Ranging from research university programs to small schools, online colleges in Illinois offer programs that can prepare you for careers in the state’s fastest-growing industries.
With the fifth highest gross domestic product in the country, Illinois is home to more than 30 Fortune 500 companies.
Illinois’ top industries for target growth include advanced manufacturing; agribusiness and food processing; business and professional services; Energy; life sciences and biotechnology; and transportation, distribution and logistics.
The online universities listed below offer courses and degrees that can help you get into these exciting industries in Illinois and beyond.
Top 5 Online Schools in Illinois – Fast Facts
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school statistics |
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Loyola University |
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University of Illinois Springfield |
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aurora university |
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lewis university |
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Nazarene University of Olives |
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Top 10 Online Colleges in Illinois
ZDNet Ranking Methodology evaluates schools on affordability, reputation, academic quality, and the number of online bachelor’s and master’s programs available. We only include schools that make the cut.
You can count on the accuracy and objectivity of our rankings due to our curated and independent process.
Unless otherwise stated, the data is extracted from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System Y University scorecard. Please note that for public universities, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.
1. Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, Ill.
About school: Following the Jesuit educational tradition, Loyola University offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree completion programs. Fields of study include pastoral and divinity studies, public health, supply chain management, and technology.
- Acceptance level: 71%
- Graduation rate: 73%
- Average annual net price: $36,434
- Student population: 17,498
- Student Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Number of online degrees: Eight
- Number of online masters: 30
- Average HE SAT Rank for admitted students: Critical Reading 570-660; math 560-670
- Minimum average: N/A
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous, Synchronous and Hybrid
Accreditation: Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
2. University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Ill.
About school: University of Illinois Springfield lists completion of bachelor’s and master’s degrees among its online programs. UIS offers lower tuition rates for distance learning students and matches students with an online program coordinator.
- Acceptance level: 77%
- Graduation rate: 54%
- Average annual net price: $12,034
- Student population: 3,944
- Student Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Number of online degrees: 14
- Number of online masters: fifteen
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: critical reading 490-600; math 490-590
- Minimum average: Transfer, 2.0; graduate, program specific
- Course delivery method: asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: The University of Illinois Springfield is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
3. Aurora University
aurora illinois
About school: aurora university applies a small university environment to distance learning. It offers career-focused master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business, criminal justice, public administration, social work, and more.
- Acceptance level: 84%
- Graduation rate: 64%
- Average annual net price: $16,994
- Student population: 6,165
- Student Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Number of online degrees: Eight
- Number of online masters: Eight
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: Critical Reading 490-570; math 490-570
- Minimum average: Program Specific
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
4. Lewis University
Romeoville, Ill.
About school: of Catholic and Lasallian affiliation lewis university offers online learning options for students interested in completing their bachelor’s degrees, advancing their careers, and earning graduate credentials.
- Acceptance level: 66%
- Graduation rate: 67%
- Average annual net price: $19,074
- Student population: 6,183
- Student Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Number of online degrees: Six
- Number of online masters: eleven
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: critical reading 500-610; math 510-610
- Minimum average: Program Specific
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Lewis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5. Nazarene University of Olives
Bourbonnais, Ill.
About school: Nazarene University of Olives offers accelerated online bachelor’s and master’s programs geared toward career advancement. Fields of study include business, education, ministry, and nursing. The UN is affiliated with the International Church of the Nazarene.
- Acceptance level: 67%
- Graduation rate: 63%
- Average annual net price: $19,470
- Student population: 3,462
- Student Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Number of online degrees: Five
- Number of online masters: Nine
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: critical reading 490-600; math 480-590
- Minimum average: Bachelor’s Completion: 2.0; master’s degree: specific program
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and combined
Accreditation: Olivet Nazarene University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
6. Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, Ill.
About school: Eastern Illinois University lists online master’s and degree completion programs for adult learners. Notable programs include master’s degrees in aging studies and community arts and a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication.
- Acceptance level: 56%
- Graduation rate: 61%
- Average annual net price: $13,098
- Student population: 8,608
- Student Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Number of online degrees: Seven
- Number of online masters: 12
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: critical reading 480-580; math 480-560
- Minimum average: Program Specific
- Course delivery method: asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Eastern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
7. McKendree University
Lebanon, Illinois
About school: Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, McKendree University offers discounted tuition for online students and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas such as business, education, health leadership, and nursing.
- Acceptance level: 70%
- Graduation rate: 56%
- Average annual net price: $19,956
- Student population: 1,958
- Student Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Number of online degrees: Five
- Number of online masters: four
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: Critical reading 437-631; math 434-646
- Minimum average: Undergraduate Transfer, 2.0; otherwise program-specific
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: McKendree University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
8. Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Ill.
About school: Southern Illinois University emphasizes inquiry and inclusion. The school lists nearly 40 career-focused bachelor’s, bachelor’s completion, and master’s degree programs for online students.
- Acceptance level: 92%
- Graduation rate: 53%
- Average annual net price: $16,285
- Student population: 11,266
- Student Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Number of online degrees: twenty
- Number of online masters: 19
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: Critical Reading 470-590; math 460-590
- Minimum average: Undergraduate, SAT/ACT waived with 2.75 GPA; graduate, program specific
- Course delivery method: asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Southern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
9. Judson University
Elgin, Ill.
About school: Baptist Affiliate Judson UniversityDistance learning options include professional adult bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. JU’s online programs focus on business, human services, and leadership.
- Acceptance level: 57%
- Graduation rate: 63%
- Average annual net price: $19,330
- Student population: 1,173
- Student Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Number of online degrees: four
- Number of online masters: four
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: critical reading 450-560; math 420-570
- Minimum average: Bachelor: 2.0; mastery: 2.5-3.0
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous, Synchronous and Hybrid
Accreditation: Judson University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
10. National Louis University
Chicago, Ill.
About school: A Louis National University, distance learning students can earn master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business, health care leadership, management, psychology, and more. Undergraduates may also choose communications, computer science, or criminal justice.
- Acceptance level: 97%
- Graduation rate: 54%
- Average annual net price: $14,584
- Student population: 7,315
- Student Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Number of online degrees: Eight
- Number of online masters: Six
- Average SAT Range for Admitted Students: Not required
- Minimum average: Program Specific
- Course delivery method: asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
In conclusion
Illinois online opportunities focus on career development and advancement. These programs are designed to help you achieve your career goals without having to take time off work.
In addition to researching the best online colleges in Illinois listed here, explore our pages with more information on online universities Y online college costs.