Universities and Colleges in the State of Illinois

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In Illinois, approximately 30.5% of the state's undergraduate and graduate student population enrolled in at least one online course during their educational journey in 2019. About 104,500 students pursued a degree entirely online in Illinois.

To pay in-state tuition, students must live in Illinois for one full year before initial enrollment. Since out-of-state tuition can cost significantly more than in-state tuition, establishing Illinois residency can yield substantial savings for students who plan to enroll in an Illinois college or university. However, some of the best colleges in Illinois allow all online students to pay in-state tuition regardless of residency.

The best online colleges in Illinois offer quality education at affordable prices. Our ranking of the top online colleges in Illinois considers factors such as tuition costs, student-to-teacher ratios, and graduation rates. Availability of financial support, career counseling services, and job placement support also affect rankings. These factors contribute to the program’s overall accessibility and value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Schools in Illinois

Do online credits cost more or less in Illinois?

Each school determines its tuition for online and on-campus offerings. In many cases, students pay less for online courses than on-campus classes.

What is the most affordable school in Illinois?

Chicago State University is the most affordable Illinois school.

How long do you need to live in Illinois to get in-state tuition?

Illinois requires out-of-state applicants to legally reside in the state for at least one year (12 consecutive months) to qualify for in-state tuition.

Why Choose Illinois for Online Higher Education?

The Illinois economy boasts many growth-oriented industries, like advanced manufacturing, energy, and life sciences and biotechnology. Illinois online colleges prepare students interested in these fields well for the job market. In addition, online degrees often cost less than on-campus programs, saving students money. Distance learners also do not need to relocate to complete their education.

Common Online Bachelor's Programs in Illinois

Illinois' features about 160 higher education institutions. These schools offer academic programs in popular fields of study including business, psychology, and healthcare. Many Illinois online colleges offer accelerated programs that students can complete in under four years, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner. Below we list five common academic fields for Illinois students.

• Biology

  Graduates with a biology degree can explore diverse careers in the state's billion-dollar healthcare industry. Many large hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and medical supply companies provide ample job opportunities for biology degree-holders.

• Business

  Illinois hosts 37 Fortune 500 companies, including Walgreens Boots Alliance, Boeing, and State Farm Insurance. These and other companies provide many job opportunities for business graduates.

• Computer Science

  The computer science field continues to expand and offer diverse job options for degree-holders. Graduates often work for software development companies and large corporations with extensive IT requirements, many of which are headquartered throughout the state. Computer science bachelor's degree-holders can work as programmers, enterprise administrators, and system security analysts.

• Engineering

  A broad professional arena, engineering leads to career options in various fields, including healthcare and manufacturing, which are two major growth industries in Illinois. Colleges and universities across the state offer on-campus and online engineering programs in virtually every specialization in the field.

• Psychology

  Graduates of accredited psychology programs can pursue jobs in areas like human resources, counseling, and healthcare administration. Graduates can also pursue master's and Ph.D. programs in psychology, preparing for leadership roles in the field.

Cost of Attending an Online College in Illinois

Enrollees at Illinois online colleges often save on many of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and transportation costs. In addition, an online program's flexibility often allows students to continue working while pursuing a degree. Online students may enjoy more savings if they attend in-state schools.

Public universities usually charge higher tuition for out-of-state enrollees. However, some of the best colleges in Illinois allow online students to pay in-state tuition regardless of residency. The table below shows how much students can save by paying in-state tuition.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Illinois

Illinois offers diverse professional options for degree-holders. Many of the following opportunities come with higher-than-average salaries and various avenues for growth.

• Computer and Information Systems Managers

  IT administrators carry out and coordinate a company's computer-related tasks. Their duties may include installing and troubleshooting software, streamlining processes, and maintaining system security. They may also train personnel in new or updated digital materials.

• Financial Managers

  Companies trust financial managers to help them make informed fiscal decisions. A financial expert's specific tasks depend on the nature and size of the company, but they often perform detailed market analyses to improve product distribution or enhance service delivery. They may also look for ways to improve internal processes and production to maximize profitability.
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• Personal Financial Advisors

  Working closely with individuals, personal financial advisors educate their clients about financial options. They also help clients achieve their financial goals. Financial advisors research and recommend investments, lessen risks, and monitor accounts closely to ensure they support their clients' financial objectives.

• Compensation and Benefits Managers

  Compensation and benefits managers help ensure companies comply with state and federal regulations. They also coordinate with outside partners, such as benefits vendors. Other tasks include managing an organization's pay and benefits structure and balancing competitive wages with profitability.

• Sales Manager

  Sales managers find ways to improve profitability and increase sales by attracting new customers and opening new markets. They often analyze sales trends and statistics, set and monitor sales quotas, coordinate staff training programs, and prepare budgets and expenditures.

Source: BLS

Best Online Colleges in Illinois