7 Most Affordable Online Human Resources Degrees in Illinois

Earning a human resources degree prepares students to become HR professionals in several fields, such as business, healthcare, and retail. Unfortunately, the cost of higher education can be expensive, especially in states like Illinois, which has some of the highest tuition rates in the country, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Despite high tuition prices, there are several low-cost online colleges in Illinois. Keep reading to learn more about the affordable online human resource degree programs Illinois has to offer.

Affordable Online Human Resources Degree Programs in Illinois

Online bachelor's degrees in HR management provide flexibility and low-cost options. Several colleges and universities in Illinois offer affordable online human resources degree programs. We've featured them below. All schools listed are regionally accredited.

1. Aurora University

Aurora University is a private, nonprofit school in Aurora, IL. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in business management with a specialization in human resource management. This program includes coursework on:

• compensation and benefits
• employee and labor relations
• organizational development
• training and development

The tuition rate for this undergraduate degree is $465 per credit hour. Students can use federal and state aid, as well as scholarships from the university or private institutions, to help them pay for their HR management degree.

2. Concordia University Chicago

At Concordia University Chicago, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in human resource management. The Concordia University system is made up of private, nonprofit Christian institutions across the country.

The human resource management program at CU Chicago covers key topics like employment law, labor relations, and organizational behavior. The program costs $490 per credit hour.

3. Illinois College

Illinois College, a private Christian liberal arts school, offers an online BS in business with a concentration in human resources management. This bachelor's degree features coursework on organizational behavior, talent acquisition and retention, and human resource development.

This college charges $375 per credit for this degree. Scholarships and other types of financial aid are available to students.

4. McKendree University

McKendree University is a nonprofit school located in Lebanon, IL. The private school offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in HR management online.

In the bachelor's degree, online students will cover topics like organizational leadership, employment law, and training and development. It costs $420 per credit.

The master's program offers a blend of business strategy and employee management courses. The tuition rate is $555 per credit hour, and some students can complete the degree in as few as 12 months.

5. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville can earn an online Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in human resources. SIUE is a public institution based in Edwardsville, IL.

The online program includes core business courses, as well as HR coursework on things like organizational leadership, training and development, and performance management. It costs $479 per credit hour.

6. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield offers a BBA in human resource management and a Master of Science in human resource management online. The public institution is located in Springfield, IL.

The bachelor's program covers organizational development, staffing, and compensation and benefits strategy. The tuition rate is $367.50 per credit hour, and financial aid is available.

In the online master's degree program, students take an in-depth look at HR management through courses on organizational behavior, performance management, talent acquisition, and more. The cost for this program is $424.75 per credit hour.

7. Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University is a public institution in Macomb, IL. It offers an online bachelor's degree in business with a specialization in human resource management that includes core courses and electives on:

• benefits and compensation
• employee relations
• staffing
• training and development

Tuition for this degree is $336.50 per credit. Multiple scholarships and other financial aid options are available to help students pay for their HR degrees.

FAQs About Human Resources Degrees at Online Colleges

Below, we've answered some commonly asked questions about human resources degrees at online colleges.

What Degree is Best for Human Resources?

Most human resources professionals must have at least a bachelor's degree in the field. Some colleges offer degrees with human resources majors, while others offer degrees in business or management with a concentration in human resources.

More advanced roles may require a master's degree in human resources. You generally won't need a doctoral degree unless you plan to pursue research or academia.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Human Resources Degree in Illinois?

Of the programs above, bachelor's degrees in HR range from $330 to just under $500; master's programs typically range between $500 to over $1,000.

The amount you pay for your online HR degree will depend on a multitude of factors, like:

• what level of degree you're earning
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• if you have an associate degree or transfer credits and are pursuing a degree completion program
• the financial aid you qualify for

Applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you obtain low-interest student loans or even avoid loans altogether. You can learn more at StudentAid.gov.

What Can You Do With a Human Resources Degree?

There are many different types of HR professionals. A degree in human resources can lead to careers like:

• compensation and benefits manager
• human resource manager
• human resource specialist
• talent acquisition consultant
• training and development manager

Note that some roles may require an advanced degree, and some may require a credential from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many of these professionals, especially those in management, earn an average annual salary of over six figures.

Discover Online Degrees and Apply Today

If you're ready to start your journey toward becoming an HR professional, check out the affordable online bachelor's degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual colleges to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid options.