Forensic Science · Illinois

Forensic Science colleges in Illinois

CampusPin lists 106 U.S. colleges in Illinois that offer Forensic Science programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Forensic Science applies biology, chemistry, and laboratory methods to physical evidence, suiting students who want to support criminal and legal investigations through scientific analysis.

Schools in Illinois that offer Forensic Science

Forensic Science programs in Illinois: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 106 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

106

Public / private

27 / 23

Universities / 2-year

24 / 26

Cities represented

34

In-state tuition range

$3,180–$51,763

Median in-state tuition

$12,010

Lowest published in-state tuition

Elgin Community College

$3,180

Most selective

Chicago State University

41% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

DeVry University-Illinois

29,175 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Forensic Science program

  • General, organic, and analytical chemistry as the scientific foundation
  • Forensic biology and DNA analysis (extraction, typing, interpretation)
  • Forensic chemistry and toxicology (drugs, alcohol, controlled substances)
  • Trace and physical evidence analysis (fibers, glass, paint, firearms residue)
  • Crime-scene investigation, documentation, and evidence collection
  • Chain of custody, evidence handling, and quality-assurance procedures
  • Instrumental analysis (microscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy)
  • Rules of evidence, courtroom procedure, and expert testimony

Where a Forensic Science degree can lead

  • Forensic science technicians
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Forensic DNA Analyst
  • Forensic Toxicologist
  • Forensic Chemist
  • Latent Print Examiner

Typical pay: BLS reports a 2024 median wage of $67,440 for forensic science technicians; informational, not a guarantee.

A Forensic Science major builds on a natural-science core, general and organic chemistry, biology, and statistics, then adds forensic-specific coursework in trace and physical evidence analysis, forensic biology and DNA, forensic chemistry and toxicology, instrumental analysis, and crime-scene investigation. Most programs include extensive laboratory work, evidence-handling and chain-of-custody practice, and coursework on the rules of evidence and expert testimony. The major is typically completed as a bachelor's degree.

Graduates collect, preserve, and analyze evidence such as DNA, fibers, fluids, firearms residue, drugs, and latent prints, then document findings in reports and may testify in court. Many entry-level laboratory and crime-scene roles are open to bachelor's holders, though some specializations, supervisory positions, and research or medical-examiner pathways generally require a graduate or professional degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 12.8% from 2024 to 2034, with a 2024 median wage of $67,440.

Common employers include state and local crime laboratories, medical examiner and coroner offices, federal agencies, and private testing labs. The major pairs naturally with Chemistry or Biology, and students aiming at crime-laboratory work should confirm program accreditation and any agency-specific science-coursework requirements.

Forensic Science in other states

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Find more Forensic Science schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 106+ Forensic Science programs in Illinois by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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