Tuition Fees in Chicago for International Students

When choosing a university, it is important to look at the area that you are going to study because there are a lot of wonderful countries and cities that need to be visited to learn new information and achieve great experiences. When it comes to formal education, it is evident that Chicago, Illinois, which is one of the locations in United States, tries to the best of its abilities to provide good education levels.

When it comes to popular educational institutions, it's difficult not to mention public universities. These universities serve as the foundation for formal education, and students who wish to apply to a public university in Chicago should be aware that there are 4 universities in total, making their decision easier because there are only a few universities to compare and observe.

Private universities are also some of the most credible places where you can get your degree. Out 19 institutions in Chicago, 15 of them are privately operated. With these options, along with public institutions, students have better chances of finding a university that fits their financial capabilities.

Tuition fees are among the most significant factors students weigh when it comes to their university applications. Fortunately, knowing about tuition fees ahead of time can help you prepare for this challenge. In this article, we will be looking at tuition fees in Chicago.

Are there any free tuition universities in Chicago?

No, there are no free-tuition universities in Chicago. Students are expected to be capable of financing their education and paying their tuition fees. However, students may check the universities here if they offer financial help, such as grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities. It’s also worth checking the cheapest universities in Chicago to find the most affordable study destinations.

Is Chicago affordable for International Students?

Those pursuing bachelor's degree studies as an international student in Chicago spend an average of 31,300 USD annually on tuition fees. On top of this, they also need to consider other costs, such as accommodation, food, and transport. With all these, those looking to study in Chicago need to prepare well, as these expenses can easily add up to make a significant dent in their finances.

Meanwhile, international students in master's programs might not find Chicago friendly to their wallets. The average tuition rate here is 18,300 USD. This along with living costs and miscellaneous expenses can quickly add up and make budgeting quite a challenge.

Tuition Fees in Chicago

There are multiple universities in Chicago that are welcoming to both international and domestic students, and they provide great educational values with different tuition fee values. Here are the tuition fee ranges of universities in Chicago, based on student type and degree.

Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Bachelor
Moody Bible Institute 11,400 USD - 13,500 USD
Chicago School of Professional Psychology 14,800 USD
Rush University 18,400 USD - 21,100 USD
Chicago State University 19,000 USD
National Louis University 19,400 USD
Northeastern Illinois University 20,200 USD
National University of Health Sciences 21,000 USD
University of Illinois Chicago 25,600 USD
Columbia College Chicago 29,300 USD
Roosevelt University 33,100 USD - 41,600 USD
North Park University 33,400 USD
Saint Xavier University 34,700 USD
DePaul University 42,200 USD - 43,600 USD
Loyola University Chicago 48,100 USD - 49,200 USD
Illinois Institute of Technology 48,700 USD
School of the Art Institute of Chicago 53,600 USD
Northwestern University 60,300 USD
University of Chicago 61,200 USD
Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Master
Saint Xavier University 7,875 USD - 15,000 USD
Moody Bible Institute 8,910 USD
North Park University 9,450 USD - 18,600 USD
Chicago State University 9,645 USD
DePaul University 10,300 USD - 18,400 USD
National Louis University 10,300 USD - 11,800 USD
Rush University 13,800 USD - 23,200 USD
Loyola University Chicago 14,500 USD - 28,200 USD
Chicago School of Professional Psychology 15,300 USD - 23,500 USD
Northeastern Illinois University 15,600 USD
Adler University 16,200 USD - 25,500 USD
Roosevelt University 17,200 USD - 42,400 USD
National University of Health Sciences 18,900 USD
Columbia College Chicago 20,600 USD - 23,300 USD
University of Illinois Chicago 25,400 USD
School of the Art Institute of Chicago 27,900 USD
Illinois Institute of Technology 29,700 USD
University of Chicago 30,000 USD - 86,900 USD
Northwestern University 44,900 USD - 62,400 USD

Tuition fees in Universities in Chicago

1. Saint Xavier University

  • Saint Xavier University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 34,700 USD - 34,700 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 7,875 USD - 15,000 USD

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.

2. Moody Bible Institute

  • Moody Bible Institute
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 11,400 USD - 13,500 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 8,910 USD - 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
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 33,400 USD - 33,400 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 9,450 USD - 18,600 USD

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.

4. Chicago State University

  • Chicago State University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 19,000 USD - 19,000 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 9,645 USD - 9,645 USD

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. DePaul University

  • DePaul University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 42,200 USD - 43,600 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 10,300 USD - 18,400 USD

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
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 19,400 USD - 19,400 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 10,300 USD - 11,800 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.

7. Rush University

  • Rush University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 18,400 USD - 21,100 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 13,800 USD - 23,200 USD

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
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 48,100 USD - 49,200 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 14,500 USD - 28,200 USD

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
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 20,200 USD - 20,200 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 15,600 USD - 15,600 USD

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. Roosevelt University

  • Roosevelt University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 33,100 USD - 41,600 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 17,200 USD - 42,400 USD

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. 

12. 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.

13. Columbia College Chicago

  • Columbia College Chicago
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 29,300 USD - 29,300 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 20,600 USD - 23,300 USD

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.

14. University of Illinois Chicago

  • University of Illinois Chicago
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 25,600 USD - 25,600 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 25,400 USD - 25,400 USD

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.

15. 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.

16. Illinois Institute of Technology

  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 48,700 USD - 48,700 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 29,700 USD - 29,700 USD

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.

17. University of Chicago

  • University of Chicago
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 61,200 USD - 61,200 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 30,000 USD - 86,900 USD

​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.

18. Northwestern University

  • Northwestern University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 60,300 USD - 60,300 USD
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 44,900 USD - 62,400 USD

Northwestern University was founded in 1851 in Evanston, Illinois with the intention of making education accessible to the people from the northwest. The university now has over 21,000 students enrolled in its three campuses, 5,500 of which come from different countries across the globe. International mobility is one of the key focus areas at the university, which is why it actively participates in exchange programs, collaborative research, and other international engagement activities.

The primary goal of this article is to provide information about tuition fees in Chicago and to assist students in their quest to achieve their goals. By describing the average tuition fees and providing you with the best ones available, we hope to help you make an informed decision about your education. Remember that studying in Chicago can be a financially viable option, so don't let the cost of tuition prevent you from pursuing your dreams.

And make sure to check out the most affordable universities in Chicago to learn more about making the best out of your finances as an international student.