Do you love sharing knowledge with someone and watching their eyes light up? Are you a seasoned veteran of the classroom looking for a leadership position? If so, this guide is for you. We put together a list of quality schools that offer the best education programs in Illinois for undergraduates and graduates, with affordability, financial aid, student support, and accreditation as our main criteria.
Get ready to learn about the various education degrees, projected job market, and important resources for educators in Illinois. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid foundation of knowledge about the best on-campus and online teaching programs in Illinois.
Best Colleges to Earn a Teaching Credential in Illinois: Campus-based
To help you get started in your search for the top education programs in Illinois, we spotlight three universities that stand out for their accreditation, student support, and affordability below. In these profiles, we share key points that make each school special, like accelerated programs or tuition that remains the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Whether you’re just exploring an education career or you want to advance one, this list is a good place to begin.
Northwestern University
In Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University offers students a lakefront campus setting and an intimate learning experience within its School of Education and Social Policy (SESP). With just 300 graduate students, this department offers six undergraduate programs, four master’s programs, three doctorate programs, and an accelerated program that enables undergrads to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.
The application process involves submitting a nonrefundable application fee, an essay, a transcript, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. They also have the choice of pursuing a degree (most common) or simply taking a few classes without earning a degree.
- Accelerated program to earn a combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Dual master’s degree
- GRE exam optional
- $4,037 per course unit for Master of Science in Education (doesn’t include books)
- Elementary/Secondary Teaching = $60,555
- Educational Studies or Learning Sciences = $48,444
Delivery:
List all that are available in bullet point form.
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Elementary Teaching
- Human Development in Context
- Learning and Organizational Change
- Learning Sciences
- Secondary Teaching
- Social Policy
Graduate Programs:
- Dual Master’s Degree: Applied Economics and Social and Economic Policy
- MS in Education (K-12)
- MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy
- MS in Learning and Organizational Change
- Joint PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences
- PhD in Human Development and Social Policy
- PhD in Learning Sciences
- Teacher Leadership Program
Specialization Options:
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Teacher Leadership
Illinois State University
Located in Normal, Illinois, Illinois State University has established itself as a school with a robust focus on undergraduate studies and a strong graduate experience. Although most courses take place on campus, some graduate programs are available either partially or fully online.
The university’s application process is simpler than most, only requiring incoming freshmen to pay the application fee and submit an unofficial high school transcript and self-reported SAT or ACT scores. Application periods include an early priority deadline that’s recommended for best consideration regarding acceptance and scholarships. Undergraduates residing in Illinois can take advantage of much more affordable tuition rates than students applying from out of state.
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- 28 undergraduate programs
- 18 graduate programs
- Open to transfers, international students, and non-degree-seeking students
- In-state undergraduate student tuition: $12,066
- Out-of-state undergraduate student tuition: $24,131
- $55 application fee
- Easy application process
Delivery:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- On-campus
- Online (specific programs only)
Undergraduate Programs:
- Agriculture – Agriculture Teacher Education
- Art Teacher Education
- Biology Teacher Education
- Business Education
- Chemistry Teacher Education
- Dance Teacher Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Earth and Space Science Teacher Education
- Elementary Education
- Elementary Education – Bilingual/Bicultural Teacher Education
- English Teacher Education
- Family & Consumer Sciences – Teacher Education
- French Teacher Education
- Geography Social Science Teacher Education
- German Teacher Education
- History-Social Sciences Teacher Education
- Mathematics Teacher Education
- Middle-Level Teacher Education
- Music Education
- Physical Education Teacher Education K-12
- Physics Teacher Education
- School Health Education
- Spanish Teacher Education
- Special Education – Specialist in Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Special Education – Specialist in Learning & Behavior
- Special Education – Specialist in Low Vision and Blindness
- Technology and Engineering Education
- Theatre Teacher Education
Graduate Programs:
- Agriculture – Agricultural Education and Leadership
- Art – Art Education
- Business Education Fully Online
- Chemistry – Master of Chemistry Education
- Chemistry – Master of Science in Chemistry Education
- Educational Administration and Foundations – Principal Prep (P-12 Educational Administration)
- Educational Administration and Foundations – College Student Personnel Administration
- Kinesiology & Recreation – Physical Education Pedagogy
- Mathematics – Elementary & Middle School Mathematics Education
- Music – Master of Music Education
- Music – String Pedagogy
- Psychology – Specialist in School Psychology
- Reading
- Social Work – School Social Work
- Special Education – Master of Science in Education in Low Vision and Blindness
- Special Education Master of Science
- Teaching & Learning
- Technology – STEM Education and Leadership
Specialization Options:
- Early Childhood
- Elementary Education
- Bilingual Elementary Education
- Middle-Level Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education – deaf, blind, learning and behavior
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University makes it easy for in- and out-of-state students to afford a teaching degree in Illinois by offering them the same affordable tuition rates. Students can also take advantage of four types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. All applicants are automatically eligible for a merit scholarship based on their high school GPA.
The university has minimal admissions requirements, only asking for a 3.0 GPA. If an applicant doesn’t have that, the school will do a holistic review that includes the student’s individual situation and achievements.
Graduate students can choose from an impressive array of master’s and doctoral courses that cover many aspects of education, from early childhood development to educational psychology. Full-time courses are available on campus and online for greater flexibility.
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Same tuition for both in- and out-of-state students
- Full-time undergraduate student tuition: $9,790
- Graduate tuition: Just over $1,000 per credit hour
- Several forms of financial aid
- All applicants considered for a merit scholarship
- No standardized testing needed
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Middle Level Teaching and Learning
- Physical Education
- Special Education
Graduate Programs:
- Athletic Training
- Counseling
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Research, Evaluation, and Assessment
- Elementary Education
- Higher Education and Student Affairs
- Instructional Technology
- Kinesiology and Physical Education
- Literacy Education
- School Business Management
- Special Education
- Sport Management
- Counselor Education and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Educational Psychology
- Higher Education
- Higher Education (specializes in Community College Leadership
- Instructional Technology
Specialization Options:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Educational Specialist
Top Online Education & Teaching Degree Programs in Illinois
Earning an online education and teaching degree in Illinois is a convenient alternative to traditional programs that may not fit into students’ busy schedules. Working professionals and students with family responsibilities need a flexible study format that can be done in the evenings or on weekends.
While you complete an online teaching degree program in Illinois, you’ll have many opportunities for meaningful interactions with teachers and peers. In most cases, you’ll have access to round-the-clock tech support, library resources, and financial aid. Below are schools with top online education and teaching degrees in Illinois. These are just a preview of our full rankings list, which we will be publishing soon.
University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign
Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s standard of excellence has inspired some of the best online teaching programs in Illinois, including its prominent master’s in education program which students can complete fully online in as little as 18 months.
Well-trained faculty members and weekly synchronous learning sessions result in high levels of engagement between students and their teachers and peers. Online students have access to 24/7 technical support, financial aid, a digital library, a live librarian, and other vital services. Programs typically consist of courses lasting six to eight weeks, and for students who want to advance beyond a master’s degree, the university also offers an online Doctor of Education program. Although most courses are fully online, some hybrid options are available.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Early Childhood Professional Education
Graduate Programs:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Diversity and Equity in Education
- Global Studies in Education
- International Education and Leadership
- Learning Design and Leadership
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- Partially-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
University of St. Francis
For 20 years, the University of St. Francis has provided top online teaching degrees in Illinois through an asynchronous learning format. All classes are recorded and archived for access at any time. Students talk with teachers through email, chat, and discussions that can take place in a group setting or one-on-one. Students can interact with their teachers and peers, day or night via a busy discussion forum.
University of St. Francis prides itself on its financial, technical, and vocational support of online students. Tech support is available 24/7 by phone or email.
Students with no prior teaching experience or education can take Transition to Teaching, a flexible, fast-track program, for a teaching certificate in elementary, secondary, and special education.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Transition to Teaching
- Certificate in Online Teaching
- Educational Studies
- Elementary Education
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Online Teaching
- Master of Art in Teaching
- Master’s in Special Education
- Master’s in Education (licensure)
- Special Education
Program Options:
- Fully online
- Full-Time
- Part-Time
Specialization Options:
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University not only stands out for its on-campus teaching programs, it also has some of the best online education programs in Illinois for those who want to earn a graduate degree in education. The school offers significant student support through an online library, tech support, disability resources, a university writing center to help students improve their writing skills, academic advisement, and a career services office. NIU has designed its online format to provide students with a personalized learning experience while giving them access to the same resources and support as on-campus students.
Although the university doesn’t have any online undergraduate education programs, it does have a variety of master’s degree options and some doctoral programs ranging from elementary education to school management to community college leadership. As with on-campus courses, online tuition remains the same whether the student lives out of state or resides in Illinois.
Undergraduate Programs:
No undergraduate education programs
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Education with Licensure)
- Master of Arts in General English Studies
- Master of Science in Art Education
- Master of Science in Educational Research, Evaluation, and Assessment
- Master of Science in Education: Instructional Technology
- Master of Science in Education: School Business Management
- Education Specialist in Educational Administration
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Doctor of Education in Higher Education with an emphasis on Community College Leadership
Program Options:
- Fully online
- Full-Time
Specialization Options:
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
Types of Education & Teaching Degrees You Can Earn in Illinois
Illinois offers a variety of top education and teaching degrees to students at different points in their careers. These can be taken on-campus or online, depending on the individual’s needs. Below, we explain the different types of education degrees, who can most benefit from them, and list high-quality schools that offer them.
Undergraduate Teaching/Education Degrees in Illinois
Associate Degrees in Education
An associate degree in education may be a good fit for people interested in an education career who aren’t ready to commit to a four-year bachelor’s program. It’s transferable, less expensive than a bachelor’s degree, and it provides a good foundation to work as a teacher’s aide or substitute teacher, usually in early childhood education.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Associate Degrees in Education
- Kaskaskia College (Online or On-Campus)
- Harper College (On-Campus)
- Lewis & Clark Community College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
Those who know they want to be a teacher and have a career in the education field can benefit from a bachelor’s degree. It will equip them to become licensed teachers and give them access to jobs outside the classroom, such as a career counselor, residence manager, or campus recruiter.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
- National Louis University (Online or On-Campus)
- Northeastern Illinois University (On-Campus)
- Greenville University (Online)
Graduate Education Degrees in Illinois
Master’s Degrees in Education (MEd)
With a master’s degree in education from one of the top education programs in Illinois, teachers can advance their teaching skills, increase their earning potential, and pursue leadership positions such as a principal, school superintendent, curriculum developer, and education consultant. A master’s degree can typically be earned in one to two years in an online, on-campus, or hybrid format.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Master’s Degrees in Education
- Concordia University Chicago (Online or On-Campus)
- Aurora University (On-Campus)
- University of Illinois Springfield (Online)
Doctorate of Education (EdD) Programs
A doctorate degree from one of the top education programs in Illinois benefits professionals who aspire to lead educational organizations and influence educational policy. Such positions involve addressing social and political issues that affect both students and teachers, developing educational procedures, managing budgets, and using in-depth research to solve problems. An EdD program helps students develop leadership skills for many different educational settings and may include a residency.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Doctorate (EdD) Programs
- DePaul University (Online or On-Campus)
- Loyola University – Chicago (Online or Hybrid)
- Bradley University (Online)
Education PhD Programs
Teachers interested in advancing their research and technical expertise in specific areas for college faculty and administrative positions will want to pursue a PhD in education. This three- to four-year program typically includes leadership, policy, and STEM concentrations that encourage students to make their own discoveries through new research.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Education PhD Programs
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (On-Campus)
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale (On-Campus)
- Illinois State University (Online)
Graduate Certificates
A graduate certificate from a top education program in Illinois is a more affordable option than a traditional master’s degree and only takes about a year to complete. It allows students to focus on their specialty and do the work on a part-time schedule if necessary. Coursework focuses on up-to-date, actionable material that also acts as a good stepping stone to a graduate degree.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Education Graduate Certificates
- DePaul University (On-Campus)
- National Louis University (Online)
- University of Illinois – Springfield (Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Education Students in Illinois
Teaching students in Illinois can find state and federal financial aid resources through the Illinois State Board of Education. They list several options, including scholarships, tuition assistance, loans, and grants such as the Pell Grant.
State programs include the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program and tuition assistance up to $23,000 from the Golden Apple Scholars Program. It’s also worthwhile to see if a college offers its own scholarships. Some, like Northern Illinois University, have merit scholarships that all incoming students are automatically eligible for upon application. For more ways to pay for your degree, try checking out STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Teachers in Illinois
The job market for teachers in Illinois is booming. According to the Illinois State Board of Education’s unfilled positions data, the state had 3,500 teaching positions that were unfilled in 2023. One-third of these were for special education teachers. This differs from the national data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics which predicts a 0% growth rate for that same position.
Because of this shortage, Governor Pritzker signed legislation to provide teachers with a minimum annual salary of $40,000 as of 2023. However, a teacher’s pay in 2022 averaged $72,301 per year, right on par with the national average.
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | 0% | 498,400 | $75,020 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 1% | 1,072,300 | $72,480 |
| School and Career Counselor | 5% | 342,400 | $60,140 |
| Education Administrators – Kindergarten Through Secondary | 1% | 300,400 | $106,690 |
| Librarian | 3% | 141,200 | $63,790 |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Illinois Teaching Professional and Student Resources
- Illinois State Board of Education A must for educators, this site keeps current and future teachers up to date with all the need-to-know information regarding licensure, special education, and policy changes. It also tracks the education job market and lists financial aid resources.
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission This website is aimed at students and parents of students who are heading off to college in pursuit of a teaching degree. It has sections for each stage of the education journey (before, during, and after college) and financial aid resources.
- Illinois Open Educational Resources On this site, teachers can find and share educational content that aligns with state standards along with career resources and curated online libraries. They can create customized collections of must-have content and share new resources of their own.
- Illinois Education Association Founded in 1853 by educators, this organization is dedicated to promoting excellence in Illinois’ public education. It offers a wealth of information and resources on grants, policy, mental health, jobs, and how to become a teacher.
- The Arc of Illinois The Arc of Illinois focuses on special education and advocates for those with developmental disabilities. They provide training resources, public policy information, and support for both parents and educators to ensure all people get an education.
