15 Cheapest Universities in Illinois for International Students

Search Courses:

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!

Apply for 2026 Intake!

Applications for 2026 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!

Apply Now

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*
Moody Bible Institute 10,200 USD - 12,800 USD 71%
Northern Illinois University 10,800 USD 69%
National University of Health Sciences 12,000 USD - 15,000 USD 66%
National Louis University 12,200 USD - 19,500 USD 65%
DeVry University 12,400 USD - 15,500 USD 65%
Eastern Illinois University 13,100 USD 62%
The Chicago School 14,800 USD 58%
Chicago State University 16,800 USD - 21,000 USD 52%
Chamberlain University 17,700 USD - 23,000 USD 49%
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 18,700 USD 46%
Illinois State University 19,400 USD - 24,200 USD 44%
University of Illinois Springfield 20,000 USD 42%
Trinity Christian College 20,600 USD 40%
Northeastern Illinois University 20,700 USD - 25,900 USD 40%
Rush University 21,200 USD - 26,400 USD 39%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 34,300 USD for universities in Illinois.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

Search through the bachelor's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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. Illinois State University

Being the oldest university in the region, Illinois State University has already established an outstanding reputation. The university focuses on teaching programs and is one of the largest producers of teachers in the country. It seeks to maintain a diversified community of intellectual individuals committed to serving society.

12. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois 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. Trinity Christian College

The 19th best college in the US Midwest, according to US News, is Trinity Christian College. It is a liberal arts and Christian college just 30 minutes from Chicago. Its students are offered several programs and opportunities, including study abroad courses.

Programs at Trinity Christian College are for undergrad and grad students. These include adult, online courses, majors, minors, pre-professional, honors, and more.

14. 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.

15. 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.

 

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*
University of St. Francis 5,040 USD - 15,000 USD 66%
McKendree University 5,340 USD - 9,990 USD 64%
Aurora University 6,060 USD - 12,600 USD 59%
Quincy University 6,240 USD - 10,300 USD 58%
Saint Xavier University 6,360 USD - 18,500 USD 57%
Dominican University 6,420 USD - 16,100 USD 57%
National Louis University 6,600 USD - 21,000 USD 56%
Moody Bible Institute 6,780 USD - 10,200 USD 54%
Lewis University 6,900 USD - 16,000 USD 54%
North Central College 7,176 USD - 15,900 USD 52%
Concordia University Chicago 7,500 USD - 13,200 USD 50%
Chicago State University 8,100 USD - 12,200 USD 45%
Elmhurst University 8,100 USD - 18,000 USD 45%
Chamberlain University 8,640 USD - 13,300 USD 42%
Trinity International University 9,000 USD - 13,500 USD 39%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,800 USD for universities in Illinois.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of St. Francis should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,040 USD to 14,940 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. McKendree University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is McKendree University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at McKendree University is 5,340 USD to 9,990 USD.

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.

3. Aurora University

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.

The tuition fee at Aurora University for incoming international master’s students is 6,060 USD to 12,600 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Quincy University

Another affordable university to consider in Illinois is 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.  

The tuition fee in Quincy University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,240 USD.

5. Saint Xavier University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Saint Xavier 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 6,360 USD yearly.

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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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. 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.

12. 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.

13. Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University started as a theological seminary for young men and training grounds for teachers for parochial schools. Its main language of instruction then was German, and women enrolled only starting from 1930. The university officially became Elmhurst University in 2020 and has grown to offer over 70 undergraduate degrees and 20 master’s programs.

14. 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.

15. Trinity International University

Trinity International University was founded in 1896 and is the only university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. It offers excellent education across a wide range of disciplines through its five divisions, namely the Trinity College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity Graduate School, Trinity Law School, Trinity Florida, and Camp Timber-lee.

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!