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Best Value Romance Languages Colleges in Illinois

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

Western Illinois University delivers the state's most affordable Romance Languages program at $11,592 net cost, while University of Chicago graduates earn $42,682 annually, creating a dramatic earnings spread of over $11,500 among Illinois programs. This gap reflects the complex value equation facing language students in a state where Chicago's international business sector increasingly demands multilingual professionals. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with four schools under $16,000 net cost, yet private institutions like Augustana College achieve 79.2% graduation rates compared to public averages near 50%. Illinois students benefit from the MAP Grant program, which can significantly reduce costs at participating schools. The state's financial services industry, particularly in Chicago, actively recruits Romance language graduates for international banking and trade positions. With acceptance rates ranging from University of Chicago's selective 5.4% to Dominican University's accessible 89.5%, students can find programs matching both their academic profile and financial constraints across Illinois's varied higher education market.
37
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$32,356
Avg. Program Earnings
61.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,313 $34,603 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
2 $11,592 $31,133 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
3 $12,437 $33,281 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
4 $13,550 $32,711 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
5 $15,113 $36,141 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
6 $12,909 $29,685 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
7 $18,967 $42,682 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
8 $15,201 $30,771 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
9 $18,996 $36,992 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
10 $21,063 $29,685 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
11 $26,984 $35,864 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
12 $23,572 $28,960 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
13 $24,875 $29,250 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
14 $29,141 $33,565 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
15 $27,499 $29,685 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
16 $35,196 $33,993 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
17 $29,550 $21,052 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
18 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
19 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
20 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
21 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
22 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
23 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
24 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
25 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
26 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
27 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
28 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
29 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
30 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
31 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
32 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
33 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
34 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
35 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
36 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
37 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $31,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Western Illinois University's $11,592 net cost reflects typical public university pricing with state subsidies, while private institutions like Knox College reach $24,875 despite generous financial aid. Public schools benefit from Illinois taxpayer funding, keeping costs lower for all students regardless of family income. The MAP Grant further reduces costs at participating Illinois colleges, making public options particularly attractive for in-state residents. Private colleges often provide more individualized attention but at significantly higher sticker prices.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Illinois Romance Languages programs?

University of Chicago achieves a 94.9% graduation rate at $18,967 net cost, while Northeastern Illinois University graduates only 16.8% of students despite charging $13,550. Augustana College demonstrates that private colleges can deliver strong outcomes, with 79.2% graduation rates justifying higher costs for many families. The data shows no clear correlation between price and success rates, suggesting that institutional support matters more than tuition levels. Students should examine individual school resources rather than assuming cost reflects quality.

Is studying Romance Languages financially viable given the earning potential in Illinois?

University of Chicago graduates earn $42,682 annually, proving strong earning potential exists for top-tier programs, while other schools average $29,000-$36,000. Illinois's international business sector, particularly in Chicago's financial district, creates opportunities for multilingual professionals in banking and trade. The state's manufacturing base also employs Romance language speakers for Latin American market expansion. Student debt loads remain manageable, with most schools reporting under $27,000 in borrowing for graduates.

Does acceptance rate indicate program selectivity or accessibility in Illinois?

University of Chicago's 5.4% acceptance rate reflects extreme selectivity, while Dominican University accepts 89.5% of applicants, showing the wide accessibility spectrum. Most Illinois Romance Languages programs accept 70-80% of applicants, making admission achievable for solid students. Higher acceptance rates don't necessarily indicate lower quality, as schools like Illinois State University maintain strong graduation rates at 66.3% despite accepting 86.2% of applicants. Students can find quality programs regardless of their high school academic profile.

Where do Illinois Romance Languages graduates find the best job opportunities?

Chicago's Loop district houses numerous international corporations requiring multilingual staff, particularly in banking and consulting firms. The state's agricultural export industry employs Spanish speakers for Latin American trade relationships, especially in corn and soybean markets. Illinois manufacturing companies with Mexican operations actively recruit Romance language graduates for management and liaison roles. Government positions in Chicago and Springfield also seek bilingual professionals for community outreach and international relations work.

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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.