2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago earned the #1 spot for value among general economics schools in Illinois. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $19,002. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $37,767. That is a strong return on a $19,002 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

2

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general economics, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,879 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $45,386 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

3

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

A rank of #3 makes Western Illinois University one of the best values for general economics. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $27,639. Early-career general economics graduates make about $47,926. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants.

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for strong value in general economics will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #4. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $21,228. Early-career general economics graduates make about $58,921. Set against $21,228 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

5

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of $54,302 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants.

6

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago earned the #6 position for value in general economics this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $13,197. Early-career general economics graduates make about $92,075. That is a strong return on a $13,197 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

7

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Located in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Students borrow a median of $25,049 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $37,798. That is a strong return on a $25,049 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

8

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #8 spot for general economics value this year. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $25,000. Early-career general economics graduates make about $44,015. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.

9

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University earned the #9 position for value in general economics this year. Set in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $27,000. General Economics graduates of Olivet Nazarene University earn a median of $54,169 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.

10

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University landed the #10 spot for general economics value this year. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $16,227. Early-career general economics graduates make about $84,932. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

11

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics 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. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $22,433. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $53,417. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.

12

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago came in at #12 for value in general economics this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $23,521. General Economics graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $58,568 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.