Best Economics Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 18 colleges offering Economics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,180 recent graduates. Graduates earn $50,590 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $48,479.

School choice matters significantly: University of Chicago graduates earn $85,637 while Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates earn $30,771 — a $54,866 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$50,590

IL Avg. Earnings

$48,479

National Avg.

413

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Economics in Illinois

Public Schools (6)

$44,699

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (12)

$53,535

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $8,836 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Economics Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$85,637

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $82,564

Graduates: 195

Acceptance: 4.8%

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$73,035

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $71,488

Graduates: 231

Acceptance: 7.1%

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

$61,516

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 45.2%

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$56,641

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $51,272

Graduates: 53

Acceptance: 58.3%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$54,817

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $50,008

Graduates: 304

Acceptance: 43.7%

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private

$54,644

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 79.8%

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL · Private

$49,058

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $45,757

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 66.9%

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

$48,823

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $48,279

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 75.7%

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$47,260

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,822

Graduates: 63

Acceptance: 70.5%

#10

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$46,422

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,992

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 89.0%

#11

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · Private

$46,087

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $58,782

Graduates: 24

Acceptance: 59.4%

#12

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private

$46,087

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $62,269

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 90.0%

#13

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$45,500

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,577

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 70.4%

#14

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$44,942

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,736

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 71.1%

#15

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$43,426

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,239

Graduates: 95

Acceptance: 78.5%

#16

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$39,009

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $45,884

Graduates: 24

Acceptance: 73.5%

#17

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$36,941

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,580

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 67.7%

#18

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$30,771

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 90.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Economics in Illinois?

University of Chicago ranks #1 for Economics in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $85,637 within two years of graduation. There are 18 schools offering Economics programs in the state.

How much do Economics graduates earn in Illinois?

Economics graduates in Illinois earn an average of $50,590 within two years of graduation. This is 4% above the national average of $48,479 for this major.

What is the hardest Economics school to get into in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most selective Economics program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Economics programs in the state is 63.4%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Economics in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Economics programs produce average earnings of $53,535 vs $44,699 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 12 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773

All colleges in Illinois →

Economics in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.