2027 Best Value General Education Schools in Illinois

1

City Colleges Of Chicago Harry S Truman College
Chicago, IL

For return on investment in general education, no school beat City Colleges Of Chicago Harry S Truman College this year. City Colleges Of Chicago Harry S Truman College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Students borrow a median of $11,458 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $27,158. Set against $11,458 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #2 spot this year. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,639 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $47,926. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $62,620 early in their careers. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

4

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place for general education. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,209. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $50,338. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.

5

North Park University
Chicago, IL

A rank of #5 makes North Park University one of the best values for general education. Set in the city of Chicago, North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. Students borrow a median of $27,360 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from North Park University generally make around $57,383. Set against $27,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.

6

Illinois College
Jacksonville, IL

Illinois College placed #6 among the best values for general education. Located in the town of Jacksonville, Illinois College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,676. General Education graduates carry a median of $26,922 in student loans. General Education graduates of Illinois College earn a median of $41,184 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois College admits about 78% of applicants.

7

Greenville College
Greenville, IL

Greenville College earned the #7 position for value in general education this year. Located in the town of Greenville, Greenville College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $32,200. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,933. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Greenville College generally make around $36,911. That is a strong return on a $25,933 median debt. Greenville College admits about 98% of applicants.

8

Quincy University
Quincy, IL

Quincy University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the town of Quincy, Quincy University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $37,140. Students borrow a median of $26,691 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Quincy University earn a median of $52,088 early in their careers. Set against $26,691 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted.

9

Mckendree University
Lebanon, IL

Mckendree University placed #9 among the best values for general education. Mckendree University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lebanon. In-state tuition and fees average $34,740. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Mckendree University generally make around $50,945. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

10

Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL

Lake Forest College earned the #10 position for value in general education this year. Lake Forest College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lake Forest. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,402. General Education graduates carry a median of $26,661 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Lake Forest College generally make around $41,168. Set against $26,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.