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Best Online Social Work Programs in Illinois (2026)
Home > Programs > Social Work > States > Illinois
Illinois Social Work At a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median Social Work Salary | $59,436 |
| Salary Outlook | Illinois offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. |
| Primary Licensing Body | Illinois Board of Social Work Examiners |
| Accreditation Required | Institutional + Regional |
Earning an online social work degree in Illinois offers a flexible path into social work careers. Illinois offers competitive wages for social work 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 nationally available program, Illinois students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
Online Social Work Schools in Illinois
The following schools offer accredited online social work programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Illinois.
No school data available.
Career Outlook and Salaries in Illinois
Social Work 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.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Worker | $63,220 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $64,270 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $49,960 |
| Social Worker, All Other | $64,030 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,380 |
| Social and Human Service Assistant | $46,950 |
| Community Health Worker | $49,240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Why Pursue an Online Social Work 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 social work programs in Illinois accredited?
The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.
How does Social Work pay in Illinois compare to other states?
Illinois offers competitive wages for social work 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 social work in Illinois?
The Illinois Board of Social Work Examiners oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Illinois. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
Online Social Work Programs by City in Illinois
Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:
Addison · Algonquin · Alton · Arlington Heights · Aurora · Bartlett · Batavia · Belleville · Belvidere · Berwyn · Bloomingdale · Bloomington · Blue Island · Bolingbrook · Braidwood · Buffalo Grove · Burbank · Calumet City · Carbondale · Carol Stream · Carpentersville · Champaign · Charleston · Chicago · Chicago Heights · Cicero · Collinsville · Crest Hill · Crystal Lake · Danville · Darien · Decatur · DeKalb · Des Plaines · Dolton · Downers Grove · East Moline · East Peoria · East Saint Louis · Edwardsville · Elgin · Elk Grove Village · Elmhurst · Elmwood Park · Evanston · Freeport · Galesburg · Geneva · Glen Ellyn · Glendale Heights · Glenview · Granite City · Grayslake · Gurnee · Hanover Park · Harvey · Highland Park · Hoffman Estates · Homer Glen · Huntley · Jacksonville · Joliet · Kankakee · Lake in the Hills · Lansing · Libertyville · Lisle · Lockport · Lombard · Loves Park · Machesney Park · Maywood · McHenry · Melrose Park · Mokena · Moline · Morton Grove · Mount Prospect · Mundelein · Naperville · New Lenox · Niles · Normal · North Chicago · Northbrook · O · Oak Forest · Oak Lawn · Oak Park · Orland Park · Oswego · Ottawa · Palatine · Park Forest · Park Ridge · Pekin · Peoria · Peru · Plainfield · Quincy · Rock Island · Rockford · Rolling Meadows · Romeoville · Roselle · Round Lake Beach · Schaumburg · Skokie · South Holland · Springfield · Saint Charles · Sterling · Streamwood · Tinley Park · Urbana · Vernon Hills · Villa Park · Waukegan · West Chicago · Westmont · Wheaton · Wheeling · Wilmette · Woodridge · Woodstock · Zion