Skip to main content

Best Value Economics Colleges in Illinois

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

University of Chicago economics graduates command the highest starting salaries in Illinois at $85,637, yet the program costs just $18,967 after aid. This creates an strong return on investment that outpaces even Northwestern's $73,035 graduate earnings despite Northwestern's higher $27,143 net cost. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans $54,866, from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's $30,771 to UChicago's peak. Illinois public universities offer particularly strong value propositions, with University of Illinois Chicago delivering $43,426 in graduate earnings for only $12,313 in net costs. The state's finance sector, anchored by Chicago's Loop district and major commodity exchanges, creates abundant opportunities for economics graduates. Manufacturing giants like Caterpillar and Boeing also rely heavily on economic analysis for supply chain and market decisions. The MAP Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps for Illinois residents, making quality economics education accessible across income levels.
34
Programs
$8,916 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$50,590
Avg. Program Earnings
62.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,967 $85,637 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
2 $12,909 $47,260 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
3 $15,113 $54,644 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
4 $15,201 $54,817 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $12,313 $43,426 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
6 $13,550 $45,500 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
7 $12,437 $36,941 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
8 $27,143 $73,035 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
9 $23,033 $56,641 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
10 $18,996 $46,422 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
11 $21,063 $48,823 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
12 $21,539 $49,058 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
13 $29,550 $61,516 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
14 $16,177 $30,771 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
15 $24,875 $44,942 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
16 $26,984 $46,087 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
17 $27,499 $46,087 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
18 $29,141 $39,009 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
19 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
20 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
21 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
22 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
23 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
24 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
25 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
26 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
27 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
28 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
29 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
30 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
31 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
32 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
33 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
34 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Chicago's economics program such strong value despite being private?

University of Chicago charges $18,967 after financial aid while producing graduates earning $85,637 annually. The school maintains a 94.9% graduation rate and accepts only 5.43% of applicants. This combination of generous aid, elite outcomes, and academic rigor creates strong return on investment for economics students.

How do Illinois public universities compare for economics value?

University of Illinois Chicago offers the lowest net cost at $12,313 with $43,426 graduate earnings. Northern Illinois University charges $12,909 and delivers $47,260 in earnings with a 70.68% acceptance rate. Public options consistently cost under $19,000 after aid while maintaining solid earning potential above $40,000.

Is Northwestern University worth the higher cost for economics students?

Northwestern charges $27,143 after aid, the highest among Illinois economics programs. Graduates earn $73,035 annually with a 95.9% graduation rate and low $15,250 debt levels. While expensive, the $45,892 earnings premium over the state average justifies costs for students seeking top-tier outcomes.

Does graduation rate correlate with earnings potential in Illinois economics programs?

Schools with graduation rates above 80% typically produce higher earnings, with University of Chicago at 94.9% and $85,637, Northwestern at 95.9% and $73,035. However, Northern Illinois University breaks this pattern with 49.6% graduation but solid $47,260 earnings. Program quality and regional job access matter beyond completion rates alone.

Where do Illinois economics graduates find the best job opportunities?

Chicago's financial district houses major banks, trading firms, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, creating high-demand economics roles. Manufacturing companies throughout Illinois need economic analysts for market research and supply chain optimization. Government positions in Springfield and federal roles in Chicago offer stable career paths with competitive benefits.

More Economics Rankings

Cheapest Economics in Illinois Economics Under $20,000 in Illinois

Related

All Economics Programs Best Colleges in Illinois Best Economics in Illinois

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