Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Discover the top online colleges in Illinois, average tuition costs, and explore the state's fastest-growing jobs.
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Danika Miller
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Danika Miller is a senior writer at BestColleges and Accredited Schools Online. Her writing has also appeared in Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Affordable Colleges Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple ...
Updated on March 27, 2024
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Rebecca Long is a copy editor for BestColleges. She has nearly a decade of editorial experience, including writing and editing. As a freelance journalist, her work has been published in The Boston Globe, The Guardian, Slate, and others. She has also ...
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Enrolling at an online college in Illinois can be a convenient and accessible way to earn a degree.

The best online schools provide more than a good education, such as a wide range of programs and financial aid opportunities. Many virtual programs also offer courses in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete classwork on their own time and potentially save on tuition. Illinois is home to nearly 50 universities with online programs — so there's a good chance you can find a school that's right for you.

Whether you're a resident of Illinois or considering moving to the Land of Lincoln, read on to learn more about online education and career growth opportunities in the state.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Colleges in Illinois

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $808
Out-of-State | $808

Credits to Graduate: 192

DePaul University has a total of 21,348 students and offers over 130 undergraduate degrees across 10 colleges. Popular majors include psychology, business administration, computer programming, public relations, advertising, and applied communications. 

Students can take classes online and choose from more than 50 certificates and undergraduate and graduate degrees, but first-time first-year students cannot complete online undergraduate degree programs.

In one of DePaul's online degree programs, you can gain one-on-one attention from distinguished professors. You can also benefit from the university's close connections to the business and professional communities from anywhere in the U.S.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$41,361
Out-of-state
$41,361
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,951
Out-of-state
$17,951
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
21,670
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Lewis University

  • Romeoville, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,127
Out-of-State | $1,127

Credits to Graduate: 128

Lewis University, outside of Chicago, has four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Nursing. It is known for having one of the best pre-professional biology courses in the Midwest and strong academics. 

Lewis' online courses and degree programs allow students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in a way that fits their unique learning style. Learners can choose from 20 online degree programs in total.  

Lewis has more than 80 undergraduate majors overall. Popular disciplines include computer science, criminal justice, registered nursing, aviation, airway management and operations, business administration, and elementary education. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$35,262
Out-of-state
$35,262
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,760
Out-of-state
$14,760
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
6,183
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

North Park University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $610
Out-of-State | $610

Credits to Graduate: 120

North Park University, based in Chicago, is a Christian university known for its strong academics, experienced faculty, and Christian principles. 

Its Center for Online Education (COE) offers online courses to students globally. COE includes six online undergraduate degree programs, five online master's degree programs, and an online doctorate of nursing.

Choose from undergraduate online degrees in business administration, counseling psychology, digital marketing, nonprofit management, supply chain management, and organization management and leadership. Through North Park's Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program, you may be able to earn college credits for your life experience. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,380
Out-of-state
$32,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,004
Out-of-state
$14,004
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
2,749
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Judson University

  • Elgin, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,000
Out-of-State | $1,000

Credits to Graduate: 120

Judson University is an evangelical Christian university. It aims to equip students to be responsible citizens who glorify God with their relationships, work, and within the community. Judson offers online graduate degrees and five online adult professional degrees. 

You can choose from an associate degree in liberal arts or bachelor's degrees in applied psychology, business administration, human services, or organizational leadership. 

Other popular majors include human services, architecture, marketing, sport and fitness administration, mathematics, and secondary education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,840
Out-of-state
$28,840
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,814
Out-of-state
$15,814
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
1,173
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in Illinois

McKendree University

  • Lebanon, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $410
Out-of-State | $410

Credits to Graduate: 128

McKendree University is the oldest college in Illinois. It's also the oldest university nationwide with continuous ties to the United Methodist Church. With a 95% career and graduate school placement rate, McKendree can help students with all interests succeed.

McKendree offers an online associate degree, 16 bachelor's degrees, and nine graduate degrees to give busy adults the flexibility to further their education while balancing life's demands. 

Online undergraduate majors include healthcare management, psychology, criminal justice, business administration, computer information systems, elementary education, and nursing.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,700
Out-of-state
$31,700
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,756
Out-of-state
$9,756
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
1,958
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Cost of College in Illinois

The cost of college in Illinois varies based on several factors, including the type of school (public or private), the level of the degree program (undergraduate or graduate), and a student's residency status

Compared to the national average, Illinois's tuition rates are on the higher end. During the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students at public four-year colleges were charged $14,993 for tuition, while out-of-state students were charged an average of $29,350, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

At private four-year colleges, the average tuition was $36,637 in Illinois, about $3,000 more than the national average for out-of-state tuition.

Cost of College in Illinois in 2021-2022
Institution Type Average Tuition & Required Fees
Public Four-Year (In-State) $14,993
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) $29,350
Private Four-Year $36,637
Public Two-Year (In-State) $4,204
Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) $11,339
Source: NCES

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Illinois

The job outlook for college graduates in Illinois is promising, with many sectors experiencing significant growth. The Illinois Department of Employment Security projects numerous jobs in Illinois will experience significant growth from 2020-2030.Some of the fastest-growing careers in Illinois require at least a bachelor's degree. These roles include entertainment agents, nurse practitioners, actuaries, mathematical scientists, and physician assistants. The BLS projects that jobs for these professionals will grow between 23% and 56% from 2020-2030.

By attending an online college in Illinois, you can learn, network, and even gain work experience in the local economy.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Illinois
Job Job Growth 2020-2030 Average Annual Wage 2022
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 56% $115,530
Nurse Practitioners 44% $122,310
Statisticians 35% $105,560
Logisticians 29% $71,180
Medical and Health Services Managers 27% $130,670
Mathematical Scientists 27% $79,540
Information Security Analysts 25% $114,060
Actuaries 25% $131,080
Physician Assistants 24% $124,180
Operations Research Analysts 23% $99,480
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois Department of Employment Security

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Illinois

What is the #1 college in Illinois?

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Northwestern University, based in Evanston, holds the top spot among colleges in Illinois. The school is known for its rigorous academics, diverse student body, and strong emphasis on research.

Northwestern offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines. Additionally, Northwestern is recognized for its distinguished faculty, extensive resources, and commitment to student success.

How many online colleges are in Illinois?

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In Illinois, there are nearly 50 universities that provide the opportunity to pursue a degree online. Each college in our ranking offers at least five online bachelor's programs and three online master's programs, though many offer more. This diversity ensures that students can find a program that fits their academic interests and career goals.

What is the cheapest online college in Illinois?

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One of the cheapest colleges in Illinois is Governors State University, with a tuition cost of $11,320 for the 2023-2024 school year, according to NCES.

Other affordable colleges in Illinois include the University of Illinois Springfield, National Louis University, and Northeastern Illinois University.

What is the easiest online college to get into in Illinois?

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Several colleges in Illinois admit 90% or more of their applicants, making them some of the easiest to get into, according to NCES.

These include East-West University, Southern Illinois University, Columbia College Chicago, and Greenville University. Remember, while these colleges may have high acceptance rates, it's still essential to meet their specific admission requirements to secure a spot.

Who qualifies for free college in Illinois?

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Many students can qualify for free or reduced tuition through scholarships and grants from both the state of Illinois and their chosen school.

For example, the University of Illinois has an Illinois Commitment program that offers free tuition to in-state students under certain conditions. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, be a resident of Illinois, be under 24 years of age, and be accepted as a new first-year or transfer student.In addition, your family's income should not exceed $67,100, and your family's assets should amount to $50,000 or less. However, the program only covers tuition and campus fees and does not include other costs like room and board, books, and personal expenses.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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