2026 Best Value Linguistics & Comparative Literature Schools in Illinois

1

Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL

Elgin Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value linguistics & comparative literature schools in Illinois. Elgin Community College is a large public school located in the city of Elgin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,252, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. Set against $7,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in linguistics & comparative literature, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career linguistics & comparative literature graduates make about $25,921. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in linguistics & comparative literature will find it at University Of Chicago, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from University Of Chicago generally make around $81,002. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

4

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a great value for students pursuing a degree in linguistics & comparative literature, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $25,921 early in their careers. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

5

Benedictine University
Lisle, IL

Benedictine University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value linguistics & comparative literature schools. Set in the suburb of Lisle, Benedictine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,648. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $25,338 in student loans. Early-career linguistics & comparative literature graduates make about $54,212. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.