Online Degrees In Illinois (IL)

Why Earn an Online Degree in Illinois?

Illinois is the fifth most populous state and has one of the highest median annual incomes per household in the country. Illinois’ state government expects to add more jobs to the economy through its efforts to encourage business growth such as tax incentives. Many of these jobs would require a postsecondary credential. With expected growth in business and healthcare along with a mushrooming startup network, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has identified the following as the “fastest-growing occupations” up to 2024:

• Managerial and professional occupations
• Business and financial operations
• Information Technology specialists
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Health (STEM-H) related occupations
• Education and Training Occupations

According to the Lumina Foundation, the demand for more college graduates is expected to rise over the years. Currently, 51 percent of adults in Illinois hold a college credential, but the state hopes to raise this level to 60 percent by 2025.

Another study from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce highlights the gap between education and workforce needs in Illinois. By 2020, the study states 70 percent of all jobs would likely require postsecondary education. Of these:

• 31 percent of jobs would likely need some college education, an associate’s degree, or a postsecondary vocational certificate
• 26 percent of jobs would likely need a bachelor’s degree
• 13 percent of jobs would likely need a master’s degree or higher

Apart from the need of Illinois’ job market for more college graduates, the 2016 American Community Survey estimates higher wages based on educational attainment:

• High school graduates can earn an average of $29,619
• Those who have some college or an associate degree can earn an average of $35,496 (about a 20 percent increase from high school grads)
• A bachelor’s degree may equip you to earn on average $52,862 (nearly a 40 percent increase from an associate degree)
• A graduate or professional degree may allow you to earn $70,220 (about a 34 percent more than those with a bachelor’s degree)

Top Online Colleges in Illinois

Our methodology presents you with the best choices of online colleges in Illinois. The data uses information from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) and includes factors important to high school grads, professionals and adult learners who are looking for an online college experience that can help them succeed as an online student. For a complete list of factors we used, check out our methodology at the bottom of the page.

Top Ten Online Degree Programs in Illinois

If you have not decided on the degree program of your choice, take a look at these popular online degree programs in Illinois. These are important to note as popularity may be indicative of the needs of Illinois’ job market.

Quality of Online Education in Illinois

In 2015, Illinois joined the Midwestern State Reciprocity Agreement (M-SARA) taking a step forward in improving the quality and accessibility of distance education programs for Illinois residents.

Explaining the importance of SARA in distance education, James Applegate, executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education said, “Illinois’ adoption of the SARA process to approve quality distance learning opportunities for Illinois students who desire to use distance education to achieve their college degrees is an important step. SARA not only serves students by ensuring quality courses, but also helps Illinois colleges and universities to provide access to useful online programs to students around the nation. Expanding delivery of college degrees is a priority as Illinois strives to increase the number of Illinoisans with college credentials and degrees to 60 percent by 2025.”

In addition, the Northern Illinois University and the Illinois State University participates in the Quality Matters program, a peer-reviewed program to promote excellence in online teaching and learning. The program provides assistance to faculty for designing, implementing and executing a curriculum for online students that meet high quality standards. Online programs that meet the standards can be QM Certified like the Nursing Systems Administration sequence offered by the Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing.

State Initiatives to Improve Higher Education Outcomes

Outlining its strategic goals for 2025, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) plans to remove barriers to education making it easier for Illinois residents to earn a college degree, online or on-campus.

IBHE’s strategic plan Illinois Public Agenda for College and Career Success has four main goals:

• Increase educational attainment
• Make college education more affordable
• Reinforce workforce development
• Connect research and innovation to economic growth

What to Look for in Online Degree Programs in Illinois

While flexibility and convenience are the hallmark of online degree programs, students who want to study online in one of Illinois’ prestigious colleges can maximize their experience by looking at these factors:

Student support and career services can be crucial aspects to look at when looking for online degree programs. These services can range from career advice to internships and job options.

Academic excellence of the degree program — make sure the curriculum and rigor of an online program is equivalent to the on-campus program.

Quality of faculty — be sure to take a look at the credentials of professors and their accessibility to online students.

Accreditation, both institutional and programmatic, is another important aspect for prospective students to look for. Accreditation usually indicates that a college or program adheres to quality standards of education. Benefits of enrolling in an accredited college include transferability of credits and eligibility to federal and state scholarships. Accrediting bodies in Illinois include:

• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Higher Learning Commission
• Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
• Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Top Occupations in Illinois

While Illinois specializes in construction, agriculture and manufacturing, it is also a leader in aviation and aerospace. The table below shows the fastest-growing occupations in the state from data pooled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Illinois

Student federal aid can include programs like Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program.

Prospective students can also apply for grants or scholarships provided by state and private institutions such as:

Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program: scholarship for minority students in Illinois who plan to teach in an Illinois public school with at least 30 percent of minority students

Illinois Counties Association Scholarships: academic scholarships for Illinois residents enrolled in full-time programs at an accredited 4-year college or university

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois first and Second-year college students in certain universities in Illinois who desire to pursue a teaching career

The Greenhouse Scholars Scholarship: need-based scholarship program for high school graduates attending a 4-year accredited college or university

The John R. Cervantes Memorial Scholarship: need-based scholarship awarded to a graduating student from Moline High School in Illinois

The Elmhurst Garden Club Scholarship: provided to Illinois residents pursuing degrees in horticulture, environmental studies, botany, biology and/or related areas of study.

The Illinois CPA Society Accounting Scholarship Program: need-based scholarship program for students showing a strong academic performance and pursuing degrees in accounting and CPA

In addition to these grants and scholarships, many colleges and universities have their own scholarship listing. Please check with your prospective institution’s financial aid office for more information.

Scholarship Listing

Tests You May Need To Take

Most schools require prospective students to submit ACT or SAT scores. Some higher education institutions in Illinois require submission of Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) scores. TAP is a computer-based standardized test measuring reading comprehension, language arts, mathematics, and writing. Please contact the college admissions office for more details on the tests you may be required to take.