2026 Best Value Physician Assistant Schools in Illinois

1

Dominican University
River Forest, IL

For return on investment in physician assistant, no school beat Dominican University this year. Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of River Forest. Students from in state pay about $38,828 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physician assistant graduates is $26,236. Early-career physician assistant graduates make about $112,516. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

2

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned it the #2 place for physician assistant. Located in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physician assistant graduates is $20,985. Early-career physician assistant graduates make about $88,835. That is a strong return on a $20,985 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.

3

University Of St Francis
Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value physician assistant schools. Set in the suburb of Joliet, University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the physician assistant program here. Early-career physician assistant graduates make about $81,259. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

4

North Central College
Naperville, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Central College earned it the #4 place for physician assistant. Located in the city of Naperville, North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,726. Physician Assistant graduates carry a median of $25,699 in student loans. Early-career physician assistant graduates make about $46,247. That is a strong return on a $25,699 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

5

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

A rank of #5 makes Northwestern University one of the best values for physician assistant. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for physician assistant graduates is $16,616. Physician Assistant graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $107,097 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.