Best Online MBA Degree Programs in Illinois for 2024

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What Can You Do With an MBA in Illinois

The location of the Sears Tower and some of sports’ most loyal fan bases, Illinois is home to almost 13 million people, ranking the state as the fifth most populous in the country. Despite the fact that Illinois contains Chicago (the third largest city in the nation) and Springfield, its capital, the state is filled with the cornfields and plains of the Midwest, and plenty of forests and lakes.

Illinois is also home to a slew of colleges and universities, many of whom offer full-time and part-time online learning to their students. Illinois houses 92 higher education institutions, which include nine public universities, 35 private colleges, and 48 community colleges. With those numbers, there’s sure to be a high quality graduate school program in Illinois that will help you to reach your future career goals, whether you're determined to earn a general, professional, human resources, risk management, organizational behavior, strategic management, law or legal studies, finance, information technology, policy management, or any other degree you can think of in whichever format you desire. The options offered are many and you'll find faculty and academic courses designed to give you the experience you need within a year to two years tops.

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Top 25 Best MBA Programs in Illinois

Northwestern University

Score: 91.24

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,698
- Out-of-State: $52,698
Net Price: $22,095
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Retention Rate: 98%

Graduation Rate: 97%
Total Enrollment: 23,161
Undergrad Students: 8,993
Graduate Students: 14,168
Grads Salary: $89,000
Student-to-faculty: 6:1

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Score: 85.35

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,545
- Out-of-State: $30,348
Net Price: $14,544
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 85%
Total Enrollment: 56,916
Undergrad Students: 35,120
Graduate Students: 21,796
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

University of Chicago

Score: 81.04

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,145
- Out-of-State: $65,145
Net Price: $36,991
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Retention Rate: 99%

Graduation Rate: 96%
Total Enrollment: 18,339
Undergrad Students: 7,595
Graduate Students: 10,744
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 5:1

Illinois Institute of Technology

Score: 78.25

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,500
- Out-of-State: $32,500
Net Price: $28,702
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 75%
Total Enrollment: 6,943
Undergrad Students: 3,125
Graduate Students: 3,818
Grads Salary: $91,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of St. Francis

Score: 78

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,382
- Out-of-State: $14,382
Net Price: $18,560
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 3,297
Undergrad Students: 1,414
Graduate Students: 1,883
Grads Salary: $88,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Illinois Chicago

Score: 76.67

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,108
- Out-of-State: $25,481
Net Price: $10,384
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 33,747
Undergrad Students: 21,807
Graduate Students: 11,940
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Millikin University

Score: 75.02

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,333
- Out-of-State: $21,333
Net Price: $10,492
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 1,807
Undergrad Students: 1,708
Graduate Students: 99
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Bradley University

Score: 74.2

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,702
- Out-of-State: $18,702
Net Price: $24,053
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 5,552
Undergrad Students: 4,143
Graduate Students: 1,409
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Augustana College

Score: 73.33

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,500
- Out-of-State: $34,500
Net Price: $24,660
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 2,349
Undergrad Students: 2,318
Graduate Students: 31
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Lewis University

Score: 73

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,210
- Out-of-State: $15,210
Net Price: $19,184
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 6,513
Undergrad Students: 3,933
Graduate Students: 2,580
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Saint Xavier University

Score: 72.83

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,000
- Out-of-State: $15,000
Net Price: $11,302
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 3,523
Undergrad Students: 2,981
Graduate Students: 542
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

University of Illinois Springfield

Score: 71.82

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,910
- Out-of-State: $16,146
Net Price: $11,733
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 4,198
Undergrad Students: 2,393
Graduate Students: 1,805
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Northern Illinois University

Score: 71.35

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,090
- Out-of-State: $9,090
Net Price: $13,884
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 15,649
Undergrad Students: 11,429
Graduate Students: 4,220
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Lake Forest College

Score: 71.26

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,212
- Out-of-State: $16,212
Net Price: $27,839
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 1,753
Undergrad Students: 1,727
Graduate Students: 26
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Olivet Nazarene University

Score: 70.81

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,957
- Out-of-State: $10,957
Net Price: $20,059
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 3,255
Undergrad Students: 2,519
Graduate Students: 736
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

North Park University

Score: 70.16

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,966
- Out-of-State: $15,966
Net Price: $19,029
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 2,660
Undergrad Students: 1,868
Graduate Students: 792
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Western Illinois University

Score: 69.43

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,867
- Out-of-State: $8,867
Net Price: $11,213
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 7,643
Undergrad Students: 5,309
Graduate Students: 2,334
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

DePaul University

Score: 69.16

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,135
- Out-of-State: $22,135
Net Price: $32,151
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 20,917
Undergrad Students: 14,134
Graduate Students: 6,783
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

North Central College

Score: 69.08

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,822
- Out-of-State: $15,822
Net Price: $25,285
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 2,695
Undergrad Students: 2,368
Graduate Students: 327
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Eastern Illinois University

Score: 68.81

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,060
- Out-of-State: $19,345
Net Price: $13,380
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 8,857
Undergrad Students: 6,916
Graduate Students: 1,941
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Illinois State University

Score: 68.8

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,971
- Out-of-State: $10,608
Net Price: $20,551
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 20,683
Undergrad Students: 18,055
Graduate Students: 2,628
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Score: 68.59

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,268
- Out-of-State: $28,170
Net Price: $16,990
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 11,107
Undergrad Students: 8,000
Graduate Students: 3,107
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Quincy University

Score: 68.42

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,250
- Out-of-State: $11,250
Net Price: $11,985
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 1,307
Undergrad Students: 1,147
Graduate Students: 160
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Elmhurst University

Score: 68.41

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,667
- Out-of-State: $33,667
Net Price: $24,108
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 3,731
Undergrad Students: 3,027
Graduate Students: 704
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Chicago State University

Score: 67.69

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,282
- Out-of-State: $12,150
Net Price: $6,446
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 28%
Total Enrollment: 2,317
Undergrad Students: 1,450
Graduate Students: 867
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Why Consider an Online MBA?

Online learning offers many perks not available to students in an on-campus college program. Students often save money on tuitions, including living expenses and meal plans without skimping on content or school rankings. Students also may be eligible to enroll in programs that allow accelerated graduation, as well as some that don’t require GMAT scores.

Find Your Online MBA Program

The cost of living in an urban area might preclude many students from enrolling in programs that would otherwise be the best fit for them. Though some online programs do require occasional visits to the real campus, distance learning works to negate the issue of accessibility, and helps to provide a great education no matter where students study from.

Percentage of Students Enrolled By Distance Education

Typical MBA Concentrations

Identifying a career path that interests you prior to enrolling in an online MBA program can give you a leg up when breaking into your field after graduation. Many Illinois schools have MBA program concentrations that will allow students to master exactly what they’ll need to know going into their chosen field.

The following examples were chosen based on their relevance within the Illinois job market, which employs a large number of business professionals with advanced management skills.

International/Global Business Management
A degree focusing on international business can give students an understanding of global business principles. They’ll learn how to create value for clients and partners, how businesses operate in other countries, and why these topics are important when managing an internationally active business.
Business Data Analytics
This specialization teaches students how to use data to develop markets and attract customers, increase supply chain efficiency, and make smart business decisions. This is an ideal focus for students who may want to pursue a future as a business consultant.
Public Administration MBA
AACSB vs. ACBSP Accreditation
What GMAT Score is Good?

Accreditation in Illinois

There are different types of accreditation that are available to colleges and universities across the country. Students should look at schools that have been accredited by a regional or national bureau. Being nationally adccredited may sound more prestigious, but this is typically reserved for for-profit institutions and is often more focused on undergraduate degrees.

The state’s top business schools have been accredited by Illinois’s regional bureau, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) also offers this to online programs.

Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

Manufacturing, agriculture, insurance, and healthcare are all pillars of Illinois’ economy. These industries provide ample opportunity for MBA graduates to put their skills to use. Particularly in Chicago, Illinois is full of potential jobs for newly minted MBAs to further their careers and meet the requirements to move their way up corporate ladders.

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Top Employers in the State by Number of Employees

Company	Industry	Headquarters City	Number of Employees
State Farm	Insurance	Northbrook	13,000
Allstate	Insurance	Bloomington	13,000
Illinois Government	Government	Illinois	785,000+

With a degree from an accredited online MBA program, you’ll be on the right path to hit your business career goals. These businesses may be a good place to start when considering your next job opportunity in Illinois.

Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Illinois

Students aiming for a graduate degree that will ensure them a hefty annual paycheck should consider an online MBA. Many MBA graduates go on to land jobs with a six-figure salary, and most are able to secure employment within just a three months of earning their degree.

The table below can give you an idea of what kind of salary an online MBA can set students up to earn.

Average Degree Salary Ranges Potential

Earnings with Associates - $56,086
Earnings with Bachelors - $60,802
Earnings with MBA - $100,601

Careers for Illinois MBA Grads

IT Operations Manager
In this position, MBA graduates may oversee teams responsible for developing and implementing core IT processes to keep the company and running smoothly. This may involve understanding of workflow processes, customer/vendor communications, and cross-department interaction.
Director of Business Development
This is a marketing position for MBA graduates to develop new customer building strategies through account management systems. They spend a great deal of time working to build referral modules, and may meet occasionally with administration to discuss issues that center on marketing.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals to financial success through investment and analysis of current finances. Bachelor’s degree graduates are also often qualified to hold this position, but an online MBA can significantly boost earnings in this field and make it more likely you will be hired when you apply.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead their teams by providing support and supervision during the sales process. They’re responsible for creating and implementing business strategies to better help their sales team meet their target sales goals.
Account Executive
Account executives can work in many different industries and support their teams by finding and following up on sales leads, handling client support, creating sales strategies, and relaying company value to target customers. Successful account executives are good at matching customer with their ideal products.

How to Choose & FAQ's

Students are advised to consider the pros and cons of several different online MBA programs before landing on their final decision. Here are some of the factors to consider when selecting the online program that’s right for you.

Compare Student Outcomes Data
IYou may want to find out how a program’s graduating students stack up in comparison to those from competing schools. Factors like student debt, how long it takes to get a job after graduation, student retention rate, and the like can give insight into whether an online MBA program will be worth your while.
Consider Program Cost
You don’t want to be in the middle of a semester and suddenly faced with charges you weren’t expecting. Get the scoop on exactly what will be expected of you financially throughout the length of the MBA program. Take into consideration cost of living expenses, technological fees, administrative fees, and anything else you can think of when assessing whether a program is within your budget.

Search Programs Offering MBA Majors
Find Out If They Partner With Local Businesses
A school with an established relationship with local businesses might have better resources to connect you with internships and jobs that will help your career. Make sure the program you’re considering will be able to meet these needs for you while considering any travel restrictions.
Make Sure Classes Will Fit Within Your Schedule
Though some classes offer the fully flexible class scheduling that many students enjoy in distance learning, other programs may require some structure, even from afar. Find out whether your program will have mandated log-in times, or whether you’ll be able to complete coursework on your own time. Particularly if you’re a part time student, this may prove to be an important factor to consider.
Talk to Students and Recent Alumni
Current students and recent graduates are a gold mine of information when you need to know how an online MBA program really runs. Ask your school for a list of contacts, or search for online forums or resources for prospective students to connect with current or recent ones.

Best Illinois MBA Schools and Programs