Top Online Colleges and Best Value Schools (ROI) in Illinois

Illinois is home to 185 degree-granting institutions that cater to both local and out-of-state college students. The majority of these colleges and universities are either public or non-profit four-year institutions. There are a total of 60 public institutions that are either state-or federal-led. This could mean lesser fees and more student aid programs, while 85 of these schools belong to the non-profit sector and 32 for-profit institutions.

From these figures alone, we can infer that there is an abundant choice for in-state higher education in Illinois. However, an increasing number of high school graduates are leaving for out-of-state colleges. According to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, in 2017, 48.4% of public high school graduates enrolled in out-of-state institutions. The numbers are not unexpected. This migration trend has steadily climbed as early as 2002. Despite this alarming data, in-state academic institutions continue in their pursuit to innovate class instructions to attract more college-bound Illinoisans.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education commits to improving the state’s online higher education. This is a part of the Illinois public agenda for college and career success, ensuring government aid to education. The agenda aims to design a practical blueprint to guide the education policy in the state from preschool to graduate school. It also widens the scope of state education, removing obstacles that Illinoisans face that prevents them from getting a college degree. This emphasizes online education.

In 2017, the Distance Education State Almanac, 24.2% of college students were reported to have taken at least one online course. College-bound Illinoisans can choose from nearly 150 colleges and universities which offer online degree programs. The Illinois Community College Online provides a consortium of community colleges that support distance learning and brings college education closer to Illinois residents.

Online schools in Illinois utilize distance learning as a strategy to aid enrollment, degree completion, quality enhancement, and the overall success rate of Illinoisans. As online admission remains a growth engine in the United States higher education system, online programs are expanding their breadth and reach. Institutions focus on ensuring that their distance learning division serves core programs that emphasize quality and flexibility. Today, most online instruction is delivered through an asynchronous format.

Also, faculty members remain central to the quality of online course development. The instructional design may vary, but they strictly follow the quality standards set by an accrediting agency. With a creative and experienced faculty, they can optimize online instruction adopting both supplemental and transformative course designs. The use of alternative ways of learning core courses, as well as utilizing interactive tools to engage students is central to online learning.

METHODOLOGY

In a state like Illinois where colleges and universities entice college students with top-rate features, finding a first-rate online academic institution isn’t always an easy feat. Whether or not you are based in the state, our Top 5 Online Schools in Illinois share the best and most important features that make up the best online learning experience for students. Our researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com took these factors into account:

A top-rated virtual learning platform that enables distance students to access their online coursework easily and with 24/7 technical assistance,
Rigorous coursework and curricula that are designed to develop students into becoming skilled and competent professionals in their future careers,
Online professors and teachers whose skills make them the best and most trusted in their field of study,
Accreditation from organizations that attest to the high academic standards maintained by the schools.

See our Methodology Page to learn more about our ranking process.

University of Illinois at Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) prides itself with its longevity and experience in the field of online education. The institution is a pioneer and a leader of innovation in higher education and stands as the second largest university in all of Chicago. UIC puts primacy on cultural diversity and thus encourages their students to have a deeper understanding of connecting with their peers. Enjoy flexibility along with the rigorous coursework as you navigate through the material and assignments. Online learning through UIC is the best solution for your educational goals.

Research is at the core of UIC’s academic curriculum, and it has successfully integrated research in its online programs. Career changers who choose to pursue an entirely online undergraduate degree are welcome to explore the extensive range of online academic options. Students all over the world can access these courses through the UIC Extended Campus. This is because UIC online courses are legally offered in 49 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

New students can apply to any of the online programs by completing the application form, in addition to submitting the $60 application fee. You must submit standard requirements such as your high school transcript, SAT, or ACT score. Transfer students, on the other hand, must hand in their college transcripts instead of their high school records.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Admission Requirements:

Completed application form
High school transcript of record
SAT or ACT score
Application fee

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

University of St. Francis

Consistently ranked among the best in terms of quality education, affordability, and accessibility, University of St. Francis (USF) continues to provide online educational opportunities to the people of Illinois. As a Franciscan Catholic university, USF is devoted to its liberal arts roots. The university welcomes diverse learners who are committed to gaining a competitive edge in their professional field through online learning.

The University of St. Francis is one of the leading providers of online education in Illinois. This is evident in the university’s enrollment data. In the academic year 2018-2019, there were 3,927 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in both the on-campus and online programs. A majority of the enrollees choose to register in off-campus programs accounting for a total of 2,204 students.

Most of USF’s undergraduate and graduate degrees can be earned entirely online. St. Francis covers a wide range of disciplines. You can choose to pursue any course in the following colleges: College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business & Health Administration, College of Education, and Leach College of Nursing. Bachelor programs include business administration, education, healthcare management, and a bachelor of science in the nursing program. What attracts online learners is the university’s impressive doctoral programs – Educational Leadership (Ed.P.) and Nursing Practice (DNP). Proving the faculty’s commitment to academic excellence in all degree programs for future professionals, USF students were ranked one of the world’s best in a business simulation in 2020.

At St. Francis, you are welcome to explore your options with the assistance of a personal admissions counselor. Take advantage of the transformative learning experience when you apply at the University of St. Francis without worrying about an application fee. All you need to do is submit relevant requirements, and prepare your academic degree plan.

Location: Joliet, Illinois

Admission Requirements:

High school transcript of record
Completed application form
Academic degree plan
At least 2.5/4.0 GPA
20 ACT of 1020 SAT score

Accreditation:

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The Illinois Board of Higher Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), online learners can choose from several online programs available at both the undergraduate and master’s level. Aside from this, the university offers a quality online certificate and continuing education programs for adult learners. Since its inception in 1867, UIUC has remained as a top public university in the country.

The university boasts its award-winning faculty and alumni who design and promote innovative research and learning experiences. Dr. Tim Nugent, a member of the faculty, founded the world’s first Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services in 1941. The division is devoted to providing a post-secondary disability support system for students with disabilities.

Illinois Online offers 90 online degree, certificate and endorsement programs along with over 1,700 online course sections. Expect to excel in any of 11 different areas of study, including business, education, engineering, medicine, and public health. With world-renowned faculty members and leading content innovators in the state, courses are designed to give you a prime advantage in the employment industry. UIUC offers a fully online Bachelor of Science Earth, Society & Environmental Sustainability (ESES) which aims to prepare students for a complicated career in sustainability and environment. Online students who are in the program may choose to specialize in either Society in Environment or Society in the Earth System.

Master’s degree options are available through Illinois Online. Degrees include aerospace engineering, industrial engineering, health communication, library and information science, and social work.

Be a part of one of the top-ten public institutions in all of Illinois, more so, the state’s flagship university. The University of Illinois in Chicago is a Public Ivy college and is accredited by the North Central Association of College and Schools.

Location: Champaign, Illinois

Admission Requirements:

Fully accomplished application form
SAT or ACT scores
High school transcript
Application fee

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Concordia University-Chicago

Concordia University-Chicago is a proud member of the Lutheran colleges which operates several schools nationwide. It is a liberal arts-based university that puts Lutheran teachings at the core of the academic instruction. The university prepares its students for a meaningful career and personal life. Concordia engages both on-campus and online students academically, intellectually, practically and ethically towards their goal.

There is a dynamic and vibrant community of online learners that thrive in Concordia. When you enroll at Concordia-Chicago, you get the flexibility of studying on your own schedule. Each degree program is tailored to accommodate working adults and adult learners. Every week, you will receive a study module which will contain lectures, readings, and assignments. You can complete these whenever it is convenient for you. Faculty members are available to interact with students and lead online discussions. The online classroom allows students to take one course at a time. Courses required for a program are given in a predetermined sequence, each following eight weeks.

The Concordia University-Chicago is a leader in online undergraduate education. For 20 years, it has developed and delivered high-quality online coaching to the state of Illinois and the country. With its innovative Accelerated Degree Programs (ADP), adult learners have the opportunity to restart their academic life. Choose from Accelerated Associate Degrees, Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees, and Accelerated (Dual) Master’s Degrees and earn a degree in as little as 16 months. Concordia offers one associate degree program, eight bachelor’s degrees with one certificate in human resource management, and a specialized master’s in the business administration program.

Online students are welcome to access on-campus facilities and resources. If you are an Illinoisan, take advantage of the five different centers Concordia-Chicago takes pride in. Visit the Literacy, International Student Services, Gerontology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, or the Center for the Advancement of Lutheran Liberal Arts.

Location: River Forest, Illinois

Admission Requirements:

Accomplished online application form
Official high school transcript
Official ACT and SAT Scores

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and approved by The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

Loyola University Chicago

Online programs in Loyola University Chicago has recently gained attention in the current national rankings. In 2020, Loyola was named one of the best online programs in the country. Although known as a Jesuit Catholic university, the institution is home to diverse faculty, staff, and students. It adopts a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio handled by seasoned faculty members who have earned the highest degree in their field.

Loyola University Chicago was among the first few universities to offer online programs in 1998. Computer Science was open to on-campus, and online students alike, opening doors to countless opportunities in education. Today, Loyola is offering seven adult degrees designed as completion programs, as well as 21 graduate programs. And if you are looking into expanding your academic credentials, you can choose from 18 certificate programs.

Distance Learners who enroll at Loyola experience a supportive learning community which emphasizes Jesuit tradition. Meet your academic goals by registering in Online Learning at Loyola. Prospective students can choose from Loyola’s extensive course catalog. However, if you are a non-degree-seeking student who wants to expand your credentials, you can enroll in a single course. Choose from globalization and local culture, information technology, software engineering, health sciences, professional studies, education, law, nursing, and social work.

Loyola’s degree completion programs are what sets it apart from other online schools in Illinois. The university provides adult learners the opportunity to enroll in an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Students in the program are required to complete 30 credit hours of rigorous nursing coursework. This is perfect for applicants who hold an associate degree in nursing or any related field. Additionally, you can opt to pursue a master’s degree in Adult-Gerontology, Information Technology, Pastoral Studies, or in Public Health. New students are welcome to apply in Online Learning at Loyola free of an application fee.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Admission Requirements:

Completed Admissions Application
Official High School Transcript
ACT or SAT Scores
Personal statement
Letters of recommendation

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)

Online schools are often considered more affordable when compared to the traditional academic format. However, students who choose to pursue online education have different needs and priorities in mind. Most distance learners decide on programs that will give the most value for their money. Prudence would dictate that affordability should be a top priority.