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Cheapest Romance Languages Colleges in Illinois

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

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs in Illinois show dramatic cost variations, with Millikin University offering the lowest net price at $8,837 despite being a private institution. This striking figure sits far below what many public universities charge students after aid. Graduates in this field typically earn between $29,685 and $42,682, with Chicago's international business community creating natural demand for multilingual professionals. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands out with an 84.90% graduation rate while maintaining reasonable costs at $15,201 net price. Illinois MAP Grant assistance helps reduce expenses for qualifying students across both public and private institutions. Chicago State University offers one of the most affordable public options at $10,133 net price, though with a notably low 16.90% graduation rate. The state's manufacturing and healthcare sectors increasingly value employees with language skills for global operations. Private colleges like Augustana achieve 79.20% graduation rates but require higher investments. Northern Illinois University graduates earn $29,685 on average with $20,923 in typical debt loads.
37
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$32,356
Avg. Program Earnings
61.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics 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 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
5 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
6 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
7 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
8 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
9 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
10 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
11 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
12 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
13 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
14 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
15 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
16 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
17 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
18 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
19 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
20 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
21 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
22 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
23 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
24 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
25 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
26 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
27 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
28 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
29 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
30 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
31 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
32 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
33 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
34 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
35 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
36 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
37 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University cost less than public universities?

Millikin University charges a $8,837 net price despite being private, significantly below public institutions like University of Illinois Chicago at $12,313. The university provides substantial financial aid packages that reduce the $26,892 sticker price by approximately 67%. This aggressive aid strategy attracts students who might otherwise choose public alternatives. The 59.10% graduation rate indicates solid student outcomes for the investment.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 16.80% at Northeastern Illinois University to 84.90% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Chicago State University shows concerning completion at just 16.90% despite reasonable $10,133 costs. Private colleges generally achieve higher rates, with Augustana College reaching 79.20% and Illinois College at 61.10%. Students should weigh completion likelihood against upfront affordability when choosing programs.

Does studying Romance Languages in Illinois lead to decent earnings?

Romance Languages graduates in Illinois earn between $29,685 and $42,682 annually based on available data. Dominican University graduates average $36,141, while Northern Illinois University alumni start around $29,685. These figures reflect entry-level positions in education, translation, international business, and cultural organizations. Chicago's global business connections provide more opportunities for language specialists than smaller markets.

Where can students find the best combination of cost and outcomes?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers strong value with 84.90% graduation rates and $15,201 net costs. Augustana College provides strong 79.20% completion rates at $12,437 net price with graduates earning $33,281. Dominican University combines reasonable $15,113 costs with $36,141 average earnings and solid 62.40% graduation rates. These schools balance affordability with meaningful career preparation.

What debt levels should Romance Languages students expect?

Student debt varies considerably among Illinois programs, with University of Illinois Chicago graduates carrying $17,500 in typical loans. Northern Illinois University students accumulate $20,923 in debt while earning $29,685 post-graduation. Augustana College and Dominican University graduates face higher $27,000 and $26,246 debt loads respectively but earn more initially. Private college debt often reflects higher sticker prices despite generous aid packages.

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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.