Top Online Master’s Programs in Illinois

Eastern Illinois University, founded in 1895, is known for its academic programs and commitment to student success; it provides students with various opportunities for higher education and personal development. The university’s emphasis on fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment contributes to its reputation as a valuable educational resource. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 4,533 (fall 2024), its setting is a city, and the campus size is 320 acres.

The University of Illinois at Chicago, founded in 1965, is a prominent public institution committed to research and community engagement that distinguishes it as a significant educational and research hub in the city’s heart. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 21,807 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 240 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Illinois State University, founded in 1857, emphasizes providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment and contributes to its reputation as a valuable educational resource. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 17,674 (fall 2021), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 1,180 acres. 

Northern Illinois University, founded in 1895, is known for its academic programs and dedication to student success; it provides students with various opportunities for higher education and personal development. The university’s commitment to research, community engagement, and innovation contributes to its reputation as a valuable educational resource in the region. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 11,429 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 800 acres.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, founded in 1869, focuses on research, community engagement, and hands-on learning, setting it apart as a valuable educational resource in the southern part of the state. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 10,000 (fall 2022), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 1,136 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, founded in 1957, offers students a variety of opportunities for higher education and personal development. The university’s emphasis on research, community engagement, and practical learning experiences contributes to its reputation as a valuable educational resource in the region. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 9,967 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 2,660 acres. 

Western Illinois University, founded in 1899, provides students with various opportunities for higher education and personal growth. The university’s emphasis on hands-on learning, research, and community involvement contributes to its reputation as a valuable educational resource in the western part of the state. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 5,309 (fall 2022), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 1,050 acres.

Northeastern Illinois University’s emphasis on community engagement, research, and providing access to education contributes to its reputation as an essential educational resource in the northeastern part of the state. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 11,834 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 67 acres.

Governors State University, founded in 1969, is dedicated to innovation, community engagement, and providing diverse educational pathways contributes to its reputation as a valuable educational resource in the region. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,609 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 750 acres.

The University of Illinois at Springfield, founded in 1969, provides students with various opportunities for higher learning and personal growth. The university’s commitment to innovative teaching methods, research, and community involvement contributes to its reputation as a valuable educational resource in the state capital. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,393 (fall 2022), its setting is a city, and the campus size is 746 acres. 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, founded in 1969, offers students many opportunities for higher learning and personal growth. The university’s commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and groundbreaking research distinguishes it as a respected educational and research hub. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 34,942 (fall 2022), its setting is a city, and the campus size is 746 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Chicago State University, founded in 1867, offers students a range of opportunities for higher education and personal growth. The university’s emphasis on diversity, community engagement, and accessible education contributes to its reputation as an important educational resource in the city. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,496 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 161 acres.

Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a private educational institution that focuses on offering programs in nursing and health sciences. It is known for providing quality education and training to students aspiring to enter the healthcare field. It provides training for both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The curriculum includes a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on clinical experience.

Bradley University, founded in 1897, offers programs in diverse fields, including business, engineering, liberal arts, health sciences, education, fine arts, and more. The university is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and practical application of knowledge. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,037 (fall 2022), its setting is a city, and the campus size is 85 acres. 

Concordia University Chicago, founded in 1864, is particularly known for its strong emphasis on education and teacher preparation. It offers a variety of programs for aspiring educators, including those seeking teaching certification and advanced degrees in education leadership. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,438 (fall 2020), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 40 acres.

DePaul University, founded in 1898, offers a diverse array of academic programs in areas such as business, arts and sciences, education, law, communication, computer science, health sciences, and more. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 14,294 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 41 acres. 

Dominican University, founded in 1901, is rooted in the Dominican Catholic tradition, which emphasizes intellectual inquiry, community engagement, and service to others. The university’s mission includes a commitment to social justice and ethical responsibility, encouraging students to positively impact their communities. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,136 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 37 acres. 

Judson University, founded in 1963, provides education grounded in Christian values and perspectives. The university emphasizes the integration of faith and learning in its academic programs. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 798 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 90 acres. 

Lewis University, founded in 1932, is organized into several colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education and Social Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and more. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 3,933 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 410 acres.

Lincoln Christian University, founded in 1944, is rooted in a Christian identity and seeks to integrate faith and learning into its academic programs. The university’s mission often includes a commitment to developing students spiritually, intellectually, and personally. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 258 (fall 2022), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 100 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. 

Loyola University Chicago, founded in 1870, places a strong emphasis on community service and social justice. Students are often encouraged to participate in volunteer work, service-learning projects, and initiatives that address societal needs. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 13,875 (fall 2022), its setting is a city, and the campus size is 105 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. 

The McKendree University, founded in 1828, offers a range of academic programs in fields such as arts and sciences, business, education, health sciences, nursing, computer science, and more. The university often places an emphasis on community service, service-learning projects, and experiential learning opportunities that contribute positively to the local community. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,534 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 235 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Moody Bible Institute, founded in 1886, is typically organized into different schools or divisions focused on areas such as the Bible, theology, ministry, communications, and education. A key feature of Moody Bible Institute is its commitment to practical ministry training. Students are often encouraged to apply their learning through internships, mission trips, and service in various ministry settings. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,903 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 24 acres.

Roosevelt University, founded in 1945, strongly emphasizes social justice and inclusivity. It is often recognized for its commitment to diversity and promoting positive change in society. The university strongly emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with opportunities for internships, research projects, cooperative education, and community engagement. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,391 (fall 2022), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 34 acres. 

Rush University offers a variety of health sciences programs, including those in medicine, nursing, allied health, biomedical research, and more. The university provides degrees at the master’s, doctoral, and professional levels. The university’s campus may include modern facilities with classrooms, laboratories, research centres, and clinical training spaces.

Saint Xavier University, founded in 1846, is rooted in the Catholic faith and values. The university often emphasizes the integration of faith, learning, and service in its academic programs. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 5,139 (fall 2022), its setting is a city, and the campus size is 120 acres. 

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, often called SFMC CON, is a private nursing school in Peoria, Illinois, United States. The primary focus of SFMC CON is to offer nursing programs at various levels, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in nursing. The college is dedicated to preparing students for careers in nursing and healthcare. It has an undergraduate enrolment of 277 (2021).

The Trinity International University, founded in 1897, offers a variety of academic programs in fields such as arts and sciences, business, education, divinity, theology, counseling, and more. It provides degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 571 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 111 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. 

The University of St. Francis, founded in 1920, emphasizes values such as social justice, service, and a commitment to the well-being of individuals and communities. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,552 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 18 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.