Most Affordable Online Colleges in Illinois
Illinoisans can advance their education and career with an online degree. Learn more about the most affordable online colleges in Illinois.
Why Trust BestColleges
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our
At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
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, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$14,188
$33,127
59%
39%
$14,997
$28,404
93%
51,605
Public
Yes
$14,188
$33,127
Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$14,188
$33,127
59%
39%
$14,997
$28,404
93%
51,605
Public
Yes
University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,520
$15,948
77%
70%
$8,270
$15,240
79%
4,275
Public
Yes
$9,520
$15,948
Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,520
$15,948
77%
70%
$8,270
$15,240
79%
4,275
Public
Yes
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,924
$26,224
73%
24%
$13,276
$23,850
79%
32,324
Public
Yes
$11,924
$26,224
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,924
$26,224
73%
24%
$13,276
$23,850
79%
32,324
Public
Yes
Governors State University
University Park, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$7,512
$15,024
46%
31%
$6,354
$12,708
52%
4,789
Public
Yes
$7,512
$15,024
University Park, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$7,512
$15,024
46%
31%
$6,354
$12,708
52%
4,789
Public
Yes
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,200
$11,200
94%
42%
$8,010
$8,010
81%
3,009
Private
Yes
$11,200
$11,200
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,200
$11,200
94%
42%
$8,010
$8,010
81%
3,009
Private
Yes
University of St Francis
Joliet, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$34,000
$34,000
46%
63%
$13,464
$13,464
81%
3,776
Private
Yes
$34,000
$34,000
Joliet, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$34,000
$34,000
46%
63%
$13,464
$13,464
81%
3,776
Private
Yes
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$33,270
$33,270
64%
43%
$14,400
$14,400
84%
6,359
Private
Yes
$33,270
$33,270
Romeoville, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$33,270
$33,270
64%
43%
$14,400
$14,400
84%
6,359
Private
Yes
Dominican University
River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$33,950
$33,950
64%
54%
$20,400
$20,400
77%
3,029
Private
Yes
$33,950
$33,950
River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$33,950
$33,950
64%
54%
$20,400
$20,400
77%
3,029
Private
Yes
Aurora University
Aurora, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$24,800
$24,800
87%
20%
$12,600
$12,600
73%
6,246
Private
Yes
$24,800
$24,800
Aurora, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$24,800
$24,800
87%
20%
$12,600
$12,600
73%
6,246
Private
Yes
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$36,080
$36,080
58%
58%
$13,420
$13,420
77%
4,317
Private
Yes
$36,080
$36,080
Bourbonnais, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$36,080
$36,080
58%
58%
$13,420
$13,420
77%
4,317
Private
Yes
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.
Explore More College Resources
20+ Scholarships for Illinois Students
Are you an Illinois student hoping to cut costs in college? Well, you’re in luck — check out these 20+ scholarships for Illinois students to start saving.
by James Mielke
Updated July 28, 2023
Public Colleges in Illinois: Full List of Schools
Public colleges in Illinois can provide you with a great education at an affordable price. Some of the most popular schools include ISU and UIC.
Updated August 24, 2023
Private Colleges in Illinois: Complete List of Schools
Illinois has top-ranked private colleges, including UChicago and Northwestern. Learn more about the best private colleges in Illinois and what they cost.
by Nalea Ko
Updated October 13, 2023
Other Generic Resources
generic
careers