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Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University breaks conventional wisdom about private college costs, offering teacher education programs at just $8,837 net price while maintaining a 59% graduation rate. This Decatur institution undercuts even public options like University of Illinois Springfield by $79 annually. The $33,000 earnings gap between top performer UIC graduates ($42,682) and Eastern Illinois graduates ($30,336) reflects Illinois's varied education market, where Chicago Public Schools and suburban districts compete for talent alongside rural communities. Illinois MAP Grants significantly reduce these net costs for qualifying students. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven of the ten cheapest programs housed at state institutions. However, graduation rates tell a complex story, ranging from Chicago State's 17% to UI Urbana-Champaign's impressive 85%. The state's teacher shortage, particularly in Chicago and downstate rural areas, creates immediate job opportunities for graduates willing to work in high-need districts.
48
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$36,092
Avg. Program Earnings
56.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
5 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
6 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
7 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
8 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
9 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
10 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
11 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
12 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
13 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
14 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
15 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
16 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
17 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
18 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
19 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
20 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
21 $17,082 $13,288 27.7%
22 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
23 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
24 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
25 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
26 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
27 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
28 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
29 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
30 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
31 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
32 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
33 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
34 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
35 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
36 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
37 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
38 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
39 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
40 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
41 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
42 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
43 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
44 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
45 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
46 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
47 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
48 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Millikin University's unusually low net price for a private college?

Millikin's $8,837 net price results from aggressive financial aid packaging that reduces the $26,892 sticker price by nearly 70%. The university targets middle-income families who qualify for substantial need-based grants. This strategy helps Millikin compete directly with public universities while maintaining small class sizes. The 75% acceptance rate indicates they're actively recruiting students rather than being highly selective.

How do graduation rates vary among Illinois teacher education programs?

Graduation rates span from Chicago State's concerning 17% to UI Urbana-Champaign's excellent 85%. Mid-tier public universities like Western Illinois (45%) and Eastern Illinois (45%) cluster around the state average. Hebrew Theological College achieves 73% despite its specialized focus. These variations often reflect student preparation levels and institutional resources rather than program quality alone.

Does attending a more expensive program lead to higher teaching salaries?

Not necessarily. UIC graduates earn $42,682 despite the program costing $12,313 net, while Eastern Illinois graduates earn $30,336 from a $14,093 program. Location matters more than cost, as Chicago-area districts typically pay higher starting salaries. Saint Xavier graduates earning $38,597 benefit from urban placement networks despite the higher $12,093 net price.

Where do Illinois teacher education graduates typically find employment?

Chicago Public Schools actively recruits from programs statewide, offering higher starting salaries that explain UIC and Northeastern Illinois graduates' stronger earnings. Suburban Cook and DuPage County districts prefer candidates from established programs. Rural districts throughout central and southern Illinois often hire Eastern Illinois and Western Illinois graduates. Many programs maintain placement partnerships with specific school districts.

What role does student debt play in choosing these programs?

Average debt loads range from UIC's manageable $15,000 to Chicago State's concerning $37,500. Public university graduates generally carry $15,000-$25,000 in debt, while private college graduates average $26,000-$27,000. Teacher loan forgiveness programs can eliminate up to $17,500 in federal loans after five years in high-need schools. Illinois teachers working in designated shortage areas qualify for additional state loan forgiveness.

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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.