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Cheapest Biology Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University delivers the state's most affordable biology degree at a net cost of $8,837, despite being a private institution in Decatur. This price advantage challenges the typical assumption that public schools always cost less, especially when compared to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's $15,201 net cost. Illinois biology graduates enter a job market where healthcare systems like Northwestern Medicine and Abbott Laboratories create steady demand for life science professionals. The state's 15 most affordable programs show earnings ranging from $23,649 to $40,281, with Governors State University graduates commanding the highest salaries. Public universities dominate the lower-cost options, with eight of the top ten spots, though graduation rates vary significantly from Chicago State's 16.9% to Urbana-Champaign's 84.9%. The MAP Grant program helps Illinois residents bridge funding gaps, making these already affordable options even more accessible for qualifying students.
48
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$28,773
Avg. Program Earnings
58.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
5 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
6 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
7 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
8 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
9 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
10 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
11 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
12 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
13 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
14 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
15 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
16 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
17 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
18 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
19 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
20 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
21 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
22 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
23 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
24 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
25 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
26 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
27 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
28 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
29 $21,055 $26,100 23.0%
30 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
31 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
32 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
33 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
34 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
35 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
36 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
37 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
38 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
39 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
40 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
41 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
42 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
43 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
44 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
45 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
46 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
47 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
48 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University the cheapest option despite being private?

Millikin University offers the lowest net price at $8,837 through substantial financial aid packages that reduce the $26,892 sticker price. Private colleges often provide generous need-based and merit aid that can make them more affordable than public alternatives. The university maintains a 59.1% graduation rate while keeping costs competitive with state schools. This demonstrates how institutional aid can level the playing field between private and public education costs.

How do graduation rates compare among the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 84.9% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, showing dramatic variation in student success. Chicago State University and Governors State University both struggle with completion rates below 20%, despite offering low net costs. Mid-tier options like University of Illinois Springfield achieve 61.4% graduation rates at reasonable prices. Students should weigh these completion statistics against affordability when choosing programs.

Does attending a more expensive school lead to higher earnings?

Governors State University graduates earn $40,281 annually despite the school's $9,477 net cost, proving that higher prices don't guarantee better outcomes. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale shows the opposite pattern, with graduates earning just $23,649 after paying $16,177 net. University of Illinois Chicago offers solid middle ground with $28,362 earnings at $12,313 net cost. The data suggests that individual school strengths matter more than tuition levels for career prospects.

Where do Illinois biology graduates typically find employment?

Illinois biology graduates benefit from the state's strong healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, including major employers like Abbott Laboratories and Baxter International. Chicago's medical district houses multiple research hospitals and biotechnology companies seeking entry-level scientists. The state's agricultural research facilities and environmental consulting firms also hire biology graduates regularly. Manufacturing centers throughout Illinois need quality control specialists and environmental compliance officers with biological science backgrounds.

Is financial aid available to reduce these costs further?

Illinois residents qualify for MAP Grants that can reduce tuition costs at participating schools by up to $4,968 annually. Federal Pell Grants provide additional aid for students from families earning under $50,000 per year. Many schools on this list, including Saint Xavier University and Dominican University, offer institutional scholarships that stack with state aid. Students should complete the FAFSA early to maximize their aid eligibility and reduce net costs below the listed amounts.

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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.