5 Colleges That Accept StraighterLine Credits in Illinois

Illinois students have several options for turning StraighterLine coursework into college credit. While not every college accepts alternative credit, a number of Illinois institutions partner directly with StraighterLine and provide established pathways for applying eligible coursework toward a degree.

In addition to Illinois-based colleges and universities, several transfer-friendly schools throughout the country accept StraighterLine credits and enroll Illinois students online. These institutions can provide flexible pathways for transfer students, working adults, military learners, and anyone looking to apply previously earned coursework toward a degree.

Do Illinois Schools Accept StraighterLine for College Credit?

Some Illinois schools accept StraighterLine coursework for college credit. Depending on the institution, credits may transfer through a direct partnership, a published transfer equivalency guide, or an evaluation process that reviews ACE-recommended coursework before it is applied to a degree program.

Many StraighterLine courses have been reviewed by ACE, which stands for the American Council on Education. ACE does not award college credit itself. Instead, it evaluates courses offered by organizations such as StraighterLine and recommends whether they are equivalent to college-level coursework. Colleges and universities can then use those recommendations when deciding whether to award transfer credit.

Transfer policies vary by school and academic program, even among colleges that accept transfer students, so students should always verify how specific StraighterLine courses will apply before enrolling. A course that fulfills a general education requirement at one institution may transfer as an elective or may not apply to a particular major at another school.

Illinois offers a mix of private colleges, specialized nursing schools, and online degree programs that recognize StraighterLine coursework. Some schools maintain formal partnerships with StraighterLine, while others review ACE-recommended coursework on a course-by-course basis.

For students hoping to save money and potentially graduate sooner, completing eligible StraighterLine courses before enrolling can be an effective strategy. Depending on the school and program, transferred credits may satisfy general education requirements, electives, or introductory coursework, reducing the number of classes needed after transfer.

Top Colleges and Universities in Illinois That Accept StraighterLine Credits

Illinois students have access to several colleges and universities that recognize StraighterLine coursework through direct partnerships and established transfer pathways. These schools provide opportunities for students to apply previously earned credits toward a degree, potentially reducing both the time and cost required to graduate.

All of the schools in this section are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Together, they offer a mix of undergraduate and graduate programs, including options for working adults, transfer students, and health care professionals. Whether you're pursuing a business degree, a psychology program, or a nursing credential, these institutions provide pathways for applying eligible StraighterLine credits toward your educational goals.

1. Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences partners with StraighterLine and provides transfer pathways for students pursuing nursing and health care education. The college is especially notable for students searching for nursing schools that accept StraighterLine credits because it offers opportunities to apply eligible coursework toward degree requirements.

Located in Quincy, Illinois, Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers an online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program and graduate nursing education options. Its focus on nursing and health sciences makes it a strong choice for licensed nurses seeking flexible advancement opportunities.

2. Greenville University

Greenville University maintains a partnership with StraighterLine and allows students to transfer eligible coursework into many undergraduate degree programs. Students can potentially use transferred credits to satisfy general education requirements before beginning upper-level coursework.

Based in Greenville, Illinois, Greenville University is one of the best online colleges in Illinois and offers online bachelor's degrees in business administration, organizational leadership, criminal justice, and interdisciplinary studies. The university's flexible learning options and transfer-friendly approach make it a solid choice for adult learners and transfer students.

3. National Louis University

National Louis University partners with StraighterLine and supports transfer students through pathways designed to recognize previously completed coursework. Eligible StraighterLine credits may help students reduce the number of courses required after enrollment.

Located in Chicago, Illinois, National Louis University offers online bachelor's degrees in business, psychology, information technology, health care leadership, and education. The university has a long history of serving adult learners and working professionals through flexible online programs, and is one of the online colleges in Illinois with high acceptance rates.

4. St. Johns College of Nursing

St. John's College of Nursing partners with StraighterLine and offers transfer opportunities for students pursuing nursing education. Like Blessing-Rieman, it is one of the nursing schools that accept StraighterLine credits and provides pathways for licensed nurses seeking additional credentials.

Based in Springfield, Illinois, St. John's College of Nursing offers an online RN to BSN program as well as online master's-level nursing programs. Its specialized focus on nursing education can make it an appealing option for students looking to advance their careers while maintaining a flexible schedule.

5. The Chicago School

The Chicago School partners with StraighterLine and provides transfer pathways for students entering undergraduate degree programs. Eligible coursework may transfer into programs designed for adult learners and students seeking flexible educational options.

Located in Chicago, Illinois, The Chicago School offers online bachelor's degree programs in psychology and related behavioral science fields. The institution is widely known for its focus on psychology, counseling, and human services education, making it a unique option for students interested in those disciplines.

Online Colleges That Accept StraighterLine Credits

In addition to Illinois-based institutions, many online colleges that accept StraighterLine credits enroll students from across the country. These schools can provide additional flexibility for Illinois residents who want to maximize previously earned coursework and complete a degree through a transfer-friendly university.

The schools below maintain StraighterLine partnerships and are known for serving transfer students, working adults, and online learners. Because they recognize eligible StraighterLine coursework, they can help students build on existing credits and create a more efficient path toward graduation.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) partners with StraighterLine and is known for its transfer-friendly policies and flexible online learning model. Students may be able to apply approved StraighterLine coursework toward undergraduate degree requirements, helping reduce the amount of coursework needed after enrollment.

Located in Aurora, Colorado, Colorado State University Global is accredited by the HLC. The university offers fully online bachelor's degrees in business management, accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, project management, and human resource management. Its focus on working adults and career advancement makes it a popular choice among transfer students.

Learn more about how to transfer StraighterLine credits to CSU Global.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) partners with StraighterLine and provides transfer pathways for students seeking to apply eligible coursework toward undergraduate degree programs. Its large online division and transfer-friendly policies have made it a popular destination for adult learners and transfer students nationwide.

Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university offers online bachelor's degrees in business administration, accounting, psychology, criminal justice, computer science, cybersecurity, health care administration, marketing, and communications. Students who transfer approved StraighterLine credits may be able to reduce the number of courses required after enrollment, helping them complete a degree more efficiently.

University of Maryland Global Campus

Located in Adelphi, Maryland, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The university partners with StraighterLine and provides transfer pathways that allow students to apply eligible coursework toward undergraduate degree requirements. Its long history of serving adult learners, military-affiliated students, and working professionals makes it a popular choice for transfer students.

UMGC offers online bachelor's degrees in business administration, cybersecurity, computer networks, data science, health services management, criminal justice, and communications. The university's clear transfer policies and extensive online program offerings can help students build on previously earned credits while working toward degree completion.

Learn more about how to transfer StraighterLine credits to UMGC.

University of Massachusetts Global

Based in Irvine, California, University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) partners with StraighterLine and supports transfer students through flexible degree-completion pathways. Eligible StraighterLine coursework may be applied toward undergraduate degree requirements, helping students build on previously earned credits before enrolling.

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Online bachelor's degrees are available in business administration, organizational leadership, psychology, information technology, criminal justice, and health care administration. Its focus on adult learners and transfer flexibility makes it a strong option for students seeking a streamlined path to degree completion.

Learn more about how to transfer StraighterLine credits to UMass Global.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) partners with StraighterLine and provides transfer resources that help students determine how eligible coursework may fit into specific degree programs. The university's flexible structure can be especially appealing to students who want to combine transferred credits with an accelerated learning model.

Based in Millcreek, Utah, Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WGU offers fully online bachelor's degrees in business, information technology, cybersecurity, computer science, nursing, health professions, and education. Students can often use transferred StraighterLine credits alongside the university's competency-based learning format to make faster progress toward graduation.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Because this ranking focuses on colleges that accept StraighterLine coursework, we place special emphasis on transfer pathways, partnership agreements, published transfer equivalencies, and online learning opportunities. We also consider institutional quality, student support services, and how effectively each school serves transfer students looking to apply previously earned credits toward a degree:

• Accreditation: We prioritize colleges and universities accredited by recognized institutional accreditors. Accreditation helps ensure academic quality and can affect the transferability of credits, eligibility for federal financial aid, and employer recognition of a degree.
• Transfer credit policy: Schools receive stronger consideration when they maintain direct StraighterLine partnerships, publish transfer equivalency guides, or provide clear information about how eligible coursework applies toward degree requirements. Transparent transfer policies help students understand how alternative credits may fit into their academic plans before enrolling.
• Online availability: Since many StraighterLine students complete coursework remotely, we favor institutions that offer online bachelor's degrees, degree-completion pathways, and flexible scheduling options. Strong online student support services and accessible transfer resources are also considered.
• Student outcomes: We review factors such as graduation rates, retention rates, student support resources, and overall student success indicators. Schools that demonstrate strong outcomes while providing accessible pathways for transfer students receive additional consideration.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How To Transfer StraighterLine Credits To an Illinois School

Every college and university has its own transfer credit policies, so the exact process for transferring StraighterLine coursework will vary. However, most students can expect to follow a similar series of steps when seeking credit for completed courses.

Here are some general steps to transfer StraighterLine credits to an Illinois school:

1. Complete eligible StraighterLine courses and meet all course requirements.
2. Request an official StraighterLine transcript through the approved transcript provider.
3. Review the transfer credit, ACE credit, partnership, or equivalency policies at your chosen college or university.
4. Submit all required transcripts and supporting documentation during the admissions process.
5. Meet with an admissions representative or academic advisor to discuss how transferred credits may fit into your degree plan.
6. Review your official transfer credit evaluation and ask about additional review options if needed.

Because policies differ from school to school, students should verify transferability before enrolling whenever possible. Taking this step early can help ensure that completed coursework aligns with degree requirements and academic goals.

Ways To Maximize Your Online Transfer Credits in Illinois

Several Illinois institutions maintain direct partnerships with StraighterLine, providing clearer transfer pathways for students. Reviewing partnership information before taking courses can help you choose classes that are more likely to satisfy degree requirements.

Focus on General Education Requirements

Courses in subjects such as English composition, mathematics, psychology, history, economics, and natural sciences are often among the most transferable. Completing these requirements through StraighterLine may improve the chances that credits will apply directly to your degree program.

Consider Schools That Recognize ACE-Recommended Credit

Many StraighterLine courses have been reviewed by ACE and recommended for college credit. Colleges that evaluate ACE-recommended coursework may offer additional opportunities to transfer alternative credit, even when a formal StraighterLine partnership is not in place.

Work With an Academic Advisor Early

Meeting with an advisor before enrolling in courses can help identify which StraighterLine classes are most likely to satisfy major, general education, or elective requirements. This step may prevent you from spending time and money on coursework that does not support your academic goals.

Keep Detailed Course Records

Save transcripts, course descriptions, syllabi, and any documentation related to your StraighterLine coursework. Having these materials available can simplify the transfer evaluation process and support requests for additional credit review if questions aris

FAQs About Transferring Online College Credits from StraighterLine in Illinois

If you're considering completing courses through StraighterLine before enrolling in college, it's important to understand how Illinois schools evaluate alternative credit. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about transferring StraighterLine coursework into degree programs. 

Is StraighterLine Accredited?

StraighterLine is not a college or university and does not hold institutional accreditation. However, many StraighterLine courses have been reviewed and recommended for college credit by ACE. Colleges and universities can use those recommendations when evaluating transfer credit, but each institution makes its own decisions about which credits to accept. 

Do StraighterLine Courses Count for College Credit in Illinois?

Several Illinois colleges and universities partner directly with StraighterLine or review ACE-recommended coursework for potential transfer credit. Whether credits transfer depends on the institution, the degree program, and the specific courses completed. 

Does the University of Illinois Accept StraighterLine Credits?

The University of Illinois does not currently maintain a published StraighterLine partnership or transfer equivalency guide. Students interested in transferring StraighterLine coursework should contact the specific University of Illinois campus they plan to attend and request a transfer credit evaluation before enrolling in courses. 

Can StraighterLine Credits Help You Save Money on College?

If eligible credits transfer successfully, they may satisfy general education requirements, electives, or introductory coursework before you enroll. This can reduce the number of classes needed after transfer and may lower your overall tuition costs, depending on the school and degree program you choose.

How Many StraighterLine Credits Can Transfer to an Illinois College?

The number of transferable credits varies by institution and academic program. Some schools maintain direct StraighterLine partnerships, while others evaluate ACE-recommended coursework individually. Students often have the greatest success transferring general education courses and lower-division coursework. Reviewing transfer policies before taking classes can help maximize the number of credits that apply toward graduation.

Find Transfer-Friendly Colleges Online

Start your journey toward a degree by exploring the transfer-friendly online colleges highlighted on Learn.org. To find out more about transfer pathways and admissions requirements, contact specific schools individually.