Best Affordable Illinois Colleges for 2026
Illinois is home to an impressive variety of colleges that deliver both academic excellence and financial value. From the low in-state tuition of public universities like University of Illinois Chicago to the generous merit scholarships at private institutions like Lewis University, these affordable Illinois colleges make it possible to earn a respected degree without a lifetime of debt.
Each school on this list has earned the College of Distinction designation for its commitment to engaged learning, supportive campus communities, and career preparation. Whether you want to study in the heart of Chicago or in a smaller, close-knit college town, you’ll find a program that aligns with your goals, values, and budget—proving that a great education in Illinois can also be an affordable one.
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1864 as a college for teachers, today Concordia University Chicago is a comprehensive liberal arts-based Christian university affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, and College of Innovation and Professional Programs, CUC offers more than 140 areas of undergraduate and graduate study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. Students choose Concordia University Chicago to open up their world and be inspired throughout their collegiate career and beyond.
WORLD-CLASS OPPORTUNITIES IN CHICAGO
Inspired learning, whether in or out of the classroom, is a key component in connecting to students. Access to the amazing resources and culture of the cosmopolitan city of Chicago enables students to open up their world. Students have wide-ranging experiences as they learn alongside peers from various backgrounds and cultures from across the globe.
Acceptance rate 93% • Net price $17,767
Total Undergrad Population 1,377 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 46% • Retention rate 63% • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Lewis University, guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, provides students a liberal and professional education, grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth. Lewis promotes the development of the complete person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice. Fundamental to its Mission is a spirit of association, which fosters community in all teaching, learning, and service.
DOHERTY CENTER
The Doherty Center for Aviation and Health Research was established to promote scholarship and innovation in the fields of health and aviation and to create mutually beneficial partnerships with business and industry. Students work with faculty on projects that will have an impact on the aviation industry such as Determining the Hazardous Effects of Flight Deck Laser Illumination Events.
BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
To encourage entrepreneurship, the University hosts the Business Plan Competition, which is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Students formulate an idea, develop a business plan, and pitch their idea to a panel of judges. The winner(s) of the competition earn $5,000 to be used towards their business venture.
Acceptance rate 73% • Net price $19,472 • SAT Range 990-1220
Total Undergrad Population 3,948 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 62% • Retention rate 84% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university located in DeKalb, Illinois, United States. With a history that dates back to 1895, NIU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state of Illinois, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across seven colleges. The university is known for its strong commitment to research, experiential learning, and community engagement, providing students with numerous opportunities to explore their passions, develop their skills, and make a difference in the world.
Whether students are interested in the arts, sciences, business, education, or any other field, NIU is a welcoming and supportive community that can help them achieve their goals and succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.
Acceptance rate 70% • Net price $13,533
Total Undergrad Population 11,358 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 50% • Retention rate 70% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
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Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Faith is at the heart of superior academics, nationally competitive athletics, thriving social atmosphere, and countless ministry opportunities at Olivet.
Olivet offers more than 140 undergraduate areas of study and holds the accreditation of the Higher Learning Commission and other top accrediting associations. Seasoned faculty members challenge each student, believing that Christians can increase their impact on the world through excellence in scholarship, thought, and communication.
Olivet students study in small classes with a student-faculty ratio of just 14:1, learning exclusively from professors, not teaching assistants. They actively participate in learning and collaborate in groups.
Acceptance rate 67% • Net price $22,707 • SAT Range 960-1190
Total Undergrad Population 2,569 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 60% • Retention rate 68% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Celebrating 175 years in 2021, Saint Xavier University is a distinguished four-year private institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846. Chicago’s oldest Catholic university and the first Mercy college in the United States, Saint Xavier provides a transformative educational experience to 3,600 students at its Chicago campus with more than 40 undergraduate programs and nearly 30 graduate program options in the College of Arts and Sciences, Graham School of Management (GSM), and School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SONHS) as well as a variety of program options in Continuing and Adult Education. SXU is consistently recognized as one of the best in the Midwest.
One of the core values of Saint Xavier University is service, and as such, SXU features programs and classes that encourage students to make the most of their education. This includes things like study abroad programs, internships, community service projects, and student-driven research to ensure a well-rounded experience.
Students benefit from an active, collaborative learning environment. Professors are readily available to offer the necessary support, encouragement, and intellectual stimulation. Perhaps most significantly, students acquire lifelong skills in writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving, prepared to take on every sphere of life.
Acceptance rate 86% • Net price $11,943
Total Undergrad Population 3,039 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 59% • Retention rate 74% • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Located in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, UIC helps students unleash their potential. Students enjoy 87 bachelor’s programs, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and award-winning professors who are regarded as experts in their field. The University of Illinois Chicago is proud to support one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse campuses in the nation, so every member of the community has a place in which to learn and thrive.
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
UIC is proud to offer students unique ways to live and learn on campus. Living-learning communities comprise of committed students who share a common interest. Students can choose from 15 different communities with topics ranging from Pre-Health to Women in Science and Engineering. Each community has a peer mentor who works within the group to make sure students have the best experience possible. Students also enjoy the benefits of making deeper connections with peers, having built-in study buddies, and gaining easy access to experiential learning opportunities that are relevant to their field of study.
Acceptance rate 79% • Net price $11,499 • SAT Range 1120-1340
Total Undergrad Population 22,107 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 60% • Retention rate 78% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Affordable Illinois College FAQs
Schools like Northern Illinois University and University of Illinois Chicago offer competitive tuition rates, while private institutions like Concordia University Chicago and Lewis University provide generous scholarships and financial aid.
Yes. Many private schools, such as Olivet Nazarene University and Saint Xavier University, offset higher sticker prices with substantial need- and merit-based financial aid packages.
In addition to applying for federal and state aid, students can explore institutional scholarships, participate in work-study programs, and take advantage of tuition discounts or transfer agreements offered by many Illinois colleges.
These affordable schools also excel in engaged teaching, student support, and career readiness. Our methodology ensures that each college offers both financial value and a fulfilling undergraduate experience. Learn more here.
Last updated: August 2025. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database and College Scorecard.
About Our Methodology: Colleges of Distinction identifies affordable institutions that balance cost with quality. We evaluate tuition, financial aid availability, student outcomes, and overall student experience to ensure these schools provide exceptional value. Read the full methodology here.
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