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2025 Most Popular Online Business Degrees in Illinois

Written by Ryan Mulholand • Edited by Bailey Fletcher • Updated 1/30/2025

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Pursuing an online business degree in Illinois is a great choice if you want flexible learning opportunities that allow you to advance your career. These business bachelor's programs are designed to provide foundational knowledge in management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

  • DeVry University hosts nearly 25,000 online students at the undergraduate level, who are only studying online. It's the most popular school by far. 
  • Elmhurst University has the highest median earnings for its business graduates — $63,256. That means it's in the top 30% nationwide for earnings potential. 

Our methodology for identifying the most popular online business degrees in Illinois is based on how many fully online students are enrolled at that school as undergraduates. The data utilized for this assessment is from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We also ensure that all online schools we list are institutionally accredited. 

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Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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List Of Accredited Online Business Schools

Tuition numbers were manually collected and verified where noted
School Online Enrollment Annual Tuition Median Earnings AACSB Accredited
DeVry University 24,940 24,940 $15,420 $55,585 No
National Louis University 2,032 $11,880 $40,275 No
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale 1,262 $9,645 $58,561 Yes
Governors State University 1,054 $10,290 $55,440 Yes
Western Illinois University 937 $10,095 $52,505 Yes
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville 777 $16,502 $51,966 Yes
University of Illinois at Chicago 773 $29,360 N/A Yes
Lewis University 605 $37,882 $59,300 No
Aurora University 487 $14,400 $61,696 No
McKendree University 273 $12,600 $55,101 No
Elmhurst University 241 $20,850 $63,256 No
University of St. Francis 235 $12,750 N/A No
American College of Education 142 $6,600 N/A No
Olivet Nazarene University 112 $37,940 $52,270 No
Greenville University 95 $14,550 $36,077 No
North Park University - Chicago 90 $18,900 $57,733 No
Saint Xavier University 53 $36,840 $57,865 Yes

  • Online Enrollment: 24,940
  • Salary Score: A-
  • Annual Tuition: $15,420
  • Median Earnings: $55,585

Online degree:

Why we like them: DU boasts an incredible online enrollment of 24,940 students. This places the university in the top 1% of institutions nationwide for popularity, catering to vast numbers of online learners. The online BS in Business Administration at DU provides a thorough education in core business concepts with a focus on real-world applications. It offers 11 specializations, including Accounting, Finance, and Global Supply Chain Management, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals, without having to sacrifice personal commitments.

National Louis University National Louis University National Louis University

  • Online Enrollment: 2,032
  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Annual Tuition: $11,880
  • Median Earnings: $40,275

Online degree:

Why we like them: Ranked at #2 on our list for online business programs in Illinois, NLU excels with over 2,000 distance learners. NLU's online business administration degree offers a thorough curriculum requiring the completion of 180 quarter hours, including courses in Data Analysis for Managers, Operations and Strategic Management, and Legal & Ethical Decision Making in Business. The curriculum integrates analytical skill-building, teamwork, and leadership initiatives, designed to prepare students for the dynamic challenges in global business environments. Students are uniquely prepared for positions in fast-growing fields such as marketing research analytics and financial analysis.

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

  • Online Enrollment: 1,262
  • Salary Score: B+
  • Annual Tuition: $9,645
  • Median Earnings: $58,561
  • Accreditation: AACSB

Online degree:

Why we like them: SIUC is next on our list at #3 for its growing enrollment of 1,262 online students. This online learning outreach demonstrates SIU's commitment to providing flexible educational opportunities for distance learners. SIU's online BS in Business and Administration requires 120 credit hours, including a university core of 39 credit hours, business core prerequisites of 20 credit hours, and major-specific courses totaling 60 credit hours for a well-rounded professional. Students gain skills in communications, technology, and problem-solving, preparing them for diverse careers in the field of business.

Governors State University Governors State University Governors State University

  • Online Enrollment: 1,054
  • Salary Score: B-
  • Annual Tuition: $10,290
  • Median Earnings: $55,440
  • Accreditation: AACSB

Online degree:

Why we like them: GSU is lauded for its online environment, with over 1,000 online learners. GSU's online BA in Business and Applied Science program is uniquely structured to expand on an associate degree in applied science, merging technical knowledge with essential business acumen. Offered fully online with an optional on-campus component, the program demands 120 credit hours, including general education, program, and elective courses. Accredited by the AASB, it provides tracks in Marketing, Finance, HR Management, and more. Students benefit from internships and mentorships, tailored to enhance real-world business skills.

Western Illinois University Western Illinois University Western Illinois University

  • Online Enrollment: 937
  • Salary Score: B
  • Annual Tuition: $10,095
  • Median Earnings: $52,505
  • Accreditation: AACSB

Online degree:

Why we like them: WIU ranks sixth for us due to its level of online enrollment numbers, with nearly a thousand distance learners represented. The online bachelor's in business analytics program at WIU stands out as the first STEM-certified business program in Illinois. It offers a focused curriculum with emphases in Applied Statistics, Business, Information Systems, and Supply Chain Management. Accredited by AACSB International, the program guarantees a high-quality educational experience for those that attend. Available both online and on-campus in Macomb, the program integrates technical skill development to address analytical challenges in contemporary business environments.

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

  • Online Enrollment: 777
  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Annual Tuition: $16,502
  • Median Earnings: $51,966
  • Accreditation: AACSB

Online degree:

Why we like them: SIUE is next on our list and has garnered a 7th rank for its BS in Business Administration degree, underscoring its growing popularity among online learners. Its online enrollment stands at 777, a number reflecting the promise and potential for growth within the program. The SIUE BS in Business Administration is an AACSB-accredited program, making it part of an elite group of business schools worldwide. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from other institutions, enhancing flexibility for degree completion. Additionally, it offers varied specializations such as Data Analytics and Supply Chain Management.

University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Online Enrollment: 773
  • Salary Score: A
  • Annual Tuition: $29,360
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Accreditation: AACSB

Online degree:

Why we like them: UIC earns a rank of 8th place for its online enrollment in business programs. At the UIC, the BBA degree provides flexibility through online completion, amounting to a total of 61 credit hours. Notably accredited by AACSB, the degree supports both remote and in-person formats, allowing you to personalize your educational experience. This structure supports balancing commitments, which is ideal if you have work or family obligations. Intended for those with at least 60 credit hours in post-secondary education, the curriculum fosters comprehensive skills in various business operations, preparing you for diverse roles.

Lewis University Lewis University Lewis University

  • Online Enrollment: 605
  • Salary Score: B
  • Annual Tuition: $37,882
  • Median Earnings: $59,300

Online degree:

Why we like them: LU finishes the top ten rankings on our list, accommodating over 600 remote learners. LU's online bachelor's in business administration is an accelerated)program delivered entirely online. It includes a comprehensive curriculum covering accounting, finance, marketing, and quantitative decision-making. Accredited by the ACBSP, it guarantees an education that aligns with industry standards. Practical, hands-on skills are emphasized, preparing you to contribute effectively within various organizational contexts for the purpose of creating a well-rounded professional.

Aurora University Aurora University Aurora University

  • Online Enrollment: 487
  • Salary Score: B
  • Annual Tuition: $14,400
  • Median Earnings: $61,696

Online degree:

Why we like them: AU facilitates flexible learning for hundreds of 100% online learners. The online BBA requires 120 credit hours, with the core major consisting of 40 credits. Courses span traditional eight-week terms and cover financial strategy, business innovation, and organizational behavior. This regionally accredited degree emphasizes experiential learning with optional internships facilitated locally or at your place of work, which the program director must approve. Transfer credits are highly encouraged, accommodating up to 68 credits from a two-year college and 90 from a four-year institution, expediting degree completion.

McKendree University McKendree University McKendree University

  • Online Enrollment: 273
  • Salary Score: B-
  • Annual Tuition: $12,600
  • Median Earnings: $55,101

Online degree:

Why we like them: MKU offers a flexible online BBA with nine potential areas of focus: Accounting, Business Administration, Cyber Defense, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, Sport Management, or Supply Chain Management and Logistics. The program delivers courses entirely online via the Brightspace learning management system. Each course is structured over an eight-week period, allowing you to take two courses per session.

Elmhurst University Elmhurst University Elmhurst University

  • Online Enrollment: 241
  • Salary Score: B+
  • Annual Tuition: $20,850
  • Median Earnings: $63,256

Online degree:

Why we like them: The EU management program for business administration is delivered through a flexible cohort model, requiring the completion of 128 semester hours. The program features a few potential minors: Finance, Management, Marketing, or Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Online courses are designed to fit around your schedule, meeting once a week, with degree completion possible in just three terms. Graduates of the business program make a median salary of $63,256. We also want to note that the school has a 92% recommendation rate.

University of St. Francis University of St. Francis University of St. Francis

  • Online Enrollment: 235
  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Annual Tuition: $12,750
  • Median Earnings: N/A

Online degree:

Why we like them: The online BS in Business Administration at USF is an accelerated degree completion program tailored for adult learners across various management domains. Accredited by the College of Business & Health Administration, the curriculum is designed to enhance practical management skills applicable to everyday professional challenges. For completion, students must transfer at least 64 semester hours, and fulfill a minimum of 120 semester hours.

American College of Education American College of Education American College of Education

  • Online Enrollment: 142
  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Annual Tuition: $6,600
  • Median Earnings: N/A

Online degree:

Why we like them: ACE's online BS in Business Administration and Leadership is a degree completion program designed for transfer students, requiring an associate degree or 60 credit hours for entry. It demands completion of 36 semester credits and can be finished in less than 18 months, making it a swift option for career advancement. Emphasizing practical management skills, the curriculum includes courses in Strategic Servant Leadership, Finance, and International Business.

Olivet Nazarene University Olivet Nazarene University Olivet Nazarene University

  • Online Enrollment: 112
  • Salary Score: B-
  • Annual Tuition: $37,940
  • Median Earnings: $52,270

Online degree:

Why we like them: ONU's online BS in Business is engineered for working adults aiming to advance their careers while having limited time. Accredited and flexible, the program integrates qualitative and quantitative business education, covering key areas such as finance, marketing, and IT. The curriculum encompasses a core business track, which includes subjects in leadership, global business, and ethics. Some sample classes online include: Global Business, Business Ethics, and Economic Systems.

Greenville University Greenville University Greenville University

  • Online Enrollment: 95
  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Annual Tuition: $14,550
  • Median Earnings: $36,077

Online degree:

Why we like them: There are plenty of professional growth opportunities for those pursuing the BS in Agribusiness program. An online BS in Agribusiness is available at GU through the Briner School of Business, focusing on applied business management tailored for the agribusiness sector. The program includes coursework in business and market plan development, entrepreneurial lab exercises, and agricultural commodity market simulations, preparing graduates to lead in the industry. It requires 120 credit hours, with the flexibility to transfer up to 90 credits.

North Park University - Chicago North Park University - Chicago North Park University - Chicago

  • Online Enrollment: 90
  • Salary Score: B
  • Annual Tuition: $18,900
  • Median Earnings: $57,733

Online degree:

Why we like them: NPUC's online BA in Business Administration is tailored for flexibility, allowing completion in 2.5 years or less, even if you transfer up to 90 credits. Offered via online or evening classes, the curriculum fosters skills in management, strategic problem solving, financial literacy, and communication within diverse environments. The Credit for Prior Learning process enables recognition of life experiences as academic credits, accommodating unique career backgrounds. Median earnings for NPUC's business degree is $57,733.

Saint Xavier University Saint Xavier University Saint Xavier University

  • Online Enrollment: 53
  • Salary Score: B-
  • Annual Tuition: $36,840
  • Median Earnings: $57,865
  • Accreditation: AACSB

Online degree:

Why we like them: SXU's finishes up our list of online business degrees in Illinois with its online BBA degree. The BBA Fast-Track Program at SXU's Graham School of Management is tailored for working adults aiming to complete their undergraduate business degree online while maintaining employment. The degree is delivered entirely online and asynchronously in an eight-week format. With five admission terms and a curriculum requiring 45 credit hours, assuming 75 credits are transferred, it can be completed in one to two years. This degree equips you with vital business skills applicable across diverse industries and roles.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Benefits of Earning a Business Degree Online in Illinois

Illinois’ economic landscape makes earning an online business degree particularly relevant and beneficial for students in the state. Illinois has a diverse economy, with leading sectors such as healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, and professional services contributing significantly to the state’s ~$900 billion gross state product. Key industries like drug wholesaling, property insurance, and commercial banking generate substantial revenue and offer numerous career opportunities for business graduates. 



Additionally, with over 1.4 million businesses operating statewide, the demand for skilled business professionals continues to grow, particularly in leadership and management roles.


Additionally, with over 1.4 million businesses operating statewide, the demand for skilled business professionals continues to grow, particularly in leadership and management roles. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity emphasizes the state's commitment to supporting businesses and workforce development, further enhancing the relevance of a business degree in this region. 

The online component of a business degree is especially valuable in Illinois, allowing students to pursue higher education while working or managing other responsibilities. Illinois is home to major urban centers like Chicago, where many industries thrive, but online education extends access to those in more rural or suburban areas of the state. Online programs often incorporate industry-relevant coursework and offer networking opportunities with local businesses, enhancing career prospects. 

As the state invests in economic growth and workforce development, earning an online business degree positions graduates to thrive in Illinois' evolving economic environment. 

If you're looking to save on tuition while pursuing a business degree in Illinois, explore our curated list of the most affordable online business degrees nationwide.

Trends and Growth in Illinois’ Business Sector

The business sector in Illinois is a cornerstone of its economy, with strong representation in financial operations, management, and marketing roles. Key industries driving business employment include finance, insurance, and professional services, supported by the state’s central location and extensive transportation networks. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (), roles like marketing managers, financial analysts, and management analysts are in high demand, with competitive salaries exceeding national averages. In particular, financial managers, one of the highest-paid business roles, earn a mean annual wage of approximately $173,210, while marketing managers average $156,730 annually. Both roles typically require only a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

The state also supports entrepreneurial activity, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area, which serves as a hub for startups and corporate headquarters. Overall, Illinois continues to thrive as a dynamic environment for business professionals, bolstered by diverse career opportunities and a well-developed infrastructure.

Next Steps to Earn an Online Business Degree in Illinois

If you're ready to pursue an online business degree in Illinois, follow these steps to simplify the process:

  • Define Your Goals: Identify the niche skills you want to develop and choose a business concentration, such as Finance, Marketing, or Entrepreneurship. If you want to explore similar options, there are also finance degrees and marketing degrees at the bachelor's level. 

  • Research Programs: Explore accredited online schools that align with your interests and fit your budget. Look for programs offering internships, networking opportunities, and industry-aligned coursework.

  • Consider Costs: Calculate tuition, fees, and potential financial aid. Illinois offers grants and scholarships specifically for residents pursuing higher education.

  • Apply Strategically: Apply to multiple programs, ensuring your applications highlight your experience and career goals. Consider deadlines for both admission and financial aid.

Whether you aim to advance in a corporate role, pivot to a new field, or launch your own business, the flexibility of online learning ensures you can achieve your goals while maintaining personal and professional commitments. Within Illinois’ business landscape, an online business degree equips you with the skills and connections needed to thrive. 

If you're still not sure if business is the best fit, check out our list featuring the best online colleges in Illinois overall.

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