15 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Governors State University
University Park, Illinois
|
$9,477 | $11,320 | 19.6% | 57.5% |
| 2 |
Hebrew Theological College
Skokie, Illinois
|
$11,197 | $14,700 | 73.1% | 71.4% |
| 3 |
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois
|
$11,592 | $14,952 | 44.8% | 75.0% |
| 4 |
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
|
$12,093 | $36,840 | 59.0% | 84.1% |
| 5 |
Augustana College
Rock Island, Illinois
|
$12,437 | $49,834 | 79.2% | 61.2% |
| 6 |
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, Illinois
|
$12,909 | $12,700 | 49.6% | 70.7% |
| 7 |
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois
|
$13,696 | $12,922 | 55.0% | 97.5% |
| 8 |
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, Illinois
|
$14,093 | $13,403 | 45.2% | 68.0% |
| 9 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
|
$15,201 | $16,004 | 84.9% | 44.8% |
| 10 |
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois
|
$16,177 | $13,244 | 56.3% | 91.5% |
| 11 |
Trinity Christian College
Palos Heights, Illinois
|
$16,381 | $20,325 | 63.9% | 70.7% |
| 12 |
Aurora University
Aurora, Illinois
|
$18,992 | $28,220 | 58.3% | 81.9% |
| 13 |
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois
|
$18,996 | $16,021 | 66.3% | 86.2% |
| 14 |
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, Illinois
|
$21,063 | $41,628 | 65.2% | 76.0% |
| 15 |
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
|
$27,143 | $65,997 | 95.9% | 7.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the massive cost difference between Illinois communication disorders programs?
Northwestern University charges $27,143 net cost while Governors State costs only $9,477, creating an $17,666 gap between the most and least expensive options. Private institutions like Northwestern and Augustana College offset high sticker prices with substantial financial aid, while public universities maintain lower base tuition rates. The Illinois MAP Grant helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying residents across all program types.
How do graduation rates vary among affordable communication disorders programs?
Hebrew Theological College leads with a 73.1% graduation rate despite charging just $11,197 net cost, proving affordability doesn't compromise completion rates. Governors State University graduates only 19.6% of students but offers the lowest tuition and highest starting salaries at $32,925. Northwestern achieves a 95.9% graduation rate but accepts only 7.21% of applicants, making it highly selective.
Does program affordability correlate with post-graduation earnings in Illinois?
Surprisingly, the cheapest program produces the highest-earning graduates, with Governors State alumni earning $32,925 compared to $21,508 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Northern Illinois University graduates earn $21,383 annually at a net cost of $12,909, while Illinois State graduates start at $19,455 despite paying $18,996 for their education. Early career earnings don't always justify higher program costs in this field.
Where do Illinois communication disorders graduates find the best job opportunities?
Chicago's healthcare systems and suburban school districts drive demand for speech-language pathologists throughout northern Illinois. The state's manufacturing economy creates workplace injury rehabilitation needs, while an aging population increases demand for communication therapy services. Illinois MAP Grant recipients can study affordably and remain in-state to serve these growing markets across 15 different program locations.
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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.