2026 Best Value Sustainability Studies Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago earned the #1 spot for value among sustainability studies schools in Illinois. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Sustainability Studies graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $42,677 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

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 sustainability studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $52,963. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

3

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

A rank of #3 makes Illinois Institute Of Technology one of the best values for sustainability studies. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $26,774. Soon after graduation, sustainability studies degree recipients from Illinois Institute Of Technology generally make around $71,315. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.

4

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

A rank of #4 makes Northwestern University one of the best values for sustainability studies. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, sustainability studies degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

5

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Depaul University earned it the #5 place for sustainability studies. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $57,588. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.