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 11,400 USD - 13,500 USD 66%
Chicago School of Professional Psychology 14,800 USD 56%
Rush University 18,400 USD - 21,100 USD 45%
Chicago State University 19,000 USD 43%
National Louis University 19,400 USD 42%
Northeastern Illinois University 20,200 USD 39%
National University of Health Sciences 21,000 USD 37%
University of Illinois Chicago 25,600 USD 23%
Columbia College Chicago 29,300 USD 12%
Roosevelt University 33,100 USD - 41,600 USD -0%
North Park University 33,400 USD -1%
Saint Xavier University 34,700 USD -5%
DePaul University 42,200 USD - 43,600 USD -27%
Loyola University Chicago 48,100 USD - 49,200 USD -45%
Illinois Institute of Technology 48,700 USD -47%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 33,000 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. Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 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.

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

5. 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.

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. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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. 

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. 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.

14. 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.

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 7,875 USD - 15,000 USD 57%
Moody Bible Institute 8,910 USD 52%
North Park University 9,450 USD - 18,600 USD 49%
Chicago State University 9,645 USD 48%
DePaul University 10,300 USD - 18,400 USD 44%
National Louis University 10,300 USD - 11,800 USD 44%
Rush University 13,800 USD - 23,200 USD 25%
Loyola University Chicago 14,500 USD - 28,200 USD 21%
Chicago School of Professional Psychology 15,300 USD - 23,500 USD 17%
Northeastern Illinois University 15,600 USD 15%
Adler University 16,200 USD - 25,500 USD 12%
Roosevelt University 17,200 USD - 42,400 USD 6%
National University of Health Sciences 18,900 USD -3%
Columbia College Chicago 20,600 USD - 23,300 USD -12%
University of Illinois Chicago 25,400 USD -39%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 18,300 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 7,875 USD to 14,985 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Moody Bible Institute

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Moody Bible Institute. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Moody Bible Institute is 8,910 USD.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at North Park University for incoming international master’s students is 9,450 USD to 18,600 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 9,645 USD.

5. DePaul University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, DePaul 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 10,215 USD yearly.

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.

6. 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.

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. 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.

9. Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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. 

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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 School of Professional Psychology, which offers Psychology 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!