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Governors State University delivers Illinois' most affordable Public Health program at $9,477 net cost, creating a massive $25,719 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options in the state. This price difference reflects the broad spectrum of institutional types serving students, from regional public universities to private research institutions. Illinois' healthcare sector employs over 650,000 workers across hospitals, community health centers, and public health departments, particularly concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area. The 14 programs show graduation rates ranging from 16.8% to 95.9%, with earnings potential spanning $32,925 to $50,439 annually for graduates entering this essential field.
14
Programs
$9,477 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$40,399
Avg. Program Earnings
59.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Public Health Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
2 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
3 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
4 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
5 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
6 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
7 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
8 $14,867 $18,008 75.0% 33.3%
9 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
10 $18,470 $13,546 40.0%
11 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
12 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
13 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
14 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Governors State University's program so affordable compared to other Illinois schools?

Governors State's $9,477 net cost comes from its public funding and focus on serving working adults and transfer students in the south Chicago suburbs. The university's in-state tuition of $11,320 combined with financial aid creates significant savings compared to private institutions like Loyola Chicago at $35,196 net cost.

How do graduation rates vary among Illinois Public Health programs?

Graduation rates span from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 95.9% at Northwestern University, showing dramatic differences in student outcomes. Most public universities fall between 44% and 66%, while private institutions generally achieve higher completion rates above 70%.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment at Illinois schools?

Illinois State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $50,439, nearly $18,000 more than Governors State graduates at $32,925. The University of Illinois Chicago offers a middle ground with $37,980 earnings at a $12,313 net cost, providing solid return on investment.

Where do Illinois Public Health graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Chicago's massive healthcare system employs thousands of public health professionals across institutions like Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and the Chicago Department of Public Health. The state's 102 counties also require epidemiologists, health educators, and environmental health specialists in local government roles.

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