The Best Entrepreneurship Programs in Illinois for 2026
The best entrepreneurship programs in Illinois are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 14 business programs in Illinois on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in entrepreneurship actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 14 ranked programs in Illinois runs from $12,789 to $57,500 a year, a $44,711 spread for the same credential.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign tops the list with a 96.5 Hakia Score on an 85% graduation rate, at $14,975 a year in-state. Across all 14 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 64%, ranging from 36% to 85%. The national median pay in the field is $123,835 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks first among Illinois's business programs with a 96.5 Hakia Score and an 85% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 14 ranked Illinois programs spans $12,789 to $57,500 a year, a $44,711 gap for the same bachelor's in entrepreneurship.
- The 14 ranked Illinois programs graduate 64% of students on average, from 36% to 85%.
- 2 of the 14 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Illinois residents.
- National median pay in the field is $123,835 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Illinois program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 14 accredited programs in Illinois reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 14 Best Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Illinois, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL | Public | $14,975 | 85% | 42% | 96.5 |
| 2 | Illinois Wesleyan UniversityBloomington, IL | Nonprofit | $57,500 | 75% | 39% | 86.1 |
| 3 | DePaul UniversityChicago, IL | Nonprofit | $44,601 | 68% | 76% | 82.1 |
| 4 | Bradley UniversityPeoria, IL | Nonprofit | $41,210 | 76% | 77% | 80.2 |
| 5 | University of Illinois ChicagoChicago, IL | Public | $12,789 | 62% | 77% | 79.8 |
| 6 | University of St FrancisJoliet, IL | Nonprofit | $38,110 | 67% | 65% | 78.8 |
| 7 | Principia CollegeElsah, IL | Nonprofit | $33,600 | 74% | NR | 78.7 |
| 8 | North Central CollegeNaperville, IL | Nonprofit | $45,446 | 64% | 77% | 77.2 |
| 9 | Loyola University ChicagoChicago, IL | Nonprofit | $52,230 | 73% | 82% | 76.9 |
| 10 | Millikin UniversityDecatur, IL | Nonprofit | $26,000 | 55% | 67% | 69.3 |
| 11 | Trinity Christian CollegePalos Heights, IL | Nonprofit | $19,980 | 58% | 85% | 68.4 |
| 12 | Dominican UniversityRiver Forest, IL | Nonprofit | $38,328 | 55% | 90% | 61.4 |
| 13 | Benedictine UniversityLisle, IL | Nonprofit | $31,126 | 50% | 95% | 60.6 |
| 14 | Concordia University-ChicagoRiver Forest, IL | Nonprofit | $36,430 | 36% | 93% | 57.4 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
How the Top Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Illinois Compare
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
The Top Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Illinois, School by School
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
- Grad rate
- 85%
- Admit rate
- 42%
- In-state
- $14,975
- Out-of-state
- $36,804
At $14,975 a year in-state, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is among the more affordable bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs ranked here, holding a 96.5 Hakia Score on an 85% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 96.5, #1 of 14
- 85% graduation rate
- $14,975 in-state vs $36,804 out-of-state
- Top graduation rate on this list
Based in Champaign, IL, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program lands at #1 of the 14 ranked here, earning a 96.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 75.2 group average. The program graduates 85% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign admits 42% of applicants, more selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign charges $14,975 a year in-state, roughly 2.5x the $36,804 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $59,900 in tuition for residents, against $147,216 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 39%
- In-state
- $57,500
- Out-of-state
- $57,500
Illinois Wesleyan University graduates 75% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on an 86.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 86.1, #2 of 14
- 75% graduation rate
- $57,500 tuition
- Most selective program here
Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, nonprofit institution in Bloomington, IL. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #2 of the 14 analyzed here with an 86.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the top third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 75% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Illinois Wesleyan University admits 39% of applicants, more selective than the 74% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,582 students.
On cost, Illinois Wesleyan University charges $57,500 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $230,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 2x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 68%
- Admit rate
- 76%
- In-state
- $44,601
- Out-of-state
- $44,601
DePaul University graduates 68% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on an 82.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 82.1, #3 of 14
- 68% graduation rate
- $44,601 tuition
- Admits just 76% of applicants
DePaul University is a private, nonprofit institution in Chicago, IL. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #3 of the 14 analyzed here with an 82.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the top third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 68% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. DePaul University admits 76% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, DePaul University charges $44,601 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $178,404 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Bradley University
Peoria, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 76%
- Admit rate
- 77%
- In-state
- $41,210
- Out-of-state
- $41,210
Bradley University graduates 76% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on an 80.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 80.2, #4 of 14
- 76% graduation rate
- $41,210 tuition
- Admits just 77% of applicants
Bradley University is a private, nonprofit institution in Peoria, IL. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #4 of the 14 analyzed here with an 80.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the top third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 76% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Bradley University admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%. The university enrolls 4,777 students overall.
On cost, Bradley University charges $41,210 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $164,840 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL · Public
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 77%
- In-state
- $12,789
- Out-of-state
- $28,849
At $12,789 a year in-state, University of Illinois Chicago is among the more affordable bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs ranked here, holding a 79.8 Hakia Score on a 62% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 79.8, #5 of 14
- 62% graduation rate
- $12,789 in-state vs $28,849 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Chicago, IL, University of Illinois Chicago is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program lands at #5 of the 14 ranked here, earning a 79.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the middle third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. University of Illinois Chicago admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, University of Illinois Chicago charges $12,789 a year in-state, roughly 2.3x the $28,849 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $51,156 in tuition for residents, against $115,396 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
University of St Francis
Joliet, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- 65%
- In-state
- $38,110
- Out-of-state
- $38,110
University of St Francis graduates 67% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on a 78.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 78.8, #6 of 14
- 67% graduation rate
- $38,110 tuition
- Admits just 65% of applicants
Based in Joliet, IL, University of St Francis is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program lands at #6 of the 14 ranked here, earning a 78.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the middle third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 67% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. University of St Francis admits 65% of applicants, more selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, University of St Francis charges $38,110 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $152,440 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Principia College
Elsah, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 74%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $33,600
- Out-of-state
- $33,600
Principia College graduates 74% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on a 78.7 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 78.7, #7 of 14
- 74% graduation rate
- $33,600 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Elsah, IL, Principia College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program lands at #7 of the 14 ranked here, earning a 78.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the middle third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 74% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 339 students.
On cost, Principia College charges $33,600 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $134,400 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 4x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
North Central College
Naperville, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 77%
- In-state
- $45,446
- Out-of-state
- $45,446
North Central College graduates 64% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on a 77.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 77.2, #8 of 14
- 64% graduation rate
- $45,446 tuition
- Admits just 77% of applicants
North Central College is a private, nonprofit institution in Naperville, IL. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #8 of the 14 analyzed here with a 77.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the middle third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. North Central College admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, North Central College charges $45,446 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $181,784 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 73%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $52,230
- Out-of-state
- $52,230
Loyola University Chicago graduates 73% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on a 76.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 76.9, #9 of 14
- 73% graduation rate
- $52,230 tuition
- Admits just 82% of applicants
Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program lands at #9 of the 14 ranked here, earning a 76.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the middle third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 73% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Loyola University Chicago admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, Loyola University Chicago charges $52,230 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $208,920 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Millikin University
Decatur, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 67%
- In-state
- $26,000
- Out-of-state
- $26,000
At $26,000 a year in-state, Millikin University is among the more affordable bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs ranked here, holding a 69.3 Hakia Score on a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.3, #10 of 14
- 55% graduation rate
- $26,000 tuition
- Admits just 67% of applicants
Millikin University is a private, nonprofit institution in Decatur, IL. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #10 of the 14 analyzed here with a 69.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.2 group average, in the lower third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Millikin University admits 67% of applicants, more selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, Millikin University charges $26,000 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $104,000 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Trinity Christian College
Palos Heights, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 58%
- Admit rate
- 85%
- In-state
- $19,980
- Out-of-state
- $19,980
At $19,980 a year in-state, Trinity Christian College is among the more affordable bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs ranked here, holding a 68.4 Hakia Score on a 58% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.4, #11 of 14
- 58% graduation rate
- $19,980 tuition
- Admits just 85% of applicants
Trinity Christian College is a private, nonprofit institution in Palos Heights, IL. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #11 of the 14 analyzed here with a 68.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.2 group average, in the lower third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 58% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Trinity Christian College admits 85% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, Trinity Christian College charges $19,980 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $79,920 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Dominican University
River Forest, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- In-state
- $38,328
- Out-of-state
- $38,328
Dominican University ranks #12 of the 14 bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs in this analysis, with a 61.4 Hakia Score and a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 61.4, #12 of 14
- 55% graduation rate
- $38,328 tuition
- Admits just 90% of applicants
Based in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program lands at #12 of the 14 ranked here, earning a 61.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.2 group average, in the lower third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Dominican University admits 90% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, Dominican University charges $38,328 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $153,312 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 14 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 50%
- Admit rate
- 95%
- In-state
- $31,126
- Out-of-state
- $31,126
At $31,126 a year in-state, Benedictine University is among the more affordable bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs ranked here, holding a 60.6 Hakia Score on a 50% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 60.6, #13 of 14
- 50% graduation rate
- $31,126 tuition
- Admits just 95% of applicants
Based in Lisle, IL, Benedictine University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program lands at #13 of the 14 ranked here, earning a 60.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.2 group average, in the lower third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 50% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Benedictine University admits 95% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, Benedictine University charges $31,126 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $124,504 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 36%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $36,430
- Out-of-state
- $36,430
Concordia University-Chicago ranks #14 of the 14 bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs in this analysis, with a 57.4 Hakia Score and a 36% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 57.4, #14 of 14
- 36% graduation rate
- $36,430 tuition
- Admits just 93% of applicants
Concordia University-Chicago is a private, nonprofit institution in River Forest, IL. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #14 of the 14 analyzed here with a 57.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.2 group average, in the lower third of the 14 ranked programs. The program graduates 36% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Concordia University-Chicago admits 93% of applicants, less selective than the 74% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at Illinois Wesleyan University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 85%.
On cost, Concordia University-Chicago charges $36,430 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $145,720 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $12,789 at University of Illinois Chicago to $57,500 at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 14 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
What a Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship Costs in Illinois
In-state tuition among the 14 ranked entrepreneurship programs in Illinois runs from $12,789 to $57,500 a year. University of Illinois Chicago anchors the low end at $12,789, while Illinois Wesleyan University sits at the top at $57,500. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $51,156 in tuition at the low end against roughly $230,000 at the high end for the same bachelor's in entrepreneurship. Against the national median of $123,835 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes an entrepreneurship degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Entrepreneurship Careers and Pay After an Illinois Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $123,835 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $12,789 or $57,500 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Illinois program compete in that same national pay structure.
Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best entrepreneurship bachelor's degree in Illinois?
By Hakia Score, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks first among the 14 entrepreneurship programs in Illinois we analyzed, with a 96.5 score and an 85% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an entrepreneurship bachelor's degree cost in Illinois?
In-state tuition among the ranked Illinois programs runs from $12,789 to $57,500 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online entrepreneurship bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $123,835 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Illinois-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How We Rank Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.