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2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in Illinois

1 Colleges in the United States
$33,522 Avg Student Debt
$60,006 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Badge [Individualized Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/individualized-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for individualized studies students.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in individualized studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Individualized Studies Schools

1

For return on investment in individualized studies, no school beat University Of Illinois At Springfield this year. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Students borrow a median of $29,467 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $53,344 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

2

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Western Illinois University, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $28,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $38,196. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants.

3
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Depaul University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $42,350 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $73,200. Set against $42,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

View All Individualized Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 7 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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