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Cheapest Human Development Colleges in Illinois

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

The cost divide between public and private Human Development programs in Illinois spans over $11,000, with University of Illinois Chicago offering the lowest net price at $12,313 compared to Bradley University at $23,572. Three Chicago-area schools make the top ten, reflecting the city's role as a major healthcare and social services employer where family studies graduates find work in hospitals, community centers, and child welfare agencies. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with four of the six cheapest programs coming from state institutions. Despite lower costs, earnings vary significantly across programs, ranging from $21,798 to $35,701 annually.
10
Programs
$12,313 – $23,572
Net Price Range
$29,997
Avg. Program Earnings
58.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
2 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
3 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
4 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
5 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
6 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
7 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
8 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
9 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
10 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the large earnings gap between Human Development programs in Illinois?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $35,701 annually, while Olivet Nazarene graduates start at $21,798. The $13,903 difference often reflects program focus, with research universities typically preparing students for higher-paying clinical and administrative roles.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable public and private options?

Public universities show mixed results, with UI Urbana-Champaign achieving 84.9% graduation rates while Northern Illinois manages 49.6%. Private schools like National Louis struggle at 36.9%, despite charging higher tuition.

Is University of Illinois Chicago worth considering despite its low graduation rate data?

UIC offers the lowest net cost at $12,313 and maintains a 60.3% graduation rate with reasonable debt levels at $16,200. The Chicago location provides access to numerous internships in healthcare systems and social service organizations.

Does attending a private Human Development program justify the higher costs?

Private programs cost $16,157 to $23,572 annually but show mixed results. North Park University charges $18,191 with 56% graduation rates, while Bradley costs $23,572 but achieves 72.1% graduation rates.

More Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Rankings

Best Value Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services in Illinois Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Under $20,000 in Illinois

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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.