10 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in Illinois (2025)

Online business degree programs remain some of the most popular degrees to earn. Throughout the degree programs, students become acquainted with the necessary skills to succeed in the business industry.

With a business degree, graduates can explore a number of different careers, such as business owners, managers, and marketers. Although online business degrees are highly popular, funding for higher education can certainly become a problem.

Learn.org helps to identify the best 10 affordable online business degree programs in Illinois and informs readers of the financial aid resources available for aspiring students.

List of Illinois Affordable Business Degrees Online

The state of Illinois has a wide range of affordable online business degree programs. The following list contains the 10 most affordable online business degree programs available in the state.

1. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Springfield is an institution that is committed to providing online degree programs that offer a high-quality education.

The university's online business administration program allows students to gain a broad-based education through areas in finance, management, marketing, and operations management.

By the time students graduate, they will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge in accounting, economics, management, and marketing
• analyze a business problem and recommend an appropriate course of action
• communicate effectively in written and oral forms
• understand information technology and its use in organizations
• understand, interpret, and analyze problems and present information

2. University of Illinois Chicago

The online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) completion program at UIC allows students to finish their business degree at a top-ranked business school.

The program is offered online and on-campus and consists of a total of 61 credit hours. The courses are highly challenging and prepare students to operate a business. They run for eight weeks at a time and are given on an asynchronous schedule.

This particular program is ideal for students who have completed at least 60 credit hours toward their bachelor's degree.

3. Illinois College

Illinois College's online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree program consists of eight-week-long courses that prepare students for success in today's competitive workforce.

The curriculum is a combination of liberal arts studies with in-depth business training that teaches its students to lead with expertise and competence. The program is 120 semester hours that consist of:

• 78 hours in general education courses
• 22 hours in business core courses
• 24 hours in business administration courses

Along with a well-rounded curriculum, the program values affordability with each credit priced at $375. The major coursework in the program can be completed in 15 months.

4. Mckendree University

Mckendree University also offers a flexible business administration program that is completely available online. The program is committed to providing a program that working adults can complete.

The courses are delivered through a content management system and offered over eight weeks at a time. Many students choose to take two online courses during each eight-week session.

5. University of St. Francis

The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program at the University of St. Francis is an accelerated adult completion program that prepares students for success in business.

The mission of the program is to provide adult learners with the highest quality of applied management skills to meet their professional goals.

The courses within the programs are offered in an eight-week accelerated format for busy students who have to balance their personal and professional lives. Once admitted, students can select from the following concentrations:

• business analytics
• entrepreneurship
• supply chain management

6. Greenville University

Greenville University also offers an affordable online business degree program. Their online business management program allows its students to complete hands-on coursework, analyze industry challenges, and develop solutions.

Throughout the program, students will:

• study business and market plan development
• complete entrepreneurial lab exercises
• explore agricultural market simulations

The university provides numerous financial aid resources, such as scholarships and employee tuition benefits, which allow students to cover the costs of their education. In total, the program has 120 credit hours, and each credit is priced at $470.

The program can be completed in two to four years.

7. Aurora University

Aurora University is an accredited university that is dedicated to providing affordable online degree programs. At the university, students are able to select from a business administration or a business management degree program.

The online business administration program prepares students to work as managers in the manufacturing, financial, healthcare, and public sectors.

The business management program teaches its students the essential principles of human resources, marketing, and operations. Once admitted, students are eligible to focus their studies on human resources management or nonprofit management.

8. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville also offers an online business administration degree program. The program consists of eight or 16-week-long courses to enhance a student's flexibility for course scheduling.

The university is heavily involved in a student's progress as each student is paired with an academic advisor to develop a course plan.

The university also has an AACSB accreditation which is only earned by 5% of the world's business schools.

9. Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University's online Bachelor of Business in Business Analytics degree program provides students with the technical skills needed to solve the analytical problems of the business world.

The is AACSB accredited and is the only undergraduate business analytics degree program in Illinois. Throughout the program, students are taught:

• applied statistics
• business
• information systems
• supply chain management

10. Eastern Illinois University

The online business administration program at Eastern Illinois University is a unique program that provides students with knowledge in accounting, finance, management, and marketing.

The program was developed to meet the needs of:

• students who want to complete a business degree
• students who need a more flexible class schedule due to prior obligations
• students who have already completed several hours of general education and business coursework

The classes are offered in an asynchronous manner and allow students to listen to lectures at their own convenience.

How Much Does an Online Business Degree Program Cost?

The majority of online business degrees consist of 120 credit hours. The majority of colleges start at $320 per credit hour. On average, online business degrees can cost anywhere between $40,000 to $55,000.

How To Pay for an Online Business Degree

Online business degree students are eligible to use a variety of financial aid resources. To cover the costs of their education, students are eligible to apply for:

• unsubsidized loans
• federal loans
• private loans
• grants

In addition to financial aid, students are eligible to apply for scholarships as well as seek tuition reimbursement through their employers.

Is an Online Business Degree Worth It?

Yes. An online business degree program presents a rewarding opportunity for individuals to earn their degrees in a flexible and convenient manner.

Aside from flexible scheduling, advanced degrees can lead to lucrative business careers and salaries. In the programs, students learn a variety of skills that can be further applied to multiple industries.

Skills, such as communication, leadership, and management are some of the basic skills that any business degree program emphasizes to its students.

Find an Online Business Degree Program Today

Online business degree programs offer a great pathway for individuals interested in entering the business industry. If any of these programs interest you, please reach out to your institution of choice for more information on their admission requirements.