2026 Best Value Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Our analysis ranked University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign the best value for a degree in ecology, evolution & systematics biology in Illinois. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete the ecology, evolution & systematics biology program here. Soon after graduation, ecology, evolution & systematics biology degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $57,461. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

2

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value ecology, evolution & systematics biology schools. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Early-career ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates make about $81,002. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

3

Benedictine University
Lisle, IL

Benedictine University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ecology, evolution & systematics biology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Lisle, Benedictine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,648. Students borrow a median of $25,338 to complete the ecology, evolution & systematics biology program here. Early-career ecology, evolution & systematics biology graduates make about $54,212. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Benedictine University admits about 95% of applicants.

4

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

A rank of #4 makes Loyola University Chicago one of the best values for ecology, evolution & systematics biology. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $58,568 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants.