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Cheapest Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Colleges in Illinois

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

The gap between Illinois's most affordable and most expensive Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations programs stretches to $26,359, with Millikin University offering the lowest net price at $8,837 despite being a private institution. This cost advantage becomes significant given Illinois's status as home to over 1 million small businesses that drive much of the state's economy outside Chicago's corporate giants. Public options like Governors State University cost just $9,477 annually, while graduation rates vary dramatically from 19.6% to Northwestern's 95.9%. Students benefit from Illinois's MAP Grant program, which specifically helps reduce college costs for aspiring entrepreneurs who often lack family wealth to fund their education.
14
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$41,891
Avg. Program Earnings
63.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
3 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
4 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
5 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
6 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
7 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
8 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
9 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
10 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
11 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
12 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
13 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
14 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Millikin University offer such low net costs as a private school?

Millikin provides substantial financial aid that reduces the $26,892 sticker price down to just $8,837 net cost. The university's 75.4% acceptance rate and 59.1% graduation rate suggest they balance accessibility with completion support for business students.

What explains the huge graduation rate differences between public schools?

Governors State University graduates only 19.6% of students compared to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's 84.9% rate. The $5,724 cost difference reflects varying academic support systems and student preparation levels at these public institutions.

Is Northwestern University worth the $27,143 net cost for entrepreneurship?

Northwestern's 95.9% graduation rate and 7.21% acceptance rate indicate elite academic standards that could open doors in Chicago's competitive business environment. However, Trinity Christian College graduates earn $50,856 annually at a much lower net cost of $16,381.

Where do Illinois entrepreneurship graduates find the best job opportunities?

Chicago's finance sector and the state's 1+ million small businesses create strong demand for business operations skills. Trinity Christian College graduates average $50,856 in earnings, while Bradley University graduates earn $32,925 despite higher program costs.

More Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations 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.