2026 Best Value Econometrics & Quantitative Economics Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

For return on investment in econometrics & quantitative economics, no school beat University Of Illinois At Chicago this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical student debt for econometrics & quantitative economics graduates is $19,002. Soon after graduation, econometrics & quantitative economics degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $37,767. That is a strong return on a $19,002 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value econometrics & quantitative economics schools. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical student debt for econometrics & quantitative economics graduates is $21,228. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $58,921 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

3

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value econometrics & quantitative economics schools. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Early-career econometrics & quantitative economics graduates make about $47,926. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants.

4

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value econometrics & quantitative economics schools. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,879 to complete the econometrics & quantitative economics program here. Early-career econometrics & quantitative economics graduates make about $45,386. That is a strong return on a $25,879 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.

5

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in econometrics & quantitative economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates carry a median of $13,197 in student loans. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $92,075 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

6

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value econometrics & quantitative economics schools. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates carry a median of $25,049 in student loans. Soon after graduation, econometrics & quantitative economics degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Carbondale generally make around $37,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

7

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #7 spot for econometrics & quantitative economics value this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career econometrics & quantitative economics graduates make about $44,015. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

8

Wheaton College Illinois
Wheaton, IL

Wheaton College Illinois ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value econometrics & quantitative economics schools. Located in the suburb of Wheaton, Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,546. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete the econometrics & quantitative economics program here. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates of Wheaton College Illinois earn a median of $62,889 early in their careers. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

9

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #9 for value in econometrics & quantitative economics this year. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,227 to complete the econometrics & quantitative economics program here. Early-career econometrics & quantitative economics graduates make about $84,932. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

10

Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL

Lake Forest College came in at #10 for value in econometrics & quantitative economics this year. Set in the suburb of Lake Forest, Lake Forest College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,402. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career econometrics & quantitative economics graduates make about $53,529. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lake Forest College admits about 57% of applicants.

11

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value econometrics & quantitative economics schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $22,433 to complete the econometrics & quantitative economics program here. Econometrics & Quantitative Economics graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $53,417 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,433 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.