Online Schools and Colleges in Illinois

Universities and colleges in Illinois are committed to transforming online education. In 2010, the state adopted the Illinois Public Agenda for College and Career Success, a 10-year plan to make higher education more accessible and affordable. As part of this effort, schools are investing in quality online programs. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 10 percent of students in Illinois, or roughly 90,000 people, were enrolled in fully online programs in 2012 alone. If you’re considering earning an online degree in Illinois, this page can help you navigate the growing online college landscape in Illinois, with advice on everything from paying for school to using transfer credits.

In Illinois and throughout the country, higher education levels tend to lead to higher salaries. According to a report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, in 2016 professionals with a two-year degree made about 20% more than those with only a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree-holders earned nearly twice as much as professionals with a high school education. The table below illustrates that higher education consistently leads to increased earning potential.

Source: BLS

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Illinois’ college costs rank among the most expensive in the nation. The average out-of-state tuition rate for students in Illinois is more than $3,000 higher than the national average of $25,657. Most learners need assistance, such as financial aid and scholarships, to fund their education. Additionally, many students choose online schools and colleges in Illinois, which tend to be more affordable than on-campus options.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The tables above do not include expenses or certain fees. These costs can significantly impact the overall cost of earning a degree. While online students often save money on housing and transportation costs, some schools charge additional fees for distance learners.

According to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, learners must physically reside in Illinois for at least one year prior to their first semester to qualify for in-state tuition rates. Students must also declare Illinois as their state of permanent residence.

Military members and foreign missionary students sent out of state or overseas to carry out their duties are an exception to this rule. Additionally, some universities offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of residency.

Many students apply for grants and scholarships to help fund their education. These types of funding are ideal, since they do not require repayment. The grant and scholarship programs below are open to learners attending online schools and colleges in Illinois.

Who Can Apply: These awards help academically gifted residents of Illinois, particularly minority students, become educators. Recipients must agree to teach in Illinois for at least five years after graduation.

Amount: $2,500 to $5,000

Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports aspiring teachers planning to work in districts that serve a large percentage of minority students. If recipients do not fulfill the agreed-upon terms, the scholarship converts to a loan.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Who Can Apply: This state-funded program is designed to help offset the nursing shortage. Recipients of this need-based award agree to study nursing and work in the state upon graduation.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, this scholarship supports learners at public universities. Applicants must have a parent who was an active-duty service member who went missing in action, was a prisoner of war, or was disabled in the line of duty.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This program waives tuition costs for learners studying special education. Recipients must agree to work in Illinois for a certain amount of time after graduation.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be attending a public university in Illinois and must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must take at least three credits per semester.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Illinois residents attending approved schools in the state can apply for this need-based grant. Applicants must be enrolled full time and must not already hold a bachelor’s degree.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This grant program supports students who served at least one year or currently serve in one of the branches of the American military. Recipients must attend a public school in Illinois.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This need-based grant is available to Illinois residents who attend a public university in the collegiate license plate program. Recipients must enroll at a participating school and fill out the FAFSA form.

Who Can Apply: Federal Pell Grants help undergraduate students nationwide pay for college. Students must submit the FAFSA form to apply.

Amount: Up to $6,195

Learners choosing from online colleges and schools in Illinois should ensure that each prospective institution holds accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission delivers regional accreditation to Illinois schools. Regional accreditation demonstrates that the institution meets set academic and professional standards and that employers and graduate schools will recognize your degree.

Many states sponsor initiatives to support online and adult education. In 2018, Illinois launched an online-education initiative. The five-year Illinois Adult Education Strategic Plan is designed to improve access to education for adult learners in the state. The following sections include resources for adult learners in Illinois.

Online students in Illinois can benefit from online resources and professional organizations. The resources below can help learners research schools and programs, locate funding sources, attain career goals, and arrange mentorships.

In 2008, the state’s department of education implemented the Illinois Public Agenda for College and Career Success, an initiative to promote higher education and career readiness. Today’s students reap the benefits of the program’s success. According to Digital Learning Compass, the number of Illinois students taking at least one online course increased 31% from 2012 to 2015, almost three times the national average of 11%.

Nearly 200,000 students in the Prairie State take some online courses. Dozens of schools in Illinois offer online programs, including some of the top colleges in the nation. This comprehensive guide can help you navigate the state’s growing online education options. The information below can help you explore the best schools, find scholarships and grants, learn how to transfer credits, and locate resources for learners attending online schools and colleges in Illinois.