by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Prairie State College worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Prairie State College is ranked #386 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C (above average for value). Within Illinois, it ranks #25 of 112 for value.
Read the full Prairie State College value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Prairie State College is ranked #107 out of #129 in Illinois for quality and #25 out of #112 for Illinois value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Prairie State College financial aid page to be sure.
Prairie State College is ranked #386 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Prairie State College is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Prairie State College costs about $9,097. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $36,389 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $13,820 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $4,738 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $9,097 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,389 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Prairie State College net price and the factors that affect it.
What Prairie State College costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Prairie State College degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $55,280 | — | — |
| All Students | $36,389 | #386 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $18,952 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $55,280 | — | — |
| All Students | $36,389 | #25 | B- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $18,952 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Prairie State College shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $3,725 |
| $30K–$48K | $4,084 |
| $48K–$75K | $6,916 |
| $75K–$110K | $11,509 |
| Over $110K | $13,713 |
About 52% of Prairie State College undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $7,849 per year. Get more details on the Prairie State College financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Prairie State College cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.