Best Online Colleges in Illinois

Thomas Broderick
By
Updated on November 4, 2025
Edited by
Online colleges in Illinois offer great programs that can prepare you for in-demand careers. Explore affordable programs for in- and out-of-state students.

Illinois visitors and residents need not look far to find the state’s impact on American agriculture and industry. Beyond the farms and factories, Illinois’ colleges and universities have made a significant contribution to the United States’ development. In 1942, researchers at the University of Chicago performed the world’s first controlled nuclear chain reaction.

Today, online colleges in Illinois offer students worldwide access to diplomas, certificates, and degrees. Explore programs that can prepare you for a career in the Prairie State and beyond.

Illinois at a Glance

10 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.
#1

University of Illinois at Springfield

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

Online learners can take advantage of University of Illinois at Springfield's premier educational offerings. Offering 32 online programs to 3,006 distance students, the public institution educates individuals located across the country. Degree-seekers can choose from a variety of subjects and learn at their own pace, right from the comfort of home.

Many online courses feature opportunities to participate in discussions and develop professional connections with classmates. Learners can develop practical skills through experiential learning opportunities, such as research collaborations with peers. Students can consult departmental advisors to ensure they are on track to meet their academic goals.

Along with third-party scholarships, degree-seekers can apply for institutional funding to make earning a degree more affordable. To understand their financial aid options, enrollees can contact the institution's financial aid office. Of the school's enrollees, 96% receive financial aid.

83%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$19,410

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
4,661
Institution Type
Public
#2

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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

Regardless of their professional aspirations, enrollees can receive a high-quality education through University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's online programs. Of the school's academic programs, 33 are available in an online format. Flexible scheduling and enrollment options allow online students to earn their degree faster than many on-campus learners.

Options including email, chat, and videoconferencing allow enrollees to communicate with peers and instructors. Degree-seekers can collaborate on original research projects and pursue experiential learning opportunities such as internships. Institutional resources, including career services and academic advising, encourage academic and professional success among online students. To explore employment options, learners can attend job fairs organized by the school.

Some classes require additional fees. Before enrolling, applicants should consider the overall cost of earning a degree. Applicants can receive detailed information from an admissions counselor. Enrollees who need additional funding can pursue federal student loans, which typically offer better terms than private loans.

59%

Online Enrollment

$12,712

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

95%

Retention Rate

$31,832

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
42%
Students Enrolled
59,238
Institution Type
Public
#3

Elmhurst College

  • Elmhurst, IL
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Online learners searching for a high-quality education can consider Elmhurst College. Busy students with personal or professional responsibilities often pursue one of the private institution's 10 online programs. Online learning eliminates the need to live near campus, allowing individuals to study from anywhere.

Remote enrollees benefit from a supportive online learning community. By conducting original research while earning their degree, participants can enhance their resume and abilities. Learners often benefit from career services such as mock interviews, job boards, and resume assistance.

The institution delivers funding to eligible applicants, reducing the overall cost of earning a degree. Students can consult financial aid officers for information about institutional and outside funding options. The college reports that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of aid.

49%

Online Enrollment

$41,258

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$41,258

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
3,954
Institution Type
Private
#4

Aurora University

  • Aurora, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Aurora University provides online learners with high-quality programs in various fields. Busy students with personal or professional responsibilities often pursue one of the private institution's 14 online programs. Online learning features flexibility which can make obtaining a degree easier for working professionals, who often need to set their own schedule.

Online enrollees can participate in forum discussions and group projects. Hands-on experiences such as internships and research projects help participants gain practical skills. Academic advisors help learners choose courses that align with their professional goals, customizing the curriculum to their needs.

Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal scholarships, grants, and loans. The institution's financial aid office provides information about scholarship and fellowship eligibility requirements to prospective students. Financial aid helps 100% of the school's enrollees cover their educational costs.

39%

Online Enrollment

$28,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$28,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
5,924
Institution Type
Private
#5

University of St. Francis

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

University of St. Francis offers online classes that provide the same high-quality academic experience as its on-campus courses. In addition to in-person programs at its Joliet campus, the private school's academic options include 24 online programs. Online learners can take advantage of institutional resources and a supportive online learning community to succeed academically.

Online enrollees can connect with fellow colleagues, faculty members, and staff through a virtual classroom environment. Curricula feature general education coursework and advanced classes to help learners gain transferable and field-specific skills. Before registering for classes, students can consult with academic advisors to identify course options aligning with their goals. Many enrollees pursue internships to gain professional experience, which can make them more competitive for positions after graduation.

To reduce the financial burden of earning a degree, applicants should explore their funding options and contact the financial aid office. In addition to federal financial aid, students can apply to private scholarship programs.

79%

Online Enrollment

$37,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$37,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
3,024
Institution Type
Private
#6

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
With high-quality online programs, DePaul University is an ideal option for online learners. Busy students with personal or professional responsibilities often pursue one of the private institution's 17 online programs. Learners who need to set their own schedule, such as working professionals, often benefit from the flexibility of online programs.

Remote enrollees benefit from a supportive online learning community. Participants can collaborate with peers and instructors while conducting original research. Learners can benefit from online advising sessions and career services, such as mock interviews.

The institution delivers funding to eligible applicants, reducing the overall cost of earning a degree. Students can consult financial aid officers for information about institutional and outside funding options. The school reports that 98% of enrollees receive financial aid of some kind, which can help them fund their degree.

59%

Online Enrollment

$43,379

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$43,379

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
21,210
Institution Type
Private
#7

Lewis University

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

Students can pursue Lewis University's premiere academic programs in on-campus and online formats. Delivering 25 online programs in various fields, the school educates 2,706 online enrollees, in addition to those studying on campus in Romeoville. Busy learners who need flexible scheduling options can choose asynchronous online programs to complete coursework around other obligations.

Distance learners can participate in discussions and receive assistance from professors through the virtual learning platform. While earning their degree, many learners pursue practical learning opportunities to qualify for positions that require professional experience. Career counselors help enrollees identify the best professional path for them and prepare to find and secure jobs after graduation. Mock interviews allow students to practice their interpersonal skills and improve their chance of landing a job after graduation.

Financial aid counselors help applicants understand their funding options and more easily afford higher education. In addition to institutional funding, enrollees can pursue private scholarships and fellowships to pay for school. Of all students, 100% receive some form of financial aid.

70%

Online Enrollment

$37,592

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$37,592

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
7,011
Institution Type
Private
#8

Western Illinois University

  • Macomb, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
At Western Illinois University, learners can choose from top-quality online academic programs in various fields. The school provides 26 options for online students, with programs available in many fields. Of all enrollees, 3,688 benefit from distance learning opportunities.

The college’s online learning community is next to none. Participants learn alongside colleagues in a virtual classroom environment. Some students complete original research in collaboration with professors, contributing to their field and gaining practical experience. Online learners can access institutional resources such as academic advising. Professional resources include mock interviews and resume assistance.

Students with financial need often qualify for federal funding. Learners can also apply for merit-based scholarships and fellowships from private organizations. The institution's statistics indicate that 88% of enrollees receive financial aid.

71%

Online Enrollment

$9,801

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

59%

Retention Rate

$9,801

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
7,073
Institution Type
Public
#9

Concordia University-Chicago

  • River Forest, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Concordia University-Chicago's offerings include top-quality academic programming, which learners can access in person or online. The private institution's 58 online programs provide flexible learning options for busy students based in any location. Learners with personal or professional responsibilities can choose online programs that allow them to complete assignments according to their schedule.

Many online courses feature opportunities to participate in discussions and develop professional connections with classmates. Participants can collaborate with peers and instructors while conducting original research. Learners often benefit from career services such as mock interviews, job boards, and resume assistance.

Degree-seekers with financial need should submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal funding, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can contact a financial aid officer for information about eligibility requirements for institutional scholarships and fellowships. At the school, 100% of enrollees fund their education using some form of financial aid.

88%

Online Enrollment

$35,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

61%

Retention Rate

$35,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
4,730
Institution Type
Private
#10

Eastern Illinois University

  • Charleston, IL
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Eastern Illinois University offers high-quality online academic programs for enrollees studying various fields. Learners based in any location can earn their degree through one of the school's 33 online programs. The flexibility of remote programs allow many students to maintain full-time employment while earning their degree.

Distance learners can pursue individual assistance by connecting with professors through email and videoconferencing. Degree-seekers who complete internships or research projects can leverage their experience when pursuing jobs after graduation. Career services prepare students to obtain a job in their field after graduation.

Students can access career services for help choosing the best professional path. To explore employment options, learners can attend job fairs organized by the school.

Program costs vary based on the student's field. Admissions counselors can provide detailed cost information and help applicants understand the amount they should budget for their education. Scholarship and grant programs help enrollees reduce out-of-pocket expenses and student debt.

39%

Online Enrollment

$10,430

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$10,430

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
8,505
Institution Type
Public

Who Accredits Online Colleges in Illinois?

Before choosing an online college or university in Illinois, you should ensure the institution holds accreditation by a recognized agency. The Higher Learning Commission is the primary accreditor of postsecondary schools in the state.

Institutional accreditation (formerly called national or regional accreditation) demonstrates that the school meets specific academic and professional standards, ensuring graduate schools and employers recognize your degree.

How Much Does College Cost in Illinois?

Students attending an undergraduate private school or graduate school in Illinois pay about the same for their education as students in other states. However, undergraduate public school students in Illinois spend significantly more on their education than the national average. However, keep in mind that this figure includes out-of-state students who pay a higher per-credit tuition rate than Illinois residents.

You may qualify for federal financial aid if you attend an accredited online college in Illinois. Residents can visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website to learn more about the FAFSA and explore financial aid topics. As of September 2025, the state government sponsors scholarships for Illinois residents preparing for a career in:

State-sponsored scholarships, such as the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois, require recipients to agree to a service commitment upon graduation. As a result, you should compare requirements closely before applying.

Career Opportunities in Illinois

$50,000
Median annual wage in IL (May 2024)

+2.7%
Projected job growth in IL (2022-2032)

4.4%
Unemployment rate in IL (August 2025)

Source: BLS OEWS, Projections Central, BLS LAUS

The median annual salary, overall projected job growth, and unemployment rate in Illinois align with the national average. If you want to earn more in your first job after graduation or prepare for an in-demand career, research the state’s fastest-growing industries, which include:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Agricultural technology
  • Clean energy
  • Information technology
  • Life sciences research

College academic and career advisors can help you explore positions within these industries, pick the right major, and make yourself an appealing job applicant. Keeping track of the job market throughout your education can also help you choose your major and electives wisely.

Popular Cities for Recent Grads

Chicago

  • Major employers headquartered in Chicago include CNA, Caterpillar, and McDonald’s.
  • The city features convenient train access for workers living outside the city limits.
  • Midway International Airport connects Chicago to business hubs in Europe and Asia.

Naperville

Aurora

  • Aurora’s downtown completed a significant economic redevelopment plan in 2017.
  • The three largest employment sectors include manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.
  • The city’s housing costs fall below the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois features nearly 100 four-year colleges. Students can also start their education at one of 48 community colleges. Many of these schools offer fully online programs with the same excellent student support services that on-campus learners receive.