2025 Cheapest Illinois Public Colleges

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 12 four-year Illinois Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $19,559, reflecting a 3.00% increase compared to the previous year.

Governors State University ranks as the least expensive public Illinois colleges. With tuition and fees at just $12,004, Governors State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.

Close behind are Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at$12,092 and Chicago State University at$12,757 both consistently recognized among the Illinois Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.

At these Affordable Illinois Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 73.09%, and the average SAT score is 1,056, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.

Comparison between Illinois Public Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees

Table. Illinois Public Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees Comparison
School NameUndergraduate Tuition & FeesGraduate Tuition & FeesAcceptance RateTotal PopulationSAT ScoreGraduation RateStudents to Faculty Ratio
1
-		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
2
-		Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, ILPublic, 4-year $12,092
($12,092)
$67		$10,488
($10,488)
$386		97.50%11,8931,07057.00%15 to 1
3
1		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
4
1		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
5
-		Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, ILPublic, 4-year $13,334
($13,334)
$90		$31,122
($14,220)
$72		86.88%11,7901,04062.00%11 to 1
6
-		Western Illinois University Macomb, ILPublic, 4-year $14,572
($14,572)
$487		$13,683
($13,683)
$393		71.18%6,332-45.00%12 to 1
7
-		Eastern Illinois University Charleston, ILPublic, 4-year $15,859
($13,377)
$293		$23,214
($11,647)
$519		65.35%8,5051,00047.00%14 to 1
8
-		University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, ILPublic, 4-year $20,139
($12,557)
$679		$19,515
($11,938)
$269		85.88%4,6281,07053.00%13 to 1
9
-		Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, ILPublic, 4-year $22,726
($12,383)
-		$18,217
($9,874)
-		74.60%5,734-22.00%9 to 1
10
-		Illinois State University Normal, ILPublic, 4-year $26,058
($14,410)
$2,579		$13,062
($10,218)
$416		88.15%21,5461,10065.00%19 to 1
Average$16,260
($13,055)		$16,531
($11,220)		73.09%9,2481,05643.70%13 to 1