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Cheapest Business Administration Colleges in Illinois

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

Business administration programs in Illinois show striking cost differences, with Millikin University offering the lowest net price at $8,837 despite being a private institution. This unusual pattern challenges typical assumptions about public versus private affordability. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign commands the highest net price at $15,201 while delivering the strongest earnings potential at $63,402 annually. Illinois business graduates enter a job market anchored by Chicago's financial district, where major corporations like Boeing, Abbott, and Caterpillar maintain headquarters. Graduation rates vary dramatically across the state, from Chicago State's 16.9% to Urbana-Champaign's 84.9%. The MAP Grant program helps Illinois residents bridge funding gaps, making business education more accessible across income levels. Public universities generally maintain lower sticker prices, though financial aid can level the playing field at private institutions.
50
Programs
$8,837 – $30,878
Net Price Range
$43,669
Avg. Program Earnings
54.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Administration, Management and Operations 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 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
6 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
7 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
8 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
9 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
10 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
11 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
12 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
13 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
14 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
15 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
16 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
17 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
18 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
19 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
20 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
21 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
22 $17,610 $15,400 58.2%
23 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
24 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
25 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
26 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
27 $18,470 $13,546 40.0%
28 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
29 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
30 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
31 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
32 $21,055 $26,100 23.0%
33 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
34 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
35 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
36 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
37 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
38 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
39 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
40 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
41 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
42 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
43 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
44 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
45 $24,929 $18,475 33.7%
46 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
47 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
48 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
49 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
50 $30,878 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gap between Illinois business programs?

Graduation rates span from 16.9% at Chicago State University to 84.9% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Student demographics, academic preparation, and institutional resources contribute to these differences. Schools like Augustana College achieve 79.2% graduation rates through smaller class sizes and targeted student support. Urban campuses often serve more non-traditional students who face additional challenges completing degrees.

How do private college costs compare to public options in Illinois?

Millikin University breaks the typical pattern by offering the lowest net price at $8,837 despite being private. Most public universities cluster between $8,916 and $15,201 in net costs. Private institutions like Augustana College list $49,834 in sticker prices but reduce actual costs through financial aid. The gap between published and net prices can exceed $30,000 at private schools.

Does location within Illinois affect business program outcomes?

Chicago-area programs show mixed results, with UIC graduates earning $57,318 annually while Chicago State graduates average $36,437. Downstate options like Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville produce $38,103 in median earnings. Geographic location matters less than institutional quality and student support services. Rural campuses often provide lower living costs that offset potential salary differences.

What debt levels should students expect from Illinois business programs?

Student debt ranges from $14,750 at Northeastern Illinois University to $30,497 at Chicago State University. Most programs keep debt below $25,000, with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign maintaining just $19,087 despite strong earning potential. Private colleges like Millikin and Augustana both average $27,000 in debt. Lower debt often correlates with stronger institutional financial aid programs.

Is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost?

UIUC charges $15,201 in net costs but delivers $63,402 in median earnings, creating the strongest return on investment among Illinois business programs. The 84.9% graduation rate significantly exceeds state averages. Graduates access extensive alumni networks in Chicago's corporate sector. The earnings premium of roughly $20,000 annually over other programs justifies the additional upfront investment for most 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.