Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Find Schools Near

2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k

34 Ranked Colleges
2,651 Degrees Awarded
$4,300 Avg Net Price*
Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

With 133,583 degrees handed out in 2019-2020, general studies is the 5th most popular major in the United States.

Across Illinois, there were 2,959 general studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively. At the associate degree level specifically, there were 2,651 general studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $33,469 and $14,548 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking looked at 34 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in general studies. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality general studies programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the general studies program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank General Studies Schools

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k” list to help you make the college decision.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Associate Degree Colleges for General Studies (Income $0-$30k) in Illinois

#1

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, Illinois
#8 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Moraine Valley Community College. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. MVCC is a fairly large public school situated in Palos Hills, Illinois. It awarded 296 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

MVCC did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for MVCC is $340 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at MVCC

#9 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College. It ranked #2 on our 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s general studies degrees to 175 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Wilbur Wright College, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $2,127 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College.

Read more about General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College

#3

College of Lake County

Grayslake, Illinois
#2 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend College of Lake County. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Grayslake, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s general studies degrees to 31 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k list, College of Lake County has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for College of Lake County is $3,742 for Illinois Associate Degree General Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at College of Lake County

#5 in overall quality

Out of the 34 schools in the Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College landed the #4 spot on the list. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s general studies degrees to 108 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k list, Harold Washington College has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $2,452 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College.

Read more about General Studies at Harold Washington College

#5

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, Illinois
#3 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend College of DuPage. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k. This large school is located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and it awarded 138 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

COD not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend College of DuPage is $5,478 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at College of DuPage

#6

Waubonsee Community College

Sugar Grove, Illinois
#12 in overall quality

Waubonsee Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Waubonsee is a medium-sized school located in Sugar Grove, Illinois that handed out 73 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Waubonsee not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Waubonsee is $2,818 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at Waubonsee Community College

#7

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
#1 in overall quality

With a ranking of #7, William Rainey Harper College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Palatine, Illinois, this fairly large public school awarded 98 degrees to qualified associates’s general studies students in 2019-2020.

Harper College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend Harper College is $5,913 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at William Rainey Harper College

#8

Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, Illinois
#4 in overall quality

Lincoln Land Community College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #8. Lincoln Land Community College is located in Springfield, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 96 associates’s general studies degrees to qualified students.

LLCC also made our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #4. It costs about $3,915 for Illinois Associate Degree General Studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Lincoln Land Community College.

Read full report on General Studies at LLCC

#9

Triton College

River Grove, Illinois
#6 in overall quality

Triton College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #9. River Grove, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s general studies degrees to 125 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k list, Triton College has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Triton College is $4,546 for Illinois Associate Degree General Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Triton College General Studies Report

#10

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois
#7 in overall quality

Joliet Junior College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #10. Joliet Junior College is a fairly large public school situated in Joliet, Illinois. It awarded 174 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Joliet Junior College also made our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #7. The estimated yearly cost for Joliet Junior College is $4,699 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Joliet Junior College General Studies Report

#14 in overall quality

City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Harry S Truman College is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 77 associates’s general studies degrees to qualified students.

Harry S Truman College also took the #14 spot in our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Harry S Truman College is $4,404 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about General Studies at Harry S Truman College

#16 in overall quality

With a ranking of #12, City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College is a public institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 129 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Malcolm X College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for Malcolm X College is $3,251 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College

#13

South Suburban College

South Holland, Illinois
#15 in overall quality

South Suburban College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. South Suburban College is a small public school situated in South Holland, Illinois. It awarded 11 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

SSC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend SSC is $3,866 for Illinois Associate Degree General Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at South Suburban College

#14

Black Hawk College

Moline, Illinois
#19 in overall quality

Black Hawk College landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Black Hawk College is a public institution located in Moline, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 12 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

BHC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $3,234 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Black Hawk College.

Read full report on General Studies at BHC

#15

Oakton Community College

Des Plaines, Illinois
#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, Oakton Community College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Oakton Community College is a medium-sized school located in Des Plaines, Illinois that handed out 7 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Oakton Community College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend Oakton Community College is $5,195 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about General Studies at Oakton Community College

#16

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, Illinois
#21 in overall quality

Carl Sandburg College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Galesburg, Illinois, and it awarded 191 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Carl Sandburg College also made our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #21. The yearly cost to attend Carl Sandburg College is $1,986 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about General Studies at Carl Sandburg College

#17

Illinois Central College

East Peoria, Illinois
#10 in overall quality

Illinois Central College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. ICC is located in East Peoria, Illinois and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 202 associates’s general studies degrees to qualified students.

ICC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend ICC is $7,656 for Illinois Associate Degree General Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about General Studies at ICC

#18

Danville Area Community College

Danville, Illinois
#20 in overall quality

Danville Area Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. DACC is a public institution located in Danville, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 56 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

DACC also made our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #20. The estimated yearly cost for Danville Area Community College is $4,416 for Illinois Associate Degree General Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at DACC

City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College landed the #19 spot on the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this small public school handed out 52 diplomas to qualified associates’s general studies students in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Richard J Daley College is $2,310 for Illinois Associate Degree General Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College

City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey College landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey College is a public institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 30 associates’s degrees in 2019-2020.

It costs about $4,115 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend City Colleges of Chicago - Olive-Harvey College.

Full Olive-Harvey College General Studies Report

#21

Kankakee Community College

Kankakee, Illinois
#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #21, Kankakee Community College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Kankakee Community College is a small public school situated in Kankakee, Illinois. It awarded 30 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Kankakee Community College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The yearly cost to attend Kankakee Community College is $5,202 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on General Studies at Kankakee Community College

#22

McHenry County College

Crystal Lake, Illinois
#13 in overall quality

McHenry County College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. McHenry County College is a medium-sized public school situated in Crystal Lake, Illinois. It awarded 33 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

MCC also took the #13 spot in our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. It costs about $5,620 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend McHenry County College.

Read more about General Studies at McHenry County College

#24 in overall quality

Illinois Valley Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Oglesby, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associates’s general studies degrees to 14 students in 2019-2020.

IVCC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #24 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. It costs about $4,715 for Illinois Associate Degree General Studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend IVCC.

Read full report on General Studies at Illinois Valley Community College

#24

Shawnee Community College

Ullin, Illinois
#25 in overall quality

With a ranking of #24, Shawnee Community College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Ullin, Illinois, this small public school handed out 57 diplomas to qualified associates’s general studies students in 2019-2020.

Shawnee Community College also made our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #25. The estimated yearly cost for Shawnee Community College is $9,196 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Shawnee Community College General Studies Report

#23 in overall quality

City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy-King College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value General Studies Schools for an Associate in Illinois For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 28 associates’s general studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Kennedy-King College did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #23 on our “Best General Studies Associate Degree Schools in Illinois” list. The estimated yearly cost for City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy-King College is $5,297 for illinois associate degree general studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about General Studies at Kennedy-King College

Notes and References

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%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

Featured Liberal Arts Schools

Find Schools Near You