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Learn more about the benefits of earning an online MBA in Chicago, including the career outlook, top MBA programs, and more.
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Online MBA programs in Chicago can provide several benefits for students both during enrollment and after graduation. The Second City offers plenty of opportunities for business and finance-minded professionals. Earning a degree from one of the MBA programs in Chicago can give you the chance to build connections with local employers through internships, fellowships, and networking opportunities.
Students do not need to attend on-campus courses to reap these benefits. Online learners can set themselves up for postgraduate opportunities in the Windy City while keeping their day jobs, saving on housing costs, and living at home. These students often pay reduced tuition compared with their on-campus counterparts in Chicago.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Chicagoland Online MBA Programs
We use trusted sources like
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
OnlineMBA.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Chicago 2024
Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
Lake Forest, IL
4 years
Online
Cost per Credit: $1,170 Credits to Graduate: 48
LFGSM's leadership MBA includes 11 core courses covering financial management, business law, and accounting for decision-making. Students customize their degree paths with electives from four focus areas: data analytics, finance, global supply chain, and organizational dynamics. The program concludes with a strategic management capstone project.
These live, discussion-based classes occur one night a week through videoconferencing. The admissions process can also happen virtually with an online meeting with an admissions manager. Applicants then submit a resume, academic transcripts, a personal statement, and a recommendation letter — no GMAT required.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
394
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online MBA Programs in Chicago 2024
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL
2 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $920 Credits to Graduate: 30
Elmhurst's online MBA is offered on campus and online, with asynchronous and synchronous components. Regardless of location, learners can choose between an accelerated, one-year degree path and a part-time, cohort-based experience. Graduate students may also pair a master's degree with an MBA through the one-year dual degree option.
Elmhurst's online MBA curriculum includes six core classes on managerial topics like finance, marketing, and analytical tools. Learners also select four electives. These may align with one of the 11 specialization areas, such as healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, or project management.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$39,100
Out-of-state
$39,100
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,500
Out-of-state
$32,500
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
3,731
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online MBA Programs in Chicago 2024
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $580 Credits to Graduate: 36
AU Online's MBA program combines an asynchronous format with live discussion and collaboration opportunities. This full-time, one-year program includes six core courses covering strategic management, organizational behavior, and financial management. AU also encourages all online and on-campus students to pursue internship opportunities.
Only the specialization paths differ between the online and in-person MBA programs. The leadership specialization occurs exclusively online, with team leadership and strategic management classes. The healthcare track also varies slightly, with the online courses focusing on healthcare policy, quality and assessment, and management.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,400
Out-of-state
$26,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,100
Out-of-state
$14,100
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
5,918
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online MBA Programs in Chicago 2024
North Central College
Naperville, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $879 Credits to Graduate: 36
North Central's online MBA program typically takes two years, but accelerators can choose the one-year track. Both degree paths include the same asynchronous courses, starting with basic managerial topics. Learners then dive into business administration themes, such as global business, entrepreneurship, and managerial economics.
Students personalize the program with a three-course specialization track. Options include human resource management, international business, financial management, or general electives. North Central also requires one professional development experience.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$42,026
Out-of-state
$42,026
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,822
Out-of-state
$15,822
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
2,728
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
21%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Enrollees in CUC's online MBA program can choose whether to complete a concentration. The non-specialization curriculum includes nine core courses in global marketing, business analytics, economics, design thinking, and applied artificial intelligence. Students must also complete a capstone project and pick one elective.
Learners completing a specialization take only eight core courses, choosing between marketing and economics. The elective — and another 2-3 classes — count toward the concentration. Options include healthcare management, digital marketing, accounting, leadership and change management, finance, and sports management.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,310
Out-of-state
$33,310
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,090
Out-of-state
$9,090
Retention Rate
57%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
6,086
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
How We Choose Programs
At OnlineMBA.com, we rely on reputable sources to rank the best MBA programs. We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to find standout programs. We consider four metrics: affordability, reputation, academics, and program availability.
A healthy portion of the top-ranked online MBA programs in Illinois operate out of Chicago or its surrounding suburbs. As such, Chicago serves as a hub for in-state students looking to pursue online degrees in the field. For more information about the Land of Lincoln's online MBA options, please consult the Illinois state page on this website.
Furthermore, students looking to pursue employment in Chicago after they graduate can benefit from pursuing an MBA in the city. Many of Chicago's business schools maintain connections with local employers, and students can intern or work for local companies while completing their education. Chicago also houses several professional organizations that offer benefits such as conferences, professional development, and continuing education, allowing students to grow and network while still in school.
Online students can also benefit from pursuing an online MBA at one of Chicago's schools. Chicago's cost of living is higher than anywhere else in the state, so in-state students can often save money by living at home and taking online courses. By doing so, these students can pay in-state tuition, continue working at their jobs, and save money on expensive housing costs that they would need to pay if they attended on-campus programs in Chicago.
Chicago provides many opportunities for professionals interested in entering management or the business and financial operations. As most MBA graduates pursue these industries, Chicago provides a particularly fertile ground for launching your career after you finish your program.
Education Statistics for Chicago, Illinois
Metro Area
Percentage of Open Business Positions
Percentage of Remaining Discretionary Income After Expense
Average Unemployment Rate for Individuals 20-29 Years Old
