10 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois 2026
Students in Illinois can find reputable online MBA degrees from schools like Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the University of Illinois Springfield.
Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) opens doors to fantastic career opportunities in business. MBA graduates can pursue jobs in finance, marketing, management, information technology, healthcare, and beyond.
If you want to earn an MBA but have a busy personal or professional life, consider an online MBA program that offers flexible courses and the option to learn from anywhere. Several schools in Illinois offer accredited online MBAs including Southern Illinois University Carbondale and University of Illinois Springfield.
Below, we'll highlight some of Illinois' best online MBA degrees. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about online MBA courses and what makes earning this degree worth it.
Top-Ranked Online MBA Degree Programs in Illinois
<p>Online MBA programs often deliver the same coursework as on-campus programs without in-person attendance requirements. Discover the best online MBA programs in Illinois by exploring the list of schools below.
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<h3 id="section---1.SouthernIllinoisUniversityCarbondale">1. Southern Illinois University Carbondale</h3>
<p>Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers 100% online MBA programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Less than 6% of business schools worldwide hold this accreditation.
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<p>Program enrollees build their communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills. They can choose from concentrations in marketing, finance, and analytics for managers. Total tuition is $17,820. This graduate degree can be completed in 14 months.
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<h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfSt.Francis">2. University of St. Francis</h3>
<p>The University of St. Francis' College of Business and Health Administration offers online programs with U.S. News & World Report rankings. The graduate school's accredited online MBA program is a 36-credit degree for students who want to grow their leadership and communication skills as they prepare for corporate roles.
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<p>Online courses explore strategic management, information technology, managerial economics, and more. Tuition is $799 per credit hour. Students can complete this program in 12 months.
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<h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfIllinoisSpringfield">3. University of Illinois Springfield</h3>
<p>The AACSB-accredited 100% online MBA from the University of Illinois Springfield is delivered by the same faculty members who teach on campus. Students can pursue a traditional MBA or choose from MBAs with certificates like applied finance, healthcare analytics, and cybersecurity management.
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<p>Each program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in 12 months. The total tuition cost for each online MBA is $15,270.
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<h3 id="section---4.LewisUniversity">4. Lewis University</h3>
<p>Lewis University offers an MBA that students can complete on campus, via 100% online coursework, or in a hybrid format. The program requires an MBA core micro-credential in strategic business management and lets students choose two additional micro-credentials.
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<p>This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Enrollees can earn their MBA in one year.
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<h3 id="section---5.WesternIllinoisUniversity">5. Western Illinois University</h3>
<p>Western Illinois University's AACSB-accredited online MBA is a flexible program tailored for working professionals. Students take two eight-week accelerated courses per semester without overlapping deadlines.
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<p>The program offers 10 concentrations in areas of study like finance, health services administration, and supply chain management. Admission is based on undergraduate transcripts and work experience.
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<h3 id="section---6.UniversityOfIllinoisChicago">6. University of Illinois Chicago</h3>
<p>The University of Illinois Chicago's Booth School of Business offers an online MBA that students complete after earning 42 credits. Concentrations are available in business analytics, finance, management, marketing, or human resource management.
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<p>Program enrollment requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better and a GMAT, GRE, or EA score. Applicants must also have three or more years of professional work experience.
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<h3 id="section---7.McKendreeUniversity">7. McKendree University</h3>
<p>The online MBA from McKendree University helps students develop problem-solving and team-building skills for leadership roles. Learners can choose from a traditional MBA or focus on areas of study like corporate finance, cyber defense, or digital marketing.
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<p>Online courses are delivered in eight-week sessions. Enrollees can complete assignments on their schedule but must meet certain fixed deadlines. This program is accredited by the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
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<h3 id="section---8.GovernorsStateUniversity">8. Governors State University</h3>
<p>Governors State University offers a flexible 36-credit MBA with full-time and part-time enrollment options. Students can complete their degrees fully online or in a hybrid format in as little as 18 months.
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<p>This AACSB-accredited degree teaches the foundations of business. Fully online concentrations are available in general management and supply chain management. Enrollees can also choose from MBA specializations in leadership, finance, and business analytics.
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<h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfIllinoisAtUrbanaChampaign">9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign</h3>
<p>The Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers an accredited iMBA program students can complete for less than $25,000. This fully online program requires no on-campus commitments.
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<p>Students can choose from five focus area specializations: digital marketing, entrepreneurship and strategic innovation, mergers and acquisitions, global challenges in business, and business analytics. GRE and GMAT scores aren't required for admission.
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<h3 id="section---10.EasternIllinoisUniversity">10. Eastern Illinois University</h3>
<p>The AACSB-accredited online MBA from Eastern Illinois University offers degree options in applied management, GIS, and accountancy. Students can also choose a research option or pursue a dual degree by adding a Master of Science in cybersecurity.
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<p>Coursework explores strategic management, organizational behavior and group dynamics, financial management, and operations management. Students can pay less than $24,000 to complete this program.
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<h2 id="section---FAQsAboutOnlineMasterOfBusinessAdministrationDegrees">FAQs About Online Master of Business Administration Degrees</h2>
<p>Before choosing and enrolling in an online MBA program, it's a good idea to learn more about these degrees. Review the following FAQs for additional information about online MBAs.
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<h3 id="section---AreOnlineMBAProgramsWorthIt">Are Online MBA Programs Worth It?</h3>
<p>Yes, earning an online MBA is worth your time, effort, and money. Research shows employers believe online degrees from well-known institutions have the same value as their on-campus counterparts. Many online MBAs are AACSB-accredited and recognized for providing a quality business education.
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<p>According to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2024/data-on-display/education-pays.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>, a master's degree pays more than a bachelor's or high school diploma. With program costs as low as $16,000, an online MBA is a worthy investment.
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<h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCoursesInAnOnlineMBAProgram">What Are the Courses in an Online MBA Program?</h3>
<p>The courses offered in an online MBA program vary by school. You can expect core courses and electives. You might also take courses for a concentration or specialization. Here are some you might encounter:
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<ul><li>human resource management
</li><li>operations management
</li><li>business analytics
</li><li>supply chain management
</li><li>nonprofit accounting
</li><li>project management
</li><li>information systems
</li></ul><p>Prerequisite courses might be required for admission alongside GMAT/GRE scores and an undergraduate degree transcript with the appropriate GPA.
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<h3 id="section---WhyEarnAnOnlineMBADegree">Why Earn an Online MBA Degree?</h3>
<p>Online programs offer the flexibility to learn from anywhere with an internet connection. This is great for grad students with busy schedules or transportation challenges. Schools often prioritize quick degree completion allowing students to earn their online MBA in 12 months.
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<p>You can find online MBAs that offer the same tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state learners. Online programs often qualify for financial aid to make the MBA even more affordable.
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<h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineMBAProgramToday">Find an Online MBA Program Today</h2>
<p>Begin your journey toward the amazing career an online MBA can provide by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by colleges featured on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools today to find out how their programs can help you reach your career goals.</p>