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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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.
Best Online Colleges in Illinois
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.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$41,361
$41,361
69%
66%
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.
$17,951
$17,951
84%
21,670
Private
Yes
$41,361
$41,361
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$41,361
$41,361
69%
66%
$17,951
$17,951
84%
21,670
Private
Yes
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.
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$35,262
$35,262
71%
77%
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.
$14,760
$14,760
75%
6,183
Private
Yes
$35,262
$35,262
Romeoville, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$35,262
$35,262
71%
77%
$14,760
$14,760
75%
6,183
Private
Yes
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.
North Park University
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$32,380
$32,380
67%
39%
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.
$14,004
$14,004
70%
2,749
Private
Yes
$32,380
$32,380
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$32,380
$32,380
67%
39%
$14,004
$14,004
70%
2,749
Private
Yes
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.
Judson University
Elgin, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$28,840
$28,840
62%
64%
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.
$15,814
$15,814
66%
1,173
Private
Yes
$28,840
$28,840
Elgin, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$28,840
$28,840
62%
64%
$15,814
$15,814
66%
1,173
Private
Yes
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.
McKendree University
Lebanon, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$31,700
$31,700
78%
59%
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.
$9,756
$9,756
73%
1,958
Private
Yes
$31,700
$31,700
Lebanon, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$31,700
$31,700
78%
59%
$9,756
$9,756
73%
1,958
Private
Yes
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Illinois
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.
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