Affordable Online Degrees for Illinois Residents
ACE programs cost less, no matter your location.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Illinois
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.2
When it comes to going back to school, it’s natural to start by researching institutions close to home. But local schools don’t always guarantee the best return on your educational investment.
American College of Education (ACE) is a fully online college where we help our students attain that positive return on investment by providing a quality, affordable education.
Our high student satisfaction¹ comes from attending a college that values your goals and prepares you for real-world advancement with career-relevant assignments. That’s the ACE difference, and we’re proud to offer it to Illinois residents.
Why Choose ACE?
From the day you apply through becoming an alum and beyond, we’re here for you. You’ll not only gain a world-class education, but you’ll be able to do so while keeping your budget and schedule intact.
How ACE Compares
You’ve likely heard of popular Illinois schools that offer respected programs – University of Illinois, Illinois State University, DePaul University and Southern Illinois University – but ACE is different. We started as an online college, so we know how to equip you with unique, tailored, career-centered learning that supports your career goals in an affordable and flexible way.
Even the best online colleges in Illinois haven’t been fully online since they started. Compare your options and see why thousands of students have chosen ACE.
| ACE | University of Illinois | Illinois State University | DePaul University | Southern Illinois University | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | 100% online | Few online options | Few online options | Few online options | Few online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 9 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-6 starts | 2-5 starts |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0002 (total cost) | $19,2783 (average annual in-state cost) | $10,2183 (average annual in-state cost) | $23,3583 (average annual in-state cost) | $14,2203 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Our Unmatched Affordability
If you’re looking for affordable online colleges in Illinois, ACE is your answer. Here, you can earn a high-quality education at a price that works for you. In fact, 86% of ACE students graduate without debt.4
Our Unique Academic Experience
At ACE, our curriculum is custom-built in-house with a focus on the latest industry standards, tools and best practices. Our academic team consistently reviews and updates every program to ensure your coursework stays relevant and aligned with your career goals. With faculty who are seasoned practitioners and leaders in the field, you’ll learn directly from professionals shaping today’s workforce.
Your experience also includes:
- Uniform course design: Every course follows the same structure, so you can quickly get comfortable and focus on learning.
- Fully asynchronous learning: Aside from the hands-on experiences that some of our programs have, you are not required to attend live sessions, which means you can complete your coursework whenever it works for you.
- Comprehensive support: Access our writing center, robust digital library and free monthly tutoring to help you succeed from start to finish.
How ACE Supports Aspiring Illinois Teachers
ACE has supported thousands of educators in their journey from new teacher to seasoned educational leader. And of course, many careers in education begin with obtaining initial teaching licensure.
You can complete an initial licensure certificate or master’s degree at ACE and then take steps toward earning a teaching certificate in Illinois, but you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any additional requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Pennsylvania?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in Pennsylvania and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
How can an ACE degree help me get a Pennsylvania teaching certificate?
Our initial licensure programs equip you with foundational teaching knowledge as well as effective instructional methods, purposeful assessment tools and innovative technologies that prepare you to become a successful educator.
Once I earn an ACE degree, how do I get a Pennsylvania teaching certificate?
Please visit Pennsylvania’s certification for new educators website for more information.
3All values shown are an estimated value of the cost of tuition and fees. Actual amounts may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, the receipt of scholarship or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
4CollegeTuitionCompare: Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Thomas Jefferson University, Drexel University. Accessed on Dec. 10, 2025.
5Internal research completed in March 2025