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Best Value Allied Health Diagnostic Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University breaks the mold with a net cost of just $8,837 for Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs in Illinois, while graduates from University of St Francis command the highest earnings at $59,124. The state's 19 programs span a price range from under $9,000 to over $24,000, creating stark choices for students entering fields like medical imaging, respiratory therapy, and clinical laboratory sciences. Illinois healthcare employers, from Chicago's major hospital systems to rural clinics, actively recruit graduates from these programs as demand grows for diagnostic professionals. The state's MAP Grant program particularly benefits students pursuing these healthcare pathways at public universities like Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where the net cost stays below $17,000 while graduates earn over $56,000.
19
Programs
$8,837 – $24,190
Net Price Range
$45,093
Avg. Program Earnings
56.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,284 $59,124 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
2 $16,177 $56,087 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
3 $18,996 $37,856 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
4 $23,033 $45,500 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
5 $21,539 $26,896 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
6 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
7 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
8 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
9 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
10 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
11 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
12 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
13 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
14 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
15 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
16 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
17 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
18 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
19 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Millikin University offers the lowest net cost at $8,837 while McKendree University reaches $24,190, a gap of over $15,000 annually. Private institutions generally charge higher sticker prices, but financial aid packages can dramatically reduce actual costs. Public universities like Northern Illinois University maintain lower base costs at $12,909 net, making them accessible options for in-state students. The variation often reflects different program specializations and clinical partnership arrangements.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in these Allied Health programs?

North Central College achieves the highest graduation rate at 71.1% with a net cost of $23,033, suggesting that higher investment can support better completion outcomes. However, University of St Francis balances strong results with a 64.6% graduation rate at $16,284 net cost. Public options like Illinois State University maintain solid 66.3% graduation rates while keeping costs reasonable at $18,996. Western Illinois University shows the challenge some programs face, with only a 44.8% graduation rate despite lower costs.

Which schools provide the best return on investment for Allied Health students?

University of St Francis delivers strong value with $59,124 in graduate earnings against $16,284 in net costs, creating a strong earnings-to-cost ratio. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale also performs well, with $56,087 in earnings for $16,177 in costs. Students should consider that Allied Health graduates typically enter the workforce quickly, with many diagnostic and treatment roles offering immediate employment. The earning potential often justifies higher educational investments, particularly at institutions with strong clinical partnerships.

Does program selectivity indicate quality in Illinois Allied Health programs?

University of St Francis maintains moderate selectivity at 58.4% acceptance while producing the highest-earning graduates at $59,124. Olivet Nazarene University shows similar selectivity at 57.8% but graduates earn significantly less at $26,896. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale accepts 91.5% of applicants yet achieves strong earnings outcomes over $56,000. The data suggests that clinical training quality and industry connections matter more than admission selectivity for career outcomes in Allied Health fields.

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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.