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Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University breaks the private college cost barrier for English majors, delivering a net price of just $8,837 despite its $26,892 sticker price through substantial financial aid packages. This places the Decatur institution below many public universities in affordability while maintaining a solid 59.10% graduation rate. The price spectrum across Illinois English programs spans nearly $9,000, from Millikin's bargain to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at $15,201. Public universities dominate the middle range, with most clustering between $11,000-$14,000 annually. Illinois English graduates enter a state economy where Chicago's publishing houses, advertising agencies, and corporate communications departments actively recruit literature majors. The financial sector particularly values strong writing skills, with major firms like Abbott, Boeing, and Caterpillar maintaining significant Illinois operations requiring content specialists and communications professionals.
49
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$30,329
Avg. Program Earnings
58.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

49 English Language and Literature, 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 $11,197 $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 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
17 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
18 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
19 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
20 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
21 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
22 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
23 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
24 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
25 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
26 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
27 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
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 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
44 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
45 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
46 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
47 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
48 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
49 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Millikin University achieve such low costs for English majors?

Millikin University offers a net price of $8,837 for English students despite charging $26,892 in tuition through substantial institutional aid. The university accepts 75.40% of applicants and maintains a 59.10% graduation rate. This private nonprofit reduces student costs by approximately $18,000 annually through grants and scholarships, making it more affordable than most public alternatives.

What salary differences exist between Illinois English program graduates?

English graduates from Illinois schools earn between $25,194 and $36,848 annually, creating an $11,654 salary gap. Governors State University graduates lead earnings at $36,848 despite the school's 19.60% graduation rate. University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn $31,236, while several programs including Saint Xavier and Western Illinois produce graduates earning $25,194.

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

UIUC charges $15,201 net price but delivers an 84.90% graduation rate, the highest among Illinois English programs. Graduates earn $32,925 annually with $19,500 in debt. The acceptance rate of 44.82% makes admission competitive, but the combination of high graduation rates and strong earnings justifies the premium over cheaper alternatives.

Does student debt vary significantly across Illinois English programs?

Student debt ranges from $15,820 at Northeastern Illinois University to $29,145 at University of Illinois Springfield. Governors State graduates carry just $19,500 in debt while earning the highest salaries at $36,848. Private schools like Augustana College saddle students with $26,759 in debt, though graduation rates often exceed 70% at these institutions.

Where do the lowest graduation rates occur among affordable English programs?

Chicago State University and Northeastern Illinois University both struggle with graduation rates below 17%, despite net prices around $10,000-$13,500. Governors State University graduates only 19.60% of English students but compensates with the highest earnings at $36,848. These urban public universities face retention challenges that significantly impact degree completion despite reasonable costs.

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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.