Most Affordable Online Colleges in Illinois
The most affordable online colleges in Illinois include public two- and four-year institutions. Residents pay lower tuition than their out-of-state peers at these schools.
A March 2024 Illinois state government report shows steady job growth in most of the state’s cities. These figures suggest a stable job market with opportunities for seasoned professionals and recent college graduates.
Online education features many potential benefits, such as asynchronous education and lower out-of-pocket costs. You can also take advantage of the same resources on-campus learners receive, such as academic and career services.
Featured Online Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Colleges in Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,188
- Out-of-state$33,127
- In-State$14,997
- Out-of-state$28,404
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled51,605
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois at Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,520
- Out-of-state$15,948
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$15,240
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled4,275
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois at Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,924
- Out-of-state$26,224
- In-State$13,276
- Out-of-state$23,850
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled32,324
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Governors State University
- University Park, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,512
- Out-of-state$15,024
- In-State$6,354
- Out-of-state$12,708
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled4,789
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Moody Bible Institute
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,200
- Out-of-state$11,200
- In-State$8,010
- Out-of-state$8,010
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled3,009
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
University of St Francis
- Joliet, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,000
- Out-of-state$34,000
- In-State$13,464
- Out-of-state$13,464
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled3,776
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$33,270
- Out-of-state$33,270
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled6,359
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Dominican University
- River Forest, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,950
- Out-of-state$33,950
- In-State$20,400
- Out-of-state$20,400
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled3,029
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$24,800
- Out-of-state$24,800
- In-State$12,600
- Out-of-state$12,600
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled6,246
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Olivet Nazarene University
- Bourbonnais, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$36,080
- Out-of-state$36,080
- In-State$13,420
- Out-of-state$13,420
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled4,317
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Illinois Scholarships
Many scholarships let online learners apply as long as they attend an accredited institution. Earning a scholarship can help you in more ways than paying for school. Scholarships can also improve your resume, helping you stand out when applying for your first internship or job.
Check the scholarship websites for the latest application requirements, deadlines, and award amounts.
- Community Services Block Grants Scholarship for Chicago Residents: This scholarship program awards $1,000-$5,000 to Chicago residents maintaining satisfactory academic progress. You can apply from late June to early September.
- Frank Annunzio Scholarship: The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans awards this $2,000 scholarship to degree-seekers with at least 50% Italian heritage. Other requirements include community service and leadership experience.
- Gordon Paesani Scholarship: ITS Midwest awards this $1,500 scholarship to college students preparing for a career in intelligent transportation systems. Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio degree-seekers may apply.
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission Monetary Award Program: ISAC awards MAP funding to Illinois residents maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Award amounts vary.
- Independent Accountants Association of Illinois Scholarship Foundation: IAAI awards this $1,000 scholarship to Illinois residents with a B average in all accounting classes. Other requirements include transcripts and one recommendation letter from a professor.
Cost of Living in Illinois
The table below presents the latest Illinois cost of living (COL) data. Keep in mind that COL can vary widely among cities, suburbs, and rural areas. The typical Chicago resident pays about double the state’s average monthly rent, according to RentCafe.
Although learning online may let you live in a more affordable area and save on commuting, you can lower your COL in other ways. Consider living with roommates to reduce your rent. College students also enjoy discounts at some businesses.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly Mortgage | $1,781 (median) |
| Monthly Rent | $1,106 |
| Monthly Electricity Bill | $96 |
| Monthly Grocery & Food Costs | $288 |
| Annual Transportation Costs | $5,356 |
| Annual Healthcare Costs | $7,449 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Illinois
Yes. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers free tuition to incoming first-year students meeting income and asset cutoffs. Other eligibility requirements include graduating from an Illinois high school and enrolling full time.
Other ways to go to college for free in Illinois include scholarships and grants. Use your college’s financial aid advisors to explore and apply to relevant opportunities.
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