Top Accounting Degree Programs In Illinois
Illinois offers a thriving landscape for building a career in accounting, where your skills can directly shape the success of businesses across industries. From Chicago’s financial hubs to growing tech startups statewide, organizations need professionals who can manage finances, ensure compliance, and drive strategic decisions. With major employers like Deloitte, KPMG, and Caterpillar headquartered in the region, accounting expertise opens doors to roles in auditing, tax consulting, and financial analysis—all with competitive salaries ranging from $60,000 for entry-level positions to over $120,000 for experienced professionals.
Earning an online accounting degree lets you position yourself for these opportunities without pausing your current career. You’ll gain the same rigorous training as on-campus programs, with coursework covering advanced topics like forensic accounting or data analytics that employers value. This flexibility means you can immediately apply new skills to your job, whether you’re aiming for a promotion or transitioning into higher-paying roles.
The demand for accountants in Illinois continues to outpace national averages, with steady growth projected as businesses navigate evolving tax laws and financial regulations. Beyond traditional firms, industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and renewable energy increasingly seek accounting talent to manage complex budgets and sustainability initiatives. By building expertise through an online program, you create a direct path to roles that influence organizational strategy while securing long-term career stability in a dynamic field. Explore how tailored education options align with your goals and the specific needs of Illinois’ diverse economy.
Best Online Accounting Degree Programs in Illinois
Below are the top-ranked Online Accounting programs in Illinois, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
DeVry University
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Key Highlights
- DeVry University's Bachelor's Degree in Accounting provides a foundation in accounting and economics.
- Students will gain skills in Financial Accounting, Auditing, Accounting Information Systems, and Federal Income Taxation.
- The program incorporates elements of Becker Professional Education's content.
- The program is accredited by ACBSP.
Program Description
The online Bachelor's Degree in Accounting at DeVry University provides a strong foundation in accounting and economics. Students will develop a thorough understanding of business technology, government laws and regulations, business administration, and management. The curriculum covers key topics such as financial accounting, auditing, accounting information systems, and federal income taxation, preparing graduates for careers in various industries. The program incorporates elements of Becker Professional Education's industry-leading content to provide exposure to relevant accounting principles.
Program Features
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Financial Accounting, Auditing, Accounting Information Systems, Federal Income Taxation
Tuition & Costs
Sample Courses
ACCT303 Intermediate Accounting I, ACCT306 Intermediate Accounting II, ACCT313 Intermediate Accounting III, ACCT326 Federal Tax Accounting I, ACCT335 Analytics for Accounting...
Why Get Your Accounting Degree Online in Illinois?
Earning your accounting degree online in Illinois positions you for a state-specific advantage as industries like healthcare, renewable energy, and Chicago’s fintech startups drive demand for financial expertise. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% national growth rate for accountants through 2033, Illinois’ concentrated corporate hubs and evolving regulatory needs suggest stronger regional opportunities. Programs like those at DeVry University integrate coursework aligned with emerging employer needs, such as sustainability reporting and tax automation—skills directly applicable to roles at firms like Ryan LLC or BDO, which specialize in these areas.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security highlights accounting as a high-priority occupation, with short-term growth fueled by industries adapting to post-pandemic financial restructuring. This creates immediate openings for remote-ready professionals who can manage hybrid audits or cloud-based financial systems—competencies emphasized in online curricula. Local networking through the Illinois CPA Society further connects you to mentorship and job leads at firms prioritizing certifications like CMA or EA, which online programs often prepare you to pursue while studying.
With Chicago ranking among the top five U.S. metros for finance jobs, an online degree allows you to build location-flexible credentials while accessing urban salary premiums. Specialized roles in forensic accounting or data-driven auditing are expanding fastest, with Illinois employers seeking candidates who can interpret AI-generated financial insights—a focus area in many online programs. By aligning your education with these trends, you position yourself for leadership roles in sectors like manufacturing or logistics, where Illinois’ infrastructure investments are creating new accounting demands.
Start your online degree now to capitalize on this momentum, leveraging Illinois’ industry partnerships and flexible learning models to advance without career interruption.
Where Can You Work with an Online Accounting Degree in Illinois?
With an online accounting degree in Illinois, you can access opportunities at major firms, regional powerhouses, and innovative startups across the state. Chicago’s financial district and growing tech hubs like Peoria create demand for accounting professionals in corporate finance, tax services, and financial analysis roles.
Big Four firms like Deloitte and PwC dominate Chicago’s corporate landscape, frequently hiring for audit associates and tax consultants. Recent Glassdoor data shows Deloitte offers hybrid roles with structured mentorship programs, while PwC emphasizes project-based teams handling clients in healthcare and manufacturing. Both firms provide tuition reimbursement for CPA exam prep. Regional firms like Baker Tilly stand out for midsize business clients—DesignRush’s 2025 rankings note their focus on collaborative environments, with entry-level positions often involving client-facing advisory work.
For specialized tax roles, Ryan LLC (listed on Indeed’s Illinois accounting companies page) operates a Chicago office known for dispute resolution and sales tax automation services. They prioritize certifications like CMA or EA and offer flexible schedules for remote auditing projects. BDO’s St. Charles location serves agricultural and logistics industries, hiring staff accountants for inventory management and cost analysis—their rotational programs help new graduates explore multiple service lines.
Startups in Chicago’s fintech sector, such as payroll platform providers or blockchain analytics firms, increasingly seek accountants with data visualization skills. Many post roles through local incubator job boards or LinkedIn groups focused on Illinois tech innovation.
To connect with these employers, attend quarterly Illinois CPA Society meetups in Chicago or Springfield. Follow firm-specific webinars hosted by companies like Grant Thornton, which often feature Q&A sessions about their hiring cycles. Update your LinkedIn profile with keywords like “sales tax compliance” or “ERP systems” to align with job descriptions from Illinois-based recruiters.
What Can You Earn as an Accountant in Illinois?
If you’re considering an accounting career in Illinois, your earning potential depends heavily on experience and credentials. Entry-level accountants with 0-2 years of experience earn between $59,807 and $71,877 annually, according to Salary.com’s Accountant I data. This range reflects base salaries for roles like staff accountant or junior auditor, with Chicago and surrounding metro areas typically offering higher starting pay. Mid-career professionals (3-7 years) see a noticeable jump, with Indeed’s statewide average landing at $66,820 per year. Specializing in areas like forensic accounting or corporate finance often pushes earnings above this benchmark.
Certifications significantly boost income, as shown by ZipRecruiter’s CPA salary data. Accountants with CPA licenses in Illinois earn an average of $89,131 annually—nearly $23,000 more than the general statewide average. Senior roles (8+ years) in managerial or technical positions, particularly in Chicago’s corporate sector, frequently exceed $100,000 with bonuses and incentives.
Illinois salaries slightly trail the national accounting average of $78,000, but specialized roles and urban opportunities help close the gap. Geographic location within the state plays a role: accountants in Rockford or Peoria earn 8-12% less than those in Chicago or Naperville. Industry choice also matters—those in finance/insurance or tech sectors report 15-20% higher pay than peers in government or education.
Future salary growth looks promising, especially for CPAs and those with data analytics skills. Remote work options in tax preparation and financial consulting are expanding earning potential beyond traditional office roles, with hybrid positions often offering competitive premiums. Demand for accountants in Illinois is projected to grow 6% through 2032, aligning with national trends, but candidates with advanced certifications or niche expertise will likely outpace this baseline.
Licensing Information For Online Accounting in Illinois
How to Get Licensed as an Accountant in Illinois
To obtain your CPA license in Illinois, follow these state-specific requirements from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR):
Step 1: Complete Education Requirements
You need 150 semester hours of college education, including:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher with a concentration in accounting
- 30 semester hours in accounting coursework covering auditing, taxation, and financial reporting
- 24 semester hours in business courses like finance or business law
Online accounting degrees from regionally accredited institutions meet this requirement if they include the mandated credit hours.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Apply through the Illinois Board of Examiners after completing 120 semester hours (including 30 in accounting). The exam costs $743.80 for all four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) plus a $195 application fee. You must pass all sections within 18 months of your first attempt.
Step 3: Gain Supervised Experience
Complete one year (12 months) of full-time accounting work under an actively licensed CPA. Illinois requires at least 2,000 hours verifying skills in auditing, tax preparation, or financial advisory services. Part-time work is accepted if hours meet the 2,000 minimum.
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Provide the IDFPR with:
- Official transcripts from all schools attended ($25 transcript fee)
- Verification of work experience signed by your supervising CPA
- Passing scores for the AICPA Ethics Exam (costs $245)
- $200 application fee and $50 license registration fee
Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting all documents.
Step 5: Maintain Active Licensure
Renew your license every three years by completing 120 hours of continuing education, including 4 hours in professional ethics. Illinois accepts online CPE courses from NASBA-approved providers. Renewal fees total $300.
Reciprocity for Out-of-State CPAs
If licensed in another state, you can apply for Illinois licensure by endorsement. Submit proof of active licensure, passing CPA exam scores, and verification of meeting Illinois’ education/experience standards. You’ll still need to pass the AICPA Ethics Exam unless your original state required it.
For application forms or updates on fee changes, visit the IDFPR Public Accounting portal or contact the Illinois CPA Society for mentorship programs tailored to new licensees.
FAQs About Online Accounting Degree Programs in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are online accounting degrees respected by employers in Illinois? A: Yes, employers in Illinois generally respect online accounting degrees from accredited institutions. Programs like DeVry University’s bachelor’s in accounting hold regional accreditation (HLC) and specialized business accreditation (ACBSP), which signal quality to employers. Major firms like Deloitte and KPMG in Illinois regularly hire graduates from reputable online programs.
Q: What accreditation should I look for in an accounting program? A: Prioritize regional accreditation (like HLC) to ensure credit transferability and CPA eligibility. For accounting-specific rigor, look for programs with ACBSP or AACSB accreditation. DeVry University’s program, for example, holds both HLC and ACBSP accreditation, meeting Illinois CPA education standards.
Q: Can I become a CPA with an online accounting degree? A: Yes, if your program meets Illinois’ 150-semester-hour requirement and includes 30 credits in accounting coursework. Online degrees from regionally accredited schools like DeVry qualify, provided they cover auditing, taxation, and ethics.
Q: How long does it take to finish an online accounting program? A: Most online bachelor’s programs take 4 years full-time. Accelerated options may shorten this to 3 years. Part-time students often complete degrees in 5-6 years while balancing work commitments.
Q: Do Illinois employers hire graduates from online programs? A: Yes, Illinois employers actively hire graduates from accredited online programs. Chicago-based firms like PwC and Baker Tilly value skills over delivery format, especially if candidates pass CPA exam sections during their studies.
Q: What courses are typically included in an online accounting degree? A: Core courses include financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, federal taxation, and business law. Many programs, like DeVry’s, integrate ethics and data analytics training to align with Illinois employer needs.
Q: Are there internship opportunities for online students in Illinois? A: Some online programs partner with Illinois employers to offer remote or hybrid internships. Check with your school’s career services—DeVry, for instance, provides virtual career fairs connecting students to local accounting firms.
Q: How much does an online accounting degree cost in Illinois? A: Costs vary: public universities average $300-$500 per credit hour, while private schools like DeVry may charge higher rates. Compare tuition structures and inquire about employer tuition reimbursement programs to reduce expenses.