2026 Best Value Social Science Teacher Education Schools in Illinois

1

Millikin University
Decatur, IL

Leading the list is Millikin University, our #1 best value for social science teacher education in Illinois. Millikin University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Decatur. Students from in state pay about $26,792 in tuition and fees. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $58,852. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Millikin University admits about 67% of applicants.

2

Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL

Saint Xavier University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,945. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $27,194 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Saint Xavier University earn a median of $46,835 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Xavier University admits about 84% of applicants.

3

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. 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. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $21,182 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $46,566 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

4

Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL

Concordia University Chicago came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. Located in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Concordia University Chicago earn a median of $51,796 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

5

Monmouth College
Monmouth, IL

A rank of #5 makes Monmouth College one of the best values for social science teacher education. Set in the town of Monmouth, Monmouth College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,922. Students borrow a median of $26,444 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $36,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

6

Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL

Elmhurst College landed the #6 spot for social science teacher education value this year. Set in the suburb of Elmhurst, Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,955. Typical student debt for social science teacher education graduates is $27,000. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $46,789. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

7

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University landed the #7 spot for social science teacher education value this year. Set in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Typical student debt for social science teacher education graduates is $27,000. Early-career social science teacher education graduates make about $51,475. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%.

8

Blackburn College
Carlinville, IL

Blackburn College placed #8 among the best values for social science teacher education. Blackburn College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Carlinville. Students from in state pay about $28,149 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,255 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Blackburn College generally make around $33,739. That is a strong return on a $25,255 median debt. Blackburn College admits about 63% of applicants.

9

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value social science teacher education 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. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $26,910 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $52,130. Set against $26,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.