15 Online Colleges in Illinois for International Students

Online education is rapidly gaining popularity in Illinois, with a significant rise in student enrollment in online programs. According to the Distance Education State Almanac, Illinois experienced approximately 32% growth in online course enrollment from 2012 to 2015. As more than 12% of undergraduate and graduate students express a desire to pursue their degrees entirely online, Illinois offers a wealth of options for international students seeking flexible education.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 online colleges in Illinois for international students, detailing their offerings, unique programs, and admission requirements.
Top 15 Online Colleges in Illinois for International Students
1. University of St. Francis
Located in Joliet, the University of St. Francis provides a robust selection of online undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can pursue degrees in fields like business administration, healthcare management, and nursing. The university offers personalized support through admissions consultants, and there’s no application fee.
2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Founded in 1867, this prestigious institution offers a wide range of online programs, including bachelor’s degrees in sustainability and master’s degrees in engineering and social work. UIUC is known for its extensive open course offerings, providing access to over 90 online programs.
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3. Concordia University Chicago
Concordia University provides online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees across various disciplines. Students can specialize in areas such as human resource management, special education, and educational leadership. The online MBA program allows for tailored concentrations.
4. Lincoln Christian University
This faith-based institution offers online degrees in areas such as business administration and Christian ministry. With small class sizes and a focus on practical applications, students receive personalized attention. Admission requires transcripts, references, and an essay.
5. University of Illinois Chicago
As the largest university in Chicago, UIC offers diverse online programs in business, public health, and education. Their online bachelor’s in business administration and various master’s degrees provide students with ample learning opportunities.
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6. Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene is recognized for its commitment to Christian education, offering multiple online bachelor’s and master’s programs, including an RN-to-BSN option for nursing professionals. The MBA program offers specializations in leadership and healthcare.
7. Loyola University Chicago
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, Loyola offers numerous online degree options, including nursing, education, and social work. The institution focuses on providing a comprehensive online learning experience with access to resources akin to on-campus students.
8. Eastern Illinois University
EIU offers a variety of accredited online undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on personalized faculty support. Options include degrees in psychology, business administration, and special education.
9. DePaul University
As the largest Catholic university in the U.S., DePaul boasts a diverse online program portfolio. Students can pursue degrees in cybersecurity, data science, and information technology. The university’s commitment to quality education attracts international students from around the globe.
10. Greenville University
Founded by the Free Methodist Church, Greenville University provides online undergraduate programs in areas like business management and health psychology. The online MBA program is designed to accommodate working professionals.
11. National Louis University
NLU offers a wide range of online degrees and certifications, particularly in education and business management. The institution focuses on serving first-generation and urban students, providing accessible education through innovative online formats.
12. Quincy University
Founded in 1860, Quincy University provides a personalized approach to online education, offering customizable bachelor’s programs in business and human services. Their online MBA features concentrations in healthcare administration and organizational leadership.
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13. McKendree University
As Illinois’ oldest higher education institution, McKendree offers a variety of online degrees. The university’s programs are designed for flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.
14. Western Illinois University
WIU offers numerous online bachelor’s and master’s degree options, including programs in geography and business administration. Their commitment to quality education is reflected in their accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.
15. Northern Illinois University
With over 70 undergraduate and 80 graduate programs, NIU provides diverse online educational opportunities. Their online master’s programs focus on practical applications and experiential learning, catering to a variety of career paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for online colleges in Illinois?
Typical requirements include an application, transcripts, an essay, and standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) along with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Specific programs may have additional criteria.
How can I choose the right online college in Illinois?
Consider factors such as program offerings, faculty-to-student ratio, support services, and accreditation. Research each institution’s culture and values to ensure alignment with your educational goals.
Conclusion
These 15 online colleges in Illinois present exceptional opportunities for international students seeking flexible, quality education. Each institution offers unique programs and support systems designed to facilitate your academic success. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or explore new fields, these colleges can help you achieve your goals.
Explore your options and take the first step toward your online degree today