Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Freeport, IL (2026)
Freeport, Illinois has a population of about 23,636. The city’s median household income is $48,181 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Freeport, with tuition ranging from $3,432 to $48,380 per year. In Illinois, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $110,370 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Freeport
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Freeport city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beloit College | Beloit, WI | 34.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Loras College | Dubuque, IA | 55.4 mi | $38,298 - $48,380 | – |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | 55.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Waubonsee Community College | Sugar Grove, IL | 69.4 mi | $3,432 - $14,661 | – |
| Elgin Community College | Elgin, IL | 69.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Freeport
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Illinois, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $63,590 |
| Management Analyst | $110,370 |
| Technical Writer | $79,690 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $56,600 |
| Editor | $68,050 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $63,550 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,350 |
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.
Freeport at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,636 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $48,181 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Freeport-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Rockford, IL – 29.3 mi away (286,727 pop)
- Machesney Park, IL – 31.6 mi away (22,873 pop)
- Loves Park, IL – 32.7 mi away (23,413 pop)
- Sterling, IL – 34.0 mi away (27,961 pop)
- Beloit, WI – 35.4 mi away (63,470 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Freeport, IL?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Freeport. The closest is Beloit College in Beloit, WI (34.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Elgin Community College (69.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in Illinois?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in Illinois are: Management Analyst ($110,370), Technical Writer ($79,690), Human Resources Specialist ($72,350). Wages for Freeport workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Rockford instead of Freeport?
Rockford, IL is 29.3 miles from Freeport and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Freeport an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Freeport’s median household income of $48,181 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Freeport 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 Liberal Arts Programs in Illinois
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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