The United States is known for high tuition costs at post-secondary institutions. In Illinois, costs vary by institution, residency status, program, credit load, and academic year. Many comparatively affordable universities and community colleges in Illinois publish lower undergraduate tuition rates than large private universities, including options for out-of-state and international students.
Students can apply for financial aid and scholarships, which are best located on each university’s official website. These options, if granted, can significantly reduce tuition costs. The figures below are current published undergraduate tuition rates or official estimates where available. They are shown in USD and generally exclude housing, meals, books, health insurance, course fees, lab fees, and other living costs unless stated. Graduate rates can differ, so consult each institution’s current tuition page before applying.
International student costs are not always listed in the same format as domestic tuition. Some schools charge international students the same rate as out-of-state students, while others use special international estimates or residency rules.
Affordable Schools in Illinois for International Students
1. Eastern Illinois University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $347.65/credit hour (Domestic Undergraduate) | about $434.56/credit hour (International Undergraduate), plus $140.80/credit hour in student fees
Eastern Illinois University, founded in 1895 in Charleston, IL, offers 51 undergraduate degree programs, including programs in education. With more than 170 recognized student organizations and various competitive sports teams, the institution provides a variety of options both inside and outside the classroom.
EIU reports total enrollment of 8,857 and a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:15. Domestic undergraduates pay the same tuition rate regardless of U.S. state residency, while international undergraduate tuition is set at 1.25 times the domestic rate.
2. Chicago State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $335-$352/credit hour (U.S. resident and out-of-state undergraduate cohorts) | $664-$697/credit hour (International undergraduate cohorts), plus $121/credit hour in mandatory fees
Next on our list of cheap universities in Illinois is Chicago State University, a public university established in 1867. This university emphasizes diversity, inclusion, access, and service to underserved communities.
Chicago State University reports 60+ degree and certificate programs and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. Its academic units include colleges in arts and sciences, business, education, health sciences and pharmacy, an honors college, and the graduate school.
3. Western Illinois University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $343.23-$350.10/credit hour (U.S. students, depending on first-enrollment plan) | $600.65-$612.68/credit hour (International students, depending on first-enrollment plan)
Founded in 1899 and opened in 1902, Western Illinois University is a public university located in Macomb, IL.
This affordable university in Illinois offers undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple fields, including fire protection services and recreation, park, and tourism management. WIU reports a student-to-faculty ratio of about 12.4:1.
4. National Louis University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $12,420/year (full-time undergraduates transferring in with 30 quarter hours or fewer; Kendall programs excluded) | $6,424/term (Domestic transfer students with more than 30 quarter hours) | $6,588/term (International transfer students with more than 30 quarter hours)
Founded in 1886, National Louis University is a private university in Chicago, IL. NLU promotes access-focused education and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs on campus and online.
Its academic structure includes the National College of Education, the Undergraduate College, Kendall College, the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, and the Graduate School of Business and Leadership. Washington Monthly’s 2022 recognition listed NLU at No. 2 for Best Bang for the Buck in the Midwest and No. 4 nationally for social mobility.
5. Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville is located on a 2,660-acre campus near St. Louis. SIUE offers degree programs in the arts, sciences, education, business, nursing, health, engineering, and more.
The various degree programs are offered through its schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Dental Medicine, School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, School of Engineering, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, and Graduate School. Domestic estimates are based on two semesters of 15 credits each, while the international estimate is based on 25 credits per academic year. Business and engineering majors, health insurance, lab fees, housing, and meals can add to the total cost.
6. University of Illinois at Chicago
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: Varies by cohort, residency, program, and credit load; use UIC’s current undergraduate tuition tables and cost estimator for the semester you plan to enter
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public research university in Chicago with about 34,000 students. UIC is ranked among the top 40 public universities by U.S. News & World Report and offers a wide range of bachelor’s programs.
UIC’s official admissions site directs students to the registrar’s tuition tables and cost estimator for current undergraduate rates. Illinois students from households earning $75,000 or less may qualify for UIC Aspire, which covers tuition and mandatory fees.
7. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $377/credit hour (new Fall 2026 Illinois resident undergraduate guaranteed rate) | $942.50/credit hour (standard non-resident and international undergraduate rate before alternate-rate eligibility)
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale is next on our list of affordable institutions in Illinois. It is a public research university known for a broad program portfolio and a strong campus community.
SIUC offers majors, minors, and professional programs in fields such as law, education, engineering, psychology, and health. Some non-resident and international students may qualify for lower alternate tuition rates, including the high-achiever rate.
Illinois is home to many affordable universities, including the options above. Remember that tuition and fees may change by academic year, program, residency status, and institutional policy. The fees listed above do not always include housing, health insurance, books, course fees, or other expenses, so consult the official university or college website for the most accurate costs for your situation and application year.
We hope this article on the cheapest universities in Illinois was helpful. If you are interested in studying in the United States, visit our Study in the USA page and check out the Available Courses for International Students!
