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Lincoln Land Community College () has provided affordable online programs for 25 years. Hundreds of online general education courses offered by LLCC can help you transfer to four-year institutions and develop job-readiness skills. Programs are diverse and include online associate degrees in criminal justice, English, history, liberal arts, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Online associate degrees in technology include computer science and computer systems, with programming, networking, CISCO, and security tracks.

Why we like them: We appreciate that the college offers career-focused programs. In particular, LLCC provides some top-notch specialized programs for students in nursing and fire science. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) eager to become RNs can complete an online LPN to ADN transition program. Prospective fire service instructors can also complete online certificates of completion at LLCC.

Illinois Central College () features several online degree and certificate options for distance learners. Associate degree students can choose from programs in accountancy, art, biology, general studies, and more. The college’s certificate programs include a range of options designed to improve career skills, such as commercial refrigeration and Cisco networking specialization.

Why we like them: ICC has a small average class size, which means that you are more likely to develop closer working relationships with your colleagues and professors than you would in larger classes. The study body is also a bit more diverse than many community colleges in the state, with more than a quarter of students identifying with underrepresented groups and about 60% female enrollees. In today's interconnected world, employers value individuals who can work effectively in diverse teams and understand different cultural norms. By attending a diverse institution, students gain valuable skills for navigating diverse workplaces and contributing to global communities.

Waubonsee Community College () makes education accessible for busy, working students by offering online associate degrees at Waubonsee. Majors include business administration, human resources management, and specific transfer associate degree programs. You can also complete online professional development certificates in computer support and office software. Waubonsee’s online programs are delivered in several learning formats, including online, hybrid, sync online, and flex.

Why we like them: If you’re looking to graduate fast, consider attending Waubonsee for online learning. Remote programs may also be available in an accelerated format, enabling faster completion. The school also has prior learning and "Quickpath" one-year online degrees. These three online programs not only help you graduate quickly but can save money on online tuition.

McHenry County College () offers online associate degrees in accounting, administrative office management, business management, and network security but is most noted for its online associate degree in general studies. Through distance education, students can also earn certificates and transfer degrees that prepare them for earning a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. Online certifications are available in accounting, bookkeeping, entrepreneurship, and tax practitioner.

Why we like them: Pricey tuition can deter many students from applying for online programs. Fortunately, MCC offers several scholarship opportunities for online students. Students are eligible for 50 scholarships provided by the school as well as government financial aid. These resources help make higher education more accessible to a wider range of individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Sauk Valley Community College () offers a few online certificate and degree options for interested applicants. Students who want to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree might choose an associate transfer degree with a general education core curriculum. This is ideal for taking care of bachelor’s-degree prerequisites so students can start taking major classes right away at a four-year college. Other options include Associate of Applied Science in fields like management, marketing, and accounting, or a customizable degree in liberal studies.

Why we like them: SVCC’s website makes it easy to choose the right online learning option. It lays out the differences between a transfer degree, a career degree, and a certificate program and helpfully guides readers to the correct application for each, along with more information. Although it’s not a hugely diverse school, 18% of SVCC students identify as Hispanic or Latinx, which might appeal to prospective students from this population.