Students across Illinois continue to look for convenient and affordable ways to earn a college degree. Many are finding that convenience and affordability online. In 2019, more than 100,000 college students in the state took all of their courses online, with over 200,000 taking at least one online class, according to a report by Bay View Analytics.
But which schools have the online degree programs you need to succeed? Which have affordable tuition, academic counseling, and career placement that make a difference? Start your college search with our Illinois school rankings below, and keep reading for helpful information about earning your degree online where you live.
Top Online Colleges in Illinois for 2024
The onlinecolleges.me rankings begin with affordability. Starting with tuition and fees and ending with career placement, we’ve identified the top online colleges in Illinois for students and working professionals. Key metrics include tuition and fees, online program availability, financial aid options, student-to-faculty ratio, and more. See which Illinois colleges stand out for online learning in 2024.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Carbondale, IllinoisPublic $$
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers online bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and non-degree programs. Students access class discussions, coursework, and class materials online. Faculty is accessible and often the same faculty who teach on-campus courses. Online programs follow the same curriculum as on-campus programs, and students have opportunities for class discussion and interaction with and guidance from their professors. Graduates’ diplomas and transcripts are from Southern Illinois University, the same as on-campus students. Online students have access to student resources including tech support, writing, research, and career assistance. All domestic students pay the in-state tuition rate and financial aid opportunities are available.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Technologies
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $321.50 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy
- Credits: 45
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $460.40 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
M.S. in Quality Engineering and Management
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $460.40 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Springfield, IllinoisPublic $$
University of Illinois Springfield offers a wide variety of online education opportunities including undergraduate degrees & minors, graduate degree programs, graduate certificates and licensure programs, and continuing education and professional development. Students can access their courses online at any time and from anywhere through a digital classroom contained in the learning management system Canvas. Course materials, assignments, discussions, and online collaboration are all accessed via Canvas. Zoom provides real-time (synchronous) interactions for lectures, discussion, office hours, and group collaboration. Faculty will provide the syllabus and learning path for each course, including course design, materials, assignments, calendar, and expectations, but the majority of UIS online courses are asynchronous, where students enter the online classroom and complete work. Some courses may require synchronous meetings where students meet at the same time.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Health, M.P.H. – Environmental Health
- Credits: 48
- Length: 17-24 Months
- Cost: $21,344 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: National Environmental Health Science & Protection Accreditation Council (Program); Higher Learning Commission (School)
Master’s Environmental Sciences
- Credits: 40
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $365.75 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor of Arts Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: W $367.50 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Macomb, IllinoisPublic $$
Western Illinois University provides students with the opportunity to choose from more than 100 innovative undergraduate and graduate degree programs, integrated programs, pre-professional programs, and certificate programs. WIU’s online programs allow students to interact with professors and other classmates from anywhere. At WIU, 94% of classes are taught by full-time faculty who not only teach the courses but also provide mentorship and personalized assistance on career planning, coursework, and more. Courses are delivered through WesternOnline, WIU’s Course Management System. The system delivers online instruction 24/7, with faculty and students using the tools that allow for synchronous and asynchronous discussion through chat, mail, and discussion boards. They can also submit assignments, securely access grades, access interactive video and tutorials, and interactive and sequential learning modules that allow students to learn at their own pace.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science—Emergency Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $317.18 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Accountancy (Master of Accountancy)
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $364.01 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration
- Credits: 34
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $364.01 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Champaign, IllinoisPublic $$$
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers fully online doctoral programs, graduate degrees, graduate certificates, and undergraduate degrees. Students can choose from more than 120 programs and more than 4,500 online course sections. Online learning at the University of Illinois offers students the opportunity to have a flexible schedule, access the same high-quality education as on-campus students, network with classmates from around the world, and seek career advancement and entrepreneurial opportunities. Courses are delivered through the Canvas online learning management system. Students receive exceptional technical, advising, career, and academic support, along with access to the university’s Center for Innovation in TEaching and Learning. CITL provides a range of enrollment services to students interested in taking online courses. We’ve highlighted three of the university’s programs below.
Program Highlights:
Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability B.S.
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $416 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Agricultural Leadership Education & Communications Master of Science
- Credits: 32
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $500 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Master of Science in Strategic Brand Communication
- Credits: 32
- Length: 17 months
- Cost: $920 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Chicago, IllinoisPublic $$
Chicago State University offers fully online graduate and undergraduate degree programs that allow students to create a schedule that allows them flexibility to meet their personal and professional obligations. Students should expect to log in to their online courses at least two to three times per week and actively participate in class. Online courses are delivered through the learning management system Moodle. Moodle allows students to download reading materials and assignments, watch class videos, post to discussion boards, take quizzes, and more. Students have access to tech support and other university student support.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Education, Physical Education
- Credits: 34
- Length: Varoes
- Cost: $332 per credit hour (Resident); $643 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: National Association of Sports and Physical Education (Program); Higher Learning Commission (School)
Master of Science in Library and Information Science
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2.5 years
- Cost: $332 per credit hour (Resident); $643 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Technology & Performance Improvement Studies
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $332 per credit hour (Resident); $643 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Edwardsville, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Dekalb, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Chicago, IllinoisPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Normal, IllinoisPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Lincoln, IllinoisPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Chicago, IllinoisPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
University Park, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Chicago, IllinoisPrivate for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
27/1
-
Rockford, IllinoisPrivate for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Chicago, IllinoisPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Bridgeview, IllinoisPrivate for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Olney, IllinoisPublic $$
Olney Community College, part of the Illinois Eastern Community College system, offers seven online associate degrees and 11 online certificates. Online courses are hosted on Canvas, and students must take an introductory course to familiarize themselves with how online learning works. Online courses do not require campus visits, though some teachers require proctored exams at a testing center. Resources for online students include the campus bookstore, technical help desk, library, and student support services.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Accounting
- Credits: 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $100-$342/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
AAS Human Resource Assistant
- Credits: 65
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $100-$342/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Arts (transfer degree)
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $100-$342/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Robinson, IllinoisPublic $$
Lincoln Trail College, part of the Illinois Eastern Community College system, uses Canvas to deliver its online courses. Online courses use the same timeline as on-campus courses with 16-week sessions in the Fall and Spring semesters and 8-week summer courses. All coursework and assignments are accessible online, and there is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous offerings. Hybrid courses are also available to interested students. Online students have access to the library, financial aid, online registration, technical support, and academic advising. Tuition rates depend on location.
Program Highlights:
Health Information Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $278/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Decatur, IllinoisPublic $$
Richland Community College offers an online Associate of Arts and Associate of Science using Canvas to deliver courses. Richland focuses on respect, integrity, commitment, excellence, and diversity to give students character development in addition to an education. Online courses require the same, if not more, work than online courses and should not be taken for an “easy A.” Students taking online courses must be comfortable using technology and internet services since all assignments, quizzes, discussions, readings, lectures, and instruction are delivered via computer.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $139/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $139/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Joliet, IllinoisPublic $
Students access online courses for Joliet Junior College using iCampus, powered by Canvas. Online students pay in-district tuition no matter where they live. JJC offers an introductory course to online learning and the iCampus program to help orient new students. Online courses include both synchronous and asynchronous offerings. While all coursework can be completed online, some classes require campus visits for exams and other reasons, so check with professors and academic advisors for expectations.
Program Highlights:
Computer Programming
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $151/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Management and Supervision
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $151/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Management Information Systems
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $151/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Chicago Heights, IllinoisPublic $$
Prairie State College uses Desire2Learn to manage its online coursework, and training and technical support for the program are provided. PSC is dedicated to converting its on-campus curriculum into online formats through discussion forums, videos, images, files, PDFs, exam reviews, external learning tools, transcripts, grade books, modules, and content pages. Students have access to disability services, veterans services, library services, academic advising, tutoring, emergency community services, and more. If an online course is asynchronous, you can only contact faculty at scheduled times. Check schedules and syllabi for details.
Accounting and Business Management
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $174/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
IT: Web
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $174/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Liberal Arts
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $174/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Fairfield, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Mount Carmel, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
26/1
-
Dixon, IllinoisPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Palatine, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Moline, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Malta, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Normal, IllinoisPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Kankakee, IllinoisPublic $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Online College Modes Available in Illinois
Distance learning is not a “one size fits all” environment. And it’s crucial to your academic success that you find the best online program whose format matches when, where, and how you learn best. Below, we explore the most common learning modes employed by the best online colleges in Illinois, along with some examples of degree programs that employ each one.
Fully-Online vs. Hybrid/Blended
The terms “hybrid” and “blended” are often used interchangeably by online colleges in Illinois in describing their programs. However, there is a subtle distinction between the two.
Hybrid programs typically include online components that either entirely or partially replace in-person instruction. Blended programs, on the other hand, are those that supplement in-person instruction with online elements such as assignments, readings, research, discussion groups, etc.
Programs described as fully online or 100% online deliver all coursework, including class lectures, entirely by means of distance learning. In most cases, in fact, students in fully online programs will visit campus in-person to earn their degrees. You should note, however, that fully-online programs may include some in-person components, like internships, field experiences, etc.
If the occupation you’re interested in requires face-to-face interaction (like treatment of clients or patients) or the development of hands-on skills, your online degree program will likely include in-person (hybrid or blended) components.
Here are examples of fully-online and hybrid/blended degree programs currently offered by online colleges in Illinois:
Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology from Elmhurst University (Blended/Hybrid)
The Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology Online Degree Completion program at Elmhurst University is designed for busy adult learners. This partially online program combines on-campus evening classes attended evenings on the university’s Elmhurst campus (approximately 30 miles west of Chicago) with additional online classes and other course components.
The 10-unit (one unit equals four credit hours) curriculum includes the same five core courses required in the standard Bachelor of Psychology program at Elmhurst. In addition, students complete elective courses focused on applied psychology topics such as health psychology, clinical and counseling psychology, and psychological testing. Students are required to have completed 30 credit hours of approved transfer coursework prior to starting the degree completion program. The current per-credit tuition rate for this program is $655.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Accelerated) at Lewis University (Fully-Online)
Lewis University offers 18 fully-online undergraduate and graduate degrees, including this accelerated BS in Computer Science.
Students complete 50 credits of core courses (in mathematics and CS subjects such as programming fundamentals, introduction to networks, software engineering and cybersecurity essentials) along with nine credits in one of nine concentrations: Artificial Intelligence; Game and Simulation Programming; Mobile Computing; Secure Programming; Software Engineering; and Systems Programming.
All coursework is completed 100% online in asynchronous-formatted classes that allow students to learn and interact with their peers. Students additionally have 24/7 access to Virtual Machines that allow them to complete hands-on exercises online at anytime.
Earning the degree requires completion of an additional 69 credit hours of general education coursework, 30 credits of which must be earned prior to starting the degree program. General education courses may be taken through Lewis University or transferred in from other regionally-accredited colleges. The current per-credit tuition rate is $610.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
Asynchronous programs are those with class sessions and other coursework that can be accessed and completed at those times most convenient to the student. That means you won’t have to log in and attend class sessions (lectures, meetings, etc.) at specific times.
As you might expect, synchronous programs are those that require you to attend course activities (like live-streamed lectures) online at specifically scheduled times.
Both formats have their advantages. Asynchronous programs offer the most convenience, particularly for working students who need to fit their academic studies around their job schedules. For those with more schedule flexibility, synchronous programs offer the advantage of real-time class participation and interaction with fellow students.
Here are examples of current online programs in Illinois with asynchronous and synchronous formats:
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Completion at the University of Illinois Chicago (Asynchronous)
The BBA Degree Completion program at the University of Illinois Chicago is designed to provide students with a well-rounded background in business. The curriculum covers all aspects of business operations and can be applied to a range of leadership positions in a variety of settings.
As a degree completion program, students are required to enter the program with at least 60 credit hours of previously earned general education and core economics coursework. The BBA’s cohort-based curriculum consists of 61 credit hours presented in a prescribed course sequence.
All courses are delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format allowing students to complete course requirements at times of their choosing.
Online BBA students enjoy access to a full slate of support services that include online library services, academic advising, and business career services that include connections to valuable internship and other career opportunities. The current tuition rate is $412 per credit.
Online Master of Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Synchronous)
UI’s flagship campus, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, offers an Online Master of Education Program designed to meet the academic and career advancement needs of students currently employed in the education field. Students select one of nine concentrations that include: Bilingual/Bicultural, Digital Learning, Perspectives and Practices curriculum instruction and Diversity & Equity, Global Studies, and Human Resource Development in education.
Students attend online synchronous live-streamed video sessions that allow for real-time interaction with instructors and fellow students. Sessions are typically held once each week (Monday through Thursday, anytime between 4:00 and 9:00 pm CST).
The 32-credit hour program is formatted to be completed with two years of full-time study. Part-time options are also available. The current per-credit tuition rate for the EdM program is $500 for both Illinois and out-of-state residents.
The program does not lead to initial teacher licensing. Students interested in obtaining initial teacher licensure may complete the on-campus Master’s Plus Teacher Licensure Program.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Just like traditional on-campus programs, you’ll find plenty of both full-time and part-time online degree programs available at Illinois colleges and universities. In fact, it’s quite common for the best online colleges in Illinois to offer degrees with both full-time and part-time options.
Part-time study is especially popular because it allows working students and others with busy time commitments the ability to earn a degree they might not otherwise be able to. It’s why you’ll find lots of online graduate program with part-time curriculums specifically tailored to meet the needs of mid-level professionals intent on career advancement, but unable to take time away from their careers to study full-time.
Here are two examples of quality full-time and part-time programs currently available from online colleges in Illinois:
Enterprise Leadership Online Bachelor’s Degree Completion at Northwestern University (Part-Time)
Northwestern University offers a number of fully-online bachelor’s degree completion programs with part-time courses of study tailored to meet the busy schedules of working professionals. One such program is the Bachelor of Science in Enterprise Leadership available through Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies.
The program consists of 45 units of major core, concentration, elective, and distribution courses, and coursework in one of 10 four-course elective certificates. Concentration options include Business Essentials, Human Resources, and Strategic Communications.
All coursework is delivered fully-online in an asynchronous format. Graduates of the program gain the problem-solving, business, and communications skills needed to take on leadership positions in a wide range of professional fields.
The current tuition rate is $2,179 per unit (one unit equals one full course, in most cases). A variety of financial aid opportunities are available, including scholarships sponsored by the School of Professional Studies itself.
Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) at DePaul University (Full-Time)
Students with a previously-earned bachelor’s degree interested in launching a nursing career in Illinois can do so through the full-time Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice program at DePaul University in Chicago.
The curriculum consists of 107 quarter credits of basic and advanced generic, core, and practice nursing courses. All didactic coursework is delivered virtually with only clinicals and labs requiring in-person attendance. A total of 795 in-person clinical hours are also required, with clinical placements made at any of 150 program affiliates located throughout the Chicagoland area.
The program is offered in a full-time accelerated format only and is designed to be completed in two years. Students must complete four prerequisite courses prior to the start of the program. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The current tuition rate is $765 per credit.
Accreditation & Illinois Online Colleges
Accreditation is the process through which all postsecondary degree programs and the colleges that offer them are vetted for academic quality. Regardless of the online degree program you’re looking for, proper accreditation is an absolute must. It’s your way of knowing that the program you choose is worth your time, effort, and money.
There are two basic types of postsecondary accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation refers to the college or university itself. Institutional accreditation of colleges and universities in the U.S. is administered by a group of U.S. Department of Education recognized independent national and regional accrediting agencies. The regional accreditor of online colleges in Illinois is the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Programmatic accreditation concerns individual college degree programs in Illinois and is administered by professional associations dedicated to assuring the quality of programs in a specific academic field.
Not all academic fields are programmatically accredited, but it is critically important for certain disciplines (such as engineering, nursing, teaching, etc.) that are highly regulated and/or require graduates to obtain state licensure or certification for employment in the state.
For a deeper dive into college accreditation, check out our guide to accreditation.
Cost of Earning Your Degree Online in Illinois
College is an expensive proposition whether you study online or on-campus. It’s also true regardless of what state you’re in. To illustrate the point, recent (2020-2021) figures from the U.S. Department of Education list the average annual cost (tuition and fees) for an undergraduate degree program at a 4-year public college in Illinois for in-state residents at $14,579. That’s more than $5,000 above the average cost for a similar program in the U.S. overall.
What you’ll actually pay for your online degree program in Illinois will depend on such factors as whether your school is public or private (private schools can be much more expensive) and whether you’re residing in or out of Illinois (public schools sometimes, but not always, charge non-Illinois residents a higher tuition rate).
However, you’ll likely spend less for an online degree program than a comparable traditional on-campus one due mostly to savings on such items as the cost of transportation to and from campus.
We’ve gathered in the chart below current online and on-campus tuition figures from five Illinois colleges to give you a rough idea of what you might find during your degree search. Keep in mind that these are tuition rates only. Your total degree price tag will be higher once you add in the costs program fees, books and supplies, etc.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville University | $470.00/credit | $470.00/credit | $470.00/credit | $470.00/credit |
| McKendree University | $1,040.00/credit | $1,040.00/credit | $405.00/credit | $405.00/credit |
| Northern Illinois University | $360.80/credit | $360.80/credit | $ 360.80/credit | $360.80/credit |
| University of Illinois Springfield | $321.50/credit | $647.00/credit | $367.50/credit | $367.50/credit |
| Western Illinois University | $317.18/credit | $317.18/credit | $317.18/credit | $317.18/credit |
* Costs are tuition only, not including fees.
Financial Aid for College Students in Illinois
The availability of funds to pay for your education will, of course, play a major factor in your choice of degree. There’s good news on that account for students of online colleges in Illinois. All the various types of financial aid available to students of accredited traditional on-campus college programs in Illinois are also available to students in accredited online programs as well.
These include scholarships, grants, assistantships and fellowships (mostly for grad students), VA benefits (for military), employer tuition reimbursement programs, and – the most popular of all – student loans, like those available through the Federal Student Aid program.
Examples of financial aid resources specific to Illinois students include:
- Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program
- Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
- Illinois Loan Repayment/Forgiveness Programs
- Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant
- Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program
- Nursing Education Scholarship Program (Illinois Department of Public Health)
Other great resources for scholarship information are Illinois college and university websites, such as:
- Northwestern University Scholarships & Grants
- UIS Local Scholarship Opportunities
- UIS Scholarships
- UI Urbana-Champaign Scholarships
A great starting point in your degree funding search is the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). And for more quality information and tips on finding and landing funding for your degree program, visit our financial aid and scholarships guides.
Fastest-Growing College Grad Careers in Illinois
The chart below offers a look at ten of the fastest-growing occupations in Illinois that require either an undergraduate of graduate degree, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. If you haven’t already decided on a college degree or career path, you may want to consider these jobs with the best growth potential.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 43.6% | $120,470 |
| Statistician | 35.5% | $104,010 |
| Logistician | 29.0% | $67,320 |
| Data Scientist | 28.8% | $104,010 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 26.8% | $125,720 |
| Information Security Analyst | 25.3% | $112,830 |
| Actuary | 25.2% | $113,550 |
| Physician Assistant | 24.4% | $117,480 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | 23.7% | $50,860 |
| Operations Research Analyst | 23.0% | $97,720 |
Additional Resources for College Students in Illinois
Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI)
The ACI is an association representing 26 private residential colleges and universities in Illinois and aims to help underserved students succeed in college and beyond. Services for students include scholarships, micro-internships, career mentoring, and work and life skills bootcamps.
Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
Another association of Illinois postsecondary institutions, this one representing approximately 60 private, not-for-profit colleges and universities in the state. Visitors to this site can access the federation’s directory of member schools as well as news and information on upcoming federation events.
Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)
Website of the state’s regulatory body overseeing higher education institutions and practices. Visitors to the site can access a wealth of useful college and student information including institutional profiles, this degree program search engine, and much more.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
The ISAC is a quasi-public organization whose website is packed with tons of valuable information on researching colleges and careers, paying for college (including ISAC-sponsored scholarships and other funding opportunities), tips for successfully transitioning from college to career, and much more.
Online Learning Tutorials for eLearning Programs
This UI Springfield website is designed primarily for online instructors, but you’ll find a number of useful articles for online students under the Pedagogy and Learning heading, including “What Makes a Successful Online Student”, “Tips for Online Success”, and a “Self Evaluation Quiz for Potential Online Students.”
Strategies for Surviving and Thriving on Zoom
Excellent article from UI Urbana-Champaign offering information and advice for avoiding burnout and working successfully with Zoom, the videoconferencing service used by many online colleges in Illinois to present synchronous class sessions and other program-related live streaming events.
Visitors to the site will find useful information on financial aid, tuition and applying to UI schools as well as access to a catalog of online courses and programs offered by UI’s three university campuses.