2024 Best Colleges for Economics in Illinois

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Economics programs in Illinois. We looked at 30 programs to put our Economics rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Economics in Illinois. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Economics is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Economics: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Economics in Illinois. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Economics undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in Illinois. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Economics degree in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Economics Majors in Illinois

What is the best university for majoring in Economics in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the best university for majoring in Economics based on earnings data. On average, graduates from University of Chicago earned an average of $85,637 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Economics in Illinois?

Northeastern Illinois University is the cheapest university for majoring in Economics based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $9,351 to attend Northeastern Illinois University.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Economics in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most expensive university for majoring in Economics based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $51,351 to attend University of Chicago.

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#1 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $85,637
Average Debt $17,000
Program Size 715
University of Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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University of Chicago, located in Chicago, IL has 715 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $85,637.
Acceptance Rate 8%
Undergraduates 4,896 students
Tuition $51,351
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#2 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $73,035
Average Debt $15,080
Program Size 767
Northwestern University
4 Year
Evanston, IL
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Northwestern University, located in Evanston, IL has 767 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $73,035.
Acceptance Rate 13%
Undergraduates 7,290 students
Tuition $49,047
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#3 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $63,005
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 26
Illinois Wesleyan University
4 Year
Bloomington, IL
Illinois Wesleyan University, located in Bloomington, IL has 26 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $63,005.
Acceptance Rate 62%
Undergraduates 437 students
Tuition $42,490
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#4 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $58,970
Average Debt $24,875
Program Size 66
Wheaton College
4 Year
Wheaton, IL
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Wheaton College , located in Wheaton, IL has 66 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $58,970.
Acceptance Rate 71%
Undergraduates 813 students
Tuition $32,950
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#5 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $56,641
Average Debt $22,110
Program Size 75
North Central College (NCC)
4 Year
Naperville, IL
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North Central College (NCC), located in Naperville, IL has 75 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $56,641.
Acceptance Rate 57%
Undergraduates 770 students
Tuition $35,421
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#6 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $56,415
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 46
Lake Forest College
4 Year
Lake Forest, IL
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Lake Forest College, located in Lake Forest, IL has 46 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $56,415.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 403 students
Tuition $42,644
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#7 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $54,817
Average Debt $18,259
Program Size 905
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
4 Year
Champaign, IL
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), located in Champaign, IL has 905 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $54,817.
Acceptance Rate 66%
Undergraduates 12,243 students
Tuition $15,054
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#8 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $54,644
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 21
Dominican University
4 Year
River Forest, IL
Dominican University, located in River Forest, IL has 21 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $54,644.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 1,036 students
Tuition $30,670
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#9 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $50,856
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 32
Augustana College
4 Year
Rock Island, IL
Augustana College, located in Rock Island, IL has 32 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $50,856.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 501 students
Tuition $38,466
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#10 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $49,136
Average Debt $20,948
Program Size 28
Elmhurst College
4 Year
Elmhurst, IL
Elmhurst College, located in Elmhurst, IL has 28 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $49,136.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 915 students
Tuition $34,450
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#11 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $49,058
Average Debt $26,500
Program Size 48
Olivet Nazarene University
4 Year
Bourbonnais, IL
Olivet Nazarene University, located in Bourbonnais, IL has 48 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $49,058.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 1,496 students
Tuition $32,790
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#12 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $47,260
Average Debt $22,865
Program Size 97
Northern Illinois University
4 Year
Dekalb, IL
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Northern Illinois University, located in Dekalb, IL has 97 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $47,260.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 5,217 students
Tuition $14,295
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#13 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $46,422
Average Debt $26,250
Program Size 65
Illinois State University
4 Year
Normal, IL
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Illinois State University, located in Normal, IL has 65 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $46,422.
Acceptance Rate 88%
Undergraduates 5,164 students
Tuition $13,666
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#14 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $45,500
Average Debt $19,618
Program Size 162
University of Illinois at Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
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University of Illinois at Chicago, located in Chicago, IL has 162 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $45,500.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 7,334 students
Tuition $13,664
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#15 Best College for Economics
Average Salary $45,500
Average Debt $18,194
Program Size 56
Northeastern Illinois University
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Northeastern Illinois University, located in Chicago, IL has 56 students majoring in Economics. On average, graduates earn $45,500.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 2,103 students
Tuition $9,351
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