2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Illinois
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Illinois? This list ranks 240 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 78 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Illinois
Explore the best-value schools below:
Lincoln Land Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Science & Tech degree schools in Illinois. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,744, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,272. Lincoln Land Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,479 a decade after entry. Set against $11,272 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lincoln Land Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Elgin Community College earned it the #2 place in Illinois. Elgin Community College is a public school based in Elgin, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $9,516. Elgin Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $7,727 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,516 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt. Get the full Elgin Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southwestern Illinois College earned it the #3 place in Illinois. Located in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. The median Science & Tech program debt is $10,388. Median earnings reach $36,884 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southwestern Illinois College
Out of the 78 schools in Illinois in this year's value ranking, Black Hawk College landed the #4 spot. Located in Moline, IL, Black Hawk College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,100 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,340 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Black Hawk College
You'll get strong value at Harper College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Palatine, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,894, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. Students borrow a median of $10,963 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Harper College
John A Logan College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Carterville, IL, John A Logan College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $7,540. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,479. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,096. Set against $10,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on John A Logan College
Rend Lake College placed #7 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. Set in Ina, IL, Rend Lake College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,500, while out-of-state students pay about $7,800. Graduates carry a median of $8,688 in student loans. Rend Lake College alumni report median earnings of $35,775 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rend Lake College profile
Waubonsee Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sugar Grove, IL, Waubonsee Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,504 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Waubonsee Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,939 in debt. Waubonsee Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,788 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Waubonsee Community College
Kaskaskia College placed #9 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. Located in Centralia, IL, Kaskaskia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800, compared with $12,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,801. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kaskaskia College
College Of Lake County landed the #10 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Grayslake, IL, College Of Lake County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,788, compared with $14,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,785 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,424. That is a strong return on a $9,785 median debt. Read the full report on College Of Lake County
Rock Valley College placed #11 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. Located in Rockford, IL, Rock Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,334, while out-of-state students pay about $7,379. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,236. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,158. That is a strong return on a $9,236 median debt. See the full Rock Valley College profile
Moraine Valley Community College landed the #12 spot for value in Illinois this year. This public school is set in Palos Hills, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,822, compared with $9,846 for out-of-state students. Moraine Valley Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,149 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,892 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Moraine Valley Community College
Carl Sandburg College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Galesburg, IL, Carl Sandburg College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,390, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,604. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,274. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Carl Sandburg College
Concordia University Chicago ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
Illinois State University landed the #15 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $21,896. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University
Oakton Community College landed the #16 spot for value in Illinois this year. Located in Des Plaines, IL, Oakton Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,985 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,462 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,852. Set against $7,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oakton Community College
John Wood Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Quincy, IL, John Wood Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,100, compared with $8,700 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,844 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $38,631 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on John Wood Community College
Rasmussen College Illinois placed #18 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. This private for-profit school is set in Rockford, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,581. Rasmussen College Illinois Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Rasmussen College Illinois alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College Illinois profile
Lake Land College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Mattoon, IL, Lake Land College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,415 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Lake Land College Science & Tech students take on a median of $7,769 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,877 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lake Land College report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #20 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Eastern Illinois University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Graduates carry a median of $24,293 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile
Heartland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Normal, IL, Heartland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,550 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,110. Students borrow a median of $13,266 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,768. That is a strong return on a $13,266 median debt. More on Heartland Community College
Western Illinois University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Western Illinois University Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Governors State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in University Park, IL, Governors State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,004. Governors State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,169 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. Governors State University has an acceptance rate of 48%. Get the full Governors State University report
Illinois Central College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in East Peoria, IL, Illinois Central College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800, while out-of-state students pay about $12,150. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,222. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,366. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Illinois Central College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Illinois
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Kishwaukee College placed #26 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. Located in Malta, IL, Kishwaukee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, compared with $13,680 for out-of-state students. Kishwaukee College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,328 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,657. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kishwaukee College
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #27 spot for value in Illinois this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Joliet Junior College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Joliet Junior College is a public school based in Joliet, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,995. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Joliet Junior College
Lewis And Clark Community College landed the #29 spot for value in Illinois this year. Set in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,602. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,724 ten years after entry. Set against $9,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lewis And Clark Community College report
Richland Community College landed the #30 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Decatur, IL, Richland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,680, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,793. Set against $9,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Richland Community College
Mchenry County College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Crystal Lake, IL, Mchenry County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,162 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,399. Mchenry County College Science & Tech students take on a median of $7,440 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,143. That is a strong return on a $7,440 median debt. More on Mchenry County College
National Louis University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about National Louis University
Triton College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in River Grove, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,070, with out-of-state students paying around $15,330. Students borrow a median of $12,994 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Triton College alumni report median earnings of $41,728 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,994 median debt. Read more about Triton College
University Of Illinois At Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. Graduates carry a median of $24,925 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Springfield alumni report median earnings of $57,103 a decade after entry. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Springfield report
South Suburban College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in South Holland, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,093, compared with $12,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,904. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,680. That is a strong return on a $7,904 median debt. Read the full report on South Suburban College
Northern Illinois University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Northeastern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,383, with out-of-state students paying around $22,726. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $17,600. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,234 ten years after entry. Set against $17,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Northeastern Illinois University report
Danville Area Community College landed the #37 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Danville, IL, Danville Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,440, while out-of-state students pay about $7,440. Danville Area Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,470 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,867. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Danville Area Community College profile
City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College landed the #39 spot for value in Illinois this year. City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a public school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,272. Median earnings reach $32,427 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,272 median debt. More on City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College
University Of St Francis placed #40 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,695 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $63,926 ten years out. Set against $25,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of St Francis
Devry University Illinois ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Lisle, IL, Devry University Illinois is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $17,008 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $43,684 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,987. Set against $43,684 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Devry University Illinois
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,730 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Parkland College placed #43 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. Located in Champaign, IL, Parkland College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,284, with out-of-state students paying around $13,266. Graduates carry a median of $10,168 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,320 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,168 median debt. Read the full report on Parkland College
Kankakee Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Kankakee, IL, Kankakee Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, compared with $25,830 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,289 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Kankakee Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,767 a decade after entry. Set against $13,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Kankakee Community College report
Illinois Valley Community College landed the #45 spot for value in Illinois this year. This public school is set in Oglesby, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,385. Students borrow a median of $8,099 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Illinois Valley Community College report
Chicago State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Chicago State University is a public school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,754, while out-of-state students pay about $12,757. Graduates carry a median of $43,322 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,778 ten years out. Set against $43,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Chicago State University admits about 43% of applicants. See the full Chicago State University profile
University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,115. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $28,467. Set against $10,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College report
Aurora University placed #49 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Illinois. Based in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,507 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Aurora University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Aurora University report
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,797. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Olivet Nazarene University
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 78 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 240 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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