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2022 Best Value Associate Degree Colleges for Liberal Arts General Studies (Income $0-$30k) in Illinois

43 Ranked Colleges
16,891 Degrees Awarded
$3,900 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

With 559,661 degrees handed out in 2019-2020, liberal arts general studies is the 1st most popular major in the United States. In 2017-2018, liberal arts general studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $26,786 and had an average of $16,538 in loans still to pay off.

Across Illinois, there were 27,169 liberal arts general studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $26,138 and $14,095 respectively. At the associate degree level specifically, there were 16,891 liberal arts general studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $33,469 and $14,548 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking looked at 43 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in liberal arts general studies. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent liberal arts general studies programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the liberal arts general studies program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Associate Degree Colleges for Liberal Arts General Studies (Income $0-$30k) in Illinois

#1

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, Illinois

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Moraine Valley Community College. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k. MVCC is a fairly large public school situated in Palos Hills, Illinois. It awarded 978 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

MVCC also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #9. The yearly cost to attend MVCC is $340 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at MVCC

#2

Elgin Community College

Elgin, Illinois

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Elgin Community College. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k. Elgin Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Elgin, Illinois. It awarded 604 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

ECC also took the #3 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $2,384 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend ECC.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at ECC

Out of the 43 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College landed the #3 spot on the list. City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 602 associates’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.

Wilbur Wright College did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College is $2,127 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Wilbur Wright College

#4

College of Lake County

Grayslake, Illinois

Out of the 43 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, College of Lake County landed the #4 spot on the list. College of Lake County is a public institution located in Grayslake, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 862 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k list, College of Lake County has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend College of Lake County is $3,742 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at College of Lake County

Out of the 43 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College landed the #5 spot on the list. Harold Washington College is a medium-sized school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 806 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k list, Harold Washington College has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $2,452 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Harold Washington College.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College

#6

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

With a ranking of #6, College of DuPage did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and it awarded 759 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k list, COD has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $5,478 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend COD.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at College of DuPage

#7

Waubonsee Community College

Sugar Grove, Illinois

With a ranking of #7, Waubonsee Community College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Sugar Grove, Illinois, this medium-sized public school awarded 547 diplomas to qualified associates’s liberal arts students in 2019-2020.

Waubonsee did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend Waubonsee is $2,818 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Waubonsee Community College

#8

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois

With a ranking of #8, William Rainey Harper College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. William Rainey Harper College is located in Palatine, Illinois and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 1,001 associates’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k list, Harper College has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $5,913 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend William Rainey Harper College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at William Rainey Harper College

#9

Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, Illinois

Lincoln Land Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Springfield, Illinois, this small public school handed out 548 degrees to qualified associates’s liberal arts students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k list, LLCC has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Lincoln Land Community College is $3,915 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Lincoln Land Community College

#10

Triton College

River Grove, Illinois

With a ranking of #10, Triton College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Triton College is a medium-sized school located in River Grove, Illinois that handed out 460 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

Triton College also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #7. The estimated yearly cost for Triton College is $4,546 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Triton College

#11

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois

With a ranking of #11, Joliet Junior College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Joliet Junior College is a fairly large school located in Joliet, Illinois that handed out 752 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

Joliet Junior College also took the #8 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $4,699 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Joliet Junior College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Joliet Junior College

City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 246 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

Harry S Truman College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $4,404 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Harry S Truman College.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College

City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College landed the #13 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this medium-sized public school awarded 239 degrees to qualified associates’s liberal arts students in 2019-2020.

Malcolm X College did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #18 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $3,251 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College

#14

South Suburban College

South Holland, Illinois

South Suburban College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. SSC is a small public school situated in South Holland, Illinois. It awarded 178 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

SSC also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #17. The estimated yearly cost for South Suburban College is $3,866 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at SSC

#15

Black Hawk College

Moline, Illinois

Black Hawk College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #15. Black Hawk College is a public institution located in Moline, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 227 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k list, BHC has also earned the #24 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Black Hawk College is $3,234 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at BHC

#16

Oakton Community College

Des Plaines, Illinois

Oakton Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Oakton Community College is a medium-sized school located in Des Plaines, Illinois that handed out 524 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

Oakton Community College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $5,195 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Oakton Community College.

Full Oakton Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

#17

Lake Land College

Mattoon, Illinois

Lake Land College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #17. Lake Land College is a small public school situated in Mattoon, Illinois. It awarded 441 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k list, Lake Land College has also earned the #23 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Lake Land College is $2,857 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Lake Land College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

#17

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, Illinois

Carl Sandburg College landed the #17 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Galesburg, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s liberal arts degrees to 191 students in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend Carl Sandburg College is $1,986 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Carl Sandburg College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

#19

Illinois Central College

East Peoria, Illinois

Illinois Central College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Illinois Central College is a public institution located in East Peoria, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 947 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k list, ICC has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Illinois Central College is $7,656 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Illinois Central College

#20

Danville Area Community College

Danville, Illinois

Danville Area Community College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Danville, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s liberal arts degrees to 192 students in 2019-2020.

DACC also took the #25 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Danville Area Community College is $4,416 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Danville Area Community College

With a ranking of #21, City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 222 associates’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $2,310 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Richard J Daley College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Richard J Daley College

City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Olive-Harvey College is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 147 associates’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend Olive-Harvey College is $4,115 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey College

#23

Kankakee Community College

Kankakee, Illinois

With a ranking of #23, Kankakee Community College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Kankakee Community College is located in Kankakee, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 138 associates’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.

Kankakee Community College also took the #22 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Kankakee Community College is $5,202 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Kankakee Community College

#24

McHenry County College

Crystal Lake, Illinois

With a ranking of #24, McHenry County College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. This medium-sized school is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and it awarded 410 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

MCC also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #15. The yearly cost to attend MCC is $5,620 for illinois associate degree liberal arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full McHenry County College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

Illinois Valley Community College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #25. IVCC is a small public school situated in Oglesby, Illinois. It awarded 119 associates’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Illinois Valley Community College is $4,715 for Illinois Associate Degree Liberal Arts students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Illinois Valley Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

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Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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