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Cheapest Physics Colleges in Illinois

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

Physics programs in Illinois show remarkable cost variation, with Millikin University offering the lowest net price at $8,837 while other private colleges reach $18,370. This gap reflects different funding models across the state's 20 programs. Public options like University of Illinois Chicago provide solid value at $12,313 net cost with a 60.30% graduation rate. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands out with graduates earning $42,309 annually, reflecting the program's research strength. Illinois physics students benefit from the state's strong manufacturing sector, particularly in aerospace and materials science around Chicago. Companies like Boeing, Abbott Laboratories, and Fermilab create demand for physics graduates in research, engineering, and technical roles. The MAP Grant program helps make these affordable options even more accessible for low-income students pursuing physics degrees.
31
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$50,519
Avg. Program Earnings
62.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Physics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
3 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
4 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
5 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
6 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
7 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
8 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
9 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
10 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
11 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
12 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
13 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
14 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
15 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
16 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
17 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
18 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
19 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
20 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
21 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
22 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
23 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
24 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
25 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
26 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
27 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
28 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
29 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
30 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
31 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University's physics program so affordable compared to other private colleges?

Millikin University offers the lowest net price at $8,837 despite being a private institution, nearly $10,000 less than the next cheapest private option. The college provides substantial financial aid that brings costs down from the $26,892 sticker price. With a 75.40% acceptance rate and 59.10% graduation rate, Millikin balances accessibility with reasonable completion rates for physics students.

How do public university physics programs compare in cost across Illinois?

Public physics programs range from $10,133 at Chicago State University to $16,177 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. University of Illinois Chicago offers strong value at $12,313 with a 60.30% graduation rate. The flagship University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign costs $15,201 but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $42,309 annually, justifying the premium.

Does the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign justify its higher cost for physics students?

UIUC graduates earn $42,309 annually, significantly above the state range of $39,909-$42,309, while maintaining an 84.90% graduation rate. The program costs $15,201 net but produces graduates with only $19,500 in debt. With a 44.82% acceptance rate, the selectivity reflects academic rigor that translates to better career outcomes in physics.

What career opportunities exist for physics graduates in Illinois?

Illinois hosts major physics employers including Fermilab, Boeing, and Abbott Laboratories, creating demand across research, aerospace, and medical device sectors. The state's manufacturing base offers opportunities in materials science and quality control. Chicago's financial district also employs physics graduates in quantitative analysis and risk modeling roles.

Is financial aid available to make Illinois physics programs more affordable?

The Illinois MAP Grant helps low-income students reduce tuition costs at participating colleges statewide. Private colleges like Millikin demonstrate substantial aid effectiveness, reducing costs from $26,892 to $8,837 net price. Many programs show significant gaps between sticker price and actual net cost, indicating strong institutional aid packages for qualified students.

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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.