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 Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.
For these well-regarded Illinois Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, the average acceptance rate is 57.96% and the average SAT score is 1,325, 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 - | Knox College Galesburg, ILPrivate, 4-year | $57,903 $2,316 | - | 70.79% | 1,136 | 1,320 | 68.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 4 - | 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 |
| 5 - | 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 |
| 6 - | 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 |
| 7 - | 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 |
| 8 - | North Central College Naperville, ILPrivate, 4-year | $45,726 $1,332 | $15,922 $100 | 77.33% | 3,003 | 1,190 | 64.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 9 1 | Wheaton College Wheaton, ILPrivate, 4-year | $45,546 $1,610 | $20,160 $720 | 87.40% | 2,874 | 1,380 | 85.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 10 1 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate, 4-year | $45,405 $1,231 | $23,358 $833 | 75.89% | 21,210 | 1,240 | 68.00% | 17 to 1 |
| Average | $54,614 | $32,419 | 57.96% | 10,127 | 1,325 | 77.50% | 11 to 1 |