Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Discover the top online colleges in Illinois, average tuition costs, and explore the state’s fastest-growing jobs.
Danika Miller
By
Edited by
Updated March 27, 2024
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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.

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Best 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.
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How We Rank Schools

#1

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

66%

Online Enrollment

$41,361

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$41,361

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
21,670
Institution Type
Private
#2

Lewis University

  • Romeoville, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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. 

77%

Online Enrollment

$35,262

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$35,262

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
6,183
Institution Type
Private
#3

North Park University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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. 

39%

Online Enrollment

$32,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

70%

Retention Rate

$32,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
2,749
Institution Type
Private
#4

Judson University

  • Elgin, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

64%

Online Enrollment

$28,840

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$28,840

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
1,173
Institution Type
Private
#5

McKendree University

  • Lebanon, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

59%

Online Enrollment

$31,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$31,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
1,958
Institution Type
Private

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 TypeAverage 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
JobJob Growth 2020-2030Average Annual Wage 2022
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes56%$115,530
Nurse Practitioners44%$122,310
Statisticians35%$105,560
Logisticians29%$71,180
Medical and Health Services Managers27%$130,670
Mathematical Scientists27%$79,540
Information Security Analysts25%$114,060
Actuaries25%$131,080
Physician Assistants24%$124,180
Operations Research Analysts23%$99,480
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois Department of Employment Security

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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