4 Self-Paced Online Colleges in Illinois 2025

Online learning provides more flexible class schedules than on-campus courses, but traditional online programs sometimes have weekly deadlines for coursework and set times for virtual class sessions. Accredited self-paced online degrees allow students to participate in online education without any set scheduling.

Students can complete degree programs at flexible online colleges based both in the state of Illinois and beyond. These schools offer online classes without schedules and set degree timelines to accommodate learners of all ages.

Self-Paced Online Degree Programs in Illinois

Self-paced degree programs are growing in popularity, but they are not as widespread as traditional programs. The best online colleges in Illinois don't offer many self-paced degrees, but learners in the Land of Lincoln can find self-paced online degree programs in-state. Each program in this listed is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but some schools recieve additional accreditation for specialized programs.

1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers self-paced online classes for degree- and non-degree-seeking students with special approval. UIUC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as an institution, with additional program-based accreditations. Unlike traditional applicants, self-paced students must receive additional approval from the dean's office before taking on-demand courses. Learners can also enroll in NetMath courses through a special partnership agreement. Self-paced coursework costs $424 per credit hour.

2. Lourdes University

Lourdes University offers two competency-based degree programs: a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Master of Science in Nursing. Competency-based education programs allow students to work through competencies instead of a lesson-based syllabus. Students can move through competencies as quickly or as slowly as they need to learn on their schedule. Although Lourdes has a limited selection of self-paced options, they offer many other online degrees. LU charges between $25 and $500 per credit hour for online, self-paced courses.

3. National Louis University

Professionals working in education without a bachelor's degree can enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education at National Louis University. This degree is delivered on a competency-based model, and learners can capitalize on their experience and previous learning to customize their educational pathway. Students who earn this degree will be eligible to earn a variety of additional industry-related credentials for further career advancement. The average cost at NLU is $11,880 per academic year for full-time students.

4. Northeastern Illinois University

Online students at Northeastern Illinois University can enroll in two different degree completion programs. The Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies or the University without Walls program. Both programs use prior learning assessments, transfer credits, and self-paced credits earned at NIU to award Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees. In-state students pay an average of $10,343 per year.

Online Colleges in Other States Offering Self-Paced Programs

Due to the limited number of accredited self-paced online colleges in Illinois, learners can benefit from looking at programs out of state. Self-paced online degree programs provide the same high-quality education as in-person and traditional online programs do in an asynchronous format.

Capella University

Capella University provides traditional online degrees, but students can also enroll in the FlexPath option. FlexPath allows students to pay $2,500 to $3,370 for 12-week-long learning sessions instead of paying per course or credit hour. In these sessions, students can complete as many courses as they choose to, which can speed up their degree and save them money on overall tuition costs. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Massachusetts Global Campus

Learners at UMass Global can enroll in the MyPath program that uses competency-based education to award degrees. UMAss Global is WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited. Instead of full courses, students don't have set schedules to complete coursework and can complete individual subjects at different paces. UMass Global also accepts work experience and certificates as a substitute for credit. The $3,300 tuition is paid on a subscription model every 24 weeks, with no limit on classes that can be completed in that time.

Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University has offered self-paced degree programs face-to-face for nearly 50 years, but recently expanded to self-paced online degree programs. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission at the institutional level. Students are allowed to complete coursework entirely at their own pace while having optional one-on-one meetings with faculty instead of full class sessions. Students can start their program in any month, and sessions last six months. Self-paced students pay $350 per credit hour.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers 34 undergraduate self-paced online degree programs. Students who pay for six-month learning sessions can complete as many courses as they want. The yearly average for tuition costs at WGU is $8,300. Learners can access course materials at any point, and instead of a set syllabus, students need to demonstrate mastery of the subject before they can move on to the next course, which can happen much quicker than a traditional semester. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Penn Foster College

Penn Foster College primarily offers professional development and certificate programs; however, students can enroll in three different self-paced bachelor's degree programs. Students can access course materials at any time through mobile and desktop devices. Students can complete coursework on a fast track or a more standard educational path. Tuition is charged per semester, with most students paying around $1,500 per semster. Penn Foster has accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Our Selection Criteria

We used strict criteria when evaluating accredited self-paced online colleges. Our criteria ensure we only recommend programs that will help you satisfy your educational goals, no matter which pace you plan to take.

• Accreditation: Every program in our list is accredited. This means all of these self-paced online degree programs meet educational standards and lead to careers and graduate degree programs.
• Degree options: We only selected accredited self-paced online colleges with bachelor's degrees offered online. Some schools offer over 30 programs, allowing students to find the degree that is best for them.
• Financial aid: Self-paced programs are generally offered by some of the cheapest self-paced online colleges, but we also picked programs that accept FAFSA and offer their own financial aid packages.

How Self-Paced Online Programs Make Higher Education More Affordable

Self-paced programs allow students to pay for learning sessions instead of per credit hour or course. This allows students to take more courses for one umbrella cost, as opposed to adding to their tuition for each additional course. These programs are also usually offered by flexible online colleges that accept FAFSA.

There are many cheap online degree programs, but students can often find the lowest rates in self-paced programs.

How To Choose Online Degrees With Self-Paced Options

Choosing an affordable, self-paced online degree can be hard without proper guidance. Many online courses are more flexible than on-campus ones, but they aren't fully self-paced. Some will include weekly deadlines and even scheduled course times. When looking into programs, make sure you confirm that course materials are delivered asynchronously.

Self-Paced Courses vs. Other Online Courses

Traditional online courses are often delivered in a similar format to on-campus programs. This involves set times for virtual classes, scheduled deadlines, and a strict semester schedule. Self-paced courses generally only have pre-recorded lectures that students can view at their own pace. These courses are also delivered without a semester or trimester schedule.

FAQs About Self-Paced Online Learning in Illinois

Illinois-based students often have questions about self-paced courses. These questions are often about costs, admission requirements, and more.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Illinois?

Data provided to the National Center for Education Statistics shows that the easiest online college to get into in Illinois is Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, with a 97% acceptance rate. This school has multiple online degree programs but no self-paced options for students.

How Much Do Self-Paced Courses Cost for Online Students?

The cost of online courses varies based on multiple factors, but most students will pay around $1,500 to $12,000 per academic year. Most students take multiple courses per learning session, which reduces the individual cost per course. Students will also pay more the longer they stay in school; students who complete their degree quickly will pay less than those who take longer.

Is Online Learning Right For Me?

Online learning is a great option for students with busy lives. Distance education provides flexible and affordable learning opportunities for students who can't adhere to on-campus schedules. If you're unsure if online learning is right for you, ask yourself questions such as:

• Am I self-motivated?
• Do I like learning by myself or do I prefer interaction?
• Would I prefer structure to my learning or can I build a structure on my own?

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs With Accreditation Today

Read our school profiles to learn more about the cheapest self-paced online colleges in Illinois and beyond. Once you've identified the best schools for your educational goals, our resources make it easy to reach out and start your application today.