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Cheapest Business/Commerce Colleges in Illinois

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

Hebrew Theological College offers Illinois business students the state's lowest net cost at just $11,197, while Northwestern University commands $27,143 despite both being private institutions. This $15,946 gap reflects the wide spectrum of business education options across Illinois, where 13 colleges serve students with varying budgets and career goals. Illinois business graduates enter a job market anchored by Chicago's financial district, with major employers like Boeing, Abbott, and Caterpillar driving demand for business skills. Earnings potential ranges from $35,060 to $50,105, while graduation rates span from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to Northwestern's 95.9%.
13
Programs
$11,197 – $30,878
Net Price Range
$44,013
Avg. Program Earnings
57.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
2 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
3 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
4 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
5 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
6 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
7 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
8 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
9 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
10 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
11 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
12 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
13 $30,878 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic cost differences between Illinois business programs?

Private institutions dominate the affordability rankings, with Hebrew Theological College at $11,197 and Saint Xavier University at $12,093 leading the pack. Northwestern University breaks this pattern at $27,143, reflecting its selective 7.21% acceptance rate and premium positioning in higher education.

How do graduation rates compare across affordable business programs?

The data reveals striking variation, with Northwestern University achieving 95.9% graduation rates while Northeastern Illinois University graduates just 16.8% of business students. Aurora University stands out among mid-priced options with 58.3% graduation rates and $50,105 average earnings.

Is attending public universities necessarily cheaper for business students?

Northeastern Illinois University charges $13,550 net cost as the only public option, ranking third among all programs. Several private colleges like Hebrew Theological College and Saint Xavier University actually cost less than this public alternative.

Where do Illinois business graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

Aurora University graduates command the highest earnings at $50,105, followed by DeVry University graduates at $48,225. These figures exceed the state average and reflect strong connections to Chicago's business community and suburban corporate centers.

More Business/Commerce, General Rankings

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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.