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Cheapest Mathematics Colleges in Illinois

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

Mathematics programs in Illinois show a dramatic cost spread, with Millikin University offering the lowest net price at $8,837 while Augustana College reaches $12,437. Public universities dominate the affordable options, claiming most spots under $15,000. The University of Illinois Springfield delivers both value and strong outcomes with its $8,916 net price and $52,107 median earnings. Chicago's financial sector and the state's manufacturing base create steady demand for mathematics graduates, particularly those with strong quantitative skills. Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from Chicago State's 16.9% to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's 84.9%. Several schools maintain surprisingly low debt loads despite higher net costs. The MAP Grant program helps Illinois residents access these programs regardless of family income. Students can find quality mathematics education at multiple price levels, with public institutions generally offering the most affordable pathways into careers spanning actuarial science, data analysis, and engineering support roles throughout the state's economy.
47
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$46,986
Avg. Program Earnings
57.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

47 Mathematics 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 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
16 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
17 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
18 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
19 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
20 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
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 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
28 $21,055 $26,100 23.0%
29 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
30 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
31 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
32 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
33 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
34 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
35 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
36 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
37 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
38 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
39 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
40 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
41 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
42 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
43 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
44 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
45 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
46 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
47 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes some private mathematics programs cost less than public options?

Private schools like Millikin University offer substantial financial aid packages that reduce net costs below many public alternatives. Millikin's $8,837 net price represents a $18,055 discount from its $26,892 sticker price. Saint Xavier University similarly brings its $36,840 tuition down to $12,093 net cost. These schools target specific student populations with generous merit and need-based aid to compete with state universities.

How do graduation rates relate to program costs in Illinois mathematics?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign achieves 84.9% graduation with a $15,201 net cost, while Chicago State maintains only 16.9% graduation despite its $10,133 price point. Augustana College combines a $12,437 net cost with 79.2% graduation rate. Students should weigh both factors when selecting programs.

What earning potential do Illinois mathematics graduates see after college?

Mathematics graduates from Illinois schools earn between $31,670 and $52,107 in median income. The University of Illinois Springfield leads with $52,107 despite having one of the lowest net costs at $8,916. Northern Illinois University graduates earn $43,922 with manageable $23,068 debt loads. Even Southern Illinois Carbondale's $31,670 median represents solid entry-level income for mathematics careers.

Does location within Illinois affect mathematics program value?

Chicago-area schools offer proximity to finance and tech employers but show mixed graduation outcomes. The University of Illinois Chicago provides strong value with 60.3% graduation rates and $33,993 median earnings at $12,313 net cost. Northeastern Illinois University achieves $45,128 earnings despite 16.8% graduation rates. Smaller cities like Springfield and Carbondale offer lower living costs alongside quality mathematics education.

How accessible are these mathematics programs for Illinois residents?

Most Illinois mathematics programs maintain high acceptance rates, with Southern Illinois Edwardsville accepting 97.5% of applicants and Eastern Illinois accepting 68%. Only the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows selective admission at 44.8% acceptance. The MAP Grant program helps income-qualified residents afford both public and private options. Students have multiple pathways into mathematics education regardless of academic background.

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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.