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2026 Best Value Science Education Schools in Illinois
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in science education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Science Education Schools
For return on investment in science education, no school beat University Of Illinois At Chicago this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Science Education graduates carry a median of $17,125 in student loans. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $58,732. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
A rank of #2 makes Saint Xavier University one of the best values for science education. Located in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,945. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $27,194. Early-career science education graduates make about $51,753. That is a strong return on a $27,194 median debt. Saint Xavier University admits about 84% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in science education will find it at Augustana College Illinois, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Rock Island, Augustana College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $51,598 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the science education program here. Early-career science education graduates make about $45,145. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Augustana College Illinois admits about 63% of applicants.
Eastern Illinois University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value science education schools. Eastern Illinois University is a large public school located in the town of Charleston. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $28,866 to complete the science education program here. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Eastern Illinois University generally make around $38,821. Set against $28,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants.
University Of St Francis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in science education, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Joliet. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $25,695. Early-career science education graduates make about $59,586. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%.
ADBLOCK #101
Elmhurst College placed #6 among the best values for science education. Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Elmhurst. Students from in state pay about $42,955 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Elmhurst College generally make around $51,232. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #7 spot for science education value this year. Located in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene University generally make around $51,475. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.
Blackburn College earned the #8 position for value in science education this year. Set in the town of Carlinville, Blackburn College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,149. Students borrow a median of $25,255 to complete the science education program here. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Blackburn College generally make around $33,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%.
Depaul University landed the #9 spot for science education value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Science Education graduates carry a median of $26,910 in student loans. Early-career science education graduates make about $55,226. Set against $26,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
[Science Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/science-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
