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2027 Best Value Science Education Schools in Illinois

10 Colleges in the United States
$25,815 Avg Student Debt
$60,237 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Science Education Badge [Science Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/science-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong science education education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value science education schools.

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2027 Best Value Science Education Schools in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in science education, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Science Education Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Illinois At Chicago the best value for a degree in science education in Illinois. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $17,125 to complete the science education program here. Early-career science education graduates make about $58,732. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

2

Saint Xavier University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value science education schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,945. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $27,194. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Saint Xavier University generally make around $51,753. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

3

Eastern Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in science education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Science Education graduates carry a median of $28,866 in student loans. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Eastern Illinois University generally make around $38,821. Set against $28,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

4

A rank of #4 makes University Of St Francis one of the best values for science education. Located in the suburb of Joliet, University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Science Education graduates carry a median of $25,695 in student loans. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from University Of St Francis generally make around $59,586. Set against $25,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants.

5

Concordia University Chicago came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value science education schools. Set in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Science Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Science Education graduates of Concordia University Chicago earn a median of $51,796 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

6

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #6 for value in science education this year. Set in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Science Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene University generally make around $51,475. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%.

7

Augustana College Illinois ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value science education schools. Located in the city of Rock Island, Augustana College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $51,598. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the science education program here. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Augustana College Illinois generally make around $45,145. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Augustana College Illinois admits about 63% of applicants.

8
Elmhurst College crest
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL

Elmhurst College earned the #8 position for value in science education this year. Set in the suburb of Elmhurst, Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,955. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the science education program here. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Elmhurst College generally make around $46,789. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Elmhurst College admits about 74% of applicants.

9

Mckendree University ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value science education schools. Set in the suburb of Lebanon, Mckendree University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,740 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $24,362. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Mckendree University generally make around $51,068. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

10
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University placed #10 among the best values for science education. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Science Education graduates carry a median of $26,910 in student loans. Science Education graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $55,390 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,910 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on 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 Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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