Most Affordable Online Colleges in Illinois

Q: What is the cheapest online college in Illinois?

In-district degree-seekers attending Elgin Community College in the 2021-2022 school year paid the lowest tuition and fees in Illinois, $3,960. Current in-district students pay only $135 per credit, while other in-state and out-of-state learners spend significantly more.

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

Four-year public online colleges offer guaranteed admission to in-state community college transfer students with at least 36 credits and a GPA of at least 3.0. Some colleges and universities encourage this practice by awarding generous scholarships to incoming transfer degree-seekers. Other potential benefits of starting your education at a community college include a lower cost of attendance over four years.

Q: What is the #1 college in Illinois?

With over 56,000 students, U of I ranks as the #1 college in Illinois in terms of enrollment. Consider the University of Chicago or Northwestern University if you want to attend a top private school with an excellent reputation and many highly trained professors. Look beyond rankings when making a decision. A smaller, less-known school may offer you the classes and financial assistance you need for academic and career success.

Illinoisans can advance their education and career with an online degree. Learn more about the most affordable online colleges in Illinois.

Edited by

Updated June 27, 2024

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The most affordable online colleges in Illinois include public two- and four-year institutions. Residents pay lower tuition than their out-of-state peers at these schools.

A March 2024 Illinois state government report shows steady job growth in most of the state’s cities. These figures suggest a stable job market with opportunities for seasoned professionals and recent college graduates.

Online education features many potential benefits, such as asynchronous education and lower out-of-pocket costs. You can also take advantage of the same resources on-campus learners receive, such as academic and career services.

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In this Article

Most Affordable Online Colleges in Illinois

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

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.

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.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,127

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

59%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,404

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

51,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,127

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,127

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,404

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

51,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,948

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,240

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

4,275

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,948

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,948

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

70%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,240

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

4,275

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$11,924

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,224

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

24%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,276

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,850

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

32,324

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,924

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,224

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,924

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,224

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

24%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,276

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,850

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

32,324

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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

Governors State University

University Park, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$7,512

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,024

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

46%

Acceptance Rate

31%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,354

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,708

Retention Rate

52%

Students Enrolled

4,789

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,512

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,024

Governors State University

University Park, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,512

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,024

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

31%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,354

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,708

Retention Rate

52%

Students Enrolled

4,789

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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

Moody Bible Institute

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$11,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,010

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,010

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

3,009

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,200

Moody Bible Institute

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,200

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,010

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,010

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

3,009

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$34,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

46%

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,464

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,464

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

3,776

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,000

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,000

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

63%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,464

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,464

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

3,776

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$33,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

64%

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,400

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

6,359

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,270

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,270

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

43%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,400

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

6,359

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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

Dominican University

River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$33,950

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,950

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

64%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,400

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

3,029

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,950

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,950

Dominican University

River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,950

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,950

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,400

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

3,029

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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

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.

Aurora University

Aurora, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$24,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

20%

Online Enrollment

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. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,600

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

6,246

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,800

Aurora University

Aurora, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,800

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

20%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,600

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

6,246

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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

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.

#10

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$36,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,420

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

4,317

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,080

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,080

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,420

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,420

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

4,317

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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

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.

Illinois Scholarships

Many scholarships let online learners apply as long as they attend an accredited institution. Earning a scholarship can help you in more ways than paying for school. Scholarships can also improve your resume, helping you stand out when applying for your first internship or job.

Check the scholarship websites for the latest application requirements, deadlines, and award amounts.

Community Services Block Grants Scholarship for Chicago Residents: This scholarship program awards $1,000-$5,000 to Chicago residents maintaining satisfactory academic progress. You can apply from late June to early September.
Frank Annunzio Scholarship: The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans awards this $2,000 scholarship to degree-seekers with at least 50% Italian heritage. Other requirements include community service and leadership experience.
Gordon Paesani Scholarship: ITS Midwest awards this $1,500 scholarship to college students preparing for a career in intelligent transportation systems. Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio degree-seekers may apply.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission Monetary Award Program: ISAC awards MAP funding to Illinois residents maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Award amounts vary.
Independent Accountants Association of Illinois Scholarship Foundation: IAAI awards this $1,000 scholarship to Illinois residents with a B average in all accounting classes. Other requirements include transcripts and one recommendation letter from a professor.

Cost of Living in Illinois

The table below presents the latest Illinois cost of living (COL) data. Keep in mind that COL can vary widely among cities, suburbs, and rural areas. The typical Chicago resident pays about double the state’s average monthly rent, according to RentCafe.

Although learning online may let you live in a more affordable area and save on commuting, you can lower your COL in other ways. Consider living with roommates to reduce your rent. College students also enjoy discounts at some businesses.

Average Cost of Living in Illinois
Cost of Living Category	Average Price
Monthly Mortgage	$1,781 (median)
Monthly Rent	$1,106
Monthly Electricity Bill	$96
Monthly Grocery & Food Costs	$288
Annual Transportation Costs	$5,356
Annual Healthcare Costs	$7,449

Source: SoFi

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Illinois

Can you go to college for free in Illinois?

Yes. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers free tuition to incoming first-year students meeting income and asset cutoffs. Other eligibility requirements include graduating from an Illinois high school and enrolling full time.

Other ways to go to college for free in Illinois include scholarships and grants. Use your college’s financial aid advisors to explore and apply to relevant opportunities.

What is the cheapest online college in Illinois?

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

What is the #1 college in Illinois?

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