Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Universities and colleges in Illinois are committed to transforming online education. In 2022, more than half of Illinois college students enrolled in online classes, with 23.5% in fully online programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

When it comes to online colleges in Illinois, it’s critically important to choose an accredited institution. Our ranking covers the state’s top online colleges.

Learners choosing from Illinois’s online colleges and schools should ensure that each prospective institution holds accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission primarily accredits Illinois schools. Institutional accreditation demonstrates that the entire school meets specific academic and professional standards, ensuring employers and graduate schools will recognize your degree as legitimate.

The institutional accreditation process involves a third-party organization providing thorough review of a school’s faculty, curriculum, and student outcomes. Attending an accredited school is key to receive federal financial aid, transfer credits, and qualify for certain certifications.

Many industries feature specialized accrediting agencies, which evaluate programs and departments. For example, business programs may receive accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, while teaching programs often hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Some roles may require candidates to have earned degrees from accredited programs.

Most accredited schools and programs feature their accreditation status on their website. Ensure that the school or program holds accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Both ED and CHEA feature searchable databases of recognized agencies and accredited schools.

Accreditation affects transfer credits, saving you time and money on your degree. Many colleges only award transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. You can maximize the value of your transfer credits by attending an accredited institution — these programs may require you to retake credits completed at schools without accreditation.

In many fields, including healthcare, social work, and engineering, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited program to earn a professional license. Generally, majors that prepare graduates for careers with licensing requirements require programmatic accreditation if you plan to work as a nurse, counselor, teacher, or allied health professional research program accreditation.

How can you choose the right college to earn your degree online in Illinois? Here are some factors to consider when evaluating online programs.

As a first step, make sure to check the accreditation status of any prospective online college in Illinois. By only applying to accredited schools, you’ll avoid wasting time on unaccredited programs that will keep you from reaching your educational goals.

Find a college that matches your budget by researching the total cost of the program. If you live in Illinois, a public college will likely offer the most affordable path to an online degree.

Online programs use several different formats, including live class sessions and recorded lectures. Consider how much flexibility you need to find a program that fits your schedule.

Online learners can benefit from support services like academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring. When comparing programs, check each college’s available support services.

As an Illinois college student, you can benefit from scholarship and grant opportunities to maximize your online education.