10 Most Popular Online Colleges in Illinois

Key Takeaways

• Illinois online colleges offer in-state tuition averaging $11,989, higher than the national average of $9,750, but costs are significantly reduced through the MAP Grant, which provides up to $7,656 annually.
• The state supports accessible online education through diverse institutions serving Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, and smaller communities, with strong program offerings in technology, healthcare, education, business, and public administration.
• Online students benefit from substantial savings by avoiding Chicago-area commuting, housing, and parking costs, which are among the highest in the Midwest.
• Illinois participates in regional tuition reciprocity programs such as the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), expanding affordability for eligible out-of-state learners.
• The Prairie State’s workforce needs are rapidly growing in areas like software development, information security, data science, nursing, healthcare administration, business analytics, and education, making online degrees highly relevant.

Illinois offers a broad and flexible online higher education landscape that serves students across the Chicago metro area, its suburbs, and communities statewide. Whether you are pursuing a new career path or advancing in your current field, Illinois’s online colleges provide accessible degree options aligned with the state’s major economic sectors, including technology, healthcare, business, education, and public administration.

Even though Illinois’s average in-state tuition at public four-year institutions is $11,989, higher than the national average, many students pay far less after financial aid. The MAP Grant, which provides up to $7,656 for eligible Illinois residents, significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs and makes online study more attainable. Combined with regional reciprocity programs like the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), students can pursue degrees at competitive rates while avoiding the high transportation and living costs associated with major cities, such as Chicago.

These ten most popular online colleges represent Illinois’s commitment to accessible, flexible, and workforce-aligned education. They offer fully online and hybrid learning options, a broad range of degree choices, and strong support services designed to meet the needs of working adults and diverse learners throughout the state.

10 Most Popular Online Colleges in Illinois

Illinois’s leading online colleges include a mix of public universities, regional institutions, and private universities that offer flexible learning options, competitive tuition supported by the MAP Grant, and strong connections to Illinois’s urban and statewide job markets.

University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield is a public institution serving the state capital, known for strong programs in public affairs, computer science, and business analytics.

Main Online Programs

Undergraduate degrees in computer science, business administration, political science, and public administration. Graduate programs include public administration (MPA), business analytics, computer science, and accountancy.

Pros

• Part of the respected University of Illinois system
• 20-plus online programs across public affairs, technology, and business
• Strong alignment with government and policy careers due to the Springfield location
• Flexible online delivery designed for working adult learners

Cons

• Springfield location may limit Chicago-area networking for some students
• Fewer on-campus engagement opportunities for fully online learners
• Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher than in-state rates

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,024

Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University is Chicago’s most affordable public option, serving diverse working adult and first-generation student populations.

Main Online Programs

Online programs in education, business, liberal arts, and professional studies are designed to support Chicago’s large and diverse workforce.

Pros

• Most affordable net price in Illinois
• The Chicago location offers access to major employers
• Hispanic-Serving Institution supporting diverse learners
• Ideal for working adults needing flexible online options

Cons

• Smaller program catalog than larger Illinois universities
• Higher out-of-state tuition compared to in-state pricing
• Limited campus resources relative to major research institutions

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,730

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a comprehensive public research university offering broad online pathways across healthcare, aviation, workforce development, and more.

Main Online Programs

Undergraduate degrees in workforce education, aviation management, and radiological sciences. Graduate programs in healthcare, business, education, and public administration.

Pros

• Wide program variety from bachelor’s through doctoral level
• Strong healthcare and radiological sciences programs
• Unique online offerings, such as aviation management
• Research university resources and support services

Cons

• The Carbondale location is far from major metro areas
• Some programs require clinical or practicum components
• Out-of-state tuition is notably higher

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,638

Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University offers one of the state’s largest online catalogs with more than 80 programs, especially strong in education, business, and applied sciences.

Main Online Programs

Business administration, technology, family and consumer sciences, kinesiology, sports management, and extensive graduate programs in education and business.

Pros

• 80-plus online programs, one of the most extensive selections in Illinois
• Strong focus on teacher education and business programs
• Affordable in-state tuition
• Flexible delivery supporting working adult learners

Cons

• Located in a smaller east-central Illinois town
• Moderately selective compared to other public options
• Out-of-state tuition and fees raise total costs

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,405

Illinois State University

Illinois State University is the state’s oldest public university with well-regarded online offerings in education, business, communication, and nursing.

Main Online Programs

Business administration, communication, nursing (RN to BSN), multiple education specialties, business administration (MBA), accounting, and doctoral programs in education.

Pros

• Strong statewide reputation in teacher education
• AACSB-accredited College of Business
• Broad online options for nurses, teachers, and business professionals
• Long history of strong graduate placement

Cons

• Normal location may limit Chicago metro access for some online learners
• Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher than in-state tuition
• Net price is higher than the most affordable Illinois options

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$10,580

Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb serves the Chicago suburbs and northern Illinois with diverse online offerings in business, education, health, and technology.

Main Online Programs

Online programs include business, communication, nursing (RN to BSN), applied health, MBA, instructional technology, public administration, and specialist programs in education.

Pros

• Convenient suburban location with access to the Chicago metro area
• Wide range of programs across business, education, healthcare, and tech
• AACSB-accredited College of Business
• Strong options in instructional technology and public administration

Cons

• The DeKalb location still requires commuting for any on-campus components
• Out-of-state tuition is notably higher than in-state rates
• Net price is higher than that of the most affordable Illinois schools

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,449

Governors State University

Governors State University in University Park focuses on working adults, offering upper-division and graduate programs designed around transfer and degree completion.

Main Online Programs

Primarily upper-division bachelor’s completion in business, communication, and health administration, plus graduate programs in business administration, communication, and education.

Pros

• Strong focus on adult learners and degree completion
  Ideal for students with an associate degree or 60-plus credits
• South suburban Chicago location with access to metro opportunities
• Affordable in-state tuition for upper-division and graduate study

Cons

• Limited options for traditional first-time freshmen
• Smaller range of online programs than larger universities
• Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher than in-state tuition

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,460

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University in Macomb offers online programs with particular strengths in law enforcement, justice administration, leadership, and recreation.

Main Online Programs

Online bachelor’s programs in law enforcement and justice administration, organizational leadership, and recreation, park, and tourism administration.

Pros

• Well-known law enforcement and justice administration programs
• Organizational leadership degrees for working professionals
• Affordable in-state tuition
• Online options serving public safety and recreation sectors

Cons

• Macomb’s rural location is far from major employment centers
• Fewer total online programs than some of its Illinois peers
• Out-of-state tuition is substantially higher for nonregional students

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,235

Benedictine University

Benedictine University in Lisle is a private Catholic institution offering online business, health, and leadership programs grounded in Benedictine values.

Main Online Programs

Business administration, health science, organizational leadership, MBA, management and organizational behavior, public health, and doctoral programs in organization development.

Pros

• Values-based Catholic education with a leadership focus
• Strong business and management programs
• Public health and health science options are aligned with healthcare growth
• Doctoral-level offerings in organization development

Cons

• Higher private tuition is around $32,000 annually
• Net price is significantly above public university options
• A faith-based environment may not suit every student

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$32,000

DePaul University

DePaul University in Chicago is a major Catholic urban university offering a wide range of online programs tied directly to the city’s business, tech, and media sectors.

Main Online Programs

Online programs in business, communication, information technology, liberal studies, MBA, education, information systems, public service, social work, and various professional certificates.

Pros

• Premier private university with a strong Chicago reputation
• The largest Catholic university in the United States
• Downtown Chicago Loop connections to employers, internships, and networks
• Robust programs in IT, business, communication, and public service

Cons

• Premium tuition is around $42,000 annually
• Net price is significantly higher than that of public institutions
• The cost of living in Chicago can be expensive for any in-person components

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$42,000

Tuition and mandatory fee amounts change regularly and can vary by program, course load, credit amount, and delivery format. The figures listed here reflect the latest numbers available and are intended for comparison only. Always confirm the current annual tuition and required fees on the university’s official website before applying.

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Most Popular Online Colleges in Illinois

Enrolling in an Illinois online college involves a few essential steps. These help verify eligibility, confirm residency for in-state tuition and MAP Grant funding, and ensure you meet program prerequisites.

Complete Online Application Process

You will apply through each university’s online portal, submitting basic personal details, academic history, and program preferences. Many Illinois institutions are test-optional, and schools such as Governors State are designed for transfer students who have completed 60 or more credits. Private universities, such as Benedictine and DePaul, may request additional supporting documents.

Submit Official Transcripts and Test Scores

You must provide official high school transcripts, GED records, or college transcripts. Most public universities accept test-optional applications, while upper-division programs at Governors State require proof of completed prior credits. Graduate programs may require a resume, letters of recommendation, or professional experience.

Verify Illinois Residency Documentation

Illinois residency determines your eligibility for in-state tuition and the MAP Grant. Documentation typically includes state ID, tax records, or proof of address. In-state rates offer major savings, such as $9,024 at University of Illinois Springfield versus more than $18,000 for nonresidents, and MAP Grant awards can reduce costs by up to $7,656 per year.

Meet Program-Specific Requirements

Programs in nursing, healthcare, business administration, and education often require prerequisites, such as an active RN license for RN-to-BSN programs, a minimum GPA, or specific coursework. Graduate programs may require a bachelor’s degree in a related field and letters of recommendation.

Verify Technology Requirements

Illinois online programs commonly use Canvas or Blackboard, so you will need a reliable internet connection, updated software, and a compatible computer. Some programs include synchronous sessions or hybrid elements such as teaching practicums or nursing clinicals.

Submit Financial Aid Applications

Complete the FAFSA to access federal aid, Illinois MAP Grant funding (up to $7,656), institutional scholarships, and aid from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Early completion is important since MAP funds are awarded until depleted.

How Do Illinois Online College Costs Compare to National Averages?

Illinois public universities charge an average of $11,989 per year for in-state tuition, approximately $2,239 higher than the national average. However, the MAP Grant can reduce tuition to well below national norms for qualifying students. Out-of-state students pay an average of $23,800, which is still lower than the national average of $28,297 for out-of-state students. For comparison, students in Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri often find lower base tuition at public institutions.

Private institutions such as Benedictine and DePaul are more expensive, but their net prices align with similar private colleges nationally. Online learning also eliminates the costs associated with commuting, parking, and housing in the Chicago area, which can significantly reduce your total expenses.

How Does University of the People Compare with the Most Popular Online Colleges in Illinois?

University of the People offers a fully online, tuition-free model that contrasts sharply with Illinois institutions. Instead of traditional tuition, UoPeople charges a $60 one-time application fee and a $160 assessment fee per undergraduate course. A typical bachelor’s degree totals about $6,460, which is far below even Illinois’s most affordable public options.

UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and also approved as an educational provider by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). UoPeople offers flexibility, predictable costs, and fully online delivery, which can make it a practical alternative for Illinois residents seeking an accredited, affordable path.

Ready to Choose the Most Popular Online College in Illinois?

Choosing the right online college depends on your career goals, preferred learning style, and budget. Illinois offers strong options across technology, healthcare, business, public service, and education.

Software developers, information security analysts, data scientists, nurse practitioners, and healthcare administrators are among Illinois’s fastest-growing careers, making related degrees especially valuable. If affordability is your priority, Northeastern Illinois and Governors State offer some of the lowest in-state prices. Students needing Chicago-area access may prefer DePaul, Northern Illinois, or Northeastern Illinois, while those seeking public administration or policy-focused degrees may benefit from University of Illinois Springfield.

The MAP Grant can substantially reduce your costs, and regional reciprocity through MSEP opens additional savings for nearby states. With varied program formats, generous transfer policies, and options ranging from faith-based environments to research universities, Illinois provides a wide range of pathways suited to working adults and first-time learners alike.

FAQs

What is the average tuition at Illinois online colleges?

The average in-state tuition at Illinois public four-year institutions is $11,989 before financial aid.

What is the cheapest online college in Illinois?

Northeastern Illinois University offers the lowest net price at approximately $8,574.

What is the Illinois MAP Grant, and how much can I get?

The MAP Grant provides up to $7,656 annually for eligible Illinois residents attending approved institutions.

Does Illinois have tuition reciprocity with other states?

Yes. Through the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), students from participating states may receive reduced tuition rates.

What are the fastest-growing careers in Illinois?

Software developers, information security analysts, data scientists, nurse practitioners, healthcare administrators, and operations research analysts.