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In this article Careers Best Online Colleges in Illinois FAQ

Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Online programs can be flexible and affordable options for students. Review some of Illinois' best online
programs.
By Thomas Broderick
Updated on August 1, 2023
Edited by Amelia Buckley
Learn more about our editorial process

Not Sure What You Want To Study?

That’s ok! Find a school that lets you try new things and find what inspires you.
Source: What Does It Mean to Be Undeclared?

75%
of students will change their major at
least once.

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The Illinois state government projects that the state's educational services, professional-business
services, and healthcare sectors will grow 9-16% by 2026. Many of the best-paying jobs in these fields
require a college degree. Fortunately, the top online colleges in Illinois offer rigorous academic programs.
The best online schools offer more than a good education. Learners enjoy the same resources as on-
campus degree-seekers. Other advantages may include an asynchronous curriculum and savings on room
and board and transportation. Residents should explore state and institutional financial aid opportunities to
reduce their costs further. Read on to learn more about colleges in Illinois and some of the state's in-
demand professions.

Top Online Degree Programs in Illinois

Best Online Human Resources Programs

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Best Online Public Relations Programs

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Best Online Marketing Programs

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Best Online Electrical Engineering Degree Programs

Best Online Biology Programs

Illinois Employment Outlook

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from June 2022 shows that many Illinois employment sectors
experienced strong growth compared to June 2021. Top-growing industries included leisure and
hospitality, information, and professional and business services. Only the mining and logging industry
decreased its workforce during this 12-month period.
BLS salary data for Illinois from May 2021 shows that healthcare professionals, IT employees, and lawyers
earned higher average salaries than other workers. Other high-paying career fields included education and
finance.
The Illinois state government reports that the Urbana-Champaign, Davenport, and Lake County
metropolitan areas experienced the lowest unemployment rates in May 2022. Rockford featured the
highest unemployment rate that month at 8.3%.
5 in Demand Illinois Jobs

Actuaries
Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $105,900
Job Outlook (2020-2030): 24%
Actuaries with a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a similar subject analyze potential events' risks. They
do so by reviewing statistics. The profession also involves making presentations and simplifying
information for different stakeholders.

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Actuaries may specialize in health, life, or property insurance. Other opportunities include working in the
public sector. Search Programs
Civil Engineers
Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $88,050
Job Outlook (2020-2030): 8%
Civil engineers design and oversee infrastructure projects, such as buildings, bridges, and roads. Typical
responsibilities include creating long-term plans, estimating costs, and monitoring job sites. These
professionals also perform soil tests and research the latest building materials.
Most civil engineers hold a state-issued license. Some workers choose to raise their earning potential by
earning master's degrees.
Fundraisers
Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $60,660
Job Outlook (2020-2030): 16%
Fundraisers help companies or organizations raise money by researching donors, creating advertising
campaigns, and using social media. Other day-to-day tasks include keeping track of donor information.
These professionals may specialize in annual or capital campaigns. Some experienced fundraisers work
with clients who want to make a major gift or donate money as part of their will.
Public Relations Managers
Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $119,860
Job Outlook (2020-2030): 13%
Public relations managers help their employers create a positive public image. This task involves
identifying target consumers, crafting corporate communication, and selecting the right spokesperson.
Public relations managers succeed on the job by coordinating with their employers' lawyers and financial
managers. These professionals craft convincing and accurate public relations messages.
Top Executives
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Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $98,980

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Job Outlook (2020-2030): 8%
Experienced professionals with college degrees can become top executives within their companies or
organizations. They set goals for different departments, hire managers, and negotiate contracts. Top
executives also analyze financial statements.
Popular job titles for top executives include chief executive officer (CEO) and operations managers.
Professionals in the public sector may work as mayors or school superintendents.
Popular Career Paths in Illinois

Web Development

Business Administration

Pharmacy Technician

Teaching

Psychology

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Social Work

Medical Assisting

Computer Programming

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Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by
contacting the universities below.
EXPLORE ALL ONLINE PROGRAMS
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University of Phoenix
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MBA@UCDAVIS
UC Davis - Graduate School of Management
The online MBA from the University of California, Davis, features the same curriculum and globally
recognized faculty as the on-campus MBA program, which is ranked in the top 30 by
Poets&Quants. You'll experience our culture of collaboration and make professional connections in
major California business hubs including Silicon Valley. The program can be completed in as few as
24 months. Scholarships available for students enrolled in the upcoming cohort.
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University of North Carolina
UNC Kenan-Flagler's #1-ranked online MBA is a top choice for experienced professionals with
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Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make.
We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and
relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from
trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is
best for you.

These rankings were compiled by our BestColleges Ranking Team and include sponsored results from our
partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data
System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was
published. Program-specific information may vary.

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#1 Best Online Colleges in Illinois Best Value

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL 4 years Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $416-$500
Undergrad, out of state | $416-$500
Graduate, in state | $298-$1,172…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $14,188 In-state $14,997
Out-of-state $33,127 Out-of-state $28,404

ROI Score HIGH Institution Type Public

Retention Rate 93% Percent Online Enrollment 39% i
Admission Rate 59% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 51,605

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Southern New Hampshire University

New Hampshire, USA 4 year Online + Campus
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Affordable. Flexible. Accredited. At Southern New Hampshire University, you can

choose 200+ career-focused online programs built for your busy scheduleSearch and
Programs
your
goals. With some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, our one mission is
student success. See yourself succeed at SNHU. You have goals. Southern New…

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#2 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

University of St. Francis

Joliet, IL 4 years Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $425
Undergrad, out of state | $425
Graduate, in state | $599-$798…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $34,000 In-state $13,464
Out-of-state $34,000 Out-of-state $13,464

ROI Score MEDIUM Institution Type Private

Retention Rate 81% Percent Online Enrollment 63% i
Admission Rate 46% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 3,776

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#3 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL 4 years Online + Campus

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Avg. Cost per Credit

Undergrad, in state | $359-$368 Search Programs
Undergrad, out of state | $359-$368
Graduate, in state | $366…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $9,520 In-state $8,270
Out-of-state $15,948 Out-of-state $15,240

ROI Score MEDIUM Institution Type Public

Retention Rate 79% Percent Online Enrollment 70% i
Admission Rate 77% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 4,275

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#4 Best Online Colleges in Illinois Best Value

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, IL 4 years Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $318-$500
Undergrad, out of state | $318-$500
Graduate, in state | $500-$1,250…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $11,924 In-state $13,276
Out-of-state $26,224 Out-of-state $23,850

ROI Score HIGH Institution Type Public

Retention Rate 79% Percent Online Enrollment 24% i
Admission Rate 73% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 32,324
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#5 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Judson University
Elgin, IL 4 years Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $480-$580
Undergrad, out of state | $480-$580
Graduate, in state | $750…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $28,840 In-state $27,000
Out-of-state $28,840 Out-of-state $27,000

ROI Score MEDIUM Institution Type Private

Retention Rate 76% Percent Online Enrollment 45% i
Admission Rate 39% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 1,233

More Details

#6 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL 4 years Online + Campus

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Avg. Cost per Credit

Undergrad, in state | $275-$785 Search Programs
Undergrad, out of state | $275-$785
Graduate, in state | $450-$700…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $36,080 In-state $13,420
Out-of-state $36,080 Out-of-state $13,420

ROI Score LOW Institution Type Private

Retention Rate 77% Percent Online Enrollment 58% i
Admission Rate 58% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 4,317

More Details

#7 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Lewis University
Romeoville, IL 4 years Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $430-$610
Undergrad, out of state | $430-$610
Graduate, in state | $600-$820…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $33,270 In-state $14,400
Out-of-state $33,270 Out-of-state $14,400

ROI Score MEDIUM Institution Type Private

Retention Rate 84% Percent Online Enrollment 43% i
Admission Rate 64% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 6,359
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Arizona, USA 4 year Online + Campus
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#8 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

McKendree University
Lebanon, IL 4 years Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $400
Undergrad, out of state | $400
Graduate, in state | $490-$600…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $30,540 In-state $9,522
Out-of-state $30,540 Out-of-state $9,522

ROI Score MEDIUM Institution Type Private

Retention Rate 75% Percent Online Enrollment 47% i
Admission Rate 63% Accreditation Yes i
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Students Enrolled 2,292

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#9 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL 4 years Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $324
Undergrad, out of state | $324
Graduate, in state | $329-$600…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $8,875 In-state $7,356
Out-of-state $11,045 Out-of-state $17,654

ROI Score MEDIUM Institution Type Public

Retention Rate 73% Percent Online Enrollment 34% i
Admission Rate 53% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 7,806

More Details

#10 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

North Park University

Chicago, IL 4 years Online + Campus

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Avg. Cost per Credit

Undergrad, in state | $570 Search Programs
Undergrad, out of state | $570
Graduate, in state | $2,410 per course…
Average Undergrad Tuition Average Graduate Tuition
In-state $30,360 In-state $13,896
Out-of-state $30,360 Out-of-state $13,896

ROI Score MEDIUM Institution Type Private

Retention Rate 75% Percent Online Enrollment 20% i
Admission Rate 48% Accreditation Yes i
Students Enrolled 2,892

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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in

Illinois
How many online colleges are in Illinois?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Illinois is home to nearly 250 higher education
institutions. Although no school focuses solely on online learning, many public and private colleges offer
online certificates and degrees. Accredited online programs provide learners with the same educational
experience as in-person courses of study.
Prospective students should note that some schools offer hybrid degree programs. These programs let
learners take most classes online, but degree- and certificate-seekers must still travel to campus to fulfill
academic requirements, such as labs or seminars.
Current high school students may explore online colleges in Illinois through a dual-enrollment program.
This opportunity lets participants graduate high school with some college credit.
Does Illinois have good online colleges?

Illinois is home to many excellent online colleges. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers online
degrees in education, medicine, public health, engineering, and social work. Students may then go on to
pursue an online or on-campus master's degree.
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Prospective students should also research top private online colleges. Degree-seekers at Lincoln Christian
Search Programs
University may earn a fully online bachelor's in Christian ministry. Options at the master's level include
organizational leadership and Bible and theology.
Good online colleges must hold proper accreditation. Check a school's accreditation status on its
consumer information website. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation also offers accreditation
information on U.S. colleges.
How much does it cost to go to college online in Illinois?

The University of Illinois system of schools uses a different tuition schedule for online degree-seekers.
Online undergraduates at the University of Illinois Springfield paid $308-$359 per credit in the spring 2022
semester. Graduate students paid $366 per credit.
Online and hybrid programs at private colleges in Illinois cost learners significantly more in spring 2022.
Degree-seekers earning a master's in the humanities at the University of Chicago paid over $7,000/class.
Tuition makes up just one part of students' costs of attendance (COA). Prospective degree-seekers can
calculate COA by combining tuition fees with textbook costs and other education-related expenses. These
extras mean that learners attending one of the cheapest online colleges may still need financial aid.
What is the cheapest online college in Illinois?

Residents should explore local community colleges in Illinois to find the cheapest tuition. Schools such as
Illinois Central College (ICC) charge in-district residents only $155 per credit. Out-of-district learners pay
significantly more.
Students attending ICC or a comparable community college save significantly compared to learners at
four-year public schools. Full-time degree-seekers at UIC pay $15,000 per year or more. Out-of-state
learners spend approximately double.
Out-of-state students may save money on public school tuition in different ways. Some public universities
offer free tuition to children of veterans and graduate learners who sign up for assistantships. Others
waive out-of-state tuition for fully online degree-seekers.
Who qualifies for free college in Illinois?

Prospective students on a budget should explore community and junior colleges. The City Colleges of
Chicago award free tuition to city public school graduates with a minimum high school GPA of 3.0. Degree-
seekers also receive a discount on textbooks.

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Public four-year colleges in Illinois also award free tuition. Northeastern Illinois University's NEIU For You
Scholarship covers four years of tuition for state residents with a minimum high schoolSearchGPAPrograms
of 2.0. Other
eligibility requirements include a family income of less than $60,000 per year.
Some online colleges in Illinois like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U of I) feature free tuition
programs, as well. Like NEIU, U of I uses academic and income requirements to determine eligibility.

Explore More College ResourcesView all

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Online Students

by Christina Payne
September 28, 2023

Your Guide to Researching Online Programs

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by Staff Writers Search Programs

May 24, 2023

Planning Your Online Education

by Staff Writers
May 25, 2023

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