $12,562<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173136517 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/eastern-illinois-university\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eastern Illinois University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eastern Illinois University Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $323.63\/credit (in state), $404.54\/credit (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $329.26\/credit (in state), $790.22\/credit (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 72%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 51%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eastern Illinois University NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $12,562<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $150<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $10,548<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular Eastern Illinois University Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program requires students to complete 120 credits in a wide variety of computing topics, including combinatorial computing and data structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program covers both basic and advanced topics in mathematical fields of study, including algebra, calculus, topology, and number theory.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Bachelor of Science in Geology. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The coursework in this program ranges from general sciences like chemistry and physics to specialized geology topics like mineralogy, volcanology, and paleontology.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"3\"  header_id=\"header-1658173186416\" id=\"header-1658173186416\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173186416 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Northern Illinois University | Tuition and Fees: $12,478\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173186416\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173186416\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Northern Illinois University | Tuition and Fees: $12,478<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173186416 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/northern-illinois-university\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northern Illinois University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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\u2019s graduate programs include accounting science, Spanish and hispanic studies, theater arts, and mathematics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northern Illinois University Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $360.80\/credit (domestic), $721.60 (international)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $503.60\/credit (domestic), $872.84\/credit (international)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 70%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 51%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northern Illinois University NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $12,478<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $1,300<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $11,000<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular Northern Illinois University Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Arts or BS in Communication Studies.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Students in this program learn how to become effective and ethical communicators across different types of media platforms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Finance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program prepares students for careers in finance. They study topics like asset management investing, purchasing, and sales.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"4\"  header_id=\"header-1658173230190\" id=\"header-1658173230190\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173230190 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Aurora University | Tuition and Fees: $26,760\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173230190\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173230190\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Aurora University | Tuition and Fees: $26,760<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173230190 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/aurora-university\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aurora University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is an affordable private university in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois, that offers undergraduate, master\u2019s, and doctoral degrees. Aurora\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aurora University Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate $438\/credit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $492-$670\/credit, depending on program<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 86%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 55%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aurora University NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $26,760<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $1,200<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $10,698<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular Aurora University Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Accounting. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The curriculum highlights for this program include collaboration and working in teams, using data to make decisions, and effective professional communication.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Students in this program learn about computer programming, cyber security governance, risk management, and organizational resilience.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"5\"  header_id=\"header-1658173275525\" id=\"header-1658173275525\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173275525 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | Tuition and Fees: $12,219\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173275525\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173275525\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | Tuition and Fees: $12,219<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173275525 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $6,279 for fall (domestic), $14,425.50\/semester (international)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $4,125.60\/semester (domestic), $10,017.60\/semester (international)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 98%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 52%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $12,219<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $933<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $9,881<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Students in the accounting program learn how to analyze business operations that are impacted by social, economic, political, and legal environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program teaches students about electric power generation and the automatic control systems that are used in robotics, aircraft, and manufacturing plants.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"6\"  header_id=\"header-1658173321628\" id=\"header-1658173321628\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173321628 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Tuition and Fees: $15,240\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173321628\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173321628\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Tuition and Fees: $15,240<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173321628 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/southern-illinois-university-carbondale\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Southern Illinois University-Carbondale<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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\u2019s 11,366 students study in a wide variety of academic programs, such as economics, education, and industrial design.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $321.25\/credit (domestic), $803.13\/credit (international)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $469.50\/credit (resident), $1,173.75\/credit (non-resident)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 95%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 45%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Southern Illinois University-Carbondale NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $15,240<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $1,100<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $10,622<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program helps students build their data analytics skills and develop their knowledge in machine learning and business strategies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Computer Science<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Students learn how to assess, implement, and design computing-based solutions for computational challenges. They\u2019ll also learn the fundamentals of software development and different computing theories.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program is for students who are interested in juvenile justice, law enforcement, and criminal behavior. They\u2019ll build a solid foundation as they go through courses like Introduction to Criminological Theory.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"7\"  header_id=\"header-1658173367622\" id=\"header-1658173367622\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173367622 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"National Louis University | Tuition and Fees: $11,505\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173367622\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173367622\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">National Louis University | Tuition and Fees: $11,505<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173367622 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/national-louis-university\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Louis University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Louis University Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $10,755\/year<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $685-$774\/credit, depending on program<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 97%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 34%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Louis University NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $11,505<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: N\/A<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $13,500<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular National Louis University Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Arts in Psychology<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This program prepares students to apply psychological theories and concepts in business or community settings. They\u2019ll learn about subjects like social psychology and lifespan development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Social Work.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences and Information Systems.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This program teaches students about computing and information and builds technical and soft skills in web development and networking.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"8\"  header_id=\"header-1658173409391\" id=\"header-1658173409391\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173409391 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Illinois State University | Tuition and Fees: $15,319\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173409391\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173409391\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Illinois State University | Tuition and Fees: $15,319<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173409391 \">\r\n                <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Illinois State University Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $15,416\/year (in state), $26,940\/year (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $414.69\/credit (in state), $861.35\/credit (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 92%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 67%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Illinois State University NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $15,319<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $830<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $10,146<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular Illinois State University Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Psychology.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Through this program, students prepare to work in social services, the government, or non-profit organizations. The bachelor\u2019s program also prepares them for graduate school, should they choose to pursue a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-psychologist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">career as a psychologist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. The coursework includes careers in psychology and research methods in psychology.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117588\" itemcount=\"9\"  header_id=\"header-1658173455571\" id=\"header-1658173455571\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658173455571 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Tuition and Fees: $15,442\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658173455571\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658173455571\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Tuition and Fees: $15,442<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658173455571 \">\r\n                <p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/colleges\/university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/illinois.edu\/about\/awards.html#awards-pulitzers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">29 Pulitzer Prize-winning alumni<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Overview<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition: $17,138-$22,324 (in state), $35,110-$42,796 (out of state)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduate Tuition: $13,176\/year (in-state base rate), $28,464\/year (out-of-state base rate), depending on program<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acceptance Rate: 60%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduation Rate: 85%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NCES Cost Estimations<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $15,442<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Books and Supplies: $1,200<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On-Campus Room and Board: $12,494<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Programs<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Accountancy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Accounting students learn about assurance, taxation, and the role of accounting information in executing and forming key business strategies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Students in this program learn how to develop essential computing technologies, ranging from computers, chips, and networks to algorithms and programming tools.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bachelor of Science in Finance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cheapest Online Colleges in Illinois<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table class=\"course-info-table\">\n<thead>\n  <tr>\n    <th>School<\/th>\n    <th>Online Tuition<\/th>\n    <th>Programs Available Online<\/th>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Rasmussen College-Illinois<\/td>\n    <td>$125-$865\/credit, depending on program<\/td>\n    <td>Associate, Bachelor\u2019s, Master\u2019s, Doctoral<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Governors State University<\/td>\n    <td>$313\/credit<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor\u2019s, Master\u2019s, Doctoral<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville<\/td>\n    <td>$458.40-$510.90\/credit, depending on program<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor\u2019s, Master\u2019s, Doctoral<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>American InterContinental University<\/td>\n    <td>$345\/credit<\/td>\n    <td>Associate, Bachelor\u2019s, Master\u2019s<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Lincoln Christian University<\/td>\n    <td>$7,410\/semester<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor\u2019s, Master\u2019s<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cheapest Colleges in Illinois by In-State Tuition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chicago State University | $312\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Western Illinois University | $317.18\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $321.25\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eastern Illinois University | $323.63\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Northern Illinois University | $360.80\/credit<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cheapest Colleges in Illinois by Out-of-State Tuition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Northern Illinois University | $360.80\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eastern Illinois University | $404.54\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aurora University | $438\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Western Illinois University | $475.77\/credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chicago State University | $619\/credit<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Is College So Expensive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019ve broken down the major components of college expenses below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tuition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tuition is the amount you pay for the classes or courses you\u2019re taking in the program you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Housing and Transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Personal Expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Personal expenses might include money spent on food, laundry, leisure activities, and entertainment. Of course, these are all acceptable expenses. College wouldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Universities by State<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>[query_class_embed]&nbsp;best-universities-in-*state<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Save Money in College<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Apply for scholarships.<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule when you\u2019ll eat out with friends. <\/strong>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cook your own meals. <\/strong>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Borrow books.<\/strong> Instead of buying new books, you can borrow them from the library or someone who has already taken the class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apply to work-study programs.<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Apply for Financial Aid in Illinois<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check in with your chosen university about accessing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepare the documents needed to submit the FAFSA. This includes your social security number, your parent\u2019s social security number, and information on your financial situation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once you\u2019ve submitted your FAFSA, you will receive a student aid report (SAR). Carefully review your SAR to make sure it\u2019s accurate. Remember that the information you submit in your FAFSA form will be used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are eligible for financial aid, you\u2019ll receive instructions from an aid officer. Ask the aid officer if there are additional steps needed to accept the aid offer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depending on how much aid you\u2019ll be receiving, you can receive the money in one or two payments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scholarships for Students in Illinois<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table class=\"course-info-table\">\n<thead>\n  <tr>\n    <th>Scholarship Title<\/th>\n    <th>Provider<\/th>\n    <th>Amount<\/th>\n    <th>Criteria<\/th>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagohomeless.org\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Scholarship<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>Chicago Coalition for the Homeless <\/td>\n    <td>$3,500<\/td>\n    <td>Must have experienced homelessness and be attending an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university <\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfnil.org\/scholarships\/dkg-carolyn-wones-scholarship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">DKG Carolyn Wones Scholarship<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>Community Foundation of Northern Illinois<\/td>\n    <td>Varies<\/td>\n    <td>Open to women graduating from high school residing in Winnebago or Boone county<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfnil.org\/scholarships\/sorensen-memorial-engineering-scholarship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Sorensen Memorial Engineering Scholarship<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>Community Foundation of Northern Illinois<\/td>\n    <td>Varies<\/td>\n    <td>Must be a Winnebago or Boone county resident, have a 3.0 GPA, and be involved in a community service<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.illinois.edu\/Invest\/scholarships-all\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">James Hunter Anthony &amp; Gerald E. Blackshear Endowment<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign<\/td>\n    <td>Full tuition<\/td>\n    <td>Open to incoming first-year students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who graduated from an Illinois high school<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.illinois.edu\/Invest\/scholarships-all\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Matthews Scholars<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign<\/td>\n    <td>$2,000<\/td>\n    <td>Open to incoming first-year students<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfnil.org\/scholarships\/soil-and-water-stewardship-scholarship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>Community Foundation of Northern Illinois<\/td>\n    <td>Varies<\/td>\n    <td>Must be a graduating high school senior and resident of Boone, Cook, Dekalb, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, or Winnebago county<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.friendsofvolobog.org\/about-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Environmental Studies\/Natural Science Scholarship Program<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>Friends of Volo Bog<\/td>\n    <td>$1,000<\/td>\n    <td>Open to students pursuing careers in environmental preservation who reside in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will county<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.palumbofoundation.org\/scholarship-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Palumbo Family Foundation scholarship program<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>Palumbo Family Foundation<\/td>\n    <td>Varies<\/td>\n    <td>Open to high school seniors and undergraduates who have a 3.0 GPA and family income of $63,000 or less<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"https:\/\/lombard-il.aauw.net\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Lombard Area American Association of University Women Scholarship<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>American Association of University Women <\/td>\n    <td>$5,000<\/td>\n    <td>Open to female students residing in the Lombard Area<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td><a href=\"http:\/\/petersfoundation.org\/scholarshipapplication.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">Peters Foundation Scholarship<\/a><\/td>\n    <td>Peters Foundation<\/td>\n    <td>$2,500 to $5,000<\/td>\n    <td>Open to students at colleges located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona or Colorado<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Choose a Cheap College in Illinois<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a cheap college in Illinois involves checking scholarship opportunities, comparing tuition costs between schools, and checking if they have flexible study options. We\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check Scholarship Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019re applying to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compare Tuition Between Schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s coursework to see which schools cover more topics or specializations without necessarily increasing tuition costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check for Flexible and Hybrid Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t have to travel to campus as frequently or live on campus. Some schools also offer discounted tuition rates for online classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Community Colleges by State<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>[query_class_embed]&nbsp;best-community-colleges-in-*city\/state<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Illinois<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table class=\"course-info-table\">\n<thead>\n  <tr>\n    <th>Job Title<\/th>\n    <th>Average Salary in Illinois<\/th>\n    <th>Minimum Education<\/th>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Surgeon<\/td>\n    <td>$297,800<\/td>\n    <td>Doctoral or professional degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Psychiatrist<\/td>\n    <td>$282,240<\/td>\n    <td>Doctoral or professional degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Physician<\/td>\n    <td>$255,310<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor\u2019s degree and medical degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Purchasing Manager<\/td>\n    <td>$132,960<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Software Engineer<\/td>\n    <td>$109,970<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Data Scientist<\/td>\n    <td>$104,010<\/td>\n    <td>Master\u2019s degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Architect<\/td>\n    <td>$89,610<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Application Developer<\/td>\n    <td>$88,880<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Loan Officer<\/td>\n    <td>$79,250<\/td>\n    <td>Bachelor&#8217;s degree<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td>Real Estate Agent<\/td>\n    <td>$60,010<\/td>\n    <td>High school diploma or equivalent<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Jobs for College Grads in Illinois: Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"accordions-117594\" class=\"accordions-117594 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:true,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;117594&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}>\r\n                <div id=\"accordions-lazy-117594\" class=\"accordions-lazy\" accordionsId=\"117594\">\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"items\"  style=\"display:none\" >\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1658174331010\" id=\"header-1658174331010\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174331010 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Surgeon\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174331010\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174331010\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Surgeon<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174331010 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$208,000<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $297,800<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/physicians-and-surgeons.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1658174359574\" id=\"header-1658174359574\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174359574 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Psychiatrist\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174359574\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174359574\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Psychiatrist<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174359574 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes291223.htm#nat\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$249,760<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $282,240<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A psychiatrist is a physician that assesses a patient\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-1658174454518\" id=\"header-1658174454518\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174454518 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Physicians\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174454518\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174454518\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Physicians<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174454518 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$255,110<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $255,310<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"3\"  header_id=\"header-1658174503963\" id=\"header-1658174503963\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174503963 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Purchasing Manager\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174503963\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174503963\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Purchasing Manager<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174503963 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/business-and-financial\/purchasing-managers-buyers-and-purchasing-agents.htm#tab-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$127,150<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $132,960<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/business-and-financial\/purchasing-managers-buyers-and-purchasing-agents.htm#tab-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">-4% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"4\"  header_id=\"header-1658174598818\" id=\"header-1658174598818\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174598818 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Software Engineer\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174598818\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174598818\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Software Engineer<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174598818 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm#tab-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$110,140<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $109,970<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm#tab-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">22% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/careers\/software-engineer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">software engineer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/what-is-sdlc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">software development life cycle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"5\"  header_id=\"header-1658174630381\" id=\"header-1658174630381\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174630381 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Data Scientist\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174630381\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174630381\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Data Scientist<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174630381 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes152051.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$108,660<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $104,010<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm#tab-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">22% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"6\"  header_id=\"header-1658174662458\" id=\"header-1658174662458\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174662458 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Architect\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174662458\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174662458\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Architect<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174662458 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/architecture-and-engineering\/architects.htm#tab-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$80,180<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $89,610<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/architecture-and-engineering\/architects.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"7\"  header_id=\"header-1658174796109\" id=\"header-1658174796109\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174796109 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Application Developer\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174796109\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174796109\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Application Developer<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174796109 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/web-developers.htm#tab-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$77,200<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $88,880<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/web-developers.htm#tab-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">13% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"8\"  header_id=\"header-1658174830047\" id=\"header-1658174830047\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174830047 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Loan Officer\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174830047\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174830047\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Loan Officer<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174830047 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/business-and-financial\/loan-officers.htm#tab-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$63,380<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $79,250<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/business-and-financial\/loan-officers.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"117594\" itemcount=\"9\"  header_id=\"header-1658174861304\" id=\"header-1658174861304\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1658174861304 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Real Estate Agent\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1658174861304\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1658174861304\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Real Estate Agent<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1658174861304 \">\r\n                <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/sales\/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm#tab-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$62,010<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average Salary in Illinois: $60,010<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall Job Outlook: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/sales\/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm#tab-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4% from 2020 to 2030<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accredited Online Colleges by State<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>[query_class_embed]&nbsp;accredited-online-colleges-in-*state<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a Cheap College in Illinois Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, a cheap college in Illinois is worth it because you&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cheapest Colleges in Illinois FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1658175010196\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should I choose a cheap college?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">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.<br\/><br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1658175024929\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are there free colleges in Illinois?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">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.<br\/><br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1658175045897\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is it hard to get into a cheap college in Illinois?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">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\u2019ll need to work hard to earn your degree.<br\/><br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1658175061999\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why should I study in Illinois?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You should study in Illinois because it is an affordable state with both big cities, like Chicago, and idyllic nature. Many international students&#8217; 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.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you\u2019re 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&hellip;","protected":false},"author":144,"featured_media":117586,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50437],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-117581","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-best-schools"},"acf":{"post_sub_title":"","sprint_id":"June 6","query_class":"cheapest-colleges-in-*state","school_sft":"","parent_sft":"","school_privacy_policy":"","has_review":"","is_sponser_post":"","is_guest_post":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cheapest Colleges in Illinois<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Illinois is full of high-quality schools that offer affordable degree programs. Check out our list of the cheapest colleges in Illinois.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: Low Tuition, Cheap Degrees, and Financial Aid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Illinois is full of high-quality schools that offer affordable degree programs. Check out our list of the cheapest colleges in Illinois.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Career Karma\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/careerkarmaapp\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-07-18T20:15:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-01T18:58:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Esa Landicho\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Did you know you can get an #AffordableEducation in Illinois? #CareerKarma&#039;s guide to the cheapest colleges in Illinois covers 10 different schools and their most popular programs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/esaconquers\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@career_karma\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Esa Landicho\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Esa Landicho\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ac41e5a81859e5eaf304d78d3107826f\"},\"headline\":\"Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: Low Tuition, Cheap Degrees, and Financial Aid\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-07-18T20:15:03+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-01T18:58:39+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2072,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/07\\\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Best Schools\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/\",\"name\":\"Cheapest Colleges in Illinois\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/07\\\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-07-18T20:15:03+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-01T18:58:39+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ac41e5a81859e5eaf304d78d3107826f\"},\"description\":\"Illinois is full of high-quality schools that offer affordable degree programs. Check out our list of the cheapest colleges in Illinois.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175010196\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175024929\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175045897\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175061999\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/07\\\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/07\\\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800,\"caption\":\"Five undergraduate students walking on the sidewalk, talking, and laughing.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Best Schools\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/best-schools\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: Low Tuition, Cheap Degrees, and Financial Aid\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Career Karma\",\"description\":\"Latest Coding Bootcamp News &amp; Career Hacks from Industry Insiders\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ac41e5a81859e5eaf304d78d3107826f\",\"name\":\"Esa Landicho\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/Esa-2.png\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/Esa-2.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/Esa-2.png\",\"caption\":\"Esa Landicho\"},\"description\":\"Esa is a content writer who has extensive experience talking to students about their careers and life choices. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master\u2019s Degree in Guidance and Counseling.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/esaconquers\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/in\\\/esalandicho\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/esaconquers\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/esa-landicho\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175010196\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175010196\",\"name\":\"Should I choose a cheap college?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"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.<br\\\/><br\\\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175024929\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175024929\",\"name\":\"Are there free colleges in Illinois?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"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.<br\\\/><br\\\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175045897\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175045897\",\"name\":\"Is it hard to get into a cheap college in Illinois?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"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\u2019ll need to work hard to earn your degree.<br\\\/><br\\\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175061999\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/careerkarma.com\\\/blog\\\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\\\/#faq-question-1658175061999\",\"name\":\"Why should I study in Illinois?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"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.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Cheapest Colleges in Illinois","description":"Illinois is full of high-quality schools that offer affordable degree programs. Check out our list of the cheapest colleges in Illinois.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: Low Tuition, Cheap Degrees, and Financial Aid","og_description":"Illinois is full of high-quality schools that offer affordable degree programs. Check out our list of the cheapest colleges in Illinois.","og_url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/","og_site_name":"Career Karma","article_publisher":"http:\/\/facebook.com\/careerkarmaapp","article_published_time":"2022-07-18T20:15:03+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-10-01T18:58:39+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Esa Landicho","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_description":"Did you know you can get an #AffordableEducation in Illinois? #CareerKarma's guide to the cheapest colleges in Illinois covers 10 different schools and their most popular programs.","twitter_creator":"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/esaconquers","twitter_site":"@career_karma","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Esa Landicho","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/"},"author":{"name":"Esa Landicho","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/ac41e5a81859e5eaf304d78d3107826f"},"headline":"Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: Low Tuition, Cheap Degrees, and Financial Aid","datePublished":"2022-07-18T20:15:03+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-01T18:58:39+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/"},"wordCount":2072,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg","articleSection":["Best Schools"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/","url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/","name":"Cheapest Colleges in Illinois","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg","datePublished":"2022-07-18T20:15:03+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-01T18:58:39+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/ac41e5a81859e5eaf304d78d3107826f"},"description":"Illinois is full of high-quality schools that offer affordable degree programs. Check out our list of the cheapest colleges in Illinois.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175010196"},{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175024929"},{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175045897"},{"@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175061999"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Most-Affordable-Colleges-in-Illinois-Low-Tuition-Cheap-Degrees-and-Financial-Aid.jpg","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"Five undergraduate students walking on the sidewalk, talking, and laughing."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Best Schools","item":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/best-schools\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois: Low Tuition, Cheap Degrees, and Financial Aid"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/","name":"Career Karma","description":"Latest Coding Bootcamp News &amp; Career Hacks from Industry Insiders","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/ac41e5a81859e5eaf304d78d3107826f","name":"Esa Landicho","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Esa-2.png","url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Esa-2.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Esa-2.png","caption":"Esa Landicho"},"description":"Esa is a content writer who has extensive experience talking to students about their careers and life choices. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master\u2019s Degree in Guidance and Counseling.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/esaconquers\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/esalandicho\/","https:\/\/x.com\/https:\/\/twitter.com\/esaconquers"],"url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/author\/esa-landicho\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175010196","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175010196","name":"Should I choose a cheap college?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175024929","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175024929","name":"Are there free colleges in Illinois?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175045897","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175045897","name":"Is it hard to get into a cheap college in Illinois?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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\u2019ll need to work hard to earn your degree.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175061999","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheapest-colleges-in-illinois\/#faq-question-1658175061999","name":"Why should I study in Illinois?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/144"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117581"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117581\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}