Online Business Degrees in Illinois

As the digital age continues to transform our lives, more students are turning to online education to gain valuable qualifications, and business degrees are among the most desired. Online learning provides the flexibility to study at your own pace, often while saving money compared to traditional on-campus programs. This makes it an appealing choice for working professionals and those with other commitments. This article provides an in-depth look at six different affordable online business programs in Illinois, providing you with key details such as tuition cost, application process, student body composition, academic experience, and financial aid opportunities.

Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Programs in Illinois

Affordability is often a significant factor in choosing an online business degree in Illinois since lower tuition means lower financial burdens and less student loan debt after graduation. That said, focusing solely on cost is typically not the best approach: Other factors are also crucial, such as the curriculum, faculty expertise, school reputation, and support services. Fortunately, affordable doesn’t have to mean low quality, and below we will highlight both program cost and quality.

As you peruse this article, we encourage you to think about cost but also overall value and how well the program aligns with your career goals, learning style, and financial situation.

1. The University of Illinois Springfield

The University of IllinoisSpringfield offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration Comprehensive program that welcomes both US and international students. With a rolling application deadline, this program offers flexibility for prospective students throughout the year. The application process is straightforward, requiring a high-school diploma or GED, with the option of an application essay. Transfer students are warmly welcomed, with the potential to earn advanced standing credit.

The acceptance rate for this program is high, at 93%, suggesting a welcoming environment for prospective students. The faculty has an average of seven years of online teaching experience, indicating robust academic quality. Class sizes are designed to promote interaction and active learning, incorporating elements such as group projects and simulations. The university emphasizes ongoing course evaluation, continuously striving to maintain and improve its teaching quality.

The University of IllinoisSpringfield stands out when it comes to cost: It offers the most affordable tuition per credit on our list at $368 per credit, 18% more affordable than the state average. Financial aid options are available, including both institutional and federal support. There are special financial considerations for military veterans, and the institution is GI Bill certified.

The online Bachelor of Business Administration Comprehensive program at the University of Illinois Springfield is an excellent option for prospective students seeking a high-quality, affordable business education. Its diverse student body, committed faculty, and focus on active learning make it a compelling choice.

2. The University of Illinois Chicago

The University of IllinoisChicago’s online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Completion program is another option with a flexible application process that accepts applications at any time. While a high school diploma or GED is needed, there’s no minimum GPA requirement. The program is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 59%, so the program may sometimes deny admission even to qualified applicants. Transfer students may earn advanced standing credit, speeding up degree completion.

The academic experience in the BBA Completion program is exceptional, as indicated by the program’s full-time instructional faculty, who possess an average of 12 years of online teaching experience. The average class size is 24, ensuring active learning and participation. The curriculum incorporates elements such as group projects and simulations to prepare students for a dynamic business environment. Student participation is graded, encouraging active involvement, and the course evaluation response rate of 75% reflects a strong interactive community.

The tuition for the BBA Completion program is $379 per credit, making it 15.8% more affordable than the state average. Financial aid is available, and the institution also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, further assisting military veterans. The average debt of graduates is $17,743, which is below both the state and national averages, with 51% of graduates incurring debt. These statistics indicate the program’s commitment to affordability and accessibility.

In conclusion, the BBA Degree Completion program at the University of IllinoisChicago offers a comprehensive curriculum, diverse student body, experienced faculty, and competitive tuition, making it an excellent choice for prospective students.

3. Illinois College

The online BA in Business Administration at Illinois College blends liberal arts and business training, preparing students to lead effectively and solve complex problems. Key subjects covered include accounting, business communication, economics, and strategic management. The faculty of experienced professionals and the fully online, flexible format allow working adults to graduate in as little as 15 months. Note, however, that the program doesn’t offer dual enrollment at a separate college.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, making it accessible for both US and international students all year long. The college welcomes transfer students and doesn’t specify a minimum high school GPA for applicants, making it more accessible than some competitors. The program has an 85% acceptance rate, indicating a high chance of admission for qualified applicants.

The student body is fairly small, with a total enrollment of 151 students and a significant gender imbalance favoring female students. The average student age is high, at 37, indicating that many students are likely working professionals seeking to enhance their skills.

The academic experience is highly interactive, with an average class size of just nine students, encouraging personalized learning. Group projects and graded class participation are part of the curriculum. However, the course evaluation response rate is only 32%, indicating potential areas for improvement in the area of student feedback.

The program costs $400 per credit, making it about 11% more affordable than the state average. The average debt of 2021-2022 graduates who borrowed was $15,861, below both state and national averages. For military veterans, the institution is GI Bill certified, and it participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. However, only federal aid is available, potentially limiting some students’ financial options.

4. McKendree University

The online business degree in Illinois at McKendree University offers comprehensive study of various areas of business, such as accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing. The program is designed for flexibility, allowing students to advance their careers and gain a broad foundation for future graduate studies. The classes are entirely online and based on eight-week sessions, giving students the ability to arrange their coursework to meet their schedules.

McKendree University accepts applications on a continuous basis for both US and international students. A high school diploma or GED and a minimum GPA of 2.5 are required for admission. The program has a high acceptance rate of 89%, ensuring a fair chance of admission for qualified applicants, and transfer students are welcome, with the possibility of earning advanced standing credit. Additionally, students can earn their degrees entirely outside the US, expanding the program’s reach and flexibility.

The student body of the online Bachelor of Business Administration Program is diverse, with a total enrollment of 318 students, slightly more female students than male, and an average student age of 32. The program accommodates working adults, with two-thirds of new entrants already employed, and it features students with military experience, further enhancing the program’s diversity.

In terms of academics, the program features an experienced faculty, with most full-time faculty members holding terminal degrees. Class participation is graded, which promotes active involvement and learning. However, the course evaluation response rate is only 26-50%, so the program could potentially improve in the area of student feedback.

Tuition for the program costs $405 per credit, making it 10% more affordable than the state mean. On average, 2021-2022 graduates who borrowed had a debt of $19,473, and about 67% of these graduates had debt. For military veterans, the institution is GI Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The university offers both institutional and federal financial aid, making it more accessible for students in need of financial support.

5. The University of St. Francis

The University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree Completion program designed specifically for working professionals looking to advance their management skills and business acumen. The program offers a robust curriculum, with an emphasis on applied knowledge and practical experience to equip students with the necessary tools to meet the challenges of today’s diverse business landscape. Students can tailor their studies to their professional goals by choosing from a variety of concentration areas, including Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Management & Leadership, Managing Human Resources, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management.

Application to this program can be made at any time, assuring flexibility for busy students. The admissions requirements are consistent with those of campus-based students, and transfer students are accepted, with the possibility of earning advanced standing credit. Note, however, that this program can be highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 58%, making it the most selective program on our list. An additional benefit of this program is the geographic flexibility it offers, allowing students to earn their degree entirely outside the US.

The online BS in Business Administration program at the University of St. Francis boasts a small average class size of 16 students and maintains a strong emphasis on student participation, which is graded.

Tuition for the program costs $425 per credit, which is about 5.5% more affordable than the average tuition per credit in the state. The University of St. Francis offers both institutional and federal financial aid to help students manage costs. The average debt of 2021-2022 graduates who borrowed was $19,176, below both the state and national average of $23,260. The University is GI Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to support students with military backgrounds.

6. DePaul University

DePaul University, located in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies (BAPS) with a major in Business Administration that is specifically designed for adult learners aiming to ascend to leadership or managerial roles in their careers. With a keen emphasis on practical business skills across functional areas such as technology, project management, marketing, and operations, this degree can potentially be completed in as little as two years, depending on transferable credit or credit earned through the assessment of prior personal and professional experience.

A significant advantage of the BAPS program is its flexibility, allowing for online learning that can fit into an adult student’s busy schedule. The curriculum is complemented by the university’s generous credit transfer policy and the opportunity to earn academic credit for life and career experiences. However, it’s important to note that while it offers many benefits, this degree program is priced at $722 per credit, which is 60% more than the state average. Fortunately, both institutional and federal aid are available, and the institution is GI Bill certified. The average debt for 2021-2022 graduates who borrowed was $31,157, with 67% of graduates having debt, a significant factor to consider during financial planning.

The program features a rolling application process for flexibility, and the minimum high school GPA requirement is 2.5. The program accepts transfer students, with the possibility of earning advanced standing credit. An application essay is required as part of the admissions process.

DePaul University boasts a combination of full-time and part-time faculty who are leaders in their fields, with 156 full-time and 195 part-time faculty members involved in online instruction. Students can expect an average class size of 26, promoting a more personalized learning experience.

Finally, the student body of DePaul’s BAPS program consists of 1,145 enrollees, with a fairly balanced gender distribution. Despite being an online program, most students come from the East North Central region of the US. DePaul University also offers a myriad of support services for online learners, including academic advising and career placement assistance.

Conclusion

Affordable online business degrees in Illinois provide students with flexible, high-quality educational opportunities that cater to a wide range of career goals and personal circumstances. Institutions such as the University of IllinoisSpringfield, the University of IllinoisChicago, Illinois College, McKendree University, the University of St. Francis, and DePaul University offer robust programs in business administration that balance affordability with academic quality. These programs accommodate traditional and non-traditional students, including working professionals and military veterans, and have diverse student bodies that enrich the learning experience.

The University of IllinoisSpringfield stands out as having the most affordable tuition cost per credit on our list, though all the mentioned schools offer significant value. Each program has a unique approach, such as blending liberal arts with business training, focusing on specific concentration areas, or tailoring the program to adult learners.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d17/tables/dt17_304.10.asp
2. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs: https://acbsp.org/page/accreditation-overview
3. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: https://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-schools
4. The International Accreditation Council for Business Education: https://iacbe.org