2026 Best Value Business Schools in Illinois
Looking for the best-value Business degree programs in Illinois? This list ranks 240 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Business Degree Central analyzed 46 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Business Degree Schools in Illinois
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Southwestern Illinois College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Business degree schools in Illinois. This public school is set in Belleville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Southwestern Illinois College Business students take on a median of $10,388 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,884 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt. Get the full Southwestern Illinois College report
A rank of #2 makes Rasmussen College Illinois one of the best values in Illinois. Based in Rockford, IL, Rasmussen College Illinois is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,581. Typical Business student debt is $28,798. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,798 median debt. Read the full report on Rasmussen College Illinois
A rank of #3 makes University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign one of the best values in Illinois. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $20,778. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
A rank of #4 makes Illinois State University one of the best values in Illinois. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Business program debt is $21,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #5 place in Illinois. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Northern Illinois University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University Business students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
University Of Illinois At Springfield landed the #7 spot for value in Illinois this year. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Typical Business student debt is $24,925. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,103 ten years after entry. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Springfield report
Western Illinois University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical Business student debt is $27,639. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Governors State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in University Park, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,004. The median Business program debt is $24,990. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,169. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Governors State University has an acceptance rate of 48%. More on Governors State University
Eastern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $24,293. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. That is a strong return on a $24,293 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
National Louis University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. The median Business program debt is $29,242. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full National Louis University report
Concordia University Chicago landed the #12 spot for value in Illinois this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Typical Business student debt is $26,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Concordia University Chicago
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Students borrow a median of $23,730 to complete their Business program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
Kankakee Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Kankakee Community College is a public school based in Kankakee, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $25,830. Students borrow a median of $13,289 to complete their Business program here. Median earnings reach $38,767 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Kankakee Community College report
Northeastern Illinois University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Northeastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,383 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,726 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,234 ten years out. Set against $17,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on Northeastern Illinois University
Devry University Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Lisle, IL, Devry University Illinois is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,008. Graduates carry a median of $43,684 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,987. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Devry University Illinois admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Devry University Illinois report
University Of St Francis ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. University Of St Francis Business students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,926 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Mckendree University landed the #20 spot for value in Illinois this year. Set in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,740 in tuition and fees. Typical Business student debt is $24,362. Mckendree University alumni report median earnings of $58,572 a decade after entry. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mckendree University
Aurora University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Aurora University is a private not-for-profit school based in Aurora, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $29,170. Typical Business student debt is $24,507. Median earnings reach $58,709 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Aurora University
Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. The median Business program debt is $24,838. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,099. That is a strong return on a $24,838 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Lewis University
Judson University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Elgin, IL, Judson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,297. Typical Business student debt is $27,685. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,313. That is a strong return on a $27,685 median debt. The acceptance rate is 48%. Read the full report on Judson University
Depaul University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical Business student debt is $25,310. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Depaul University
University Of Chicago ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. The median Business program debt is $15,854. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. University Of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Northwestern University placed #25 among the best-value Business schools in Illinois. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. The median Business program debt is $16,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. See the full Northwestern University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Business Degree Schools in Illinois
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Bradley University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,160. The median Business program debt is $26,380. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,380 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bradley University report
Benedictine University placed #28 among the best-value Business schools in Illinois. Set in Lisle, IL, Benedictine University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,648. Students borrow a median of $25,338 to complete their Business program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,446. That is a strong return on a $25,338 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Benedictine University profile
North Park University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,710. Typical Business student debt is $27,360. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,572. That is a strong return on a $27,360 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Park University profile
Loyola University Chicago ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Business student debt is $23,521. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Typical Business student debt is $26,774. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. The median Business program debt is $26,797. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Roosevelt University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $21,315. Graduates carry a median of $23,879 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,712. That is a strong return on a $23,879 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Roosevelt University profile
Dominican University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,828. The median Business program debt is $26,236. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,327. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. Dominican University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Dominican University
Quincy University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Quincy, IL, Quincy University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,140 in tuition and fees. The median Business program debt is $26,691. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,369. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted. See the full Quincy University profile
Illinois Wesleyan University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Bloomington, IL, Illinois Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,704. Illinois Wesleyan University Business students take on a median of $26,857 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,871. That is a strong return on a $26,857 median debt. Illinois Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 39%. More on Illinois Wesleyan University
Saint Xavier University landed the #37 spot for value in Illinois this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,945. The median Business program debt is $25,735. Saint Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $58,656 a decade after entry. Set against $25,735 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Xavier University
Trinity Christian College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Palos Heights, IL, Trinity Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,605. Graduates carry a median of $28,722 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,700. Set against $28,722 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Trinity Christian College admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Trinity Christian College profile
Columbia College Chicago landed the #39 spot for value in Illinois this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,088. Students borrow a median of $26,557 to complete their Business program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,195. Set against $26,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Columbia College Chicago
North Central College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,726. North Central College Business students take on a median of $25,699 in debt. North Central College alumni report median earnings of $60,123 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,699 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Central College
Elmhurst College landed the #41 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Elmhurst, IL, Elmhurst College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,955. Graduates carry a median of $22,400 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,462. That is a strong return on a $22,400 median debt. Elmhurst College has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Elmhurst College report
Augustana College Illinois placed #42 among the best-value Business schools in Illinois. Located in Rock Island, IL, Augustana College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,598. Augustana College Illinois Business students take on a median of $26,764 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,971. Set against $26,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. More on Augustana College Illinois
Millikin University placed #43 among the best-value Business schools in Illinois. Located in Decatur, IL, Millikin University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $26,792. Typical Business student debt is $26,036. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Millikin University profile
Trinity International University Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Trinity International University Illinois is a private not-for-profit school based in Deerfield, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,320. Graduates carry a median of $26,892 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,989. Set against $26,892 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Trinity International University Illinois
Illinois College placed #45 among the best-value Business schools in Illinois. Located in Jacksonville, IL, Illinois College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,676. Typical Business student debt is $26,922. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,575. That is a strong return on a $26,922 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Illinois College
Blackburn College placed #46 among the best-value Business schools in Illinois. Based in Carlinville, IL, Blackburn College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,149. Blackburn College Business students take on a median of $25,255 in debt. Blackburn College alumni report median earnings of $46,802 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Blackburn College has an acceptance rate of 63%. See the full Blackburn College profile
College Of Lake County landed the #46 spot for value in Illinois this year. Get the full College Of Lake County report
American Academy Of Art offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read more about American Academy Of Art
Elgin Community College landed the #48 spot for value in Illinois this year. Read the full report on Elgin Community College
Illinois Central College landed the #49 spot for value in Illinois this year. Read more about Illinois Central College
Chicago Theological Seminary placed #50 among the best-value Business schools in Illinois. Get the full Chicago Theological Seminary report
More Business Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 46 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 240 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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