Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois 2026

Earning a college degree in Illinois doesn't have to mean taking on heavy debt. The state offers a range of affordable colleges that prioritize access and academic excellence.

From public universities to private institutions, Illinois schools provide budget-friendly paths to respected degrees. You can start your search by exploring some of the cheapest colleges that make higher education more accessible nationwide. Below, you'll find the most affordable colleges in Illinois and practical ways to reduce your total cost of attendance.

How Much Does College Cost in Illinois?

Tuition rates in Illinois vary, but in-state students at public universities typically pay between $9,000 and $12,000 per year. Out-of-state students often pay double that amount.

Community colleges remain one of the most cost-effective routes, averaging around $4,000 annually. Financial aid, scholarships, and tuition guarantee programs further help students manage expenses.

List of Cheap Colleges in Illinois

Here are some of the cheapest colleges that offer high-quality degrees to Illinois residents. Each school balances affordability with strong academics and valuable career outcomes.

1. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University allows students to earn a respected degree while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

Tuition costs $330 per credit hour for students from Illinois or bordering states. All undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA qualify for the in-state rate.

The non-resident rate is $412 per credit hour. The tuition rate is guaranteed for the duration of each student's studies.

2. Chicago State University

Chicago State University is an attractive choice for a high-quality, low-cost education. Undergraduate tuition costs $335 per credit hour at the in-state rate and $664 for non-residents.

All tuition rates are guaranteed for six years from the date of enrollment. Veterans or children of veterans may be eligible for reduced tuition rates.

3. Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University is an affordable institution that offers a diverse range of college degrees.

Tuition costs $12,504 per academic year and students can lock in the tuition rate they start with. The Husky Pledge can cover the cost of tuition for first-year students from Illinois.

The Rockford Promise covers tuition and fees for students who graduate from high schools local to the university.

4. National Louis University

National Louis University is another strong choice for a cost-effective undergraduate degree.

Students from anywhere in the country will pay $12,333 per year, and international students are charged $19,350 per year.

The Community Heroes program offers additional scholarships to military members, first responders, and their families.

5. Western Illinois University

Illinois students looking for an exceptional education at a reasonable rate should consider Western Illinois University.

Students from any state will pay $326 per credit hour, making the program an affordable option.

The President's Scholarship covers 100% of tuition costs for qualifying freshman students.

Departmental scholarships are available for nearly every program of study, and few students pay the full cost of tuition.

6. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers a range of comprehensive programs at affordable rates.

U.S. residents will pay $9,576 per academic year, and the tuition rate is guaranteed for four years.

The Cougar Pride Scholarship can award students with a 3.0 GPA up to $16,000 over the course of a bachelor's degree.

7. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield is a well-respected public university that offers inexpensive college degrees.

The base tuition rate for Illinois students is $9,645 per year. The non-resident rate is $19,410 per year.

Tuition for online degrees is $11,025 for all students, and all tuition rates are guaranteed not to rise while students are completing their degrees. The Prairie Promise program can cover the full cost of tuition for some incoming students.

8. Moody Bible Institute

Moody Bible Institute (MBI) is an affordable choice for students interested in attending a faith-based university.

MBI works on a tuition-paid model, meaning all tuition costs for on-campus programs are covered by donors. Students are still responsible for room and board costs. Tuition for online undergraduate degrees costs $399 per credit hour.

9. Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University's degrees are designed to give students an excellent return on their investment. The in-state tuition rate is $10,343 per academic year.

The NEIU For You program can cover the cost of tuition for four years for students from families that make less than $60,000 per year. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher can apply for the President's scholarship and save on tuition.

10. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago allows students to gain valuable knowledge and skills in a range of exciting programs.

The base tuition rate is $11,178; however, additional fees may be assessed depending on the program of study. Tuition for out-of-state students is $26,200 per year. International students will pay $28,160 per year.

How We Rank Schools

Learn.org identifies Illinois's most affordable colleges through a balanced review of tuition data, accreditation, and institutional support. The schools on this list provide accessible education without sacrificing academic rigor.

• Accreditation: All colleges are regionally or nationally accredited to ensure degree validity and transferability.
• Affordability and financial aid: Tuition rates, scholarships, and aid programs are evaluated to identify the most cost-effective options.
• Program quality and reputation: Each institution demonstrates strong student outcomes, respected faculty, and positive learning experiences.

How To Make College Affordable

Choosing an affordable program and maximizing sources of financial aid. Be sure to work with the financial aid team at any university to explore every possible avenue for sources of funding.

Students should understand the main types of financial aid and how they can qualify for as much funding as possible.

Need-Based Funding

Need-based funding is usually determined by the income of the student's family. Students will almost always have to fill out the FAFSA form to determine their expected family contribution.

Need-based grants and scholarships can be a great way for students from lower-income backgrounds to gain access to valuable college degrees.

Merit-Based Funding

Merit-based funding is awarded on the basis of some achievement. For example, students with a sufficiently high GPA or SAT/ACT scores will often qualify for academic merit scholarships.

Other Institutional Funding

Many universities also give out grants or scholarships to incoming freshmen, transfer students, or adult students completing degrees.

FAQs About the Cheapest Illinois Colleges

Many students in Illinois want to understand how to make higher education more affordable without sacrificing quality. These FAQs highlight common concerns and practical solutions for keeping tuition costs manageable.

Are There Tuition Guarantee Programs in Illinois?

Yes, several Illinois universities offer tuition guarantees that freeze rates for four years, helping students avoid annual increases. Schools like Eastern Illinois University and Northern Illinois University participate in such programs.

This approach allows for predictable budgeting throughout your studies. Students can better plan their finances knowing that tuition will not rise unexpectedly.

Can Out-of-State Students Access Affordable Tuition in Illinois?

Some Illinois colleges extend in-state tuition rates to residents of neighboring states. Programs like Eastern Illinois University's border state discount make earning a degree more affordable for nonresidents.

Online degrees may also offer uniform tuition rates regardless of location. Such options provide flexibility and savings for distance learners across the country.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available to Illinois Students?

Students in Illinois can apply for federal grants, loans, and state-specific aid such as the MAP grant. Universities also provide scholarships based on merit, need, or special qualifications.

Institutional aid and private scholarships can often be combined for maximum savings. Together, these resources make higher education in Illinois far more accessible.

Find an Affordable College in Illinois Today

The cheapest colleges in Illinois offer strong academics, dependable financial aid, and low tuition rates. Explore your options on Learn.org to find a degree program that fits your goals and your budget.