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Best Value Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Colleges in Illinois

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

Augustana College delivers the strongest value proposition among Illinois health preparatory programs, combining a net cost of just $12,437 with a 79.20% graduation rate that ranks second statewide. This performance stands out in a state where medical preparatory programs range from $12,437 to $27,143 annually, yet produce graduates earning between $20,140 and $33,993. Illinois healthcare employers, anchored by major Chicago medical centers like Northwestern Memorial and Rush University Medical Center, increasingly seek graduates with strong foundational science backgrounds. Aurora University graduates command the highest early-career salaries at $33,993, while Northern Illinois University offers public school accessibility at $12,909 net cost.
11
Programs
$12,437 – $27,143
Net Price Range
$27,177
Avg. Program Earnings
61.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,909 $29,016 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
2 $15,113 $30,771 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
3 $18,992 $33,993 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
4 $12,437 $20,140 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
5 $23,529 $21,964 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
6 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
7 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
8 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
9 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
10 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
11 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Illinois medical preparatory graduates?

Aurora University graduates earn $33,993 compared to $20,140 for Augustana College graduates, a difference of nearly $14,000 annually. This gap often reflects program focus areas, with some emphasizing research preparation while others target direct healthcare roles. Geographic factors also matter, as Chicago-area programs typically connect students to higher-paying metropolitan opportunities.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Illinois?

The University of Chicago achieves a 94.90% graduation rate despite charging $66,939 in sticker price, while Augustana College reaches 79.20% at a $12,437 net cost. Northern Illinois University, the most affordable option at $12,909, maintains a 49.60% completion rate. Higher-cost programs generally show stronger retention, though Augustana proves exceptions exist.

Is debt burden manageable for Illinois medical preparatory students?

Student debt ranges from $19,050 at Aurora University to $27,000 at Augustana College among reporting schools. Aurora University students graduate with relatively low debt despite earning the highest salaries at $33,993. Northern Illinois University students carry $22,500 in debt while earning $29,016 annually, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio.

Where do the most competitive admission standards appear?

The University of Chicago accepts just 5.43% of applicants, followed by Northwestern University at 7.21%. Augustana College maintains selectivity at 61.22% acceptance while delivering strong outcomes. Most other programs accept between 81.90% and 93.12% of applicants, making admission accessible for qualified students.

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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.