Best Online Business Administration Programs in Sterling, IL (2026)
Sterling, Illinois has a population of about 14,670. The city’s median household income is $52,647 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 18.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited business administration programs within 100 miles of Sterling, with tuition ranging from $4,696 to $12,397 per year. In Illinois, the top-earning business administration-related role is Financial Manager at a median $159,990 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Business Administration Schools to Sterling
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer business administration programs. Distances are calculated from Sterling city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sauk Valley Community College | Dixon, IL | 5.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Highland Community College | Freeport, IL | 33.4 mi | $4,696 - $12,397 | – |
| Black Hawk College | Moline, IL | 44.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | Rockford, IL | 44.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Illinois Valley Community College | Oglesby, IL | 46.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois business administration page.
Business Administration Wages Near Sterling
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Illinois, statewide) |
|---|---|
| General and Operations Manager | $101,430 |
| Administrative Services Manager | $105,590 |
| Financial Manager | $159,990 |
| Human Resources Manager | $134,320 |
| Management Analyst | $110,370 |
| Project Management Specialist | $102,490 |
| Accountant or Auditor | $79,300 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $63,550 |
| Office and Administrative Support Supervisor | $66,010 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Sterling at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 14,670 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,647 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 18.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Business Administration-related employment in Whiteside County | 118 workers, 25 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Sterling-Area Cities With Business Administration Programs
- Clinton, IA – 28.3 mi away (30,930 pop)
- Freeport, IL – 34.0 mi away (24,717 pop)
- East Moline, IL – 40.6 mi away (21,135 pop)
- Peru, IL – 42.6 mi away (30,795 pop)
- Bettendorf, IA – 43.4 mi away (35,727 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited business administration programs are near Sterling, IL?
Our directory lists 5 business administration programs within 100 miles of Sterling. The closest is Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, IL (5.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Illinois Valley Community College (46.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying business administration roles in Illinois?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying business administration-related roles in Illinois are: Financial Manager ($159,990), Human Resources Manager ($134,320), Management Analyst ($110,370). Wages for Sterling workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Clinton instead of Sterling?
Clinton, IA is 28.3 miles from Sterling and has its own set of local business administration programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Sterling an affordable place to study business administration?
Sterling’s median household income of $52,647 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Sterling while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Illinois public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Business Administration Programs in Illinois
- Main Business Administration Degree Guide
- Business Administration Programs by State
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