# Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By State (Affordable)
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-illinois

## Methodology

Ranked by lowest net price in Illinois

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

In Illinois, affordability remains a key factor for families considering higher education options. Many students are looking for colleges that not only fit their budget but also promise decent outcomes after graduation. For instance, the average net price for the schools on this list is significantly lower than the national average, making them attractive choices for cost-conscious students.

What distinguishes the top schools in this ranking is not just their low net price but also their graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. The schools listed below have been evaluated based on their net price, average earnings, graduation rates, and student debt. For example, Joliet Junior College has a low net price of $1,672 but a graduation rate of only 21%, while Lake Land College boasts a higher graduation rate at 56% with a slightly higher net price of $2,254. This gives us a clearer picture of which schools offer stronger outcomes for their investment.

Take Joliet Junior College and Lake Land College as examples. Joliet has a net price of $1,672 and lower graduation rates at 21%, while Lake Land's graduation rate stands at 56% with a net price of $2,254. Families must weigh these trade-offs carefully, as a slightly higher price may lead to better graduation outcomes and higher earnings in the long run. Understanding these nuances can help students and their families make informed decisions about their educational futures.

## Key Findings

- Joliet Junior College has a net price of just $1,672 but a graduation rate of only 21%.
- Lake Land College has a graduation rate of 56%, significantly higher than Joliet's rate.
- The average earnings for graduates from these colleges is $42,082.
- Illinois Valley Community College has the highest graduation rate in the top five at 43%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Joliet Junior College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/joliet-junior-college) | Joliet, IL | 21% | $42,889 | $1,672 | $9,711 | 0.23x |
| 2 | [Illinois Valley Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-valley-community-college) | Oglesby, IL | 43% | $40,810 | $2,232 | $8,233 | 0.2x |
| 3 | [Lake Land College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-land-college) | Mattoon, IL | 56% | $38,877 | $2,254 | $6,188 | 0.16x |
| 4 | [Moraine Valley Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/moraine-valley-community-college) | Palos Hills, IL | 37% | $43,892 | $2,829 | $9,500 | 0.22x |
| 5 | [Lewis and Clark Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lewis-and-clark-community-college) | Godfrey, IL | 46% | $37,724 | $3,349 | $6,751 | 0.18x |
| 6 | [Carl Sandburg College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carl-sandburg-college) | Galesburg, IL | 45% | $35,274 | $3,662 | $4,909 | 0.14x |
| 7 | [Richland Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/richland-community-college) | Decatur, IL | 52% | $38,793 | $3,741 | $8,256 | 0.21x |
| 8 | [Lincoln Land Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lincoln-land-community-college) | Springfield, IL | 45% | $38,479 | $4,299 | $11,011 | 0.29x |
| 9 | [Triton College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/triton-college) | River Grove, IL | 29% | $41,728 | $4,138 | $9,413 | 0.23x |
| 10 | [Kishwaukee College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kishwaukee-college) | Malta, IL | 42% | $39,657 | $4,574 | $9,395 | 0.24x |
| 11 | [Kankakee Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kankakee-community-college) | Kankakee, IL | 35% | $38,767 | $4,665 | $9,969 | 0.26x |
| 12 | [Prairie State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/prairie-state-college) | Chicago Heights, IL | 20% | $36,696 | $4,738 | $11,000 | 0.3x |
| 13 | [Danville Area Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/danville-area-community-college) | Danville, IL | 41% | $34,867 | $4,777 | $7,218 | 0.21x |
| 14 | [Rock Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rock-valley-college) | Rockford, IL | 38% | $39,158 | $5,242 | $8,500 | 0.22x |
| 15 | [Morton College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morton-college) | Cicero, IL | 30% | $42,406 | $5,191 | $8,000 | 0.19x |
| 16 | [Spoon River College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spoon-river-college) | Canton, IL | 42% | $38,386 | $3,415 | N/A | N/A |
| 17 | [Elgin Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/elgin-community-college) | Elgin, IL | 41% | $45,516 | $6,026 | $7,390 | 0.16x |
| 18 | [Kaskaskia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kaskaskia-college) | Centralia, IL | 49% | $38,801 | $6,477 | $3,750 | 0.1x |
| 19 | [Oakton College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oakton-college) | Des Plaines, IL | 34% | $47,852 | $5,183 | $5,250 | 0.11x |
| 20 | [Highland Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/highland-community-college-il) | Freeport, IL | 45% | $37,928 | $5,713 | $8,029 | 0.21x |
| 21 | [McHenry County College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mchenry-county-college) | Crystal Lake, IL | 38% | $45,143 | $7,042 | $6,260 | 0.14x |
| 22 | [John Wood Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/john-wood-community-college) | Quincy, IL | 48% | $38,631 | $7,050 | $8,029 | 0.21x |
| 23 | [Black Hawk College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/black-hawk-college) | Moline, IL | 41% | $37,253 | $6,944 | $8,375 | 0.22x |
| 24 | [College of Lake County](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-lake-county) | Grayslake, IL | 38% | $43,424 | $7,607 | $8,735 | 0.2x |
| 25 | [City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/city-colleges-of-chicago-wilbur-wright-college) | Chicago, IL | 32% | $41,625 | $6,375 | $6,500 | 0.16x |
| 26 | [Shawnee Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/shawnee-community-college) | Ullin, IL | 51% | $32,999 | $4,162 | N/A | N/A |
| 27 | [John A Logan College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/john-a-logan-college) | Carterville, IL | 43% | $34,096 | $5,541 | N/A | N/A |
| 28 | [South Suburban College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-suburban-college) | South Holland, IL | 26% | $33,680 | $3,242 | N/A | N/A |
| 29 | [Parkland College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/parkland-college) | Champaign, IL | 32% | $38,320 | $8,048 | $8,548 | 0.22x |
| 30 | [City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/city-colleges-of-chicago-malcolm-x-college) | Chicago, IL | 16% | $32,427 | $7,220 | $8,375 | 0.26x |
| 31 | [Sauk Valley Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sauk-valley-community-college) | Dixon, IL | 50% | $40,458 | $8,493 | $8,250 | 0.2x |
| 32 | [City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/city-colleges-of-chicago-harold-washington-college) | Chicago, IL | 27% | $36,531 | $7,397 | $5,750 | 0.16x |
| 33 | [College of DuPage](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-dupage) | Glen Ellyn, IL | 25% | $46,909 | $7,401 | $10,410 | 0.22x |
| 34 | [University of Illinois Springfield](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-springfield) | Springfield, IL | 57% | $57,103 | $9,833 | $19,128 | 0.33x |
| 35 | [City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/city-colleges-of-chicago-harry-s-truman-college) | Chicago, IL | 32% | $36,484 | $7,863 | $6,997 | 0.19x |
| 36 | [City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/city-colleges-of-chicago-richard-j-daley-college) | Chicago, IL | 27% | $37,962 | $7,886 | $4,500 | 0.12x |
| 37 | [Rend Lake College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rend-lake-college) | Ina, IL | 62% | $35,775 | $9,187 | $5,809 | 0.16x |
| 38 | [University of Illinois Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-illinois-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 61% | $68,740 | $10,974 | $16,704 | 0.24x |
| 39 | [City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/city-colleges-of-chicago-kennedy-king-college) | Chicago, IL | 29% | $28,467 | $9,494 | $6,180 | 0.22x |
| 40 | [Dominican University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dominican-university) | River Forest, IL | 59% | $60,327 | $11,745 | $24,411 | 0.4x |
| 41 | [City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/city-colleges-of-chicago-olive-harvey-college) | Chicago, IL | 21% | $31,114 | $9,038 | $7,646 | 0.25x |
| 42 | [Saint Xavier University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-xavier-university) | Chicago, IL | 58% | $58,656 | $10,970 | $22,223 | 0.38x |
| 43 | [Southwestern Illinois College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwestern-illinois-college) | Belleville, IL | 37% | $36,884 | $10,427 | $6,908 | 0.19x |
| 44 | [Illinois Eastern Community Colleges](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/illinois-eastern-community-colleges) | Olney, IL | 63% | $37,533 | $10,092 | $6,500 | 0.17x |
| 45 | [Eastern Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-illinois-university) | Charleston, IL | 46% | $51,989 | $12,786 | $21,500 | 0.41x |
| 46 | [Waubonsee Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/waubonsee-community-college) | Sugar Grove, IL | 40% | $44,788 | $11,442 | $7,000 | 0.16x |
| 47 | [Chicago State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chicago-state-university) | Chicago, IL | 16% | $42,778 | $12,335 | $30,625 | 0.72x |
| 48 | [Western Illinois University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-illinois-university) | Macomb, IL | 45% | $54,163 | $12,937 | $25,251 | 0.47x |
| 49 | [Governors State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/governors-state-university) | University Park, IL | 21% | $58,169 | $12,329 | $18,618 | 0.32x |
| 50 | [Heartland Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/heartland-community-college) | Normal, IL | 53% | $40,768 | $12,013 | $7,826 | 0.19x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Most Affordable Colleges in Illinois." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-illinois

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.