Online Colleges in Illinois

With 222 public and private colleges and universities, Illinois is a state with a myriad of choices in higher education. Top colleges in Illinois include the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign. There are nine public universities occupying 12 campuses, according to the Illinois Board of Higher Education. As one of the largest university systems in the state, the University of Illinois System has three campuses which enroll more than 71,000 students. In addition, each campus offers distance learning opportunities to students across the country through U of I Online. In addition, Illinois has the third largest community college system in the United States, with 39 community college districts and 48 campuses, according to the Illinois Community College Board.

Illinois also has much to offer in private education, with 131 for-profit and not-for-profit insitutions of higher education. Many of the not-for-profit colleges and universitities are known not only for their academic reputation, but also for their efforts in online education. Students looking for accredited online colleges in Illinois may want to consider one of the 32 private for-profit colleges and universities. While the majority of these Illinois online colleges have campuses in the Chicago area, those who would like to avoid the commute can take advantage of degree programs from schools like American InterContinental University and Devry University. To learn more about distance learning opportunities at Illinois online colleges and universities, visit the Illinois Virtual Campus which provides details about Illinois colleges offering online degrees, certificates, and non-credit and for credit courses.