10 Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Illinois

Online programs can be a great way to make higher education accessible to busy adult learners. Many students start learning on campus but switch to an online college that accepts transfer credits later for various reasons.

Illinois residents can choose from many colleges without going out of state. Keep reading to discover online colleges in Illinois and their processes for accepting transfer credits.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits in Illinois

Several colleges and universities in Illinois offer online degree programs and accept transfer credits. In some instances, students may be able to transfer credits from a previous degree earned at another college.

We've featured ten of these institutions below. All colleges and universities featured hold regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Aurora University

Aurora University is a private university in Aurora, Illinois. It offers in-person and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

To be considered a transfer student at Aurora University, you'll need at least 15 semester hours from a regionally accredited institution and a college GPA of at least 2.0. Students can use the university's transfer evaluation system to see how their college credits will transfer.

Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a private university in River Forest. It's part of the national Concordia University system and offers flexible online degrees, including bachelor's degree completion programs specifically designed for transfer students.

Students who do not have at least 15 credit hours must submit their high school transcripts; those who have earned these credits will only need to submit their official transcripts from previous schools. Students also need a GPA of at least 2.0 at their prior institution.

DePaul University

DePaul University is a private Catholic research university in Chicago. It offers various online degree programs; several are bachelor's degree completion programs.

Students can see which prior coursework is pre-approved with the university's Transfer Course Lists. They can also submit their official transcripts for a more comprehensive transfer assessment. DePaul also offers credit for life experience for some programs.

Dominican University

Dominican University is a private Roman Catholic university in River Forest. Many of its online bachelor's programs are completion programs aimed at returning and transfer students.

Students can transfer up to 68 semester hours from a two-year institution and up to 90 semester hours from a four-year school. In addition to previously earned college credit, students can also earn credit for other types of prior learning.

Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University is a public university in Charleston. It offers over 40 flexible online programs, including bachelor's degree completion programs perfect for transfer students.

The university participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), and students can see transfer guides and course equivalencies at iTransfer.org. Additionally, EIU's Panther Pledge program offers community college students guaranteed admission to complete their bachelor's degree.

McKendree University

McKendree University is a private university in Lebanon, Illinois. It offers on-campus and online undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

The university has articulation agreements with several local community colleges. Students who have obtained an associate degree are considered to have met all general education requirements, allowing them to focus on the remaining degree requirements for their major.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University is a public research university in Carbondale, Illinois. It's the flagship university of the Southern Illinois University system offering online bachelor's degree programs and graduate programs.

SIU Carbondale has several programs set up specifically for transfer students. This includes the Saluki Transfer Commitment, a financial aid program that covers four semesters of unpaid tuition for qualifying transfer students.

University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield is a public university in Springfield. It's part of the University of Illinois system and offers numerous online education programs.

Two-thirds of the student body at UIS are transfer students and 86% of transfer credits are accepted. Transfer students at UIS are automatically considered for transfer-specific scholarships.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in the Urbana-Champaign area of Illinois. It's the flagship university of the University of Illinois system and the largest by enrollment. Students can choose from online undergraduate and graduate degrees.

UIUC offers a transfer guide to help students through the transfer process. Students can use Transferology to get an idea of transfer credit eligibility.

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, Illinois. It offers online degrees and courses for students.

WIU follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative and students with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution are guaranteed admission. Students can use Transferology to view course equivalencies.

How We Rank Schools

When reviewing online colleges in Illinois that accept transfer credits, we focus on schools that make higher education accessible, flexible, and affordable for transfer students. Each institution offers accredited programs, clear transfer guidelines, and supportive pathways to degree completion.

• Accreditation: Every college listed holds accreditation from a recognized agency, ensuring that transferred credits meet rigorous academic standards.
• Credit transfer policy: We evaluate how schools assess previous coursework, including articulation agreements, GPA requirements, and maximum transfer limits.
• Affordability: Each school provides fair tuition rates and financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and grants designed for transfer students.
• Program reputation: We consider institutions known for quality online instruction, student success rates, and recognized degree programs across Illinois.

How To Transfer College Credits Step by Step

Transferring college credits in Illinois can make earning your degree more affordable and efficient. Follow these three steps to ensure your previously earned credits transfer smoothly.

1. Confirm Accreditation and Course Alignment

Begin by confirming that your previous school is accredited by a recognized agency. Then, review transfer guides or use resources like the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) or Transferology to compare your completed courses with your new program’s requirements.

2. Submit Transcripts and Supporting Materials

Request official transcripts from all institutions you’ve attended and send them to your new college’s admissions office. Some schools may ask for additional information, such as course syllabi or test scores, to verify credit eligibility.

3. Review Credit Evaluation and Create Your Degree Plan

After evaluation, your new school will provide a credit summary showing which classes transferred and which remain. Meet with an advisor to confirm your degree plan and register for the remaining courses you’ll need to graduate.

FAQs About Using Transfer Credits

If you’re transferring to an online college in Illinois, knowing how your credits will be applied can save you time and money. Here are some common questions students often ask about the process.

Should I Transfer Schools?

Many Illinois students transfer schools to find a better major fit, lower tuition, or switch from on-campus to online learning. It’s also common for community college graduates to transfer their credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

Before transferring, review the new school’s requirements and transfer policies carefully. Doing so helps ensure that your transition is smooth and that you maximize your previously earned credits.

What Can Be Used as Transfer Credits?

Transfer credits usually come from coursework at accredited colleges or universities, but other learning experiences may count. Illinois schools often accept AP or CLEP test scores, military training, or professional certifications for credit.

Some colleges also award credit for prior learning or work experience after a portfolio review. Always check with your admissions advisor to see what alternative credits qualify at your chosen school.

Will My Credits Transfer?

Whether your credits transfer depends on how closely your previous courses align with your new school’s curriculum. General education classes typically transfer easily, while major-specific courses may require further review.

To get a better idea before applying, use Illinois transfer tools like iTransfer.org or contact your school’s admissions office. They can help you predict how many credits will apply to your program.

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

Most online colleges in Illinois allow students to transfer between 60 and 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. However, you’ll typically need to complete at least 30 credits at your new school to qualify for graduation.

Each university sets its own policy, so confirm your school’s maximum transfer limit and residency requirements before enrolling.

Find Flexible Online Degrees

Finishing your degree in Illinois is easier when you attend a college that values your prior academic work. Explore accredited online programs on Learn.org to find transfer-friendly options that align with your goals and schedule.