15 Cheapest Universities in Illinois for International Students

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In 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 Illinois, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 57 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Illinois, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Governors State University 9,390 USD 71%
Moody Bible Institute 11,400 USD - 13,500 USD 65%
Eastern Illinois University 12,200 USD 63%
Western Illinois University 14,300 USD 56%
Chicago School of Professional Psychology 14,800 USD 55%
DeVry University 15,500 USD 53%
Chamberlain University 16,200 USD - 17,400 USD 50%
Dominican University 17,700 USD - 35,900 USD 46%
Rush University 18,400 USD - 21,100 USD 44%
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 18,700 USD 43%
Chicago State University 19,000 USD 42%
University of Illinois at Springfield 19,200 USD 41%
National Louis University 19,400 USD 41%
Northern Illinois University 19,600 USD 40%
Northeastern Illinois University 20,200 USD 38%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 32,400 USD for universities in Illinois.

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1. Governors State University

Governors State University is a public university located in University Park, Illinois. It was founded in 1969 and has a relatively short history among American universities, but it was established as a state-funded high-level educational institution and developed rapidly. Governors State University operates four universities: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Health and Welfare, offering degree programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels.

2. 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.

3. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University was primarily a teacher’s college. Throughout the years, it has improved and now offers various programs in business, arts, and humanities. The university ensures that its graduates will land better career opportunities, which is why it partners with numerous institutions and industry leaders.

4. Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University offers remarkable undergraduate and graduate education through international collaboration and opportunities. The university has strong partnerships with various industries, allowing students to boost their practical experiences. The university seeks to continue its innovative teaching and service in the coming years.

5. 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.

6. DeVry University

With its main campus located in Illinois, DeVry University has over 30 campuses in 16 states of the US. It offers 41 bachelor’s degree programs and 19 master’s degree programs, with the option of studying either on-site, online, or hybrid by combining both learning methods. It also offers multiple opportunities for networking and collaborating, with over 50 student organizations and clubs and 12 online groups.

7. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is a private healthcare school in Chicago, Illinois. Other campuses can be found throughout the United States. It was founded as part of the Deaconess Central Hospital in 1889. There are two colleges at the university: the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions. They provide degree programs in Nursing, Public Health, and Social Work.

8. Dominican University

Dominican University is affiliated with the Catholic church through the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. It is a top-ranked institution in the Midwest and is regarded highly for undergraduate teaching, social mobility, and value. More than 70 programs are available at Dominican University. The student-to-faculty ratio is optimal at 10:1.

9. 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.

 

10. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a leading research institute in the state of Illinois. They offer comprehensive programs in areas such as engineering, business, and dental medicine. But aside from outstanding achievements in the academe, SIUE is also known for hosting various community outreach programs like science camps and oral health consultations.

11. 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.

12. University of Illinois at Springfield

The University of Illinois at Springfield promotes diversity and inclusion. It also offers environmental initiatives to help build a sustainable future. The university has large facilities and buildings to motivate students in their educational journey.

13. 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.

14. Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University started as a teacher-training institution called Northern Illinois State Normal School. The university has expanded from a teacher’s college into a full-fledged university with campuses in Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. Aside from that, NIU also has online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Comprised of seven colleges, the university offers a wide variety of courses.

15. 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.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Concordia University Chicago 5,520 USD - 8,520 USD 68%
Chamberlain University 6,600 USD - 8,340 USD 62%
Olivet Nazarene University 6,750 USD - 15,200 USD 61%
McKendree University 7,350 USD - 8,250 USD 58%
Aurora University 7,380 USD - 10,800 USD 57%
Saint Xavier University 7,875 USD - 15,000 USD 55%
Quincy University 8,100 USD - 9,000 USD 53%
Dominican University 8,100 USD - 17,100 USD 53%
Moody Bible Institute 8,910 USD 49%
North Central College 8,970 USD - 14,000 USD 48%
University of St. Francis 8,985 USD - 12,000 USD 48%
Lewis University 9,000 USD - 12,300 USD 48%
North Park University 9,450 USD - 18,600 USD 45%
Chicago State University 9,645 USD 44%
DePaul University 10,300 USD - 18,400 USD 41%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 17,200 USD for universities in Illinois.

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1. Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago was once a Lutheran teachers’ seminary. It has since transformed into a liberal arts institution and a member of the Concordia University system. The university was established in 1864 in the US midwest and ranked 61st in the US News rankings for institutions in the said region. Programs of all levels, namely undergrad, master’s, and doctorate, are provided at CUC. They also have online courses, accelerated degrees, honors, and church work programs.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Concordia University Chicago should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,520 USD to 8,520 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Chamberlain University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Chamberlain University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Chamberlain University is 6,600 USD to 8,340 USD.

Chamberlain University is a private healthcare school in Chicago, Illinois. Other campuses can be found throughout the United States. It was founded as part of the Deaconess Central Hospital in 1889. There are two colleges at the university: the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions. They provide degree programs in Nursing, Public Health, and Social Work.

3. Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene University is a privately-funded university in Illinois. It offers more than 100 academic programs, some of which have been nationally recognized and been credited as one of the best. As a Christian university, it is dedicated to providing top-class education while incorporating faith into its curriculum. It aims to cultivate skilled and responsible graduates who will lead purposeful lives and successful careers.

The tuition fee at Olivet Nazarene University for incoming international master’s students is 6,750 USD to 15,180 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. McKendree University

Another affordable university to consider in Illinois is McKendree University.

McKendree University is considered the oldest private university in Illinois, founded by the Lebanon Seminary in 1828. It approximately has 3000 students, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate level programs, and 35 sports teams to round out a perfect athletic and academic life. In their large student population, many are from over 100 countries, and about 90 percent of the freshmen live on campus. This proves a welcoming environment for diversity and general quality of life provided to the students. In its course of educational service, they have implemented the U.N.I.T.E.D plan, which aims to modernize, diversify, and increase the engagement of their youth.

The tuition fee in McKendree University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 7,350 USD.

5. Aurora University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Aurora 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 7,380 USD yearly.

Aurora University (AU) is a private university in Aurora, Illinois. They also have locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as online courses. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees are available at AU in a wide range of fields. The university is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution for its commitment to diversity.

6. 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.

7. Quincy University

Located in Quincy, Illinois, Quincy University is a private educational institution founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars. It offers 52 undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs in liberal arts. Programs are designed to provide not only a strong foundational knowledge in their chosen disciplines but also multiple opportunities to gain real-world experiences such as study abroad programs and internships.  

8. Dominican University

Dominican University is affiliated with the Catholic church through the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. It is a top-ranked institution in the Midwest and is regarded highly for undergraduate teaching, social mobility, and value. More than 70 programs are available at Dominican University. The student-to-faculty ratio is optimal at 10:1.

9. 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.

10. North Central College

North Central College provides leadership, resources, and support necessary to ensure sound standards in establishing and administering the curriculum. It is equipped with exceptional faculties to support its teaching and professional activities. The institution is a model of transformative undergraduate and graduate education.

11. University of St. Francis

The University of St. Francis is a Catholic university specializing in the liberal arts. The university strives for academic excellence preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and administration. It maintains a welcoming community full of like-minded and intelligent learners.

12. Lewis University

Lewis University provides practical education for learners who want to excel in the professional field. The university is composed of various programs with rigorous coursework. In recent years, its goals have included broad internationalization to allow students’ interaction and exposure to the real world.

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. 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.

15. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Illinois 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 Illinois?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Illinois. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Illinois is the Chamberlain University, which offers Nursing to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Aurora University offers Athletic Training, Bilingual/ESL Endorsement, and Digital Marketing.

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 Illinois, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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