2026 Best Value architecture Schools in Illinois
[architecture](/majors/architecture-and-related-services/general-architecture/architecture/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for architecture students.
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2026 Best Value architecture Schools in Illinois
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the architecture degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value architecture Schools
Leading the list is University Of Illinois At Chicago, our #1 best value for architecture in Illinois. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,840 to complete the architecture program here. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $37,143. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a great value for students pursuing a degree in architecture, landing the #2 spot this year. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public school located in the town of Carbondale. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Architecture graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Architecture graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $51,093 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Judson University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. Located in the city of Elgin, Judson University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,297. Architecture graduates carry a median of $26,221 in student loans. Architecture graduates of Judson University earn a median of $48,301 early in their careers. Set against $26,221 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.
More architecture Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
