Best Online Computer Science Programs in Illinois (2026)

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Illinois Computer Science At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Computer Science Salary$109,859
Salary OutlookIllinois offers competitive wages for computer science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyIllinois Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online computer science degree in Illinois offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Illinois offers competitive wages for computer science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Illinois students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Computer Science Schools in Illinois

The following schools offer accredited online computer science programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Illinois.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL BOC Score 81.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 55%
Graduation rate 74%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$52,386
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$52,386
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL BOC Score 74.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL BOC Score 35.5
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Illinois

Computer Science professionals in Illinois experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Illinois.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Illinois)
Software Developer$132,110
Computer Systems Analyst$101,570
Computer Network Architect$132,790
Database Administrator$104,650
Database Architect$142,500
Information Security Analyst$124,180
Computer Network Support Specialist$68,530
Computer User Support Specialist$59,860
Web Developer$84,820
Web and Digital Interface Designer$85,710
Computer and Information Systems Manager$171,730

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Computer Science Degree in Illinois?

Choosing a program in Illinois can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Illinois offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Illinois economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online computer science programs in Illinois accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Illinois, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Computer Science pay in Illinois compare to other states?

Illinois offers competitive wages for computer science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Illinois a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for computer science in Illinois?

The Illinois Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Illinois. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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