Western Governors University Affordable online degrees in Illinois.

Earn an online degree in Illinois.

The state of Illinois has 127 universities for 422,203 students. This is a huge number of students who are anxious to learn and earn their degree. Western Governors University is one of the few fully online universities available to Illinois students. WGU offers over 60 online degree programs in business, education, health, and information technology. These online degree programs lead students to jobs all across the state, from teaching, to nursing, to business. As of March 2021, there are 3,953 WGU students in Illinois, and 5,761 alumni. This network can help you connect with other WGU students and grads in Illinois. They can help you find success while you're in school, and after you graduate too. Discover why out of all the universities you can choose from, WGU is considered one of the best online colleges in Illinois.

Competency-based education. Our competency-based education program means you can utilize your past knowledge and experience to accelerate through material you know. Once you can prove your mastery of material, you get to move forward, allowing you to graduate faster.

Affordable tuition. WGU offers low, flat-rate tuition charged per six-month-term, not per credit. We also offer financial aid and scholarships to help make your tuition even more affordable.

Flexible, online programs. WGU offers fully online programs that are perfect for busy adults. School fits into your schedule so you can continue to work and fulfill your family obligations while earning a degree.

Transfer credits taken. Our generous transfer policy allows you to get credit for your past school experience. Many WGU students bring transfer credits that help them graduate faster.

Next Start Date

Start the 1st of any month—as soon as you complete enrollment!

Start dates every month.

WGU offers start dates on the first of every month, so you don't have to wait to begin. You just have to apply and work with an Enrollment Counselor to get all your transfer credits figured out, and you'll be on your way. Your degree is closer than you think!

Online degrees in Chicago, Illinois.

If you are a Chicago resident who is interested in pursuing higher education, WGU could be the perfect fit for you. Chicago has a thriving business ecosystem that is attracting more organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to startups. As Chicago grows, so does the need for healthcare and education as well. WGU is the perfect place for you to continue your education, giving you the freedom to work on your schedule and around your other responsibilities and needs. WGU offers you the flexibility you need. Join the hundreds of other Chicago residents who are earning their degree with WGU.

Explore WGU Degrees

"I would recommend WGU to any nurse that was looking to get his or her bachelor's or master's because WGU is a school that focuses on success. And because of that, they provide you with resources you never imagined were even out there. They're there for you throughout your entire degree program. I never had an issue that I couldn't find an answer to without my course mentor."
—Pauline Keehn. Rockton, IL

“My favorite thing about going through the program was the information that you can garner from other people. From talking to my mentor and going to the online communities, I was able to develop some more information that I wouldn’t have gotten had I been in a classroom and then just left at the end of class and gone home."
—Bryon Denton. Danville, IL

Tuition for Illinois students.

No matter where you live, WGU tuition is the same. We base our tuition on your program and it is charged per six-month term, not per credit. This helps you know exactly what to expect, and helps us keep costs low. Discover what your tuition will be based on your program choice.

By providing useful information and advice on responsible borrowing before enrollment, keeping tuition low while you’re enrolled, and providing programs that lead to better jobs after graduation, WGU packs a one-two-three punch designed to keep your debt low and your return on investment quick.

Recent WGU grads reported earning, on average, $12,300 more within two years of graduation, compared with income prior to enrollment...

...and by four years after graduation, that salary increase averaged $21,800, compared with the national average of just $11,500.

With an average cost of $15,165 for a bachelor’s degree, the return on investment of a WGU degree is less than two years.

Financial options for Illinois students.

Tuition at WGU is lower than most other universities, traditional or online. We offer low, flat-rate tuition charged per six-months, not per credit. Our competency-based education also allows you to move through courses more quickly, cutting down your overall cost. And on top of our low-rate tuition, we offer financial aid options to help provide affordable ways to earn your degree.

Scholarships in Illinois.

3 Steps to Apply For WGU Scholarships

Now that you've looked at scholarship requirements and found one to apply for, here are the steps to apply.

1. Complete the admissions application.

To be considered for any WGU scholarships, you must be provisionally accepted as a WGU student. Complete the admissions application and work with your enrollment counselor to move through the admissions process. NOTE: Returning WGU graduates should complete the Returning Graduate Application.

Apply to WGU

2. Complete the general scholarship application.

The general application is required for all WGU scholarships and lets us learn more about you and which scholarships you may be eligible for. To access the application, you will need your MyWGU student portal credentials, which will be sent to you shortly after Step 1. NOTE: You are eligible to apply for scholarships within 90 days of starting a degree program, either before or after. You must complete the application within 90 days of your intended start date.

General Scholarship Application

3. Log in to the scholarship portal and apply.

Based on what you tell us in Step 2, we’ll let you know which scholarships you might be eligible for. Finish up by reviewing the recommended opportunities and completing the supplemental application for each scholarship you’d like to be considered for by logging into the Scholarship Portal. These additional applications need to be submitted within 5 days of submitting the general application.

Federal financial aid.

When you complete the FAFSA, be sure to list WGU’s school code.

Code: 033394

Financial Aid Is Also Available

You may choose to pay for the remaining portion of your degree through federal financial aid (subject to your eligibility). Pell Grants, which do not have to be repaid, are granted based on financial need. Federal Direct Student Loans are available to all students. Subsidized loans, which are dependent on financial need, reduce the interest due on loans.

Financial Aid Info

Partnerships in Illinois.

WGU has partnerships with Illinois cities, schools, and businesses that can offer tuition assistance or reimbursement. Discover if your Illinois business, school, or city has a connection with WGU that can help you make our already-low tuition even more affordable.

Transfers for Illinois students.

WGU has a generous transfer policy that allows you to use your previous schooling for credit towards your degree. We even partner with dozens of Illinois community colleges to help you utilize your associate's degree or other college credits. You can work with your Enrollment Counselor to get your transcripts and discover exactly how your credits will transfer.

Specific programs for Illinois students.

There are a few state-specific elements of WGU programs for Illinois students:

Students in the Teachers College earning a degree with teaching certification will have help getting licensed in Illinois. Each state has their own set of rules for becoming a licensed teacher, and Illinois is no exception. WGU works to make sure you will meet all your state qualifications. Learn more about Illinois licensure now.
Illinois students are unfortunately unable to get a nursing prelicensure degree from WGU. Registered nurses can pursue degrees, but those who don't currently have a registered nursing license will be unable to obtain one from WGU. If you live in Illinois and are hoping to work in healthcare, you might want to consider WGU's Health Services Coordination program instead.

WGU students in Illinois and beyond.

WGU alumni in Illinois and beyond.

Start As Soon As Next Month.

Next Start Date

Start the 1st of any month—as soon as you complete enrollment!

Apply FREE this week

No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree.

Learn about online college admissions at WGU.

WGU Frequently Asked Questions.

Is this program truly "at your own pace"?

WGU offers flexible pacing, meaning you can move through courses at a pace that meets your learning style and knowledge level. Students can go as fast as they can but not as slowly. Students are required to complete a minimum number of competency units per term to meet on-time progress. However, if you choose to study at 3 am daily, that we can accommodate.

Do all my existing credits transfer to WGU?

WGU has a generous transfer policy. Our transcripts department can accept official copies of transcripts from your previous educational institutions for a course-by-course evaluation that compares the context of your courses to those in our programs, to tell you what is comparable and transferable.

How quickly can you finish the program?

Your personal progress will be determined by the extent of your transfer units, your time commitment, and your determination to proceed at a faster rate. Traditionally, without an associate’s degree or equivalent, it will take 2 to 2.5 years. Master's degree programs are designed to be completed within 2 years. However, we work on a competency-based model, which gives you credit for passing assessments and proving you can perform a task or understand a course of study proficiently.

Can you skip ahead if you get done early?

Yes! If you are able to complete the minimum requirement before your term is over, you can add more courses, with no tuition increase.

Does WGU offer financial aid?

WGU is approved to offer federal student aid. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Is WGU accredited?

Yes! WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the highest form of accreditation.

How do WGU courses compare to classes in traditional schools?

WGU offers competency-based education. Competency-based learning means our online degrees are based on real-world competencies as opposed to seat time or credit hours. Our focus in on ensuring you possess the skills and knowledge you need to be successful, not whether you’ve attended class or not. If you already have knowledge in an area a course covers, you’ll be able to draw upon this experience to complete assessments faster, ultimately saving you both time and money.

Does WGU offer job placement?

WGU students and alumni have access to career services which include professional development, career exploration, and career planning. WGU also has partner employers who share full-time, part-time, and paid internship opportunities.