DeVry University-Illinois vs Illinois State University: which has better ROI?
Illinois State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,592 in 5.6 years versus not at all at DeVry University-Illinois, on median earnings of $62,117 vs $45,987 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | DeVry University-Illinois | Illinois State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $30,770 | $19,398 |
| Total net cost | $123,080 | $77,592 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,987 | $62,117 |
| Median debt | $24,807 | $20,482 |
| Payback | — | 5.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$170,540 | $197,548 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, DeVry University-Illinois or Illinois State University?
Illinois State University, at $19,398 a year after aid versus $30,770 — a gap of $11,372 a year, or $45,488 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do DeVry University-Illinois or Illinois State University graduates earn more?
Illinois State University graduates report a median $62,117 ten years after entry, $16,130 more than the $45,987 at DeVry University-Illinois. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, DeVry University-Illinois or Illinois State University?
Illinois State University: its completers carry a median $20,482 in federal loans versus $24,807 at DeVry University-Illinois, a difference of $4,325. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at Illinois State University, against 37% at DeVry University-Illinois. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.