Affordable Colleges in Chicago

Hey there, I'm planning my college apps and the cost is a big factor for me. Does anyone know of any cheap colleges within the Chicago area? Love the city vibe there and would seriously consider it if it’s affordable.

Certainly, there are several affordable colleges within the Chicago area that could be great options for you.

One option is the University of Illinois - Chicago (UIC), it's a public university that offers a great city experience while also being affordable, especially for in-state students. While tuition and fees may change each year, you'll likely find it less pricey than private peers in the area.

Additionally, Chicago State University is also a public institution and highly affordable, with many students gaining access to scholarships and grants that further reduce the cost.

For those looking for a smaller, private institution, North Park University is worth checking out. Their tuition rates are often significantly lower than comparable private colleges in the city. They also have a robust financial aid program which reduces costs for many of their students.

Then there's DePaul University, while it is a larger private institution, DePaul has a reputation for offering generous financial aid packages which can make attending more feasible for students.

Lastly, community colleges like City Colleges of Chicago, might also be a convenient and cost-effective way to start your higher education, especially if you'd be willing to transfer to a 4-year institution later.

Everything said, remember the listed prices are not necessarily what you'll end up paying. Financial aid can decrease this amount significantly. Therefore, you might want to run numbers through net price calculators for each school. This may give you a clearer picture of the actual cost for you and your family.

Keep in mind that in addition to tuition, living expenses in Chicago can be on the higher side in comparison to other cities, so definitely account for that in your budgeting.