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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Accounting programs in Illinois show striking cost differences, with private schools like Millikin University offering surprisingly low net costs at $8,837 compared to some public options. The state's 20 programs produce graduates earning between $40,456 and $64,493, reflecting the strong demand for accounting professionals in Illinois's finance-heavy economy. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads in graduate earnings at $64,493, while Millikin delivers strong value by combining low costs with solid $52,607 median earnings. Chicago's role as a major financial center creates abundant opportunities for accounting graduates, from Big Four firms to corporate headquarters. Public universities generally offer lower sticker prices, but financial aid can level the playing field. Northern Illinois University produces graduates earning $57,318 with manageable debt of $15,342, while Trinity Christian College graduates command $63,005 despite higher net costs. The MAP Grant program helps Illinois residents access these programs regardless of family income.
42
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$51,568
Avg. Program Earnings
56.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $52,607 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $50,856 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $9,477 $46,087 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $12,909 $57,318 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
5 $12,437 $54,252 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
6 $12,093 $52,107 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
7 $15,201 $64,493 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
8 $12,313 $51,829 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
9 $16,381 $63,005 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
10 $11,592 $43,612 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
11 $15,113 $55,512 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
12 $14,093 $50,677 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
13 $13,696 $49,084 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
14 $13,550 $43,240 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
15 $18,996 $54,470 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
16 $21,063 $55,964 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
17 $17,324 $45,500 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
18 $21,539 $55,964 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
19 $23,033 $58,921 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
20 $16,177 $40,456 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
21 $18,992 $47,200 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
22 $20,152 $49,918 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
23 $23,572 $57,735 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
24 $17,945 $43,798 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
25 $18,470 $44,783 $13,546 40.0%
26 $18,370 $42,682 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
27 $29,550 $62,792 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
28 $29,141 $60,925 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
29 $23,529 $46,790 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
30 $24,190 $43,798 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
31 $35,196 $61,380 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
32 $30,878 $42,433 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
33 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
34 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
35 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
36 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
37 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
38 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
39 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
40 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
41 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
42 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University such a strong value for accounting students?

Millikin University offers the lowest net cost among Illinois accounting programs at just $8,837, while graduates earn a solid $52,607 median salary. The private school's 59.10% graduation rate and 75.40% acceptance rate provide reasonable odds of completion. Despite being a private institution with a $26,892 sticker price, generous financial aid brings costs below many public alternatives.

How do public university accounting programs compare in terms of graduate earnings?

Public universities in Illinois show wide variation in accounting graduate outcomes, with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leading at $64,493 in median earnings. Northern Illinois University graduates earn $57,318, while Western Illinois University produces the lowest earnings at $43,612. Most public programs keep student debt reasonable, typically ranging from $15,342 to $23,627.

Is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher net cost for accounting?

UIUC charges $15,201 net cost but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $64,493, creating strong return on investment. The program maintains an 84.90% graduation rate, significantly above the state average. With only 44.82% acceptance rate, admission requires stronger academic credentials than most Illinois accounting programs.

Does graduating from a Chicago-area accounting program provide career advantages?

Chicago-area schools like University of Illinois Chicago and Saint Xavier University benefit from proximity to major employers and internship opportunities. UIC graduates earn $51,829 with a $12,313 net cost, while Saint Xavier produces $52,107 earners. The city's concentration of corporate headquarters and accounting firms creates networking advantages for local students.

Where can students find the most affordable accounting education in Illinois?

Millikin University offers the lowest net cost at $8,837, followed closely by University of Illinois Springfield at $8,916. Governors State University provides another budget option at $9,477 net cost, though its 19.60% graduation rate raises completion concerns. Public universities generally range from $11,000 to $19,000 in net costs after financial aid.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.