Does Illinois Have an HBCU? Non-HBCU Alternatives

There are no historically Black colleges or universities in the state of Illinois. However, Chicago State University serves as a predominantly Black institution of higher education.

PBIs are colleges dedicated to expanding higher education opportunities to eligible low and middle-income Black American students and more.

If you live in Illinois, you can earn your online bachelor's degree at CSU or choose another HBCU that offers online undergraduate degree programs.

Learn more about CSU and accredited HBCUs in other states below.

Online HBCUs For Students in Illinois

Find an online bachelor's degree at one of the accredited PBI or HBCUs listed below.

Chicago State University

Chicago State University is a PBI in Illinois that provides online instruction for students looking for a way to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in an online format.

There are many degree programs available at CSU. Some degree programs may have on-campus requirements. Examples of undergraduate degrees include:

• accounting
• biology
• information systems

Tuition for undergraduate degree programs is $335 per credit hour. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid for a chance to reduce tuition costs.

Delaware State University

Delaware State University offers many undergraduate degree programs that you can complete in an online format. Earn a Bachelor of Science degree online in one of the following:

• accounting
• psychology
• social work
• public health

Other examples of BS degrees include liberal arts and management with a concentration in general management.

Tuition is $382 and $432 per credit hour depending on the amount of credit hours you take in a semester.

Jackson State University

Find an online bachelor's degree at Jackson State University. Complete your BS in professional interdisciplinary studies or technology. You can also earn your bachelor's degree in one of the following:

• business administration
• childcare and family education
• criminal justice
• healthcare administration
• history

The cost of tuition for online undergraduate degrees is $377 per credit hour. Transfer approved credits from a regionally accredited college and submit a FAFSA to lower tuition costs.

Norfolk State University

There are many online degree programs at Norfolk State University that award a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree after successful completion.

If you are a registered nurse, earn your BS in nursing degree. Other online BS degree programs include:

• business
• health services management
• hospitality management
• interdisciplinary studies

Norfolk State University also offers a BA in history or psychology degree program. Tuition is about $5,926 per academic year for undergraduate degree programs.

Tennessee State University

Earn your business, education, health sciences, liberal arts, or public services degree online at Tennessee State University. TSU offers ten online degree programs. Examples of online degree programs include:

• criminal justice
• psychology
• sociology
• urban studies

Other online degree programs include health information management and business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism management.

Complete your online bachelor's degree program at TSU for $500 per credit hour, including maintenance and service fees.

What is the Average Cost of an HBCU Degree Program

If you live in Illinois and want to earn your undergraduate degree at an HBCU that offers online degree programs, you can expect a cost of $377 to $500 per credit hour.

Your cost of tuition depends on your institution, program choice, and full-time or part-time enrollment. It also depends on the tuition assistance you receive.

Transferring credits and applying for grants and scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of your tuition and even possibly allow you to earn your online bachelor's degree for free.

How to Choose the Right HBCU

Choosing the right HBCU for you involves researching colleges that provide your desired degree program at an affordable cost with high-quality instruction.

Understand what learning format is best for you and choose an HBCU that offers the financial and educational support you need to meet your career goals.

Since there are no HBCUs in Illinois, also consider PBIs which also serve the Black community.

Are There Online HBCUs?

Many HBCUs offer online degree programs to meet the needs of students that require distance learning options. Review the online HBCU degree program listed above. Other examples of online HBCUs include:

• Central State University
• Hampton university
• North Carolina Central University

There are also accredited PBIs, such as Chicago State University in Illinois, that offer online options for earning your degree.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

Consider Chicago State University or choose an accredited online HBCU listed on this page that offers the degree program you are interested in to start your degree at an HBCU.