15 Cheapest Universities in Chicago for International Students

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In Chicago, Illinois, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Chicago, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 19 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Chicago, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Chicago for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Chicago ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Moody Bible Institute 10,200 USD - 12,800 USD 71%
National University of Health Sciences 12,000 USD - 15,000 USD 66%
National Louis University 12,200 USD - 19,500 USD 65%
The Chicago School 14,800 USD 57%
Chicago State University 16,800 USD - 21,000 USD 52%
Northeastern Illinois University 20,700 USD - 25,900 USD 40%
Rush University 21,200 USD - 26,400 USD 39%
Roosevelt University 23,100 USD - 33,500 USD 33%
University of Illinois Chicago 34,600 USD - 39,200 USD -0%
Columbia College Chicago 35,500 USD -3%
North Park University 37,500 USD -9%
Saint Xavier University 37,900 USD -10%
School of the Art Institute of Chicago 45,800 USD - 57,300 USD -33%
DePaul University 46,800 USD - 49,000 USD -36%
Illinois Institute of Technology 51,700 USD -51%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 34,200 USD for universities in Chicago.

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1. Moody Bible Institute

Moody Bible Institute is an Illinois-based private Christian college. It is a bible school for students who are conservative evangelicals. Moody Bible Institute expects the student body and administration to follow and support the school’s doctrine in order to maintain its heritage.

2. National University of Health Sciences

The National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is a private university in the Lombard suburb of Chicago, Illinois. NUHS is a health sciences school that also offers professional degrees in naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and biomedical sciences. The university was founded in 1906 as the National School of Chiropractic in Iowa. Currently, the university operates six clinics in Illinois and Florida.

3. National Louis University

National Louis University is one of the most progressive universities in Chicago. It offers a variety of degree programs and is known for its business and psychology courses. The university highly integrates technology into its course offerings and seeks to maximize its international relations.

4. The Chicago School

The Chicago School is a private university in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1979 by psychologists and educators. There are also campuses in Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Diego, and Washington. More than 30 academic programs are available at the university, including psychology, business, health care, health services, education, counseling, and nursing.

5. Chicago State University

Chicago State University is a public university catering to a student body comprised mostly of Black students. Over 50 degree programs are available across the fields of arts and sciences, business, health sciences, and medicine. Chicago State University stands for quality tertiary education as a driver of equity in society.

6. Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University was established in 1857 in Chicago, Illinois as a teacher’s college. In the 1970’s, the university started to offer courses in other areas such as art, business, and applied sciences. It now offers more than 70 study programs for undergraduate and graduate students  as well as study abroad programs in one of its more than 40 international partner universities.

7. Rush University

Rush University is a private university established in 1972 in partnership with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. It offers over 100 academic and training programs for healthcare professionals. Students experience hands-on learning with expert faculty at the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories. Since the university uses a team-based approach in educating future healthcare professionals, students also get the opportunity to work alongside accomplished healthcare practitioners and researchers.

 

8. Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University was established in 1945 with the intention of fighting against discrimination and providing equal access to education regardless of race, gender, and religion. Up to this day, its deep tradition of social justice is still integrated into its wide range of academic programs and activities. Programs are also designed to provide students with real-life experiences for them to develop skills that are highly valued in today’s industries. 

9. University of Illinois Chicago

UIC, or the University of Illinois Chicago, is among the excellent research institutions in Chicago, Illinois. It is a welcoming university that is home to students who come from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Teachings and training at UIC are public service-oriented, with students becoming future professionals with a passion for serving the communities.

10. Columbia College Chicago

Although Columbia College Chicago is described as an art school, it covers more than the usual art and design courses. Besides its creative and media art programs, it provides education and training in the liberal arts and business. The college aims to hone students’ problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity in all of these studies. Such is the quality of their education that their graduates have gone on to get jobs right after grad, win prestigious awards, produce works, record art, and contribute in many ways to art and society.

11. North Park University

North Park University aims to bring professional development among its students. It provides various practical activities like internships to guide the students in the field they are pursuing. The university is also equipped with the necessary facilities to accompany the students’ learning.

12. Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University is located in Chicago, a city full of skyscrapers and professional opportunities, perfect for students who enjoy living in an urban area with a fast-paced environment. The university offers 61 bachelor’s degree programs and around 30 master’s degree programs across its three schools. It has a diverse student body with multiple non-academic organizations that dedicate to culture, social justice, and leadership, among others. Saint Xavier University is a Catholic institution, so this is why it has different religious activities and facilities, like the McDonough Chapel of the Mother of Mercy.

13. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

School of the Art Institute of Chicago was initially founded as the Chicago Academy of Design in its inception and was changed to the Art Institute of Chicago in 1882 after its merger with the Chicago Academy of Fine Art. The university is known to be the most influential art school and has the largest school-museum campus in the United States. It is also one of the largest accredited independent schools of art and design in the country, offering a complete higher education in a broad spectrum of studies.

14. DePaul University

DePaul University is distinct for being the largest renowned Catholic university founded by the Vincentians in Illinois. Instead of focusing on religion and related subjects, the institution offers a variety of opportunities for students, ranging from the sciences to theater. It has two campuses, one each in the Loop and Lincoln Park. These campuses welcome more than 20,000 students yearly.

15. Illinois Institute of Technology

With four campuses, one institute, one school, and five colleges, the Illinois Institute of Technology focuses on providing up-to-date education in the fields of science and technology. Their teaching methods consist of different learning programs that include internships, leadership training, research opportunities, and mentorships. IIT’s campuses not only have quality education and research facilities but also innovative spaces like a Kaplan institute and a maker space. Besides science and technology, this university also offers training in other areas of knowledge, like Law and Humanities.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Chicago for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Chicago ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Saint Xavier University 6,360 USD - 18,500 USD 64%
National Louis University 6,600 USD - 21,000 USD 62%
Moody Bible Institute 6,780 USD - 10,200 USD 61%
Chicago State University 8,100 USD - 12,200 USD 54%
Rush University 9,372 USD - 29,000 USD 46%
Northeastern Illinois University 11,500 USD - 17,200 USD 34%
Roosevelt University 11,900 USD - 21,800 USD 32%
Adler University 12,000 USD - 18,900 USD 31%
Loyola University Chicago 12,900 USD - 31,900 USD 26%
Columbia College Chicago 15,100 USD - 25,700 USD 13%
The Chicago School 15,300 USD - 23,500 USD 13%
DePaul University 17,900 USD - 44,300 USD -3%
North Park University 20,000 USD - 21,000 USD -15%
University of Chicago 20,000 USD - 46,600 USD -15%
National University of Health Sciences 21,100 USD - 22,000 USD -21%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 17,400 USD for universities in Chicago.

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1. Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University is located in Chicago, a city full of skyscrapers and professional opportunities, perfect for students who enjoy living in an urban area with a fast-paced environment. The university offers 61 bachelor’s degree programs and around 30 master’s degree programs across its three schools. It has a diverse student body with multiple non-academic organizations that dedicate to culture, social justice, and leadership, among others. Saint Xavier University is a Catholic institution, so this is why it has different religious activities and facilities, like the McDonough Chapel of the Mother of Mercy.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Saint Xavier University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,360 USD to 18,450 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. National Louis University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is National Louis University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at National Louis University is 6,600 USD to 20,916 USD.

National Louis University is one of the most progressive universities in Chicago. It offers a variety of degree programs and is known for its business and psychology courses. The university highly integrates technology into its course offerings and seeks to maximize its international relations.

3. Moody Bible Institute

Moody Bible Institute is an Illinois-based private Christian college. It is a bible school for students who are conservative evangelicals. Moody Bible Institute expects the student body and administration to follow and support the school’s doctrine in order to maintain its heritage.

The tuition fee at Moody Bible Institute for incoming international master’s students is 6,780 USD to 10,170 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Chicago State University

Another affordable university to consider in Chicago is Chicago State University.

Chicago State University is a public university catering to a student body comprised mostly of Black students. Over 50 degree programs are available across the fields of arts and sciences, business, health sciences, and medicine. Chicago State University stands for quality tertiary education as a driver of equity in society.

The tuition fee in Chicago State University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 8,100 USD.

5. Rush University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Rush University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 9,372 USD yearly.

Rush University is a private university established in 1972 in partnership with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. It offers over 100 academic and training programs for healthcare professionals. Students experience hands-on learning with expert faculty at the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories. Since the university uses a team-based approach in educating future healthcare professionals, students also get the opportunity to work alongside accomplished healthcare practitioners and researchers.

 

6. Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University was established in 1857 in Chicago, Illinois as a teacher’s college. In the 1970’s, the university started to offer courses in other areas such as art, business, and applied sciences. It now offers more than 70 study programs for undergraduate and graduate students  as well as study abroad programs in one of its more than 40 international partner universities.

7. Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University was established in 1945 with the intention of fighting against discrimination and providing equal access to education regardless of race, gender, and religion. Up to this day, its deep tradition of social justice is still integrated into its wide range of academic programs and activities. Programs are also designed to provide students with real-life experiences for them to develop skills that are highly valued in today’s industries. 

8. Adler University

Adler University is a globally competitive institution dedicated to social justice and community engagement. This outstanding institution mainly offers graduate programs in fields such as counseling and public administration. Adler highlights social responsibility in both their academic programs and campus activities, encouraging students to be future leaders of positive change within the community.

9. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago offers more than 200 programs to almost 17,000 students that come from all over the world. Although this is a Catholic university, it welcomes applicants from all faiths, so it has a diverse student body. Loyola has campuses all over Chicago but also has centers in Vietnam and Rome, which gives students the opportunity to spend a semester in another country. Besides its degree programs, the university offers a wide variety of enriching activities that include research projects, community volunteering, internships with local businesses, and mentorship activities for the youth.

10. Columbia College Chicago

Although Columbia College Chicago is described as an art school, it covers more than the usual art and design courses. Besides its creative and media art programs, it provides education and training in the liberal arts and business. The college aims to hone students’ problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity in all of these studies. Such is the quality of their education that their graduates have gone on to get jobs right after grad, win prestigious awards, produce works, record art, and contribute in many ways to art and society.

11. The Chicago School

The Chicago School is a private university in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1979 by psychologists and educators. There are also campuses in Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Diego, and Washington. More than 30 academic programs are available at the university, including psychology, business, health care, health services, education, counseling, and nursing.

12. DePaul University

DePaul University is distinct for being the largest renowned Catholic university founded by the Vincentians in Illinois. Instead of focusing on religion and related subjects, the institution offers a variety of opportunities for students, ranging from the sciences to theater. It has two campuses, one each in the Loop and Lincoln Park. These campuses welcome more than 20,000 students yearly.

13. North Park University

North Park University aims to bring professional development among its students. It provides various practical activities like internships to guide the students in the field they are pursuing. The university is also equipped with the necessary facilities to accompany the students’ learning.

14. University of Chicago

​The University of Chicago is among the top-performing private research university in the United States. It was established in 1890 to provide rigorous higher education and train students to engage in a broad range of activities and inquiries. The university is known to have one of the most advanced and innovative research efforts in the United States having a breakthrough in nuclear reaction and radiocarbon research. Moreover, it’s also home to the country’s largest university press-the University of Chicago Press.

15. National University of Health Sciences

The National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is a private university in the Lombard suburb of Chicago, Illinois. NUHS is a health sciences school that also offers professional degrees in naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and biomedical sciences. The university was founded in 1906 as the National School of Chiropractic in Iowa. Currently, the university operates six clinics in Illinois and Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Chicago, Illinois?

Applying to cheap universities in Chicago requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Chicago?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Chicago. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Chicago is the Chicago State University, which offers Chemistry, Computer Science, and Geography to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Adler University offers Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, and Couple and Family Therapy.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Chicago, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Chicago as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Chicago for international students was helpful!