Choosing a college in Illinois doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Illinois are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Illinois , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 53 four-year Illinois Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees 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.
Columbia College - Freeport ranks as the least expensive Illinois colleges. With tuition and fees at just $8,256, Columbia College - Freeport offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Columbia College - Elgin at$8,256 and Columbia College - Crystal Lake Campus at$8,304 both consistently recognized among the Illinois Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Illinois Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 75.65%, and the average SAT score is 1,070, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia College - Freeport Freeport, ILPrivate, 4-year | $8,256 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 | Columbia College - Elgin Elgin, ILPrivate, 4-year | $8,256 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 | Columbia College - Crystal Lake Campus Crystal Lake, ILPrivate, 4-year | $8,304 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 | Columbia College - Lake County Gurnee, ILPrivate, 4-year | $8,304 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5 4 | Governors State University University Park, ILPublic, 4-year | $12,004 ($12,004) $684 | $10,666 ($10,666) $594 | 48.27% | 4,397 | - | 22.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 6 4 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, ILPublic, 4-year | $12,092 ($12,092) $67 | $10,488 ($10,488) $386 | 97.50% | 11,893 | 1,070 | 57.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 7 4 | Trinity International University-Illinois Deerfield, ILPrivate, 4-year | $12,320 - | $18,520 - | 100.00% | 869 | - | 46.00% | 3 to 1 |
| 8 3 | Chicago State University Chicago, ILPublic, 4-year | $12,757 ($12,757) $3 | $16,162 ($10,294) - | 43.26% | 2,238 | - | 15.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 9 5 | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, ILPublic, 4-year | $13,060 ($13,060) $554 | $9,176 ($9,176) $86 | 69.79% | 15,414 | - | 49.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 10 2 | National Louis University Chicago, ILPrivate, 4-year | $13,245 $1,356 | $13,453 $1,228 | 95.05% | 8,915 | - | 30.00% | 17 to 1 |
| Average | $10,860 ($12,478) | $13,078 ($10,156) | 75.65% | 7,288 | 1,070 | 36.50% | 12 to 1 |