Top 4 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Illinois
Are you interested in pursuing an online degree program in Illinois? Learn more about the top online degree programs in Illinois and the financial aid options that are available to its students.
Affordability is a key factor that most aspiring students consider when selecting an institution. Each year universities are raising the cost of tuition and attendance.
Because of this, many universities have become dedicated to creating low-cost educational programs that offer a quality curriculum.
Learn.org has helped to identify the top online colleges and universities that offer tuition-free or low-cost degree programs for aspiring students in Illinois.
Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses
The following list contains the top four tuition-free and low-cost online colleges in Illinois.
1. National Louis University
National Louis University is an online university that is dedicated to providing innovative, affordable, and accessible education to its students.
The university is considered to be the most affordable online college in the entire state.
Along with providing affordability, the university offers a wide range of online degree programs that range from nursing, business administration, education, and social work.
The average tuition rate is around $10,000.
2. Rasmussen University
Rasmussen College is another affordable option for residents in Illinois. The college offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels.
The university offers more than 60 degree programs that have multiple start dates throughout the year. The programs consist of courses in health sciences, education, human services, and technology.
The university's tuition is currently around $11,000.
3. Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University is known to offer affordable online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the state. Nearly all of the online programs use the affordable in-state tuition rate with each credit hour costing around $330.
The available programs range from bachelor's to master's degree programs. The university also offers certificate programs for a variety of different topics.
Once admitted, students are able to select from degree programs in business, nursing, and health communication.
The tuition is currently around $11,000.
4. University of Illinois, Springfield
The University of Illinois at Springfield has over 4,000 students that enroll annually at the university.
The university provides a number of online degree programs that range from business administration, communication, liberal studies, and psychology.
In addition to the degree programs, the university has many affiliation programs with various schools that allows 90% of their students to transfer in with previous credits.
The tuition is around $12,000.
How To Make College Free
The following information contains the best ways for students to lower their education costs and achieve an affordable education.
Apply for Grants
Aside from the Federal Pell Grant and TEACH grant, the state of Illinois offers many grant opportunities for students to use to pay for college.
The Monetary Award Program (MAP) is a grant that is eligible for residents who attend an approved Illinois college and demonstrate financial need. This grant can only be applied toward tuition and mandatory fees.
The AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program is another grant available for students who attend one of Illinois' 12 public institutions and meet the eligibility requirements.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) determines the amount of grant funding that will be made available to public universities for the academic year.
Apply for Scholarships
Along with grant opportunities, Illinois offers many scholarship opportunities for students in need financially.
The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois allows academically talented students to pursue teaching careers at one of the participating colleges.
This award can reach as high as $2,500 as a freshman or sophomore and $5,000 as a junior or senior.
As part of the award, students must agree to teach at an Illinois school of need for no less than five years.
The Nursing Education Scholarship (NES) program is awarded to students currently in a nursing degree program and who plan to work as a full-time or part-time nurse in Illinois within six months of graduating.
Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer
It is possible for employers to offer a tuition reimbursement plan to current employees. The plans allow an employer to pay for a portion or all of a student's tuition.
For more information, contact potential employers for further assistance.
Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers
The state of Illinois offers the Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver (SETTW) Program that allows special education teachers or aspiring teachers to gain tuition-free assistance for up to four years.
In order to be eligible, each participant must teach in Illinois in the field of special education.
Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Illinois Today
The state of Illinois has many affordable online colleges and universities for prospective students. Additionally, you may be interested in tuition-free online colleges in Chicago.
If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling, please reach out to the institution of choice for information about their admission requirements.