Skip to main content

Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Illinois

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

Teacher education programs in Illinois show remarkable cost variation, with net prices spanning from $8,837 at Millikin University to $18,034 at the most expensive options. This $9,000+ gap reflects the state's mix of public universities and private colleges serving future educators who will enter Chicago's large school districts and rural communities statewide. Illinois employs over 130,000 teachers across varied settings, from urban schools requiring specialized subject expertise to suburban districts with technology integration needs. Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn the highest average salary at $50,105, while Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates start at $35,330. The state's MAP Grant program provides additional support for low-income students pursuing teaching careers. Public institutions like Western Illinois University offer solid value with net costs around $11,592, while private schools such as Augustana College provide smaller class sizes despite higher sticker prices. Graduation rates range dramatically from 16.8% to 84.9%, suggesting program quality and student support vary significantly across institutions.
43
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$38,691
Avg. Program Earnings
58.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

43 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas 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 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
10 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
11 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
12 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
13 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
14 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
15 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
16 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
17 $17,094 $30,910 46.7% 100.0%
18 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
19 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
20 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
21 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
22 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
23 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
24 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
25 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
26 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
27 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
28 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
29 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
30 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
31 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
32 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
33 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
34 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
35 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
36 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
37 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
38 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
39 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
40 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
41 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
42 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
43 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide salary range for Illinois teacher education graduates?

Graduate earnings span from $35,330 to $50,105 across different programs, largely reflecting regional job markets and specialization areas. Teachers in Chicago typically earn higher salaries than those in rural districts, explaining why Northeastern Illinois University graduates command top earnings. Subject area specialists, particularly in STEM fields and special education, often receive premium compensation packages. School district funding levels and union contracts also create significant pay disparities statewide.

How do public and private teacher education programs compare in cost?

Public universities generally offer lower net costs, with schools like Western Illinois University charging $11,592 compared to private institutions averaging $13,000-$16,000. However, Millikin University breaks this pattern with the lowest net cost at $8,837 despite being private. In-state tuition at public schools ranges from $12,383 to $16,004, while private colleges charge $20,325 to $49,834 before financial aid. The MAP Grant helps level the playing field for qualifying Illinois residents.

Is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost for teaching?

UIUC charges $15,201 net cost but delivers an 84.9% graduation rate, the highest among all programs listed. This completion rate far exceeds alternatives like Chicago State University at 16.9% or Eastern Illinois University at 45.2%. Graduate earnings of $39,009 fall in the middle range, but the degree recognition and alumni network provide long-term career advantages. The selective 44.82% acceptance rate ensures smaller cohorts and more individual attention.

Does student debt burden vary significantly across Illinois teacher programs?

Debt loads range from $15,495 at University of Illinois Chicago to $27,000 at several institutions including Millikin, Augustana, and Eastern Illinois. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers the best debt outcome at $17,680 while generating strong earnings of $48,935. Saint Xavier University graduates carry $23,069 in debt but earn $45,435 annually, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Public universities typically generate lower debt burdens than private colleges.

Where do the highest-performing teacher education programs operate?

Rock Island's Augustana College achieves a 79.2% graduation rate with reasonable $12,437 net costs, making it a standout value option. University of St Francis in Joliet maintains a 64.6% completion rate, while Trinity Christian College reaches 63.9% despite smaller enrollment. Chicago-area schools show mixed results, with Saint Xavier University at 59% and UIC at 60.3% performing better than Chicago State's concerning 16.9% rate. Rural campuses often provide more personalized support leading to better outcomes.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Rankings

Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas in Illinois Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Under $20,000 in Illinois

Related

All Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs Best Colleges in Illinois Best Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas in Illinois

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