Illinois has a strong economy, picturesque college towns, and the country's third-largest city: Chicago. It's also a great place to attend college online. Illinois' online schools offer degrees in exciting majors at affordable prices.
An online learning format is a great way for Illinois students to save money. You can attend an affordable college without relocating or paying higher living expenses, and many online colleges in Illinois offer discounts for distance learners.
Ready to get started? Keep reading to explore the best online schools in Illinois, along with tips on saving money and applying for scholarships.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2025
Price Check
Did you know that Illinois has the 24th-lowest cost of living among the 50 states? This status can help college students keep their expenses low.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in Illinois
Careers in gaming/casinos, healthcare, and technology are among the fastest-growing in Illinois. Most of these roles require a college degree, such as an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. As these careers continue to grow in demand, attending online school in Illinois can give you a strong return on investment.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Annual Median Wage in IL (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Dealers | 152% | $30,230 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 96% | $44,890 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 41% | $128,620 |
| Data Scientists | 30% | $113,490 |
| Statisticians | 29% | $116,860 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 26% | $63,710 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 25% | $113,610 |
| Information Security Analysts | 23% | $114,300 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 23% | $64,630 |
| Physician Assistants | 20% | $122,990 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Illinois's Job Market
What's the best major for the Illinois job market? The right major depends on your strengths and career goals — but here are some of the most popular options.
Business
Majoring in business is a popular choice. Plus, these majors qualify for many in-demand management careers. With a business degree, you can become a market research analyst, financial analyst, or logistician, among other roles.Nursing
The healthcare sector is growing quickly in Illinois. You can prepare for healthcare careers with various majors, but a nursing degree offers a great way to enter an in-demand, high-paying field with many career advancement opportunities.Information Technology
Majoring in information technology, computer science, or a related field can set you up for many tech careers, including information security analyst, web developer, and software developer positions. Tech degrees translate well to online learning environments, as well.Education
Teachers are in high demand, and Illinois stands out for its unique Golden Apple Scholars program, which provides up to $23,000 in funding for college.
Cost of Living in Illinois
Illinois can be one of the most affordable states for attending college. The state's cost of living is lower than more than 30 other states. However, the cost of living varies, with Chicago costing more than downstate areas.
As an online student, you can save money by attending an Illinois college while living in a more affordable part of the state.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,171 |
| Groceries & Food | $365 |
| Transportation | $784 |
| Medical Care | $274 |
Scholarships & Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Illinois
Illinois offers many scholarships and grants to lower your education costs. If you're attending an accredited online school in Illinois, you'll qualify for many of the same scholarship opportunities as on-campus learners.
Monetary Award Program
Illinois residents with financial need can qualify for up to $8,400 in financial assistance when they attend Illinois colleges.
Priority deadline date: Feb. 1
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
Planning to become a teacher in Illinois? The Golden Apple Scholars program provides up to $23,000 in financial assistance.
Priority claim date: Dec., May
Nursing Education Scholarships
You can qualify for this scholarship if you're an in-state student enrolled in an Illinois nursing program. You'll also need proof of financial need.
Deadline: Apr. 30
George M. Pullman Educational Foundation Scholarship
Cook County high school students can win four-year scholarships worth $10,000 annually. The scholarship requires attendance at an accredited college.
Deadline: Feb. 1
Wentcher Scholarship
Chicago Public Schools graduating seniors can receive up to $10,000 a year for four years. You'll need proof of financial need.
Deadline: Feb. 12
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Illinois
Some out-of-state students qualify for tuition reciprocity in Illinois, which allows them to pay reduced or in-state tuition rates. For example, at Illinois State University, you may qualify if you live in a state that borders Illinois, such as Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, or Wisconsin. You can save up to $44,000 over four years with this tuition reciprocity benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Illinois
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the University of Illinois Springfield is the cheapest online college in Illinois, with an average net price of $10,809. Its online program offers many distance degrees, including bachelor's programs in business administration, communications, and international and global studies, along with graduate programs in computer science, education, and finance.
