The Best Online Colleges in Illinois

1. Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

The Roman Catholic Society of Jesus founded Loyola University Chicago in 1870 and the university has become one of the largest Jesuit universities in America. The university instructs over 15,000 students and offers more than 185 degree programs. There is also a sister campus in Rome, Italy.

Loyola University Chicago offers a variety of baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs through Loyola Online. Bachelor’s degrees include psychology and criminal justice. Master’s degree options include infection control and business law. Doctoral degree offerings include bioethics and school psychology. Certifications include computer science and oncology nursing.

Online students have access to a wide variety of resources, including technical support, academic advising, tutoring, job search assistance, veteran’s services, disability services and an online library with librarian live chat and a scholarly article database.

2. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale

Carbondale, Illinois

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a public research university, founded in 1869, provides roughly 300 degree programs.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale provides online bachelor’s degrees, online master’s degrees and online certificates. Bachelor’s degrees include radiology and industrial technology. Master’s degree offerings include architecture and medical dosimetry. Certificate programs include journalism and information system security.

Online student resources include online training for veterans, an online writing lab, career services, an online law library and online standard library with access to scholarly articles, eBooks and more.

3. University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

The University of Illinois at Chicago, a public university, established in 1982, operates one of the largest medical schools in the nation. The university offers over 200 degrees programs and accommodates over 25,000 students.

Much of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s online baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs involve medicine. Bachelor’s degrees available online include business and nursing. Master’s degree options include patient safety leadership and public health informatics. Doctoral degree offerings include public health in leadership. Certificate programs include assistive technology and bioinformatics.

Resources online students have access to include an online job board and an online library with librarian live chat and a scholarly article database.

4. University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

Originally established in 1969 as Sangamon State University, the university became the University of Illinois Springfield in 1995. It was originally an upper–division university, but began accepting undergraduates in 2001. Its first permanent building was the Brookens Library, which now contains over 800,000 titles.

The university teaches over 5,000 students and offers more than 40 degree programs.

The University of Illinois Springfield offers a healthy variety of online baccalaureate, master’s and certificate programs online. Bachelor’s degree options include history and management information systems. Master’s degree offerings include law and teacher leadership. Certificate programs include business intelligence and multiple topics in education.

Resources for online students include online tutoring workshops in writing, reading, math and science, live technical support and an online library with access to eBook, media and academic journal databases.

5. Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Lewis University is a Catholic University with a Lasallian heritage, established in 1932. The university originally offered instruction in aviation and the government relied on its expertise to train navy pilots during World War II. Lewis University offers over 100 degree programs, enrolls over 6,500 students and has five academic colleges on campus.

Lewis University offers a variety of online baccalaureate, master and doctoral degree programs. Online bachelor’s degrees available include business and computer science. Online master’s degrees include aviation and criminal justice. Online doctoral degree offerings include nursing.

Resources online students have access to include an extensive online library with access to several databases, including academic journals, government documents, streaming video, eBooks, photographs and much more.

6. University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Champaign, Illinois

The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign originally opened its doors in 1867 as the Illinois Industrial University, a name it kept until 1885. The university is one of a select few land–grant, sea–grant and space–grant universities in the country. The school is also one of the founding members of the Big Ten Conference and it is the second–oldest public university in all Illinois. The university has over 40,000 students in attendance, 17 academic colleges and 150 programs of study.

University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign offers online baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Online bachelor’s degree options include environmental sustainability and online master’s degree offerings include agriculture, tourism, engineering and translation.

Resources for online students include online test proctoring in select online courses, online disability services and an online library with librarian live chat and scholarly article database.

7. Lincoln Christian University

Lincoln, Illinois

One of the best online colleges in Illinois, Lincoln Christian offers seven distance learning programs. Students may earn an associate degree in the Bible; a bachelor’s in business administration, psychology, or Christian ministry; or a master’s in intercultural studies, bible and theology, or organizational leadership. Each program is grounded in Christian doctrine, and courses commonly address topics such as scripture interpretation. Lincoln Christian offers flexible online learning with no in–person requirements, and coursework is delivered asynchronously.

Some of Lincoln Christian’s other programs, such as its divinity master’s, allow students to complete up to two thirds of coursework online. Students in these programs earn their remaining credits through intensive week–long sessions on campus.

See some of Lincoln Christian University’s top rankings on TBS

• The Best Online Christian Colleges
• The Best Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

8. McKendree University

Lebanon, Illinois

McKendree’s central campus is in Lebanon, just east of St. Louis. The private liberal arts school is the oldest college in Illinois and the oldest Methodist–affiliated college in the U.S. The college has catered to working students since the 1970s. It offers 17 online degrees from the associate to the doctoral levels. McKendree is one of the largest online schools in Illinois in terms of its programmatic diversity. Programs include nursing, business, psychology, criminal justice, computer information systems, and education.

McKendree delivers coursework asynchronously and never requires students to visit campus. The school distinguishes itself with small online classes, enforcing a 20–student enrollment cap for each course.

9. University of St. Francis

Joliet, Illinois

The Joliet–based University of St. Francis is not only one of the most notable online colleges in Illinois, but also one of the most noteworthy online colleges nationwide. The college currently enrolls more distance learners than on–campus degree seekers, including 2,219 off–campus graduate students. The college’s online offerings include seven degree completion programs. Business programs include transportation and logistics management, marketing, entrepreneurship, management and leadership, and managing human resources. St. Francis also offers nursing and health care leadership programs.

Because St. Francis offers online degree completion programs, the school caters to transfer students. Applicants must already possess an associate degree. The college also targets working online learners, delivering coursework asynchronously and requiring no on–campus components.

10. Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois

EIU is among the most affordable online schools in Illinois, permitting distance learners to pay in–state tuition for most programs. This Charleston–based state university began as a teacher’s college but has since expanded its offerings. EIU now offers more than 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Programs include a master’s in aging studies, a music education master’s, a certificate in teaching writing, a cybersecurity master’s, and a master’s in health promotion and leadership.

Mindful of the familial and professional obligations of working students, EIU delivers online coursework asynchronously and does not require any on–campus study.

11. Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, Illinois

IIT is a private university in metropolitan Chicago whose roots date back to 19th–century engineering schools. Today, IIT is one of the strongest online colleges in Illinois. The school offers more than 21 online programs, most of which award master’s degrees. Graduate programs include food process engineering, electricity markets, intellectual property management and markets, and telecommunication and software engineering.

IIT delivers online coursework asynchronously through Blackboard, steering clear of in–person and on–campus requirements. The school’s ProctorU service allows distance learners to take exams in their own communities without traveling campus. Online learners also receive a wide array of student services.

12. DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois

Based in the Lincoln Park and Loop neighborhoods of metropolitan Chicago, DePaul is the nation’s largest Catholic university in terms of enrollment. Although the school has a stellar location, students never need to visit campus while earning an online degree from DePaul. The school offers more than 50 online programs including IT project management, nursing, taxation, accountancy, and health informatics. Given the breadth of its programs, DePaul is one of the largest online colleges in Illinois.

Most of DePaul’s online programs deliver coursework asynchronously. Though DePaul is a large school, the university maintains small class sizes for distance learners.

13. Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois

Aurora University, a private liberal arts college based in Aurora, maintains satellite campuses in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, and Woodstock. The university also serves students far beyond its city limits through online degrees, including five bachelor’s programs and five master’s programs. Aurora offers degrees in business, criminal justice, social work, general studies, nursing, homeland security, mathematics education, and public administration. Unlike some other online schools in Illinois, Aurora offers many accelerated online programs which allow students to graduate more quickly.

Staying true to its roots as a small liberal arts university, Aurora maintains small online classes that allow students to receive individualized attention from faculty members. The university emphasizes convenience for working students, delivering coursework asynchronously.

See some of Aurora University’s top rankings on TBS

• The 25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree Programs

14. National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

National Louis University, established in 1886, is renowned for its top–notch education programs. The university helped establish many educational organizations we take for granted today, including the National Parent Teacher Association. One of the university’s biggest causes was the establishment of kindergarten and early childhood education. The university teaches more than 4,700 students and has additional campuses in Florida and Poland.

Despite its emphasis on education, National Louis University offers degrees in other fields. Bachelor’s degree options include communications and criminal justice, while master’s degree offerings include health services alongside its signature early childhood administration.

Student resources available online include an online job board, tutoring in writing, math, science, research and test preparation, 24/7 technical support and an online library with librarian live chat and a variety of book and article databases.

15. Roosevelt University

Chicago, Illinois

Named for the former president and first lady, Roosevelt operates physical campuses in Chicago and Schaumberg. The university offers a focused slate of online programs, including seven master’s degrees and one post–baccalaureate paralegal program. Master’s programs include hospitality and tourism management, conflict and mediation, performing arts administration, and second language special education.

Roosevelt knows that many of its students are busy professionals. The school has no in–person requirements and provides asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid coursework delivery options based on students’ scheduling needs. Students also receive support through Blackboard.

16. Benedictine University

Lisle, Illinois

A group of Benedictine monks established Benedictine University in 1887 as St. Procopius College. It previously had a high school on the campus, but it separated from the university in 1957 as Benet Academy. The university offers over 70 degree programs. A third of its roughly 4,000 students are minorities.

Benedictine University offers several baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs online. Online bachelor’s degrees include management and organizational leadership. Online master’s degree options include business and public health. Online doctoral degree offerings include education, while available online certificates include disaster management and internet marketing.

Resources open to online students include 24/7 technical support, career services, academic advising and an online library with librarian live chat and article, eBook, video and academic journal databases.

17. Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Illinois

Based in Bourbonnais, a small village in eastern central Illinois, Olivet Nazarene is a small Christian liberal arts university that caters to distance learners far beyond Illinois through its distance learning programs. The university offers 15 online programs, which include bachelor’s, master’s, and endorsement offerings. Most of the college’s online offerings focus on business, education, and health sciences. Programs include pastoral leadership, English as a second language, and family nursing.

Olivet Nazarene distinguishes itself from other online schools in Illinois with its accelerated cohort model. Students may earn their degrees within two years by completing additional coursework and following the same course sequence as their peers. This leads to increased accountability.

18. North Park University

Chicago, Illinois

North Park University shares its campus with the only Evangelical Covenant seminary in the United States. Swedish immigrants seeking their own brand of higher education founded the university in 1891, hoping it would help their community grow. What made the campus’s location especially attractive was the proximity to local Swedish–American communities and the Swedish Covenant Hospital. Today, the university has more than 3,000 students in attendance and offers a variety of majors.

North Park University offers a handful of baccalaureate degrees in various aspects of management.

Resources for online students include an online library with access to a variety of reference, eBook, article, video, audio and image databases.

19. Greenville University

Greenville, Illinois

Greenville University, a Methodist university, has a long history stemming from Almira College, a Baptist women’s college established in 1855. It later changed from Baptist to Methodist when leadership changed hands in 1892. Like other Christian universities, Greenville University requires its students to adhere to a code of conduct which includes, among other things, abstaining from drug and alcohol abuse, dishonesty, gambling and general immorality. Students are also required to fulfill 36 “chapel credits” (every semester, which include Bible studies and attending church.

Greenville University offers a variety of online baccalaureate and master’s degrees online. Online bachelor’s degrees include criminal justice and organizational leadership, while online master’s degree offerings include management and special education.

Online students have access to several resources, including online tutoring, academic coaching, an online job board and an online library with librarian live chat and scholarly article database.

20. Quincy University

Quincy, Illinois

A private Catholic and Franciscan–affiliated university, Quincy is one of the smallest online colleges in Illinois, though the university has expanded in recent years. Distance learning has grown at Quincy during this expansion, and the university offers three online programs including bachelor’s degrees in business administration and human services and a master’s in business administration. Though Quincy maintains a beautiful campus in its eponymous city, distance learners can complete these programs without visiting campus.

Quincy delivers all online program asynchronously with working students in mind. The university is also amenable to students who have previously studied elsewhere, as many of its online learners are degree completion or transfer students. Quincy does not distinguish between in–state and out–of–state students for tuition purposes.

21. Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois

Based in Macomb, WIU is a public university established at the turn of the 19th century. Today, the school serves students far beyond the Illinois border through its 14 online undergraduate and graduate programs. Distance degrees include fire protection services, anthropology, accountancy, law enforcement and justice administration, and special education. The college also offers a nursing degree completion program.

WIU delivers all online coursework asynchronously, and most programs do not require students to visit campus. Incoming students who hit certain standardized test and GPA benchmarks can earn automatic scholarships.

22. Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois

SIUE operates out of Edwardsville, within 30 minutes of St. Louis. Though SIUE is smaller than its parent institution in Carbondale, the college is among the stronger online schools in Illinois, offering online programs that include two bachelor’s degrees, six master’s degrees, and one doctorate. Distance degrees include nursing, criminal justice, education, and healthcare administration.

Striving for flexibility, SIUE typically delivers online coursework asynchronously. Students may also opt for blended learning options in most programs. SIUE supports distance students by offering counseling, tutoring, technology support, and online library access.

See some of Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville’s top rankings on TBS

• The Best Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Programs

23. Judson University

Elgin, Illinois

Based in Elgin, Judson is a small evangelical Christian school with a liberal arts focus. As such, Judson is one of the smaller online schools in Illinois. The university offers seven entirely online programs. Bachelor’s degrees include applied psychology, organizational leadership, human services, and business administration. Master’s programs include business administration, military leadership, and organizational leadership. The college also offers various individual courses online.

Due to its religious roots, Judson approaches coursework from a Christian perspective. The college aims for flexibility, delivering most online coursework asynchronously. The school is also transfer–friendly, and students may enroll within 10 business days of applying.

24. Trinity International University – Illinois

Deerfield, Illinois

A small evangelical Christian university based in Deerfield, TIU operates a seminary, a law school, and undergraduate and graduate schools throughout the U.S. The university also maintains one of the smallest and most focused online colleges in Illinois. It offers bachelor’s degrees in Christian ministries, business, psychology, and criminal justice. Each program requires students to complete 124 credits, which usually requires four years.

TIU delivers all distance coursework asynchronously, and its four online degrees do not include on–campus requirements. TIU does not distinguish between out–of–state and in–state students, charging all distance learners the same per–credit tuition. The school also offers significant military discounts.

25. Saint Xavier University

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago–based SXU is a Catholic and Sisters of Mercy–affiliated four–year university with deep roots in the Windy City. SXU was originally a women’s college. The school’s first campus burned down in the Chicago Fire, so it has developed through many iterations. SXU has continued to evolve and is now one of the most focused online schools in Illinois. Its distance programs include an educational technology integration certificate, an ESL certificate, and an RN to BSN. Each program operates within the framework of the Catholic liberal arts tradition.

SXU caters primarily to working students, delivering online coursework asynchronously. This private university does not distinguish between out–of–state and in–state students for tuition purposes.

1. University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Formed by the merger of several health colleges during the late 19th century, UIC was incorporated into the University of Illinois System in 1913. The largest university in Chicago, UIC sits on a campus near the Chicago Loop and serves roughly 30,000 students each year. Through 15 academic colleges, UIC offers more than 220 undergraduate and graduate programs.

UIC’s online programs include certificates and degrees in 11 categories. Professional development certificates in survey research methods, healthcare professional patient safety and quality, and nonprofit management accompany healthcare–related certificates in health information management, health informatics, and disability ethics.

Learners can also earn an online business certificate in applied startup knowledge; engineering certificates in disaster management, engineering law and management, and wireless communication technology; public health certificates in management, informatics, and clinical research methods; and nursing certificates in sleep health, school nursing, and advanced practice palliative care.

UIC offers online bachelor’s degrees in health information management, business administration, and nursing, as well as master’s programs in engineering, education, health professions education, and public health. The school also oversees an online doctor of public health in leadership program.

UIC also provides an Online Pathways program, through which students can complete general education requirements in natural sciences, humanities, and social science subjects, regardless of their degree path.

2. University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

Formerly known as Sangamon State University, UIS became part of the University of Illinois System in 1995. Located in Springfield, UIS offers more than 52 undergraduate and graduate programs to almost 5,000 learners each year.

UIS delivers online classes and programs through the Blackboard learning management system. The university’s online certificate and licensure programs in child advocacy studies, educational technology, teacher education, and learning behavior specialization build competencies for education professionals. Students can also earn teacher education certifications in English, mathematics, English as a second language, science, or social science.

UIS also offers online bachelor’s degrees, many of which are part of 2+2 programs and hold joint agreements with institutions throughout Illinois. Students can earn bachelor’s degrees in disciplines such as communication, computer science, history, philosophy, and political science. Additional bachelor’s programs include liberal studies, business administration, and teacher education.

The school’s online undergraduate minors supplement bachelor’s programs with 15–24 credits of coursework in subjects including philosophy, secondary education, political science, and mathematical sciences.

Graduate students at UIS can earn master’s degrees online in 11 areas, including social services administration, data analytics, and computer science. The environmental studies master’s program at UIS includes a general degree track and specializations in sustainable policy and planning. Master of public health students can concentrate their degree in environmental health or general public health practice.

3. Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois

EIU in Charleston began as a teachers’ institution in 1895. The university now hosts more than 7,500 students through undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, humanities, and science. EIU also offers 23 online degrees and certificates.

EIU delivers online classes and programs through the D2L learning management system. Students can earn online bachelor of arts degrees in general studies, communication in organizations, and psychology. The general studies degree allows learners to transfer up to 100 credits into the program. The communication in organizations degree is a degree completion program that students can earn by completing 49 credits of theoretical and practical classes. The psychology degree also offers flexibility with respect to transfer credits, allowing learners to earn their bachelor’s degree in two years.

EIU’s online bachelor of science programs include business, health communication, and organizational development. The school also offers an RN–to–BSN track. Students pursuing a business degree can specialize in business administration, while health communication learners complete interdisciplinary classes in communication studies and health promotion. The organization development bachelor’s degree offers workplace learning credits for students returning to college with significant training and experience.

EIU offers online master’s degrees in art, history, music, and political science. The political science degree includes specializations in public administration and public policy. EIU’s online master of business administration offers specializations in applied management, geographic information, and accounting. Additional master’s degrees in health promotion and leadership, talent development, and education accompany graduate certificates in teaching of writing, public planning, and reading instruction.

See some of Eastern Illinois University’s top rankings on TBS

• The 20 Best Online Certified Financial Planning (CFP) Programs
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• The 50 Best Online Master’s in Cyber Crime Programs

4. Saint Xavier University

Chicago, Illinois

SXU traces its origins to the Roman Catholic auspices of the Sisters of Mercy. Located in Chicago, SXU remains dedicated to its Catholic heritage and provides academic programs that incorporate the ideals and faith held by the school’s founders. SXU offers nearly 70 undergraduate and graduate programs through three academic schools.

Online programs at SXU include one bachelor’s degree, four master’s degrees, and four certificate and endorsement programs. The school’s online bachelor’s degree in nursing allows registered nurses to earn a BSN in as few as four semesters.

The 38–credit clinical nursing master’s degree includes coursework in nursing inquiry, advanced health assessment, and clinical leader roles with accompanying practicum and immersion requirements. SXU’s online master’s in nursing administration prepares students for the nurse executive and advanced nurse executive certification exams through classes in project management, conflict resolution, and regulatory compliance. The 38–credit master’s in nurse educator track also builds knowledge applicable to the certified nurse educator exam by focusing on curriculum development, lesson planning, educational theory, and student evaluation techniques.

Learners can supplement their master’s degrees in nursing with certificate options for nurse educators and leaders. The nurse educator certificate includes eight credits of coursework and practical experience, while the nurse leadership certificate incorporates four practica for a total of 450 experiential learning hours.

SXU offers an online master of arts degree in elementary education for educators seeking licensure to teach grades one through six. Students can also earn an English as a second language and bilingual education endorsement or an educational technology integration certificate online.

See some of Saint Xavier University’s top rankings on TBS

• The 25 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Administration Degree Programs
• The 30 Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Degree Programs
• The Best Online Colleges for Military Personnel & Families

5. Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois

Established as an extension of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1957, SIUE hosts more than 13,000 students on its main campus in Edwardsville, at locations in Alton and East St. Louis, and online.

SIUE offers online undergraduate degrees in nursing and integrative studies. The accelerated RN–to–BS option consists of coursework and immersion requirements that registered nurses can complete in three semesters. The school’s bachelor’s degree in integrative studies can be completed as a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science. Well–suited for working adults with an associate degree, the program includes interdisciplinary coursework in psychology, sociology, and communication, preparing learners for leadership and administrative roles.

Online graduate programs at SIUE include three business administration degrees. Learners can specialize in business analytics, management, or management information systems. Master’s degrees in criminal justice policy, healthcare and nursing administration, healthcare informatics, and instructional technology accompany a master’s degree in kinesiology with a specialization in physical education and coaching pedagogy.

SIUE’s online nursing educator and doctor of nursing practice degrees include 33 and 30 credits, respectively, with immersions at clinical sites and on–campus requirements integrated into the programs.

SIUE also offers online postbaccalaureate certificates in classroom technologies and web–based learning. The classroom technologies certificate emphasizes emerging technologies and teaching with technology through 18 credits of classes. Students explore topics including social media for teachers, games and simulations, and designing digital materials. The 18–credit web–based learning certificate covers topics such as online teaching tools, online classroom facilitation, and instructional systems design.

See some of Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville’s top rankings on TBS

• The Best Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Programs

1. Lincoln Trail College

Robinson, Illinois

LTC was founded in 1969 and functions alongside Frontier Community College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College to form Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. The school provides two–year college transfer and certificate programs from its Robinson campus and online.

LTC offers more than 150 online courses, three certificates, and five degrees through the D2L Brightspace learning management system. Students can earn online certificates in medical transcription, sales, and paraprofessional education. The school’s 35–credit online medical transcription certificate covers medical office procedures, medical terminology, and anatomy for healthcare. The sales certificate explores topics such as management, economics, and marketing through 33 credits, while the paraprofessional education certificate prepares learners for associate and bachelor’s degrees in education.

LTC’s online associate of applied science degrees in accounting and medical office assistance build knowledge and skills for entry–level positions. Accounting students learn bookkeeping, business, and accounting fundamentals through 63 credits of coursework, while medical office assistance learners study topics like healthcare law and ethics and anatomy for healthcare by completing 68 credits across four semesters.

LTC also offers online associate of arts and science, associate of science, and associate of general studies transfer degrees. The curricula for each degree includes 64 credits and prepares students for transfer to a four–year institution. The general studies program allows students to choose a concentration, while the associate of science degree emphasizes science and mathematics classes.

2. Frontier Community College

Fairfield, Illinois

Located in Fairfield, FCC is one of four schools in the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) network. In cooperation with fellow institutions Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College, FCC provides career and technical programs alongside associate degrees throughout a 12–county region.

Online programs at FCC — offered as part of the IECC Open Pathway model — include certificates in medical transcription, sales, and paraprofessional education. The medical transcription program includes 35 credits that learners complete in two semesters. The sales and paraprofessional education curricula include two semesters of coursework and 33 and 31 credits, respectively.

Associate degrees in accounting and medical office assistance prepare students for careers in business and healthcare settings. The 63–credit associate of applied science in accounting examines topics like business computing, economics, and managerial accounting, while the medical office assistance program emphasizes medical office procedures and processes through 68 credits of coursework.

Associate of arts and science, general studies, and science degrees at FCC serve as transfer programs for students who intend to continue to a four–year institution. The arts and science program includes comprehensive courses in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The general studies program allows students to focus on a specialization of their choice, while the science curriculum emphasizes mathematics and science.

FCC offers online classes through the D2L Brightspace learning management system. IECC partners with Franklin University to offer bachelor’s degrees through a transfer program. Learners take their first three years of classes at an IECC school and complete the fourth year at Franklin University through online coursework.

3. Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois

JJC, established in 1901, was the first public community college founded in the United States. Located in Joliet, JJC provides academic programs at six educational centers and online, reaching more than 15,000 students annually.

Through JJC’s iCampus, which uses the Canvas learning management system, students can complete online adult education, workforce development, and pre–baccalaureate programs. Online and hybrid programs provide convenient, flexible options for students to earn certificates and associate degrees in areas such as business, computer programming, and human resources.

JJC’s associate of arts, associate of general studies, and associate of science hybrid degrees prepare students to transfer to four–year institutions. Students can specialize in disciplines such as business, music, or behavioral science in anticipation of their future major. JCC also offers online associate of applied science degrees in management information and management and supervision, preparing students for entry–level positions.

Online certificates at JJC include certificates of completion and certificates of achievement. Certificates of completion function as introductory certificates to build foundational skills in topics such as computer service, entrepreneurship, and human resource management. Certificates of achievement include additional coursework — up to 60 credits — and explore advanced concepts. Students can often transfer certificates of completion into certificate of achievement programs, and both can be applied to meet associate degree requirements.

4. Waubonsee Community College

Sugar Grove, Illinois

With four campuses in the western suburbs of Chicago, WCC opened its doors in 1967. Based in Sugar Grove, WCC provides associate degrees, certificate programs, and personal enrichment classes to more than 30,000 learners each year.

Online associate degrees at WCC include general associate of arts and associate of science programs offered alongside an associate of general studies degree. The associate of arts curriculum prepares students to transfer to a four–year program in disciplines such as history, English, communication, and liberal arts.

The associate of science track emphasizes science and mathematics coursework to prepare students for entry into four–year programs in engineering, computer and information science, biology, or a related discipline. The general studies associate degree allows students to explore a broad spectrum of classes without focusing on an occupational or baccalaureate–oriented path.

WCC also offers associate of applied science degrees in business administration and human resource management. The business administration program includes 60 credits that focus on business fundamentals. Students can complete elective coursework in management or marketing to add an emphasis to their degree. WCC’s 60–credit human resource management degree includes classes in business leadership, management, and organizational behavior.

Online certificates at WCC comprise 12–30 credits. Learners can earn a certificate in general studies through 30 credits of coursework, while the computer support certificate of achievement includes 27 credits. WCC’s online marketing certificate builds accounting, business, and selling skills through 18 credits, and the office software specialist program trains students in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software through 12 credits of classes.

5. Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, Illinois

Founded in 1967, MVCC hosts students on a main campus in Palos Hills, at additional locations in Blue Island and Tinley Park, and online. Through the Canvas learning management system, MVCC offers online associate of arts, science, and general studies degrees. Designed as transfer programs, 62–credit curricula prepare students to attend a four–year institution.

The associate of arts degree emphasizes content applicable to majors in fields like art, history, theater, and education, while the associate of science focuses on content applicable to majors in engineering, computer science, and technology. The general studies program allows students to choose classes from a variety of disciplines as they explore their interests.

MVCC also offers an online associate of applied science in criminal justice that includes 62 credits. Students study the criminal justice system, court processes, and law to prepare for careers in policing, corrections, and law enforcement.

MVCC’s online certificate programs in computer integrated technologies, information management systems, and business comprise 6–25 credits. Database administration and computer programming students complete six and nine credits, respectively. The computer technician certificate includes 14 credits related to network and information technology essentials and services, while the 25–credit retail management certificate focuses on retail sector topics like marketing, management, and industrial psychology.

6. Richland Community College

Decatur, Illinois

As one of almost 50 schools within the Illinois Community College System, RCC serves more than 9,000 students each year. RCC’s career and technical programs, transfer degrees, and community and professional development opportunities have met the needs of residents in central Illinois since 1971.

RCC also delivers online classes and programs through the Canvas learning management system. The school’s online associate of arts curriculum includes 60 credits of general education and concentration coursework. Students can focus on subjects such as humanities, business, and social science. Learners can also complete sequence coursework in accounting, English, history, and physical education.

RCC’s online associate of science degree emphasizes life and physical sciences and mathematics, preparing students to transfer to a bachelor of science program. Alongside 41–45 credits of general education requirements, learners complete sequenced classes in geography, physics, or a comparable field. The curriculum also allows students to take numerous classes in biology, chemistry, and/or mathematics.

RCC offers an online certificate in healthcare documentation with an emphasis on medical transcription. Through 32 credits of coursework related to medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and healthcare record interpretation — as well as a practicum — students prepare to work as medical transcriptionists, medical editors, health data analysts, and healthcare documentation specialists.

7. Kaskaskia College

Centralia, Illinois

Founded in 1940 and based in Centralia, KC offers more than 150 academic and certificate programs. The college serves over 7,500 learners each year and boasts a 19–to–1 student–to–faculty ratio.

KC’s online programs include more than a dozen degrees and certificates. KC’s online accounting certificate explores accounting principles, business technology applications, and business fundamentals through 13 credits. The 23–credit online small business accounting certificate similarly focuses on business and accounting principles, with additional classes in taxation and finance.

The entrepreneurship certificate covers marketing, management, and business principles through 20 credits of classes, while the 35–credit supervisory management certificate explores business communication, management, and supervisory leadership. Additionally, a 25–credit computer applications certificate focuses on web design, digital imaging, and computer operating system practices.

Associate of arts students at KC can pursue specializations in art, music, or theater. A general studies associate degree allows learners to complete diverse classes in speech, English, journalism, foreign language, and philosophy to prepare for a four–year program.

KC also offers online associate degrees in business accounting, business marketing, and business management, as well as associate degrees in construction project management, early childhood education, library technical assistance, and corrections.

KC’s associate of applied science degrees include a library technical assistance program that covers topics such as circulation, reference, technical processing, and audiovisual services. In cooperation with the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Department of Corrections, KC’s associate of applied science degree in corrections prepares current state correctional officers to advance their careers through a 48–credit curriculum.

See some of Kaskaskia College’s top rankings on TBS

• The Best Online Accounting Certificate Programs
• The 50 Best Community Colleges in the United States

8. McHenry County College

Crystal Lake, Illinois

Established in 1967, MCC hosts more than 8,500 students on its main campus in Crystal Lake, at various sites throughout the region, and online. Online programs at MCC include transfer associate of arts and associate of science degrees. Students complete coursework that satisfies the transfer requirements put forward by the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education Core Curriculum.

MCC offers online associate of applied science degrees in six disciplines. Accounting students complete 69 credits that cover topics such as accounting procedures, computer applications, and management. The 60–credit administrative office management degree covers computer application fundamentals with elective options in medical and legal terminology and transcription.

MCC’s 60–credit online business management curriculum emphasizes management accounting, international business, and human relations, while the school’s helpdesk technician program blends computer literacy and ethics with communication and management fundamentals across 60 credits. The online network security degree includes 60 credits of computer, business, and programming coursework.

MCC’s 63–credit criminal justice degree prepares students for careers as law enforcement officers, corrections workers, computer forensic analysts, and social service professionals. Students can also earn online certificates in accounting, entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, and tax preparation.

See some of McHenry County College’s top rankings on TBS

• The 25 Best Online Associate in Accounting Programs
• The 50 Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Programs

9. Harper College

Palatine, Illinois

From a main campus in Palatine, four educational centers throughout the region, and online, Harper offers apprenticeship programs, degree completion options, certificates, and continuing education coursework. Harper hosts more than 35,000 students annually.

Harper offers online degrees and certificates in five areas. Harper’s online associate of applied science in business administration emphasizes management through a 61–credit curriculum. Students study organizational behavior, human resources, communication, and strategic management alongside general education and business core classes. Learners can complete this degree in four semesters.

The online accounting bookkeeper certificate includes eight credits of coursework in accounting, business software, and computer applications software to prepare students for entry–level positions in the field.

Computer support technology certificate students take nine credits of information technology fundamentals, learning to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware and operating systems. Harper’s online early childhood assistant teacher certification explores child development, assessment, and guidance through 18 credits of coursework.

Harper also offers a professional accounting – Certified Public Accounting preparation certificate; learners must hold a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite coursework to complete this 30–credit program.

Harper partners with four–year institutions, such as DePaul University, Eastern Illinois University, and Franklin University, to provide online bachelor’s degree completion programs.

10. Southeastern Illinois College

Harrisburg, Illinois

Founded in 1960 and situated on a 190–acre campus in Harrisburg, SIC offers almost 80 certificate and degree programs. The college hosts more than 5,000 learners through online, on–campus, dual–credit, and community education courses.

SIC offers online associate of arts and applied science degrees. The associate of arts curriculum includes 62 credits, including 20 credits of guided electives. Learners can explore fields such as business, communication, education, and psychology to prepare for transfer to a four–year school.

SIC offers three online associate of applied science degrees: early childhood education, business management, and criminal justice. The early childhood education degree includes online coursework and practical learning experiences that train learners in curriculum development, guidance procedures, and social skill development.

Students can complete SIC’s online business management degree in two years. The 64–credit program builds competencies in business, economics, and finance fundamentals. SIC’s online criminal justice degree emphasizes criminal law, investigation, policing, and corrections through 62 credits of coursework.

SIC also offers 13 online certificates, including programs in early childhood education, accounting, business management, and bioenergy production. Learners can earn one of four early childhood education and infant toddler certificates with an additional option to complete a four–credit Illinois director practicum credential. SIC’s biodiesel, bioenergy, ethanol, and biofuels production and technology certificates include 12–32 credits.

See some of Southeastern Illinois College’s top rankings on TBS

• The 50 Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Programs

DeVry University

Downers Grove, Illinois

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois

Northern Illinois University

DeKalb, Illinois

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Rend Lake College

Ina, Illinois

Saint Augustine College

Chicago, Illinois