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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University breaks the mold for Liberal Arts and Sciences education in Illinois, offering the state's lowest net price at just $8,837 despite being a private institution. This dramatic cost advantage over most privates reflects strategic financial aid packaging that makes broad-based education accessible. The 20 programs span from $8,837 to $17,610 annually, with public universities like University of Illinois Springfield and Governors State following closely behind. Illinois liberal arts graduates enter a job market where analytical thinking and communication skills serve finance companies along LaSalle Street, healthcare systems throughout Chicago, and manufacturing operations across the state. Earnings data shows graduates typically start around $27,280 to $38,289, with University of Illinois Springfield alumni leading at $38,289 annually. The wide acceptance rates, ranging from 44% at Illinois Urbana-Champaign to over 90% at several institutions, provide multiple entry points for students. Chicago's concentration of corporate headquarters creates natural pathways for liberal arts majors who can synthesize information and communicate across departments. The MAP Grant program further reduces costs for Illinois residents, making these already affordable programs even more accessible for students pursuing broad-based education that translates across multiple career paths.
48
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$34,914
Avg. Program Earnings
56.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 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 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
6 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
7 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
8 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
9 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
10 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
11 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
12 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
13 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
14 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
15 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
16 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
17 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
18 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
19 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
20 $17,610 $15,400 58.2%
21 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
22 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
23 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
24 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
25 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
26 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
27 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
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 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
45 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
46 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
47 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
48 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University the most affordable option at $8,837 net price?

Millikin University combines generous institutional aid with its private tuition structure to create the lowest net price in Illinois for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs. The university's 75.4% acceptance rate and 59.1% graduation rate suggest strong support systems that help students complete their degrees. Despite charging $26,892 in tuition, strategic financial aid packaging brings the actual cost down significantly. This approach makes private education competitive with public alternatives while maintaining smaller class sizes and personalized attention.

How do earnings compare between the most and least expensive programs?

University of Illinois Springfield graduates earn $38,289 annually with a net price of $8,916, while programs costing over $15,000 show more variable outcomes. Chicago State University costs $10,133 but produces graduates earning $32,391, demonstrating that higher costs don't guarantee higher starting salaries. The earnings range of $27,280 to $38,289 reflects the varied career paths available to liberal arts graduates in Illinois. Geographic location and institutional connections often matter more than program cost for initial earning potential.

Is the 16.8% graduation rate at Northeastern Illinois University concerning?

Northeastern Illinois University's 16.8% graduation rate reflects its mission as an access-focused institution serving working adults and transfer students in Chicago. The university's $13,550 net price and $12,500 average debt load suggest students often attend part-time while working. Many students transfer to complete degrees elsewhere or pause their education for career opportunities. The 62.7% acceptance rate indicates the university prioritizes educational access over traditional completion metrics.

Does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign justify its higher selectivity?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign maintains a 44.82% acceptance rate while delivering an 84.9% graduation rate, the highest among these programs. The $15,201 net price positions it in the middle range but offers flagship university resources and alumni networks. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities and connections to major Illinois employers. The combination of selectivity and outcomes suggests stronger academic preparation requirements that translate to degree completion success.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Illinois with these degrees?

Liberal arts graduates in Illinois commonly enter Chicago's financial services sector, where firms value critical thinking and communication skills for analyst and client service roles. Healthcare systems across the state hire graduates for administrative positions that require broad knowledge and interpersonal abilities. Manufacturing companies throughout Illinois seek liberal arts majors for human resources, training, and management development programs. The $32,000 to $38,000 starting salary range reflects entry-level positions across these varied industries.

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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.