Most Affordable Online Colleges in Illinois

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
Undergrad, in-state | $17,138
Undergrad, out-of-state | $35,110
Graduate, in-state | $13,440
Graduate, out-of-state | $29,034

Established in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ranks as the most affordable online college in the state. As the flagship institution of Illinois's university system, U of I has an enrollment of over 56,000 students. This school's most popular majors include psychology, economics, and accounting.

Prospective students should have high school transcripts showing rigorous coursework preparing them for college. Alongside high school coursework, U of I considers personal experiences, extracurricular activities, and standardized test scores when making admission decisions.

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
Undergrad, in-state | $9,645
Undergrad, out-of-state | $19,410
Graduate, in-state | $5,316
Graduate, out-of-state | $10,908

Located downstate in the state capitol, UIS ranks among the most affordable colleges in Illinois. This public institution is home to more than 4,000 students, and popular undergraduate majors include business, computer science, and psychology.

When evaluating undergraduate applicants, UIS considers class rank, GPA, and essay questions. Accepted students typically complete a college-prep curriculum at the high school level. UIS is currently a standardized test-optional institution.

Avg. Cost per Semester
Undergrad, in-state | $5,200
Undergrad, out-of-state | $12,120
Graduate, in-state | $4,055
Graduate, out-of-state | $8,452

Established in 1859, the UIC is an urban public institution that serves over 34,000 students. UIC stands out as one of the most affordable schools in Illinois. It offers an expansive list of graduate and undergraduate programs. Popular majors include biology, finance, and nursing.

Prospective students can apply through the Common Application and must submit official high school transcripts. UIC evaluates high school performance, choice of major, and personal essays when making admission decisions. UIC is currently test-optional.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $313
Undergrad, out-of-state | $625
Graduate, in-state | $353
Graduate, out-of-state | $706

Located outside Chicago, GSU is an affordable public institution that offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. Governors State has an enrollment of over 5,700 students and is home to four colleges: business, education, arts and sciences, and health and human services.

Prospective students must submit an online application with official transcripts, standardized test scores, and all associated fees. Additionally, freshman applicants should hold a minimum 2.0 high school GPA. 

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $380
Undergrad, out-of-state | $380
Graduate, in-state | $495
Graduate, out-of-state | $495

Founded in 1886, the MBI is a Chicago-based Christian institution that also operates campuses in Michigan and Washington. In addition to campus-based degrees, MBI also offers online associate, master's, and certificate programs. MBI's popular majors include biblical studies, missionary studies, and pastoral counseling.

Prospective students can apply online and must include biographical essays, two letters of recommendation, and high school transcripts. Applicants to this evangelical Christian institution must adhere to various religious tenets.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $399
Undergrad, out-of-state | $399
Graduate, in-state | $748
Graduate, out-of-state | $748

Based in Joliet, Illinois, the USF is a private Catholic institution that serves over 3,300 students. This school has a 100-year history. It offers wide-ranging academic options, including nursing, accounting, computer science, and elementary education. 

Admitted freshman applicants typically have a college prep background with multiple years of English and math coursework. Prospective students must hold a 2.5 cumulative GPA and must submit official transcripts. The University of St. Francis is a test-optional school.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $1,056
Undergrad, out-of-state | $1,056
Graduate, in-state | $820
Graduate, out-of-state | $820

Lewis is a private Catholic institution that currently serves more than 6,200 students. Lewis's Romeoville main campus is just a short drive from Chicago and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and majors. In addition to ranking among the most affordable schools in Illinois, 98% of Lewis students receive some form of financial aid.

Prospective students can apply through the Common Application or directly through the Lewis University website. Lewis evaluates applicants holistically and considers elements such as academic performance, coursework, and extracurricular activities.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $1,167
Undergrad, out-of-state | $1,167
Graduate, in-state | $1,035
Graduate, out-of-state | $1,035

An affordable Chicagoland institution, DU is a private Roman Catholic school that offers various undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. DU is home to more than 3,000 students, and in the fall of 2021, 100% of incoming first-year students received some form of financial aid.

Those applying to Dominican University should have a minimum 2.75 high school GPA, but the school reviews applications holistically and considers elements from both inside and outside the classroom.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $438
Undergrad, out-of-state | $438
Graduate, in-state | $670
Graduate, out-of-state | $670

Established in 1893, AU is a private institution based in the Chicago area. AU's more than 6,000 students tackle a relatively deep catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition to campus-based opportunities, Aurora University offers online bachelor's in areas such as business, criminal justice, and healthcare administration.

Freshman applicants can apply online for free through the university's website and must include official high school transcripts. Aurora University is currently a test-optional institution.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $36,950
Undergrad, out-of-state | $36,950
Graduate, in-state | $7,650
Graduate, out-of-state | $7,650

ONU is a private Christian institution based in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Established in 1907, ONU has a population of nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Popular majors include nursing, biology, and business administration and management.

Prospective students can apply online and must include official transcripts and ACT/SAT/CLT scores. ONU also strongly suggests an in-person visit before applying.