Best Online Education Programs in Illinois (2026)

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Illinois Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Education Salary$75,741
Salary OutlookIllinois offers competitive wages for education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyIllinois Department of Education
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online education degree in Illinois offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Illinois offers competitive wages for education 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 Education Schools in Illinois

The following schools offer accredited online education 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 State University

Normal, IL BOC Score 71.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 88%
Graduation rate 65%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$16,144
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$28,210
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 30

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL BOC Score 66.2
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 26

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, IL BOC Score 51.7
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Illinois

Education 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)
Secondary School Teacher$79,990
Elementary School Teacher$75,320
Middle School Teacher$76,110
Education Teacher, Postsecondary$61,560
Education Administrator, K-12$113,360
Education Administrator, Postsecondary$99,770
Tutor$37,400
Educational and Career Counselor$62,420

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


Why Pursue an Online Education 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.
  • Licensing Alignment: Illinois teaching licensure requires specific state-approved preparation; local programs are tailored to meet these standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online education 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 Education pay in Illinois compare to other states?

Illinois offers competitive wages for education 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 education in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Education 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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