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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Illinois
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Illinois? This list ranks 240 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College analyzed 59 schools to compile 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 Trade Degree Schools in Illinois
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is John A Logan College, our #1 best-value Trade school in Illinois. Based in Carterville, IL, John A Logan College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $7,540. Typical Trade student debt is $10,479. Median earnings reach $34,096 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on John A Logan College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kaskaskia College earned it the #2 place in Illinois. Based in Centralia, IL, Kaskaskia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800, while out-of-state students pay about $12,570. Typical Trade student debt is $7,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,801 ten years after entry. Set against $7,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Kaskaskia College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Highland Community College Freeport earned it the #3 place in Illinois. Located in Freeport, IL, Highland Community College Freeport is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,936, compared with $7,360 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,783 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $37,928 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,783 median debt. Get the full Highland Community College Freeport report
Out of the 59 schools in Illinois in this year's value ranking, Lincoln Land Community College landed the #4 spot. Set in Springfield, IL, Lincoln Land Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,744, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Graduates carry a median of $11,272 in student loans. Lincoln Land Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,479 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lincoln Land Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Lake County earned it the #5 place in Illinois. Set in Grayslake, IL, College Of Lake County is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,788, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Typical Trade student debt is $9,785. Median earnings reach $43,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on College Of Lake County
Oakton Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Des Plaines, IL, Oakton Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,985, compared with $12,462 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,750 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Oakton Community College profile
Rend Lake College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Ina, IL, Rend Lake College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,500, compared with $7,800 for out-of-state students. Rend Lake College Trade students take on a median of $8,688 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,775 ten years after entry. Set against $8,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Rend Lake College
Harper College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Palatine, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,894, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. The median Trade program debt is $10,963. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Harper College
Black Hawk College landed the #9 spot for value in Illinois this year. Set in Moline, IL, Black Hawk College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, compared with $8,100 for out-of-state students. Black Hawk College Trade students take on a median of $11,340 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Black Hawk College
Elgin Community College landed the #10 spot for value in Illinois this year. Elgin Community College is a public school based in Elgin, IL. Students from in state pay about $3,252 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,516 ten years after entry. Set against $7,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Elgin Community College
Rock Valley College landed the #11 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Rockford, IL, Rock Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,334 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,379. Rock Valley College Trade students take on a median of $9,236 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,158. That is a strong return on a $9,236 median debt. Get the full Rock Valley College report
Southwestern Illinois College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Belleville, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Graduates carry a median of $10,388 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,884 ten years out. Set against $10,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southwestern Illinois College
Carl Sandburg College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Galesburg, IL, Carl Sandburg College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,390, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. Carl Sandburg College Trade 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
Lake Land College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Lake Land College is a public school based in Mattoon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Lake Land College Trade students take on a median of $7,769 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,877 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Land College
Morton College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cicero, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,884 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,028. Morton College Trade students take on a median of $7,734 in debt. Morton College alumni report median earnings of $42,406 a decade after entry. Set against $7,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Morton College
Moraine Valley Community College placed #16 among the best-value Trade schools in Illinois. Set in Palos Hills, IL, Moraine Valley Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,822 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. Typical Trade student debt is $11,149. Moraine Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,892 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,149 median debt. Read more about Moraine Valley Community College
Rasmussen College Illinois landed the #17 spot for value in Illinois this year. This private for-profit school is set in Rockford, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $16,581. The median Trade program debt is $28,798. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rasmussen College Illinois profile
Waubonsee Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Sugar Grove, IL, Waubonsee Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,504, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Waubonsee Community College Trade students take on a median of $9,939 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,788 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,939 median debt. See the full Waubonsee Community College profile
Devry University Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Lisle, IL, Devry University Illinois is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,008. Devry University Illinois Trade students take on a median of $43,684 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,987 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $43,684 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Devry University Illinois
Illinois Central College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in East Peoria, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800, while out-of-state students pay about $12,150. Typical Trade student debt is $12,222. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,366. Set against $12,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Illinois Central College
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Trade program debt is $21,896. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University
Kishwaukee College placed #22 among the best-value Trade schools in Illinois. Kishwaukee College is a public school based in Malta, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,560, compared with $13,680 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $10,328. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,657 ten years after entry. Set against $10,328 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Kishwaukee College
Prairie State College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Chicago Heights, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,176 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,064. Graduates carry a median of $15,663 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,696 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,663 median debt. More on Prairie State College
City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $12,272 to complete their Trade program here. 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
Richland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Richland Community College is a public school based in Decatur, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,680 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,070 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $9,562. Median earnings reach $38,793 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,562 median debt. See the full Richland Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Illinois
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
National Louis University landed the #26 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. National Louis University Trade students take on a median of $29,242 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on National Louis University
South Suburban College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. South Suburban College is a public school based in South Holland, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,093, with out-of-state students paying around $12,683. Graduates carry a median of $7,904 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,680 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,904 median debt. Read more about South Suburban College
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Typical Trade student debt is $25,209. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
Western Illinois University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Typical Trade student debt is $27,639. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Lewis And Clark Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. Graduates carry a median of $9,602 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,724. Set against $9,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lewis And Clark Community College report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,730 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. Set against $23,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Joliet Junior College came in at #32 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. The median Trade program debt is $11,995. Median earnings reach $42,889 ten years out. Set against $11,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Joliet Junior College
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Olney, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,260, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,434 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,533 ten years after entry. Set against $9,434 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College
Sauk Valley Community College placed #34 among the best-value Trade schools in Illinois. Sauk Valley Community College is a public school based in Dixon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,340, compared with $12,900 for out-of-state students. Sauk Valley Community College Trade students take on a median of $12,811 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sauk Valley Community College
Heartland Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Heartland Community College is a public school based in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $13,110. The median Trade program debt is $13,266. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,768 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Heartland Community College report
Parkland College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Champaign, IL, Parkland College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,284, compared with $13,266 for out-of-state students. 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. See the full Parkland College profile
Eastern Illinois University landed the #37 spot for value in Illinois this year. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $24,293 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, 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
John Wood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Quincy, IL, John Wood Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,100, with out-of-state students paying around $8,700. Students borrow a median of $13,844 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,631 ten years after entry. Set against $13,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full John Wood Community College profile
Danville Area Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Danville, IL, Danville Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,440, with out-of-state students paying around $7,440. The median Trade program debt is $9,470. 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
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. 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, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $20,778. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Triton College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in River Grove, IL, Triton College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,070, while out-of-state students pay about $15,330. Students borrow a median of $12,994 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,728. That is a strong return on a $12,994 median debt. Get the full Triton College report
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete their Trade program here. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
Illinois Valley Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Illinois Valley Community College is a public school based in Oglesby, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,200, while out-of-state students pay about $16,385. Students borrow a median of $8,099 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,810. That is a strong return on a $8,099 median debt. Read more about Illinois Valley Community College
Chicago State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Chicago State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,754, while out-of-state students pay about $12,757. Typical Trade student debt is $43,322. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. See the full Chicago State University profile
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a public school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Students borrow a median of $10,250 to complete their Trade program here. City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College alumni report median earnings of $28,467 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College profile
Kankakee Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Kankakee, IL, Kankakee Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,830. Kankakee Community College Trade students take on a median of $13,289 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,767 ten years out. Set against $13,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Kankakee Community College
Mchenry County College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Crystal Lake, IL, Mchenry County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,162, with out-of-state students paying around $14,399. Mchenry County College Trade students take on a median of $7,440 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,143 ten years after entry. Set against $7,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mchenry County College
University Of St Francis landed the #48 spot for value in Illinois this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. Graduates carry a median of $25,695 in student loans. University Of St Francis alumni report median earnings of $63,926 a decade after entry. Set against $25,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Francis has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on University Of St Francis
Concordia University Chicago landed the #49 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. Concordia University Chicago Trade students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Roosevelt University placed #50 among the best-value Trade schools in Illinois. Set in Chicago, IL, Roosevelt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,315. Roosevelt University Trade students take on a median of $23,879 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,712. That is a strong return on a $23,879 median debt. Roosevelt University admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full Roosevelt University report
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Trade College (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 · 59 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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