2026 Best Value Romance Languages Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

For return on investment in romance languages, 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Romance Languages graduates carry a median of $17,559 in student loans. Early-career romance languages graduates make about $61,829. Set against $17,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

2

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value romance languages schools. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical student debt for romance languages graduates is $21,250. Romance Languages graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $40,586 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

A rank of #3 makes University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign one of the best values for romance languages. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical student debt for romance languages graduates is $21,800. Romance Languages graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $38,942 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,800 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

4

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value romance languages schools. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Romance Languages graduates carry a median of $22,375 in student loans. Soon after graduation, romance languages degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $49,448. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5

Wheaton College Illinois
Wheaton, IL

Wheaton College Illinois came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value romance languages schools. Set in the suburb of Wheaton, Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,546. Typical student debt for romance languages graduates is $26,650. Soon after graduation, romance languages degree recipients from Wheaton College Illinois generally make around $37,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

6

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago landed the #6 spot for romance languages value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Students borrow a median of $22,698 to complete the romance languages program here. Romance Languages graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $58,568 early in their careers. Set against $22,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.