Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
By
Updated on July 17, 2024
Edited by
Considering an online degree in Illinois? Discover the best accredited online colleges in Illinois and learn why accreditation matters.

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.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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What Colleges Are Accredited in Illinois?

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.

Institutional Accreditation

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.

Subject-Specific Accreditation

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.

Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

#1 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Moody Bible Institute

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,200
  • Out-of-state$11,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,010
  • Out-of-state$8,010
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled3,009
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment42%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

University of Illinois at Springfield

  • Location-markerSpringfield, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,520
  • Out-of-state$15,948
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,270
  • Out-of-state$15,240
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled4,275
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment70%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Location-markerChampaign, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$14,188
  • Out-of-state$33,127
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,997
  • Out-of-state$28,404
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled51,605
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Elmhurst College

  • Location-markerElmhurst, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,454
  • Out-of-state$37,454
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$31,667
  • Out-of-state$31,667
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled3,453
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Aurora University

  • Location-markerAurora, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$24,800
  • Out-of-state$24,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,600
  • Out-of-state$12,600
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled6,246
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

University of St. Francis

  • Location-markerJoliet, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$34,000
  • Out-of-state$34,000
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,464
  • Out-of-state$13,464
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate46%
  • Students Enrolled3,776
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment63%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

DePaul University

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$40,551
  • Out-of-state$40,551
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$19,584
  • Out-of-state$19,584
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled22,064
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment30%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Lewis University

  • Location-markerRomeoville, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,270
  • Out-of-state$33,270
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,400
  • Out-of-state$14,400
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled6,359
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment43%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Western Illinois University

  • Location-markerMacomb, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,627
  • Out-of-state$8,627
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,962
  • Out-of-state$7,962
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance Rate57%
  • Students Enrolled7,624
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Olivet Nazarene University

  • Location-markerBourbonnais, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$36,080
  • Out-of-state$36,080
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,420
  • Out-of-state$13,420
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled4,317
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment58%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Concordia University-Chicago

  • Location-markerRiver Forest, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$31,926
  • Out-of-state$31,926
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,910
  • Out-of-state$8,910
  • Retention Rate62%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled6,205
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Eastern Illinois University

  • Location-markerCharleston, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,875
  • Out-of-state$11,045
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,356
  • Out-of-state$17,654
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate53%
  • Students Enrolled7,806
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Lincoln Christian University

  • Location-markerLincoln, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,590
  • Out-of-state$13,590
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,154
  • Out-of-state$8,154
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled672
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment43%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Illinois Institute of Technology

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$47,299
  • Out-of-state$47,299
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$29,487
  • Out-of-state$29,487
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled6,515
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment16%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

  • Location-markerEdwardsville, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,345
  • Out-of-state$8,345
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,034
  • Out-of-state$7,034
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate86%
  • Students Enrolled13,061
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment25%
  • AccreditationYes
#16 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Dominican University

  • Location-markerRiver Forest, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,950
  • Out-of-state$33,950
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$20,400
  • Out-of-state$20,400
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled3,029
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment54%
  • AccreditationYes
#17 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Bradley University

  • Location-markerPeoria, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$34,200
  • Out-of-state$34,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,380
  • Out-of-state$16,380
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled5,929
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#18 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Greenville University

  • Location-markerGreenville, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$27,580
  • Out-of-state$27,580
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,082
  • Out-of-state$8,082
  • Retention Rate62%
  • Acceptance Rate56%
  • Students Enrolled1,092
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#19 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Loyola University Chicago

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$44,105
  • Out-of-state$44,105
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,594
  • Out-of-state$18,594
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled17,159
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes
#20 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

McKendree University

  • Location-markerLebanon, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,540
  • Out-of-state$30,540
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,522
  • Out-of-state$9,522
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate63%
  • Students Enrolled2,292
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment47%
  • AccreditationYes

How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited

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.

The Impact of Accreditation When Transferring Credits

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.

Accreditation Criteria for Licensing

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.

Choosing the Right Online College in Illinois

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

1. Check Accreditation Status

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.

2. Program Cost

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.

3. Flexibility of Schedule

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.

4. Support Services

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.

Online College Resources for Illinois Students

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

  • Illinois Student Assistance Commission

    The Illinois Student Assistance Commission provides information on Illinois scholarships and grants for college students, including opportunities for teachers, nurses, and other majors. Use these resources to find scholarship programs for Illinois’ online colleges.
  • Illinois College2Career

    Start planning your transition from college to the workforce with the IL College 2 Career tool. Offered by Illinois state departments, the tool connects students with information on graduate career outcomes from Illinois colleges.
  • Illinois Community Colleges Online

    Save money on your degree by taking general education requirements through the Illinois Community Colleges Online Consortium. Thanks to affordable community college tuition rates, you can meet degree requirements with transfer credits to make college more affordable.
  • Financial Aid Worksheet

    After applying for financial aid, you can compare offers from different online colleges in Illinois to find the most affordable option by using the state’s Financial Aid Worksheet. The site also provides several other tools and resources for Illinois college students.