In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 53 four-year Illinois colleges is $31,129, reflecting a -3.79% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 53 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 42 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 3 colleges.
University of Chicago ranks as the most expensive Illinois colleges, with tuition and fees reaching $69,324. Known for its prestigious academic programs and strong reputation, University of Chicago remains a top choice for students seeking a premium education experience.
Close behind are Northwestern University at$68,322 and Knox College at$57,903 both consistently recognized among the Illinois 4-Years Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.
For these well-regarded Illinois 4-Years Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, the average acceptance rate is 50.64% and the average SAT score is 1,335, indicating a moderately selective admissions process.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 1 | University of Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate, 4-year | $69,324 $3,705 | $68,652 $2,109 | 4.48% | 18,566 | 1,550 | 96.00% | 5 to 1 |
| 2 1 | Northwestern University Evanston, ILPrivate, 4-year | $68,322 $2,325 | $54,655 $784 | 7.69% | 23,856 | 1,540 | 95.00% | 6 to 1 |
| 3 1 | Knox College Galesburg, ILPrivate, 4-year | $57,903 $2,316 | - | 70.79% | 1,136 | 1,320 | 68.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 4 1 | Illinois Wesleyan University Bloomington, ILPrivate, 4-year | $57,704 $2,000 | - | 39.31% | 1,582 | 1,240 | 75.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 5 - | Lake Forest College Lake Forest, ILPrivate, 4-year | $56,402 $2,200 | $16,880 $668 | 56.81% | 1,837 | 1,320 | 78.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 6 - | School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate, 4-year | $54,623 $2,019 | $49,649 $5,015 | 77.47% | 3,394 | - | 67.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 7 - | Loyola University Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate, 4-year | $53,710 $1,994 | $21,912 $393 | 81.60% | 17,384 | 1,260 | 73.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 8 - | Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, ILPrivate, 4-year | $52,202 $1,285 | $35,222 $1,412 | 54.93% | 8,834 | 1,300 | 75.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 9 - | Augustana College Rock Island, ILPrivate, 4-year | $51,598 $1,764 | $35,010 $350 | 62.68% | 2,570 | 1,150 | 73.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 10 | Midwestern University-Downers Grove Downers Grove, ILPrivate, 4-year | $47,256 | $48,006 | - | 2,567 | - | - | - |
| Average | $56,904 | $41,248 | 50.64% | 8,173 | 1,335 | 77.78% | 11 to 1 |