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Northwestern University charges $27,143 net cost for legal studies while University of Illinois Springfield offers the same field for just $8,916. This $18,227 gap reflects Illinois' split between elite private institutions and accessible public options. Chicago's major law firms and state government agencies in Springfield create steady demand for legal support professionals, making these undergraduate programs a practical entry point into the state's legal sector.
7
Programs
$8,916 – $27,143
Net Price Range
$35,416
Avg. Program Earnings
64.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
2 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
3 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
4 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
5 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
6 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
7 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Northwestern and other Illinois legal studies programs?

Northwestern's $27,143 net cost comes with a 95.90% graduation rate and 7.21% acceptance rate, reflecting its selective admissions and extensive financial aid for admitted students. Public options like University of Illinois Springfield cost $8,916 net with an 82.03% acceptance rate, making legal studies accessible to more students.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable legal studies programs in Illinois?

Illinois State University leads affordable options with a 66.30% graduation rate at $18,996 net cost. Dominican University follows at 62.40% for $15,113, while smaller schools like Blackburn College drop to 52.40% despite charging $21,814.

Does the $35,416 median earnings justify the investment in Illinois legal studies programs?

The consistent $35,416 starting salary across programs suggests employers value the degree regardless of school prestige. Students graduating debt-free from University of Illinois Springfield at $8,916 net cost position themselves better financially than those paying premium prices elsewhere.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.