Cheapest Social Sciences Colleges in Illinois

The cost gap between Governors State University at $9,477 and Northwestern University at $27,143 shows how dramatically Social Sciences, General program prices vary across Illinois. Students can access affordable social science education through both public institutions and private colleges offering substantial financial aid. Northwestern's 95.90% graduation rate stands far above the state average, while Governors State accepts 57.48% of applicants at a fraction of the cost. Illinois employers in finance, healthcare, and government sectors actively recruit social science graduates for research analyst, policy coordinator, and community outreach positions throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.

Programs

$9,477 – $27,143

Net Price Range

$30,771

Avg. Program Earnings

55.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Social Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Governors State University University Park, Illinois	$9,477	$11,320	19.6%	57.5%
2	Saint Xavier University Chicago, Illinois	$12,093	$36,840	59.0%	84.1%
3	Dominican University River Forest, Illinois	$15,113	$37,844	62.4%	89.5%
4	National Louis University Chicago, Illinois	$16,157	$12,345	36.9%	92.1%
5	Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, Illinois	$16,177	$13,244	56.3%	91.5%
6	North Park University Chicago, Illinois	$18,191	$35,325	56.0%	68.0%
7	Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, Illinois	$19,353	$51,763	72.4%	61.4%
8	Roosevelt University Chicago, Illinois	$20,152	$20,280	41.0%	88.3%
9	Trinity International University-Illinois Deerfield, Illinois	$21,386	$12,320	45.7%	91.3%
10	Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, Illinois	$21,539	$37,940	60.3%	57.8%
11	North Central College Naperville, Illinois	$23,033	$44,394	71.1%	60.9%
12	Rockford University Rockford, Illinois	$23,066	$37,300	38.3%	54.9%
13	McKendree University Lebanon, Illinois	$24,190	$34,070	59.5%	68.4%
14	Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois	$27,143	$65,997	95.9%	7.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Governors State University the most affordable option for Social Sciences, General?

Governors State University offers the lowest net cost at $9,477 annually, nearly $3,000 less than the next cheapest program. The public university maintains a selective 57.48% acceptance rate while keeping costs accessible for students in the Chicago suburbs.

How does Northwestern University justify its $27,143 net cost compared to other programs?

Northwestern delivers a 95.90% graduation rate, significantly higher than most Illinois institutions, and maintains highly selective 7.21% admissions. The university's location in Evanston provides direct access to Chicago's finance and research sectors where social science graduates command competitive salaries.

Is Saint Xavier University a good value at $12,093 net cost?

Saint Xavier offers strong value with a 59.00% graduation rate and 84.13% acceptance rate at just $12,093 annually. The Chicago location provides internship opportunities with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and healthcare systems that actively hire social science graduates.

Does the MAP Grant program help reduce costs for Social Sciences, General students?

Illinois MAP Grants can reduce tuition costs by up to $5,991 annually for eligible low-income students. This assistance makes private institutions like Dominican University more accessible, bringing their effective costs closer to public university rates.

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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.