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2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid

57 Ranked Colleges
27,169 Degrees Awarded
$5,100 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. 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 in Illinois For Those Getting Aid” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2019-2020, 559,661 liberal arts general studies students received their degree, making the major the 1st most popular in the country. 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.

This year’s “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid” ranking looked at 57 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.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the liberal arts general studies program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Liberal Arts General Studies Schools

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 in Illinois For Those Getting Aid” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid

The colleges and universities below are the best for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Liberal Arts General Studies in Illinois (With Aid)

#1

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, Illinois

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Moraine Valley Community College. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid list. This fairly large school is located in Palos Hills, Illinois, and it awarded 978 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois liberal arts students with aid list, MVCC has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend MVCC is $2,422 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Moraine Valley Community College

#2

College of Lake County

Grayslake, Illinois

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend College of Lake County. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid. College of Lake County is a fairly large public school situated in Grayslake, Illinois. It awarded 2,211 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at College of Lake County, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $4,735 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid per year to attend College of Lake County.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at College of Lake County

#3

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 #3 for the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid. This medium-sized school is located in Elgin, Illinois, and it awarded 1,401 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

ECC also took the #5 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Elgin Community College is $4,185 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Full ECC Liberal Arts General Studies Report

Out of the 57 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid that were part of this year’s ranking, City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College landed the #4 spot on the list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 1,541 students in 2019-2020.

Harold Washington College also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #10. The yearly cost to attend Harold Washington College is $2,992 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Harold Washington College

#16 in overall quality

Out of the 57 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid that were part of this year’s ranking, City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College landed the #5 spot on the list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 1,381 students in 2019-2020.

Wilbur Wright College also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #16. The estimated yearly cost for City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College is $2,876 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Wilbur Wright College

#6

Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, Illinois

Lincoln Land Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid list. Located in Springfield, Illinois, this small public school awarded 548 degrees to qualified ’s liberal arts students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at LLCC, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend LLCC is $6,168 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at LLCC

#7

Waubonsee Community College

Sugar Grove, Illinois

Waubonsee Community College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #7. Located in Sugar Grove, Illinois, this medium-sized public school awarded 554 diplomas to qualified ’s liberal arts students in 2019-2020.

Waubonsee not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $5,130 for illinois liberal arts students with aid per year to attend Waubonsee.

Full Waubonsee Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

#8

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Junior College landed the #8 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking. Joliet Junior College is a fairly large public school situated in Joliet, Illinois. It awarded 752 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

Joliet Junior College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Joliet Junior College is $4,693 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Joliet Junior College

#24 in overall quality

City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking. City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 581 ’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.

Harry S Truman College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #24 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $4,688 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid per year to attend Harry S Truman College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College

#9

Triton College

River Grove, Illinois

With a ranking of #9, Triton College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid list. Triton College is a medium-sized school located in River Grove, Illinois that handed out 460 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

Triton College also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #11. The yearly cost to attend Triton College is $4,988 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Full Triton College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

#11

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
#3 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, William Rainey Harper College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid list. Harper College is a public institution located in Palatine, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,747 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois liberal arts students with aid list, Harper College has also earned the #3 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Harper College is $7,532 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Harper College

#12

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

College of DuPage landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking. This large school is located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and it awarded 759 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at COD, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend College of DuPage is $7,566 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Full COD Liberal Arts General Studies Report

City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 450 students in 2019-2020.

It costs about $3,689 for illinois liberal arts students with aid per year to attend Malcolm X College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Malcolm X College

#14

Oakton Community College

Des Plaines, Illinois

Oakton Community College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #14. Oakton Community College is a medium-sized school located in Des Plaines, Illinois that handed out 959 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Oakton Community College, the school also landed the #20 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $6,141 for illinois liberal arts students with aid per year to attend Oakton Community College.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Oakton Community College

#15

South Suburban College

South Holland, Illinois

South Suburban College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #15. South Holland, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 357 students in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend SSC is $4,746 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at SSC

#16

McHenry County College

Crystal Lake, Illinois

McHenry County College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and it awarded 756 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at MCC, the school also landed the #23 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $7,048 for illinois liberal arts students with aid per year to attend MCC.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at McHenry County College

#17

Danville Area Community College

Danville, Illinois

Danville Area Community College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #17. Danville, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 308 students in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend DACC is $5,399 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at DACC

#18

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, Illinois

Carl Sandburg College landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking. Located in Galesburg, Illinois, this small public school handed out 327 degrees to qualified ’s liberal arts students in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Carl Sandburg College is $2,792 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Carl Sandburg College

City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 303 students in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey College is $4,574 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Olive-Harvey College

#20

Lake Land College

Mattoon, Illinois

Lake Land College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking. Lake Land College is a small public school situated in Mattoon, Illinois. It awarded 658 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend Lake Land College is $4,468 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid.

Full Lake Land College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #21. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this small public school handed out 534 diplomas to qualified ’s liberal arts students in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College is $3,015 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College

#22

Shawnee Community College

Ullin, Illinois

With a ranking of #22, Shawnee Community College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid list. Shawnee Community College is a small school located in Ullin, Illinois that handed out 280 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend Shawnee Community College is $10,242 for illinois liberal arts students with aid.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Shawnee Community College

#23

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, Illinois

Southwestern Illinois College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #23. SWIC is a medium-sized public school situated in Belleville, Illinois. It awarded 470 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Southwestern Illinois College is $7,098 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid.

Full Southwestern Illinois College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy-King College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking. This small school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 260 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

It costs about $5,709 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid per year to attend City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy-King College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Kennedy-King College

#25

Black Hawk College

Moline, Illinois

Black Hawk College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in Illinois For Those Getting Aid ranking, coming in at #25. Black Hawk College is a small school located in Moline, Illinois that handed out 227 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2019-2020.

The yearly cost to attend Black Hawk College is $5,706 for Illinois Liberal Arts students with aid.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Black Hawk College

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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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