Skip to main content

Cheapest Biochemistry Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Illinois biochemistry programs span an $8,916 to $23,572 cost range, creating opportunities for students at different financial levels. University of Illinois Springfield leads affordability at just $8,916 net cost, while strong private options like Augustana College deliver 79.20% graduation rates despite higher sticker prices. The state's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector and Chicago's biotech companies provide natural career pathways for molecular biology graduates. Public universities dominate the most affordable tier, with three University of Illinois campuses offering sub-$16,000 net costs. Private colleges show mixed value propositions, from Trinity Christian's $16,381 net cost to Illinois Institute of Technology's research focus at $19,353. The MAP Grant program helps bridge funding gaps for Illinois residents, making both public and private options more accessible. Illinois State University provides solid middle ground at $18,996 with 66.30% graduation rates. Students can access quality biochemistry education without extreme debt burdens, particularly at public institutions where in-state tuition advantages create substantial savings compared to private alternatives.
26
Programs
$8,916 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$25,151
Avg. Program Earnings
63.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
2 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
3 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
4 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
5 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
6 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
7 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
8 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
9 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
10 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
11 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
12 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
13 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
14 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
15 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
16 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
17 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
18 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
19 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
20 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
21 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
22 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
23 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
24 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
25 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
26 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic cost difference between Illinois biochemistry programs?

Public universities like University of Illinois Springfield charge $8,916 net cost while private colleges reach $23,572, creating a $14,656 gap. State funding allows public institutions to offer lower tuition, especially for Illinois residents who pay $12,252 in-state at UIS. Private colleges often provide substantial aid packages, with some like Augustana showing $49,834 sticker prices but $12,437 net costs after financial aid. The difference reflects funding models rather than program quality variations.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable Illinois biochemistry programs?

Graduation rates range from 42.70% at Quincy University to 84.90% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, showing significant variation. Augustana College achieves 79.20% graduation rates while maintaining reasonable $12,437 net costs. Public universities like Illinois State University deliver 66.30% graduation rates at $18,996 annual costs. Students should balance affordability with completion likelihood when selecting programs.

Does University of Illinois Chicago offer good value for biochemistry students?

UIC provides solid value at $12,313 net cost with 60.30% graduation rates and documented $29,250 starting earnings. Students graduate with manageable $14,723 average debt levels, making loan repayment feasible on biochemistry salaries. The Chicago location offers access to pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals, and biotech firms for internships and career opportunities. UIC combines affordability with urban research advantages.

Where do the most affordable biochemistry programs accept the highest percentage of applicants?

Monmouth College accepts 90.70% of applicants while charging $18,034 net cost, offering accessible admission standards. Roosevelt University admits 88.32% of students at $20,152 annual costs with Chicago location benefits. Illinois State University accepts 86.24% of applicants at $18,996 net costs with 66.30% graduation rates. These schools provide opportunities for students who might struggle gaining admission to more selective programs.

What makes Illinois Institute of Technology worth considering despite higher costs?

IIT charges $19,353 net cost but delivers 72.40% graduation rates and strong research opportunities in Chicago. The technical focus aligns well with biophysics and molecular biology career paths in pharmaceutical development and medical device companies. Students benefit from Chicago's concentration of healthcare and biotechnology employers. The higher investment often pays off through better career placement and networking opportunities in technical fields.

More Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Rankings

Best Value Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology in Illinois Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Under $20,000 in Illinois

Related

All Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs Best Colleges in Illinois Best Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology in Illinois

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