Compare the top 9 accredited online MBA programs in Illinois, real tuition ($11,385-$36,834), GMAT requirements, specializations, and acceptance rates. All data sourced directly from the schools.
Illinois offers one of the widest selections of accredited online MBA programs in the country, 9 on our list, led by the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign's iMBA and UIC in Chicago), alongside affordable public options such as U of Illinois Springfield, Southern Illinois (Carbondale and Edwardsville), Governors State, and Eastern Illinois, plus private Benedictine University. All 9 hold AACSB accreditation, the gold standard earned by a minority of business schools worldwide.
On cost, Illinois offers strong value: the most affordable option on our list is Eastern Illinois University (≈$11,385 in-state), with Governors State (≈$15,156) and U of Illinois Springfield (≈$15,270) close behind, while tuition ranges up to about $36,834 at UIC. Tuition and fees change every year and in-state and out-of-state rates often differ, so confirm the current figure directly with the school before you budget.
Admissions are relatively accessible: most programs here make the GMAT optional or waivable, often for applicants with a qualifying GPA, which removes a common barrier for working applicants. Available specializations span Business Analytics, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Information Systems, and IT Project Management, among others. Because the format is fully online, it suits professionals who want to keep working while they study rather than relocate to campus.
International applicants are generally welcome, check each school's TOEFL or IELTS requirements early. Treat the numbers on this page as a starting point for comparison, and verify accreditation, deadlines, and specialization availability on the university's official admissions pages before you apply.
| School | Tuition | Per credit | GMAT | Duration | Acceptance | Accreditation | Intl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $24,984 | $379/credit | Optional | 24-36 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $36,834 | $877/credit | Optional | 14-24 months | 97% | AACSB | ✓ |
| Northern Illinois University | $28,565.40 | $952.18/credit | Optional | 16-24 months | 92% | AACSB | ✓ |
| University of Illinois Springfield (College of Business and Management) | ≈$15,270 | N/A | Not required | 12 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale (College of Business and Analytics) | ≈$17,820 (33 cr) | N/A | Optional | N/A | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (School of Business) | ≈$19,388 | N/A | Optional | 12+ months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| Governors State University (College of Business) | ≈$15,156 (in-state) | $421/credit (in-s… | Not required | 18 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| Benedictine University | ≈$24,000 (30 cr) | $800/credit | Not required | 12-18 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| Eastern Illinois University (Lumpkin College of Business and Technology) | ≈$11,385 (in-state) | $345/credit (in-s… | Required | ≈24 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
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