University of illinois urbana champaign online degrees

The Illinois state government projects that the state's educational services, professional-business services, and healthcare sectors will grow 9-16% by 2026. Many of the best-paying jobs in these fields require a college degree. Fortunately, the top online colleges in Illinois offer rigorous academic programs.

The best online schools offer more than a good education. Learners enjoy the same resources as on-campus degree-seekers. Other advantages may include an asynchronous curriculum and savings on room and board and transportation. Residents should explore state and institutional financial aid opportunities to reduce their costs further. Read on to learn more about colleges in Illinois and some of the state's in-demand professions.

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Top Online Degree Programs in Illinois

Illinois Employment Outlook

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from June 2022 shows that many Illinois employment sectors experienced strong growth compared to June 2021. Top-growing industries included leisure and hospitality, information, and professional and business services. Only the mining and logging industry decreased its workforce during this 12-month period.

BLS salary data for Illinois from May 2021 shows that healthcare professionals, IT employees, and lawyers earned higher average salaries than other workers. Other high-paying career fields included education and finance.

The Illinois state government reports that the Urbana-Champaign, Davenport, and Lake County metropolitan areas experienced the lowest unemployment rates in May 2022. Rockford featured the highest unemployment rate that month at 8.3%.

5 in Demand Illinois Jobs

Actuaries

  • Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $105,900
  • Job Outlook (2020-2030): 24%

Actuaries with a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a similar subject analyze potential events' risks. They do so by reviewing statistics. The profession also involves making presentations and simplifying information for different stakeholders.

Actuaries may specialize in health, life, or property insurance. Other opportunities include working in the public sector.

Civil Engineers

  • Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $88,050
  • Job Outlook (2020-2030): 8%

Civil engineers design and oversee infrastructure projects, such as buildings, bridges, and roads. Typical responsibilities include creating long-term plans, estimating costs, and monitoring job sites. These professionals also perform soil tests and research the latest building materials.

Most civil engineers hold a state-issued license. Some workers choose to raise their earning potential by earning master's degrees.

Fundraisers

  • Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $60,660
  • Job Outlook (2020-2030): 16%

Fundraisers help companies or organizations raise money by researching donors, creating advertising campaigns, and using social media. Other day-to-day tasks include keeping track of donor information.

These professionals may specialize in annual or capital campaigns. Some experienced fundraisers work with clients who want to make a major gift or donate money as part of their will.

Public Relations Managers

  • Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $119,860
  • Job Outlook (2020-2030): 13%

Public relations managers help their employers create a positive public image. This task involves identifying target consumers, crafting corporate communication, and selecting the right spokesperson.

Public relations managers succeed on the job by coordinating with their employers' lawyers and financial managers. These professionals craft convincing and accurate public relations messages.

Top Executives

  • Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $98,980
  • Job Outlook (2020-2030): 8%

Experienced professionals with college degrees can become top executives within their companies or organizations. They set goals for different departments, hire managers, and negotiate contracts. Top executives also analyze financial statements.

Popular job titles for top executives include chief executive officer (CEO) and operations managers. Professionals in the public sector may work as mayors or school superintendents.

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

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Illinois

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Illinois

How many online colleges are in Illinois?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Illinois is home to nearly 250 higher education institutions. Although no school focuses solely on online learning, many public and private colleges offer online certificates and degrees. Accredited online programs provide learners with the same educational experience as in-person courses of study.

Prospective students should note that some schools offer hybrid degree programs. These programs let learners take most classes online, but degree- and certificate-seekers must still travel to campus to fulfill academic requirements, such as labs or seminars.

Current high school students may explore online colleges in Illinois through a dual-enrollment program. This opportunity lets participants graduate high school with some college credit.

Does Illinois have good online colleges?

Illinois is home to many excellent online colleges. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers online degrees in education, medicine, public health, engineering, and social work. Students may then go on to pursue an online or on-campus master's degree.

Prospective students should also research top private online colleges. Degree-seekers at Lincoln Christian University may earn a fully online bachelor's in Christian ministry. Options at the master's level include organizational leadership and Bible and theology.

Good online colleges must hold proper accreditation. Check a school's accreditation status on its consumer information website. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation also offers accreditation information on U.S. colleges.

How much does it cost to go to college online in Illinois?

The University of Illinois system of schools uses a different tuition schedule for online degree-seekers. Online undergraduates at the University of Illinois Springfield paid $308-$359 per credit in the spring 2022 semester. Graduate students paid $366 per credit.

Online and hybrid programs at private colleges in Illinois cost learners significantly more in spring 2022. Degree-seekers earning a master's in the humanities at the University of Chicago paid over $7,000/class.

Tuition makes up just one part of students' costs of attendance (COA). Prospective degree-seekers can calculate COA by combining tuition fees with textbook costs and other education-related expenses. These extras mean that learners attending one of the cheapest online colleges may still need financial aid.

What is the cheapest online college in Illinois?

Residents should explore local community colleges in Illinois to find the cheapest tuition. Schools such as Illinois Central College (ICC) charge in-district residents only $155 per credit. Out-of-district learners pay significantly more.

Students attending ICC or a comparable community college save significantly compared to learners at four-year public schools. Full-time degree-seekers at UIC pay $15,000 per year or more. Out-of-state learners spend approximately double.

Out-of-state students may save money on public school tuition in different ways. Some public universities offer free tuition to children of veterans and graduate learners who sign up for assistantships. Others waive out-of-state tuition for fully online degree-seekers.

Who qualifies for free college in Illinois?

Prospective students on a budget should explore community and junior colleges. The City Colleges of Chicago award free tuition to city public school graduates with a minimum high school GPA of 3.0. Degree-seekers also receive a discount on textbooks.

Public four-year colleges in Illinois also award free tuition. Northeastern Illinois University's NEIU For You Scholarship covers four years of tuition for state residents with a minimum high school GPA of 2.0. Other eligibility requirements include a family income of less than $60,000 per year.

Some online colleges in Illinois like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U of I) feature free tuition programs, as well. Like NEIU, U of I uses academic and income requirements to determine eligibility.

Feature Image: Photography by Aurimas Adomavicius / Moment / Getty Images

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Does University of Illinois have online?

The University of Illinois is offering short-format, online courses to undergraduate and non-degree students from around the world during Winter Session to help them further their education.

Are online degrees valid?

The decision was taken as per Regulation 22 of the UGC Regulations. The degrees obtained through distance and online learning from recognised institutions would be treated on par with those offered through conventional mode, according to the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Do online degrees say online on the diploma?

The short answer is no, there will be no mention that you took your degree online. Your diploma will look the same as a traditional student attending the brick and mortar institution. Online is only the format you would be taking your education.

What does UIUC use for online classes?

Our online courses use IL Compass 2g, Learn@Illinois, and/or Zoom.