Affordable Colleges and Tuition Costs in Illinois

This guide covers schools in Illinois offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.

Illinois, located in the heart of the Midwest, offers a diverse landscape that includes Lake Michigan, rich farmland, and forested hills. Key waterways like the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers support its role as a major hub for trade and transportation.

The state’s economy is powered by agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and logistics, with Chicago as a global economic center.

Illinois is also home to top-ranked universities like the University of Illinois system and Northwestern University, along with a strong network of community colleges that support education and workforce development statewide.

In this guide

• Notable initiatives
• Tuition and Fee
• Financial aid & sponsorship
• FAQ

Tuition and Fee Overview in Illinois

Community Colleges & Technical Colleges

For an Associate’s degree, the lowest tuition is $7,320 at McHenry County College. The average cost for this degree, across 17 schools, is $9,817, while the highest tuition is $25,200 at McKendree University.

Associate degree programs in Illinois

1. McHenry County College

   Crystal Lake, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $122
   Total tuition: $7,320
   Credits: 60
   Number of degree programs: 4
   Learn more: Program details

2. Lake Land College

   Mattoon, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $256 - $465
   Total tuition: $7,616 - $29,760
   Total tuition (In-district): $7,616
   Total tuition (Out-of-district): $16,384
   Total tuition (out-of-state): $29,760
   Credits: 64
   Number of degree programs: 1
   Learn more: Program details

3. Illinois Valley Community College

   Oglesby, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $515 - $565
   Total tuition: $7,980 - $33,900
   Total tuition (In-district): $7,980
   Total tuition (Out-of-district): $30,900
   Total tuition (out-of-state): $33,900
   Credits: 60
   Number of degree programs: 3
   Learn more: Program details

4. Rock Valley College

   Rockford, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $125
   Total tuition: $8,000
   Credits: 64
   Number of degree programs: 1
   Learn more: Program details

5. Oakton College

   Des Plaines, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $136
   Total tuition: $8,160
   Credits: 60
   Number of degree programs: 6
   Learn more: Program details

6. Elgin Community College

   Elgin, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $260 - $310
   Total tuition: $8,280 - $18,600
   Total tuition (In-district): $8,280
   Total tuition (Out-of-district): $15,600
   Total tuition (out-of-state): $18,600
   Credits: 60
   Number of degree programs: 10
   Learn more: Program details

7. Waubonsee Community College

   Aurora, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $141
   Total tuition: $8,460
   Credits: 60
   Number of degree programs: 19
   Learn more: Program details

8. Moraine Valley Community College

   Palos Hills, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $332 - $388
   Total tuition: $8,494 - $24,056
   Total tuition (In-district): $8,494
   Total tuition (Out-of-district): $20,584
   Total tuition (out-of-state): $24,056
   Credits: 62
   Number of degree programs: 2
   Learn more: Program details

9. College of Lake County

   Grayslake, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $365 - $495
   Total tuition: $8,520 - $29,700
   Total tuition (In-district): $8,520
   Total tuition (Out-of-district): $21,900
   Total tuition (out-of-state): $29,700
   Credits: 60
   Number of degree programs: 14
   Learn more: Program details

10. Lincoln Land Community College

    Springfield, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $287 - $431
    Total tuition: $8,640 - $25,860
    Total tuition (In-district): $8,640
    Total tuition (Out-of-district): $17,220
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $25,860
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 18
    Learn more: Program details

11. Southwestern Illinois College

    Belleville, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $135 - $240
    Total tuition: $8,640 - $15,360
    Total tuition (In-district): $8,640
    Total tuition (Out-of-district): $15,360
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $8,640
    Credits: 64
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

12. Joliet Junior College

    Joliet, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425 - $460
    Total tuition: $9,060 - $27,600
    Total tuition (In-district): $9,060
    Total tuition (Out-of-district): $25,500
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $27,600
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

13. College of DuPage

    Glen Ellyn, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $156
    Total tuition: $9,360
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 9
    Learn more: Program details

14. Sauk Valley Community College

    Dixon, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $155
    Total tuition: $9,920
    Credits: 64
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

15. Black Hawk College

    Moline, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $174
    Total tuition: $10,440
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

16. John Wood Community College

    Quincy, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $200
    Total tuition: $12,800
    Credits: 64
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

17. McKendree University

    Lebanon, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $420
    Total tuition: $25,200
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Public and Private Institutions

A Bachelor’s degree in Illinois has the lowest tuition at Southern Illinois University, costing $38,640. The average tuition for a Bachelor’s degree across 20 schools is $82,594, with the highest tuition reaching $188,760 at Concordia University Chicago.

Bachelor’s degree programs in Illinois

1. Southern Illinois University

   Carbondale, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $322
   Total tuition per credit: $38,640
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 27
   Learn more: Program details

2. Eastern Illinois University

   Charleston, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $348
   Total tuition per credit: $41,760
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 12
   Learn more: Program details

3. Governors State University

   University Park, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $373
   Total tuition per credit: $44,760
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 3
   Learn more: Program details

4. Illinois College

   Jacksonville, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $375
   Total tuition per credit: $45,000
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 9
   Learn more: Program details

5. University of Illinois Springfield

   Springfield, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $379
   Total tuition per credit: $45,480
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 30
   Learn more: Program details

6. McKendree University

   Lebanon, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $330 - $420
   Total tuition per credit: $39,600 - $50,400
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 15
   Learn more: Program details

7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

   Champaign, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $433
   Total tuition per credit: $51,960
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 3
   Learn more: Program details

8. Benedictine University

   Lisle, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $415 - $450
   Total tuition per credit: $49,800 - 54,000
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 4
   Learn more: Program details

9. National Louis University

   Chicago, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $436 - $464
   Total tuition per credit: $52,320 - $55,680
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 21
   Learn more: Program details

10. Aurora University

    Aurora, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $480
    Total tuition per credit: $57,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

11. University of Illinois Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $330 - $500
    Total tuition per credit: $39,600 - $60,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

12. Western Illinois University

    Macomb, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $343 - $601
    Total tuition per credit: $41,160 - $72,120
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

13. Lewis University

    Romeoville, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445 - $625
    Total tuition per credit: $56,960 - $80,000
    Credits: 128
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

14. Illinois State University

    Normal, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $519 - $922
    Total tuition per credit: $62,280 - $110,640
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 2
    Learn more: Program details

15. Northern Illinois University

    DeKalb, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $448 - $945
    Total tuition per credit: $53,760 - $113,400
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 9
    Learn more: Program details

16. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Edwardsville, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $529 - $1,022
    Total tuition per credit: $63,480 - $122,640
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

17. Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,027 - $1,055
    Total tuition per credit: $123,240 - $126,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

18. DePaul University

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $531 - $1,110
    Total tuition per credit: $63,720 - $133,200
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 12
    Learn more: Program details

19. Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,298 - $1,327
    Total tuition per credit: $155,760 - $159,240
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

20. Concordia University Chicago

    River Forest, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,573
    Total tuition per credit: $188,760
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

A review of 20 Master’s degree programs in Illinois reveals significant tuition variations. While the average cost is $28,936, Eastern Illinois University offers the lowest at $11,682, and Illinois Institute of Technology has the highest, at $53,400.

Master’s degree programs in Illinois

1. Eastern Illinois University

   Charleston, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $354
   Total tuition per credit: $11,682
   Credits: 33
   Number of degree programs: 25
   Learn more: Program details

2. University of Illinois Springfield

   Springfield, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $377
   Total tuition per credit: $11,310 - $12,064
   Credits: 30-32
   Number of degree programs: 28
   Learn more: Program details

3. Governors State University

   University Park, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $413
   Total tuition per credit: $12,390
   Credits: 30
   Number of degree programs: 3
   Learn more: Program details

4. Southern Illinois University

   Carbondale, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $470
   Total tuition per credit: $14,100 - $16,920
   Credits: 30-36
   Number of degree programs: 20
   Learn more: Program details

5. Concordia University Chicago

   River Forest, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $575
   Total tuition per credit: $17,250
   Credits: 30
   Number of degree programs: 24
   Learn more: Program details

6. McKendree University

   Lebanon, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445 - $605
   Total tuition per credit: $13,350 - $21,780
   Credits: 30-36
   Number of degree programs: 6
   Learn more: Program details

7. Aurora University

   Aurora, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $565 - $740
   Total tuition per credit: $16,950 - $22,200
   Credits: 30
   Number of degree programs: 7
   Learn more: Program details

8. Illinois College

   Jacksonville, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $750
   Total tuition per credit: $22,500
   Credits: 30
   Number of degree programs: 1
   Learn more: Program details

9. Lewis University

   Romeoville, Illinois

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $600 - $860
   Total tuition per credit: $18,000 - $25,800
   Credits: 30
   Number of degree programs: 13
   Learn more: Program details

10. Northern Illinois University

    DeKalb, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445 - $933
    Total tuition per credit: $13,350 - $27,990
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 19
    Learn more: Program details

11. Western Illinois University

    Macomb, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $394 - $788
    Total tuition per credit: $11,820 - $28,368
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

12. National Louis University

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $550 - $790
    Total tuition per credit: $16,500 - $28,440
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 19
    Learn more: Program details

13. Illinois State University

    Normal, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $538 - $940
    Total tuition per credit: $16,140 - $30,080
    Credits: 30-32
    Number of degree programs: 12
    Learn more: Program details

14. Benedictine University

    Lisle, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $670 - $800
    Total tuition per credit: $20,100 - $34,400
    Credits: 30-43
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

15. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Edwardsville, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $643 - $1,219
    Total tuition per credit: $19,290 - $36,570
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 29
    Learn more: Program details

16. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Urbana, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $535 - $1,237
    Total tuition per credit: $17,120 - $39,584
    Credits: 32
    Number of degree programs: 50
    Learn more: Program details

17. University of Illinois Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $730 - $1,250
    Total tuition per credit: $21,900 - $40,000
    Credits: 32
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

18. DePaul University

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $744 - $1,228
    Total tuition per credit: $22,320 - $44,208
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 34
    Learn more: Program details

19. Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,215 - $1,770
    Total tuition per credit: $36,450 - $53,100
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

20. Illinois Institute of Technology

    Chicago, Illinois

    
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,780
    Total tuition per credit: $53,400
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 15
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Financial Aid & Sponsorship in Illinois

Illinois students have access to a variety of financial aid programs that help make higher education more affordable.

These include the Monetary Award Program (MAP), a need-based grant for in-state students; the AIM HIGH Grant, which rewards merit and need at public universities; and the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) and National Guard Grant (ING), which support military-affiliated students. 

Federal options like the Pell Grant and FSEOG provide additional assistance based on financial need. Teaching-focused scholarships such as the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship and Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois support students preparing to work in high-need schools.

For step-by-step assistance with completing the FAFSA, visit the FAFSA resource. To discover scholarship opportunities in Illinois, be sure to explore this guide: Finding Scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions