2026 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Illinois
Looking for the best-value Healthcare degree programs in Illinois? Our ranking highlights 240 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Healthcare Degree Search reviewed 63 schools to produce 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 Healthcare Degree Schools in Illinois
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
John A Logan College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Illinois. Based in Carterville, IL, John A Logan College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,540. Students borrow a median of $10,479 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $34,096 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about John A Logan College
You'll get strong value at Lincoln Land Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Springfield, IL, Lincoln Land Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,744 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $11,272. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lincoln Land Community College report
Out of the 63 schools in Illinois in this year's value ranking, Elgin Community College landed the #3 spot. Based in Elgin, IL, Elgin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, with out-of-state students paying around $9,516. The median Healthcare program debt is $7,727. Median earnings reach $45,516 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt. Read more about Elgin Community College
You'll get strong value at Kaskaskia College, which ranked #4 this year. Kaskaskia College is a public school based in Centralia, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800, compared with $12,570 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $7,875. Kaskaskia College alumni report median earnings of $38,801 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,875 median debt. Read the full report on Kaskaskia College
Highland Community College Freeport came in at #5 on this year's best-value Healthcare ranking in Illinois. Highland Community College Freeport is a public school based in Freeport, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,936, compared with $7,360 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,783 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,928. Set against $13,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Highland Community College Freeport report
Oakton Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Des Plaines, IL. Students from in state pay about $3,985 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,462 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $7,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,852. Set against $7,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Oakton Community College
Rend Lake College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Ina, IL, Rend Lake College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,500, with out-of-state students paying around $7,800. Rend Lake College Healthcare students take on a median of $8,688 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rend Lake College profile
College Of Lake County placed #8 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. College Of Lake County is a public school based in Grayslake, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,788, compared with $14,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $9,785. College Of Lake County alumni report median earnings of $43,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of Lake County report
Harper College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Palatine, IL, Harper College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,071. That is a strong return on a $10,963 median debt. Get the full Harper College report
Black Hawk College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Moline, IL, Black Hawk College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,920, compared with $8,100 for out-of-state students. Black Hawk College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,340 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,253. Set against $11,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Black Hawk College profile
Lake Land College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Mattoon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $7,769. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lake Land College
Carl Sandburg College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Galesburg, IL. Students from in state pay about $5,390 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. Carl Sandburg College Healthcare students take on a median of $8,604 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,274. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Carl Sandburg College
Moraine Valley Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Moraine Valley Community College is a public school based in Palos Hills, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,822, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Students borrow a median of $11,149 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Moraine Valley Community College profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Rasmussen College Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Rockford, IL, Rasmussen College Illinois is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,581. Typical Healthcare student debt is $28,798. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rasmussen College Illinois report
Southwestern Illinois College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Set in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,884 ten years after entry. Set against $10,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southwestern Illinois College profile
Waubonsee Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Sugar Grove, IL, Waubonsee Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,504 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Typical Healthcare student debt is $9,939. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,788 ten years after entry. Set against $9,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Waubonsee Community College
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $21,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
Governors State University placed #19 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. Located in University Park, IL, Governors State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,004. Governors State University Healthcare students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,169. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 48%. See the full Governors State University profile
Kishwaukee College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Kishwaukee College is a public school based in Malta, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $13,680. Students borrow a median of $10,328 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,657. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kishwaukee College
Illinois Central College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in East Peoria, IL, Illinois Central College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800, compared with $12,150 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,222 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,366. That is a strong return on a $12,222 median debt. Get the full Illinois Central College report
Rock Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Rockford, IL, Rock Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,334, while out-of-state students pay about $7,379. Students borrow a median of $9,236 to complete their Healthcare program here. Rock Valley College alumni report median earnings of $39,158 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rock Valley College profile
Eastern Illinois University placed #23 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. Based in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Eastern Illinois University Healthcare students take on a median of $24,293 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. That is a strong return on a $24,293 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
Prairie State College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Chicago Heights, IL, Prairie State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,176, while out-of-state students pay about $11,064. Students borrow a median of $15,663 to complete their Healthcare program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Prairie State College profile
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #25 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. University Of Illinois At Springfield Healthcare students take on a median of $24,925 in debt. University Of Illinois At Springfield alumni report median earnings of $57,103 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,925 median debt. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Illinois At Springfield profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Illinois
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Richland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Richland Community College is a public school based in Decatur, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,680 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,070. The median Healthcare program debt is $9,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,793 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,562 median debt. More on Richland Community College
City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $12,272. City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College alumni report median earnings of $32,427 a decade after entry. Set against $12,272 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College profile
John Wood Community College landed the #27 spot for value in Illinois this year. Located in Quincy, IL, John Wood Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,700. Typical Healthcare student debt is $13,844. Median earnings reach $38,631 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full John Wood Community College profile
Chicago State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Chicago, IL, Chicago State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,754, compared with $12,757 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $43,322. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,778. That is a strong return on a $43,322 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Chicago State University report
South Suburban College placed #30 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. Based in South Holland, IL, South Suburban College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,093 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,683. The median Healthcare program debt is $7,904. Median earnings reach $33,680 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Suburban College report
Joliet Junior College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Joliet, IL, Joliet Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,530 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Joliet Junior College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,995 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,889. Set against $11,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Joliet Junior College profile
Parkland College placed #32 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. Parkland College is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,284, with out-of-state students paying around $13,266. The median Healthcare program debt is $10,168. Parkland College alumni report median earnings of $38,320 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,168 median debt. Get the full Parkland College report
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Located in Olney, IL, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,260, while out-of-state students pay about $12,460. The median Healthcare program debt is $9,434. Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College alumni report median earnings of $37,533 a decade after entry. Set against $9,434 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College report
Lewis And Clark Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,340, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,602 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,724. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lewis And Clark Community College
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #35 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Healthcare program debt is $20,778. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Heartland Community College placed #36 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. Heartland Community College is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $13,110. Typical Healthcare student debt is $13,266. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,768 ten years after entry. Set against $13,266 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Heartland Community College
Danville Area Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Danville, IL, Danville Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,440, compared with $7,440 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,470 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,867 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Danville Area Community College profile
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical Healthcare student debt is $25,209. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
University Of St Francis came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Typical Healthcare student debt is $25,695. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,926. Set against $25,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants. See the full University Of St Francis profile
Triton College placed #40 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Illinois. Based in River Grove, IL, Triton College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,070, while out-of-state students pay about $15,330. Triton College Healthcare students take on a median of $12,994 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,728. Set against $12,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Triton College
Western Illinois University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,639 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Typical Healthcare student debt is $23,730. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
Illinois Valley Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Oglesby, IL, Illinois Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,385. Students borrow a median of $8,099 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $40,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,099 median debt. See the full Illinois Valley Community College profile
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. 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. Graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
Mckendree University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,740. Mckendree University Healthcare students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,572 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Kankakee Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kankakee, IL, Kankakee Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,830. Graduates carry a median of $13,289 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,767 ten years after entry. Set against $13,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Kankakee Community College profile
Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Graduates carry a median of $24,838 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,099 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,838 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lewis University profile
Mchenry County College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Crystal Lake, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,162, while out-of-state students pay about $14,399. Mchenry County College Healthcare students take on a median of $7,440 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,143 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mchenry County College
Bradley University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Graduates carry a median of $26,380 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,852. Set against $26,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bradley University
Concordia University Chicago landed the #50 spot for value in Illinois this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Typical Healthcare student debt is $26,956. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. More on Concordia University Chicago
More Healthcare Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · 63 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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