Best Value Illinois Colleges

Illinois has 40 colleges ranked by value, part of our national best value ranking. We weigh academic quality against average net price so you find schools that deliver strong results without overpaying.

Northwestern University offers the best value in Illinois for 2027 with a 10 out of 10 academic rating and an average net price of $26,830. The top value public university is University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Also high value: University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and University of St Francis.

Compare net price, aid, and academic ratings across the colleges below. See how value scores are calculated on our methodology page. Sort by net price, acceptance rate, or academic rating to find the best deal for your budget.

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Illinois Public Private 4 Year
Quincy University Campus

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  • Private 4 Year
  • Quincy, IL
  • 2.3 | 3 reviews

Quincy is a small private Catholic university in the Franciscan tradition known for undergraduate nursing, business, and education. The residential campus is in the Mississippi River city of Quincy.

#37 Best Value in Illinois 5/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 1000-1200
  • Avg GPA 3.47
  • Acceptance Rate 51%
  • Net Price $19,477
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Rockford University Campus
 

  • Private 4 Year
  • Rockford, IL
  • | 0 reviews

Rockford is a private university known for undergraduate nursing, education, and the liberal arts. The residential campus sits in the mid-sized city of Rockford in northern Illinois.

#38 Best Value in Illinois 4/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 850-1070
  • Avg GPA 3.25
  • Acceptance Rate 93%
  • Net Price $23,642
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Roosevelt University Campus

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  • Private 4 Year
  • Chicago, IL
  • | 0 reviews

Roosevelt is a private university known for undergraduate performing arts and business. The urban campus includes the historic Auditorium Building in downtown Chicago.

#39 Best Value in Illinois 5/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 895-1175
  • Avg GPA 3.13
  • Acceptance Rate 97%
  • Net Price $22,366
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Saint Xavier University Campus
 

  • Private 4 Year
  • Chicago, IL
  • 5.0 | 1 reviews

Saint Xavier is a private Catholic university known for undergraduate nursing and education. The campus is in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood on the Southwest Side.

#40 Best Value in Illinois 5/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 950-1120
  • Avg GPA 3.4
  • Acceptance Rate 84%
  • Net Price $11,318
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