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2025 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois

Avatar photo Updated onMarch 3, 2025
Reading Time: 8 minutes
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Interactive Table | Best MBAs Detail | Tuition | Salary | ROI | Average GMAT | No GMAT / GRE | How We Rank

Executive Summary Online MBA Programs in Illinois for 2025

$31,292

Average Online MBA Tuition in Illinois

$86,222

Average Starting Salary for Online MBA Students in Illinois

546

Average Online GMAT Scores in Illinois

2,232

Average Online Student Enrollment in Illinois

  • In Illinois there are 19 campus and 13 online MBA Programs.
  • Starting salary for new online MBA graduates in Illinois is reported to be between $59,600 and $167,977 with an average of $86,222.
  • Tuition for Illinois campus MBA programs ranges from $13,788 to $167,393, and averages $46,730
  • Online tuition in for Illinois MBAs ranges between $13,788 to $67,690, with an average total tuition cost of $31,292
  • The ROI for online MBA programs in Illinois is between the highest of 436% and the lowest of 22% with an average of 0%
  • Average student enrollment in Illinois online MBA programs varies between 530 and 8,537 with an overall average of 2,232.
  • Student / Faculty Ratio for online MBA programs in Illinois varies between 7:1 and 24:1 with an average of 14:1 students.
  • A GMAT score online MBA programs is between 455 and 630 with an average of 546 is needed for acceptance into an MBA program.
  • Illinois has 19 MBA programs are ranked by the following institutions MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist.

Key Highlights:

    • Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Illinois.

    • Detailed profiles of MBA programs in Illinois, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.

    • Insights into Illinois's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.

Top 5 Industries and Companies Hiring MBA Graduates in Illinois

Illinois is home to a thriving and diverse economy, offering a myriad of opportunities for MBA graduates. The state is a major hub for several key industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, each requiring a specific set of skills that an MBA program can provide.

The finance industry, especially in Chicago, is one of the world's largest, making it an ideal destination for MBA graduates with a specialization in finance, banking, or investment management.

Illinois's healthcare sector is rapidly growing, creating a need for professionals with a firm grasp on healthcare administration, making it a prime career path for MBA graduates with a concentration in healthcare management.

The state's manufacturing industry is robust, covering a wide array of sectors from food processing to automotive manufacturing. MBA graduates with a focus on operations management or supply chain management can find plenty of opportunities in this sector.

Furthermore, Illinois is home to a burgeoning tech industry, particularly in Chicago. This industry offers opportunities for MBA graduates with concentrations in IT management or entrepreneurship.

Major Industries in Illinois Relevance to MBA Students
Finance A global hub for finance, providing ample opportunities for MBAs with a focus on finance, banking, or investment management.
Healthcare A growing sector requiring managerial expertise, ideal for MBAs with a concentration in healthcare management.
Manufacturing A diverse and robust industry providing opportunities for MBAs specializing in operations or supply chain management.
Technology A rapidly expanding sector offering roles for MBAs with specializations in IT management or entrepreneurship.
Agriculture A traditional but important sector in Illinois, ideal for MBAs with a focus on agribusiness or sustainability management.

Top Hiring Companies in Illinois Why Work There
Boeing A leading aerospace company offering roles in operations, finance, and strategy.
Abbott Laboratories A global healthcare company with opportunities in healthcare management, marketing, and operations.
State Farm Insurance A leading insurance provider offering roles in finance, risk management, and marketing.
Caterpillar Inc. A renowned manufacturer providing opportunities in operations, supply chain management, and marketing.
McDonald's Corporation A global fast-food chain with roles in marketing, operations, and strategic planning.

Sortable Table of the Top AACSB Accredited MBA Programs in Illinois

Easily sort the interactive table below by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Illinois. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank University Avg. Graduate ROIAvg. In State TuitionAvg. Starting SalaryStateCampus and Online
1 University of Illinois at Chicago 179.00% $60,264 $167,977ILYes
2 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 192.00% $33,772 $98,500ILYes
3 Dominican University 253.00% $32,004 $113,000ILYes
4 Illinois Institute of Technology 22.00% $67,690 $82,352ILYes
5 Governors State University 436.00% $13,788 $73,900ILYes
6 Northern Illinois University 258.00% $26,096 $93,400ILYes
7 DePaul University 59.00% $53,952 $86,000ILYes
8 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 299.00% $18,941 $75,513ILYes
9 Northeastern Illinois University 205.00% $24,367 $74,350ILYes
10 Western Illinois University 345.00% $15,231 $67,800ILYes
11 University of Illinois at Springfield 360.00% $14,833 $68,300ILYes
12 Eastern Illinois University 152.00% $23,880 $60,200ILYes
13 Southern Illinois University Carbondale 171.00% $21,972 $59,600ILYes

10 Best Ranked MBA Programs in Illinois

Jump to a Best Ranked Program
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Dominican University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Governors State University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • DePaul University
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Western Illinois University

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration

College of Business Administration

Location:

  • Chicago

,

  • IL

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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  • Tuition: $60,264
  • Graduate Salary: $167,977
  • Graduate ROI: 179%
  • GMAT Required: Conditional
  • Avg. GMAT: 630
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 17:1
  • Enrollment: 4,815

Degree Level(s):

  • Doctoral
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 14
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Energy
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Other
  • Real Estate
  • Statistics
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 2
  • State Rank: 3
  • National Rank: 35
  • Online Rank: 17
  • Best in:
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Concentration Statistics
  • BBA All BBA Each State
  • Best Online Concentration Energy
  • More...
  • Less...

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Gies College of Business

Gies College of Business

Location:

  • Champaign

,

  • IL

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $33,772
  • Graduate Salary: $98,500
  • Graduate ROI: 192%
  • GMAT Required: Optional
  • Avg. GMAT: 609
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 22:1
  • Enrollment: 8,537

Degree Level(s):

  • Doctoral
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Distance Education
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 12
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management
  • Other
  • Supply Chain
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 4
  • National Rank: 83
  • Online Rank: 51
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Most Affordable Online MBA
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Online Concentration Manufacturing
  • More...
  • Less...

Dominican University

Dominican University Brennan School of Business

Brennan School of Business

Location:

  • River Forest

,

  • IL

Control: Private

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $32,004
  • Graduate Salary: $113,000
  • Graduate ROI: 253%
  • GMAT Required: Optional
  • Avg. GMAT: 560
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  • Enrollment: 530

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Distance Education
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 8
  • Accounting
  • Data Analytics
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • General Business
  • Global Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 6
  • National Rank: 135
  • Online Rank: 94
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Most Affordable Online MBA
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology Stuart School of Business

Stuart School of Business

Location:

  • Chicago

,

  • IL

Control: Private

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $67,690
  • Graduate Salary: $82,352
  • Graduate ROI: 22%
  • GMAT Required: No
  • Avg. GMAT: 580
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  • Enrollment: 661

Degree Level(s):

  • Doctoral
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • 1-Year
  • ·
  • Campus
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Partnership
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 14
  • Corporate Finance
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Insurance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Nonprofit
  • Other
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Science and Technology
  • Sustainability
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 5
  • State Rank: 8
  • National Rank: 186
  • Online Rank: 127
  • Best in:
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Concentration Sustainability
  • Best Online Concentration Ethics
  • Best Online Concentration Sustainability
  • More...
  • Less...

Governors State University

Governors State University College of Business

College of Business

Location:

  • University Park

,

  • IL

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $13,788
  • Graduate Salary: $73,900
  • Graduate ROI: 436%
  • GMAT Required: Yes
  • Avg. GMAT: 590
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  • Enrollment: 685

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Distance Education
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 5
  • Accounting
  • Data Analytics
  • Economics
  • General Business
  • Human Resources
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 2
  • State Rank: 9
  • National Rank: 193
  • Online Rank: 132
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Most Affordable Online MBA
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois

Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University College of Business

College of Business

Location:

  • Dekalb

,

  • IL

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $26,096
  • Graduate Salary: $93,400
  • Graduate ROI: 258%
  • GMAT Required: Yes
  • Avg. GMAT: 550
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 18:1
  • Enrollment: 2,772

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • 1-Year
  • ·
  • Campus
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Off Campus
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 12
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Information Systems
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Product Management
  • Supply Chain
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 10
  • National Rank: 235
  • Online Rank: 168
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Online Concentration Product Management

DePaul University

DePaul University Richard H. Driehaus College of Business

Richard H. Driehaus College of Business

Location:

  • Chicago

,

  • IL

Control: Private for-profit

Academic Year: Quarter

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $53,952
  • Graduate Salary: $86,000
  • Graduate ROI: 59%
  • GMAT Required: No
  • Avg. GMAT: 455
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 20:1
  • Enrollment: 5,280

Degree Level(s):

  • Doctoral
  • ·
  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • Concentrations: 19
  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Science
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Global Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Other
  • Real Estate
  • Sports Management
  • Taxation
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 7
  • State Rank: 14
  • National Rank: 333
  • Online Rank: 241
  • Best in:
  • Best MBA or Masters Program in illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business

School of Business

Location:

  • Edwardsville

,

  • IL

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $18,941
  • Graduate Salary: $75,513
  • Graduate ROI: 299%
  • GMAT Required: Yes
  • Avg. GMAT: 520
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 14:1
  • Enrollment: 1,466

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 5
  • Accounting
  • General Business
  • Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Taxation
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 15
  • National Rank: 346
  • Online Rank: 253
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois

Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University Northeastern Illinois University College of Business and Management

College of Business and Technology

Location:

  • Chicago

,

  • IL

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $24,367
  • Graduate Salary: $74,350
  • Graduate ROI: 205%
  • GMAT Required: Yes
  • Avg. GMAT: 550
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 13:1
  • Enrollment: 796

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Evenings
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • ·
  • Weekends
  • Concentrations: 8
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Science and Technology
  • Sustainability
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 8
  • State Rank: 16
  • National Rank: 349
  • Online Rank: 255
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Online Concentration Sustainability

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology

College of Business and Technology

Location:

  • Macomb

,

  • IL

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
  • Tuition: $15,231
  • Graduate Salary: $67,800
  • Graduate ROI: 345%
  • GMAT Required: Conditional
  • Avg. GMAT: 510
  • Student / Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  • Enrollment: 856

Degree Level(s):

  • Master
  • ·
  • MBA
  • ·
  • Undergraduate

Offered As:

  • Campus
  • ·
  • Distance Education
  • ·
  • Full-Time
  • ·
  • Online
  • ·
  • Part-Time
  • Concentrations: 10
  • Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analytics
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • General Business
  • Human Resources
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Supply Chain
  • Rankings
  • City Rank: 1
  • State Rank: 17
  • National Rank: 374
  • Online Rank: 275
  • Best in:
  • Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Illinois
  • Best Online MBA or Masters in Illinois

Compare Online MBA Program Averages in 2025
Illinois, the U.S. and Online

 AveragesOnline MBA ProgramsIllinois MBA ProgramsMBA Programs Nationwide
Average MBA Tuition$37,167$46,730$42,528
Average Graduate Salary$79,354$93,760$82,899
Average ROI196%191%185%
Average GMAT Scores561567567
Average Full-Time Faculty727372
Average Student Faculty Ratio17:113:116:1
Average Business School Enrollment2,6542,2682,533

What is the Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs in Illinois?


If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

An Online MBA program from an institution in Illinois will cost you between $13,788 from Governors State University and $67,690 from Illinois Institute of Technology. The average cost of online MBA programs within Illinois is $31,292.

While the average in-person MBA program in Illinois will cost about $46,730, the least expensive MBA program is $13,788 from Governors State University, and the most expensive is $167,393 from The University of Chicago.

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

Average: $31,292 from Illinois’s 13 online MBA Programs
Lowest online: $13,788 from Governors State University
Highest online: $67,690 from Illinois Institute of Technology

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs

Average: $46,730 from Illinois’s 19 in-person MBA Programs
Lowest in-person: $13,788 from Governors State University
Highest in-person: $167,393 from The University of Chicago

Most Affordable Online MBAs in Illinois

  1. Governors State University - $13,788.00
  2. University of Illinois at Springfield - $14,833.00
  3. Western Illinois University - $15,231.00
  4. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - $18,941.00
  5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - $21,972.00
  6. Eastern Illinois University - $23,880.00
  7. Northeastern Illinois University - $24,367.00
  8. Northern Illinois University - $26,096.00
  9. Dominican University - $32,004.00
  10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - $33,772.00

Most Expensive Online MBAs in Illinois

  1. Illinois Institute of Technology - $67,690.00
  2. University of Illinois at Chicago - $60,264.00
  3. DePaul University - $53,952.00
  4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - $33,772.00
  5. Dominican University - $32,004.00
  6. Northern Illinois University - $26,096.00
  7. Northeastern Illinois University - $24,367.00
  8. Eastern Illinois University - $23,880.00
  9. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - $21,972.00
  10. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - $18,941.00

What is the Average Graduate Salary for Online MBA Programs in Illinois?

The average starting salary for graduates of an online MBA program from an institution in Illinois is between $59,600 from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and $167,977 from University of Illinois at Chicago. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Illinois is $86,222.

While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Illinois is about $93,760, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $57,450 from Bradley University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $175,000 from Northwestern University.

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

  • Average: $86,222 from Illinois’s 13 Online MBA Programs
  • Lowest Online: $59,600 from Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  • Highest Online: $167,977 from University of Illinois at Chicago

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs

  • Average: $93,760 from Illinois’s 19 In-Person MBA Programs
  • Lowest In-Person: $57,450 from Bradley University
  • Highest In-Person:$175,000 from Northwestern University

Schools with the Highest Online Graduate MBA Salaries in Illinois

  1. University of Illinois at Chicago - $167,977.00
  2. Dominican University - $113,000.00
  3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - $98,500.00
  4. Northern Illinois University - $93,400.00
  5. DePaul University - $86,000.00
  6. Illinois Institute of Technology - $82,352.00
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - $75,513.00
  8. Northeastern Illinois University - $74,350.00
  9. Governors State University - $73,900.00
  10. University of Illinois at Springfield - $68,300.00

Schools with the Lowest Online Graduate MBA Salaries in Illinois

  1. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - $59,600.00
  2. Eastern Illinois University - $60,200.00
  3. Western Illinois University - $67,800.00
  4. University of Illinois at Springfield - $68,300.00
  5. Governors State University - $73,900.00
  6. Northeastern Illinois University - $74,350.00
  7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - $75,513.00
  8. Illinois Institute of Technology - $82,352.00
  9. DePaul University - $86,000.00
  10. Northern Illinois University - $93,400.00

What is the Average ROI for Online MBA Programs in Illinois?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

The ROI from Online MBA programs in Illinois range between 22% from Illinois Institute of Technology and 436% from Governors State University. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Illinois is 225%.

While the average in-person MBA program ROI from Illinois is 191%, the lowest ROI is -1% from The University of Chicago, and the best ROI is 436% from Governors State University.

Online ROI for MBA Programs

  • Average: 225% from Illinois’s 13 online MBA Programs
  • Lowest online: 22% from Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Highest online: 436% from Governors State University

In-Person ROI for MBA Programs

  • Average: 191% from Illinois’s 19 in-person MBA Programs
  • Lowest in-person: -1% from The University of Chicago
  • Highest in-person: 436% from Governors State University

Highest ROI for Online MBA Programs in Illinois

  1. Governors State University - 436.00%
  2. University of Illinois at Springfield - 360.00%
  3. Western Illinois University - 345.00%
  4. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 299.00%
  5. Northern Illinois University - 258.00%
  6. Dominican University - 253.00%
  7. Northeastern Illinois University - 205.00%
  8. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 192.00%
  9. University of Illinois at Chicago - 179.00%
  10. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - 171.00%

Lowest ROI for Online MBA Programs in Illinois

  1. Illinois Institute of Technology - 22.00%
  2. DePaul University - 59.00%
  3. Eastern Illinois University - 152.00%
  4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - 171.00%
  5. University of Illinois at Chicago - 179.00%
  6. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 192.00%
  7. Northeastern Illinois University - 205.00%
  8. Dominican University - 253.00%
  9. Northern Illinois University - 258.00%
  10. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 299.00%

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an Online MBA Program in Illinois?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Illinois is between 455 from DePaul University to 630 from University of Illinois at Chicago. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Illinois is 546.

While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Illinois is 567, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 455 from DePaul University, and the highest GMAT score needed is 729 from The University of Chicago.

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

  • Average: 546 from Illinois’s 13 online MBA Programs
  • Lowest online: 455 from DePaul University
  • Highest online: 630 from University of Illinois at Chicago

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

  • Average: 567 from Illinois’s 19 in-person MBA Programs
  • Lowest in-person: 455 from DePaul University
  • Highest in-person: 729 from The University of Chicago

Lowest GMAT Scores for Online MBA Programs in Illinois

  1. DePaul University - 455
  2. University of Illinois at Springfield - 471
  3. Western Illinois University - 510
  4. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 520
  5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - 520
  6. Eastern Illinois University - 550
  7. Northern Illinois University - 550
  8. Northeastern Illinois University - 550
  9. Dominican University - 560
  10. Illinois Institute of Technology - 580

Highest GMAT Scores for Online MBA Programs in Illinois

  1. University of Illinois at Chicago - 630
  2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 609
  3. Governors State University - 590
  4. Illinois Institute of Technology - 580
  5. Dominican University - 560
  6. Eastern Illinois University - 550
  7. Northern Illinois University - 550
  8. Northeastern Illinois University - 550
  9. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 520
  10. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - 520

No GMAT or GRE – Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois

Rank University GMAT Online College Name Based In
1 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Optional Yes Gies College of Business Champaign, IL
2 Dominican University Optional Yes Brennan School of Business River Forest, IL
3 Illinois Institute of Technology No Yes Stuart School of Business Chicago, IL
4 DePaul University No Yes Richard H. Driehaus College of Business Chicago, IL
5 University of Illinois at Springfield No Yes College of Business and Management Springfield, IL

Online MBA Schools with the Most Alumni Illinois?

The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Illinois state’s MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 6 and 1,000. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 12.00 and : 4,429.00.

Average Enrollment for Online MBA Programs

  • Lowest: 6 from DePaul University
  • Highest: 1,000 from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Average: 292 from Illinois’s 13 MBA Programs.
  • Average: 287 from 392 nation’s online MBA Programs.

Average Enrollment for In-Person MBA Programs

  • Lowest: 6 from DePaul University
  • Highest: 1,307 from The University of Chicago
  • Average: 338 from Illinois’s 19 MBA Programs.
  • Average: 296 from 511 the nation’s campus MBA Programs.

Online MBA Programs with the Lowest Student Enrollment in Illinois

  1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 1,000
  2. University of Illinois at Springfield - 735
  3. University of Illinois at Chicago - 500
  4. Northern Illinois University - 460
  5. Illinois Institute of Technology - 240
  6. Governors State University - 108
  7. Western Illinois University - 54
  8. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - 52
  9. Dominican University - 38
  10. Northeastern Illinois University - 17

Online MBA Programs with the Highest Student Enrollment in Illinois

  1. DePaul University - 6
  2. Northeastern Illinois University - 17
  3. Dominican University - 38
  4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale - 52
  5. Western Illinois University - 54
  6. Governors State University - 108
  7. Illinois Institute of Technology - 240
  8. Northern Illinois University - 460
  9. University of Illinois at Chicago - 500
  10. University of Illinois at Springfield - 735

What Online MBA Concentrations Available in Illinois?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Illinois businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 43 MBA concentrations including:

  • General Business: 13
  • Accounting: 12
  • Management: 11
  • Marketing: 10
  • Corporate Finance: 9
  • Finance: 9
  • Data Analytics: 8
  • Information Systems: 7
  • Economics: 7
  • Entrepreneurship: 6

What Online Schools Offer the Widest Variety of MBA Concentrations in Illinois?

  • DePaul University: 19
  • University of Illinois at Springfield: 15
  • University of Illinois at Chicago: 14
  • Illinois Institute of Technology: 14
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: 13
  • Northern Illinois University: 12
  • Western Illinois University: 10
  • Southern Illinois University Carbondale: 10
  • Northeastern Illinois University: 8
  • Dominican University: 8

Cities Offering Online MBA Programs in Illinois

Looking for a particular city in Illinois with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Illinois. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.

  • Carbondale
  • Champaign
  • Charleston
  • Chicago
  • Dekalb
  • Edwardsville
  • Evanston
  • Macomb
  • Normal
  • Peoria
  • River Forest
  • Springfield
  • University Park

The Importance of MBA Accreditation

The importance of accreditation can’t be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

MBA Program Options Available in Illinois

Options for earning your MBA in Illinois have never been more flexible. Illinois MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

Illinois has : 19 Accredited MBA programs. 3 private and : 11 public schools offering MBA programs.

Illinois has : 11 public schools and : 3 private schools offering MBA degree programs.

: 19 Accredited MBA programs.  and : 11 public schools offering MBA programs.

Illinois schools offer 10 different paths to earn your MBA in Illinois including Campus, Full-Time, Part-Time, Evenings, Weekends, Online, Distance Education, Off Campus, 1-Year and Partnership.

To meet the diverse needs of Illinois businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 43 MBA concentrations to specialize in.

Awards for Online MBA Programs in Illinois

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 13 accredited MBA programs offered in Illinois, 19 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

Illinois schools have earned a total of 36 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:

  • The University of Chicago: 7
  • Northwestern University: 7
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: 6
  • Western Illinois University: 1
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: 1
  • Northeastern Illinois University: 1
  • Loyola University Chicago: 1
  • Illinois State University: 1
  • University of Illinois at Chicago: 1
  • Bradley University: 1
  • Illinois Institute of Technology: 1
  • Dominican University: 1
  • DePaul University: 1
  • Eastern Illinois University: 1
  • University of Illinois at Springfield: 1
  • Southern Illinois University Carbondale: 1
  • Northern Illinois University: 1
  • Saint Xavier University: 1
  • Governors State University: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for Illinois schools:

  • MBAGuide: 19
  • US News: 3
  • Forbes: 3
  • BW: 3
  • FT: 3
  • Economist: 2

How We Rank the Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois

MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.

Best MBA Programs by State: Online and In-Person

Alabama – Online | In-Person
Alaska – Online | In-Person
Arizona – Online | In-Person
Arkansas – Online | In-Person
California – Online | In-Person
Colorado – Online | In-Person
Connecticut – Online | In-Person
Delaware – Online | In-Person
Florida – Online | In-Person
Georgia – Online | In-Person
Hawaii – Online | In-Person
Idaho – Online | In-Person
Illinois – Online | In-Person
Indiana – Online | In-Person
Iowa – Online | In-Person
Kansas – Online | In-Person
Kentucky – Online | In-Person

Louisiana – Online | In-Person
Maine – Online | In-Person
Maryland – Online | In-Person
Massachusetts – Online | In-Person
Michigan – Online | In-Person
Minnesota – Online | In-Person
Mississippi – Online | In-Person
Missouri – Online | In-Person
Montana – Online | In-Person
Nebraska – Online | In-Person
Nevada – Online | In-Person
New Hampshire – Online | In-Person
New Jersey – Online | In-Person
New Mexico – Online | In-Person
New York – Online | In-Person
North Carolina – Online | In-Person
North Dakota – Online | In-Person

Ohio – Online | In-Person
Oklahoma – Online | In-Person
Oregon – Online | In-Person
Pennsylvania – Online | In-Person
Rhode Island – Online | In-Person
South Carolina – Online | In-Person
South Dakota – Online | In-Person
Tennessee – Online | In-Person
Texas – Online | In-Person
Utah – Online | In-Person
Vermont – Online | In-Person
Virginia – Online | In-Person
Washington – Online | In-Person
West Virginia – Online | In-Person
Wisconsin – Online | In-Person
Wyoming – Online | In-Person
District of Columbia – Online | In-Person

Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), 520 MBA Schools, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you notice errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.

Find: MBA Programs in Illinois | Online MBA Programs in Illinois Rankings: MBA Program Rankings | Online MBA Program Rankings Guides: Guide to Earning an Online MBA | Guide to Earning an MBA Concentrations: Online MBA Concentrations | Campus MBA Concentrations

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      MBA Program Rankings and Reports for All 50 States

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    • Most AACSB Programs Offered

      • Finance – 430
      • Accounting – 444
      • Marketing – 405
      • Management – 433
      • Business Administration – 453
      • Information Systems – 274
      • Intl Business – 210
      • Entrepreneurship – 218
      • Economics – 220
      • Supply Chain – 200
      • Data Analytics – 309
      • Healthcare Admin – 144
      • Leadership – 92
      • Statistics – 16

      Best Graduate Salary

      • Business Analytics – $104,000
      • Consulting – $115,277
      • Energy – $92,959
      • E-Commerce – $94,850
      • Law – $90,536
      • Leadership – $88,232
      • Operations Mgmt – $92,419
      • Insurance – $80,528
      • Org. Behavior – $107,961
      • Real Estate – $97,485
      • Sports Mgmt – $78,406
      • Statistics – $103,112
      • Healthcare Mgmt – $85,206
      • Taxation –  $121,750

      Explore All 50 MBA Concentrations

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