2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in Illinois
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in Illinois? We have ranked 240 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 33 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Illinois
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Illinois State University, our #1 best-value Graduate Degrees school in Illinois. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
Concordia University Chicago came in at #2 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Illinois. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,488 in tuition and fees. Concordia University Chicago Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
A rank of #3 makes Southern Illinois University Edwardsville one of the best values in Illinois. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,917. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
A rank of #4 makes Olivet Nazarene University one of the best values in Illinois. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
Governors State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Illinois. Located in University Park, IL, Governors State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,004 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,990. Median earnings reach $58,169 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. More on Governors State University
University Of St Francis landed the #6 spot for value in Illinois this year. Located in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,110. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,695. Median earnings reach $63,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,695 median debt. University Of St Francis has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full University Of St Francis profile
Mckendree University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,740 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,362. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Mckendree University profile
Eastern Illinois University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,293 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full Eastern Illinois University report
Northeastern Illinois University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,383, with out-of-state students paying around $22,726. Northeastern Illinois University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $17,600 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,234 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northeastern Illinois University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #10 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $20,778. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Northern Illinois University placed #11 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
National Louis University placed #12 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $29,242. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on National Louis University
Aurora University placed #13 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. Set in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,507. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,709. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Aurora University
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on Western Illinois University
University Of Illinois At Springfield came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,925 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,103 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Springfield has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Springfield
Chicago State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Chicago State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,754 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,757 for out-of-state students. Chicago State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $43,322 in debt. Chicago State University alumni report median earnings of $42,778 a decade after entry. Set against $43,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Chicago State University has an acceptance rate of 43%. Get the full Chicago State University report
Lewis University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Lewis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Romeoville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,200. Students borrow a median of $24,838 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lewis University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Lewis University report
Bradley University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,380. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Bradley University
North Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. North Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,360 in student loans. North Park University alumni report median earnings of $59,572 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,360 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Park University
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #20 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. University Of Illinois At Chicago Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $20,115 in debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $23,730 in student loans. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Loyola University Chicago landed the #22 spot for value in Illinois this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Depaul University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,310. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Depaul University
Saint Xavier University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Saint Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,945. Saint Xavier University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,735 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,656 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Saint Xavier University profile
Benedictine University placed #25 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lisle, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $32,648. Graduates carry a median of $25,338 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,446. That is a strong return on a $25,338 median debt. Benedictine University admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on Benedictine University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Illinois
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Dominican University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,828. Graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,327 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Dominican University profile
Devry University Illinois came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Devry University Illinois is a private for-profit school based in Lisle, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,008. Graduates carry a median of $43,684 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,987 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $43,684 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Devry University Illinois profile
Roosevelt University landed the #28 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Roosevelt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,315. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,879. Roosevelt University alumni report median earnings of $48,712 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,879 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. See the full Roosevelt University profile
Trinity International University Illinois came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Deerfield, IL, Trinity International University Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,320. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,892. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Trinity International University Illinois
Northwestern University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,363. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwestern University
Illinois Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Illinois Institute Of Technology Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,774 in debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
University Of Chicago came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $15,854. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,885. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Elmhurst College placed #33 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. Located in Elmhurst, IL, Elmhurst College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,955. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $22,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,462. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Elmhurst College report
Tricoci University Of Beauty Culture Normal ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read the full report on Tricoci University Of Beauty Culture Normal
Creative Touch Cosmetology School came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Creative Touch Cosmetology School
Maccormac College placed #36 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. Read the full report on Maccormac College
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. See the full The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Chicago profile
Universal Technical Institute Of Illinois Inc offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Get the full Universal Technical Institute Of Illinois Inc report
Shawnee Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read the full report on Shawnee Community College
Oakton Community College placed #40 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. More on Oakton Community College
Reflections Academy Of Beauty placed #41 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. See the full Reflections Academy Of Beauty profile
Pivot Point Academy Wahl Barber Academy ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read the full report on Pivot Point Academy Wahl Barber Academy
Hebrew Theological College placed #43 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. More on Hebrew Theological College
Worsham College Of Mortuary Science ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read the full report on Worsham College Of Mortuary Science
Waubonsee Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read more about Waubonsee Community College
Hair Professionals School Of Cosmetology ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Read the full report on Hair Professionals School Of Cosmetology
Moody Bible Institute ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. See the full Moody Bible Institute profile
Bell Mar Beauty College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. More on Bell Mar Beauty College
Career Center Of Southern Illinois placed #49 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Illinois. See the full Career Center Of Southern Illinois profile
Vandercook College Of Music offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read more about Vandercook College Of Music
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 33 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 240 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.