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Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in Illinois

2023 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in Illinois

45 Schools Ranked
$25,072 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,580 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which trade school program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. Our analysis looked at 45 schools in Illinois to see which bachelor's degree programs were the most popular for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

2,016 Total Awards
$15,416 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,422 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Southern Illinois University Carbondale to be the most popular school for trade school students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Illinois. SIUC is located in Carbondale, Illinois and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,016 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $15,416 to cover tuition and fees at SIUC. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from SIUC accumulate an average of $22,422 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SIUC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 46% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale

5,250 Total Awards
$15,472 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,464 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of Illinois at Chicago is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. UIC is located in Chicago, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 5,250 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from Illinois who attend UIC full time pay an average of $15,472 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $30,841. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UIC accumulate an average of $18,464 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UIC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#3

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
3,047 Total Awards
$43,100 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,664 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at DePaul University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Illinois. DePaul is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,047 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

DePaul does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $43,100. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,664 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at DePaul. In fact, around 65% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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#4

DeVry University - Illinois

Naperville, Illinois
1,581 Total Awards
$15,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$40,596 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend DeVry University - Illinois. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois list. DeVry University - Illinois is a large private for-profit school located in Naperville, Illinois that handed out 1,581 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at DeVry University - Illinois is $15,032. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $40,596 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at DeVry University - Illinois. In 2020-2021 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on DeVry University - Illinois

#5

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
2,844 Total Awards
$12,472 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,475 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Northern Illinois University is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. NIU is a fairly large public school situated in Dekalb, Illinois. It awarded 2,844 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at NIU is $12,472. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,475 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NIU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 74% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Northern Illinois University Report

#6

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois
1,124 Total Awards
$36,530 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,218 Avg Student Debt

Lewis University ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois list. Located in Romeoville, Illinois, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,124 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $36,530 to cover tuition and fees at Lewis. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,218 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Online courses are available at Lewis, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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9,150 Total Awards
$17,782 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,078 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. UIUC is located in Champaign, Illinois and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 9,150 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UIUC is $17,782. Out-of-state students pay an average of $38,362. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UIUC accumulate an average of $19,078 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UIUC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Report

#8

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
4,495 Total Awards
$13,941 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,765 Avg Student Debt

Illinois State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #8 on the list. Illinois State is a large public school situated in Normal, Illinois. It awarded 4,495 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $13,941 in tuition and fees if they attend Illinois State full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $23,209. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Illinois State accumulate an average of $19,765 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Illinois State does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 42% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Illinois State University Report

#9

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
437 Total Awards
$23,804 Avg Student Debt

University of St Francis did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #9 on the list. University of Saint Francis is located in Joliet, Illinois and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 437 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from University of Saint Francis accumulate an average of $23,804 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

University of Saint Francis does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 79% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of St Francis

#10

Roosevelt University

Chicago, Illinois
687 Total Awards
$23,910 Avg Student Debt

Roosevelt University ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 687 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,910 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Roosevelt does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Roosevelt University Report

#11

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois
329 Total Awards
$34,964 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,139 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Chicago ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois list. River Forest, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 329 students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $34,964 to cover tuition and fees at Concordia University, Chicago. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,139 in student loans. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Concordia University, Chicago does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 69% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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#12

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
1,237 Total Awards
$13,661 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,033 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Western Illinois University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Macomb, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,237 students in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend WIU, expect to pay an average of $13,661 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,033 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WIU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 83% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#13

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
3,286 Total Awards
$49,498 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,633 Avg Student Debt

Loyola University Chicago landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 3,286 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Loyola Chicago does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $49,498. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,633 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Loyola Chicago. During the 2020-2021 year, about 32% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Loyola University Chicago Report

#14

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois
799 Total Awards
$14,244 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,783 Avg Student Debt

National Louis University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #14 on the list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 799 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

NLU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $14,244. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,783 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at NLU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 51% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on National Louis University

#15

Oak Point University

Oak Brook, Illinois
288 Total Awards
$23,188 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,907 Avg Student Debt

Oak Point University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois list. Oak Brook, Illinois is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 288 students in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Oak Point, expect to pay an average of $23,188 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Oak Point accumulate an average of $22,907 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Oak Point. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 15% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Oak Point University Report

#16

Rush University

Chicago, Illinois
33 Total Awards
$24,594 Avg Student Debt

Rush University ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 33 students in 2021-2022.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,594 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Rush University does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 50% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Rush University

#17

Wheaton College Illinois

Wheaton, Illinois
648 Total Awards
$42,240 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #17, Wheaton College Illinois did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Wheaton College Illinois is a small private not-for-profit school located in Wheaton, Illinois that handed out 648 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Wheaton College Illinois is $42,240. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

North Park University

Chicago, Illinois
369 Total Awards
$34,020 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,848 Avg Student Debt

North Park University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 369 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

North Park does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $34,020. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,848 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

North Park does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 36% took at least some of their classes online.

Full North Park University Report

#19

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois
665 Total Awards
$10,468 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,201 Avg Student Debt

Governors State University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. University Park, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 665 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $10,468 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend GSU. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,980. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,201 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at GSU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 81% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#20

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois
1,132 Total Awards
$12,809 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,026 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Charleston, Illinois, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,132 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $12,809 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend EIU. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,274. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,026 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

One thing to take note of is that EIU does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 39% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#21

North Central College

Naperville, Illinois
653 Total Awards
$43,046 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,041 Avg Student Debt

North Central College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Located in Naperville, Illinois, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 653 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $43,046 to cover tuition and fees at North Central. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,041 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at North Central. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on North Central College

#22

Methodist College

Peoria, Illinois
138 Total Awards
$18,008 Average Tuition & Fees
$34,801 Avg Student Debt

Methodist College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. Located in Peoria, Illinois, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 138 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Methodist College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $18,008. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Methodist College accumulate an average of $34,801 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Methodist College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 65% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Methodist College

#23

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, Illinois
627 Total Awards
$50,279 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,274 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Institute of Technology came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Illinois ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 627 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Illinois Tech does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $50,279. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,274 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 37% were women.

Illinois Tech does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 40% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#24

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois
301 Total Awards
$12,018 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,257 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Chicago State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. CSU is a small public school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 301 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend CSU, expect to pay an average of $12,018 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from CSU accumulate an average of $31,257 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CSU. During the 2020-2021 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Chicago State University

#24

East-West University

Chicago, Illinois
36 Total Awards
$23,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,176 Avg Student Debt

East-West University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. East - West University is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 36 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

East - West University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $23,400. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,176 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Read full report on East-West University

Most Popular Trade School Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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