- Snapshot Card
- Start Here
- Quick Decision Guide
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Online Master's Programs at a Glance
- What University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Is Known For
- Online Master's Programs at UIUC by Subject
- How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Compares
- Featured Programs and Top Picks
- Admissions Snapshot
- Tuition and Cost Overview
- Related Rankings
- Frequently Asked Questions
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Snapshot Card
200+
Online master’s programs
$328
Per credit hour
—
Public university ranking
R1
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type:
Public
Regional accreditation:
HLC
Admissions model:
Rolling — multiple starts per year
GRE/GMAT required:
Not required
Out-of-state premium:
Varies
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- CEPH
- CSWE
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here
- Working professionals who want an AACSB-accredited MBA from a top business school for under $25,000 total
- Tech professionals seeking a top-5 computer science credential at a fraction of on-campus cost
- Career changers who need the brand recognition of a flagship public research university
- Self-directed learners comfortable with Coursera-style asynchronous delivery and minimal hand-holding
- International students seeking US-accredited graduate credentials at accessible price points without relocating
- Students who need small-cohort intimacy, direct faculty mentoring, or tight peer networks
- Learners who strongly prefer synchronous, live-session-driven instruction
- Students seeking programs in nursing, criminal justice, counseling, or other fields UIUC does not offer online
- Students who are uncomfortable with the Coursera platform or prefer a traditional LMS environment
- Applicants who need extensive admissions coaching or high-touch advising support
Quick Decision Guide
Quick Fit Summary: UIUC’s online master’s programs are built for self-directed professionals who want elite-university credentials — particularly in business, computer science, and data science — at price points that significantly undercut most peer institutions. If you thrive in asynchronous, Coursera-delivered environments and care more about credential quality and cost efficiency than small-cohort intimacy, UIUC deserves serious consideration.
Cost Signal: Tuition ranges from roughly $328 per credit (iMSM) to $670 per credit (MCS), with total program costs spanning approximately $10,500 to $24,000 for UIUC’s signature Coursera-delivered programs. This places UIUC among the most cost-effective options in the country when measured against brand prestige.
Learning Model Signal: Most flagship programs are delivered through Coursera with primarily asynchronous coursework, supplemented by live sessions, peer interaction on discussion forums, and team-based projects. The experience is structured but self-paced within weekly modules — closer to a sophisticated MOOC-to-degree model than a traditional online classroom.
Admissions Signal: Selectivity varies significantly by program. The iMBA and iMSM have relatively accessible admissions standards. The MCS is more competitive, reflecting the strength of UIUC’s CS department. Most programs do not require the GRE or GMAT.
Flexibility Signal: Asynchronous-heavy delivery means most programs accommodate working professionals’ schedules. Multiple start dates per year (Fall, Spring, Summer) and part-time pacing options add scheduling flexibility. The iMSM offers monthly cohort starts.
Main Tradeoff: UIUC delivers genuinely elite credentials at scale and at low cost — but that scale means larger cohorts, less individualized attention, and a learning experience mediated by the Coursera platform rather than a dedicated university LMS. Students who value personal connection with faculty and classmates over cost efficiency and brand prestige may find the model frustrating.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Online Master’s Programs at a Glance
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a top-5 public university in the United States, a founding member of the Big Ten Conference, and one of 69 institutions in the Association of American Universities. With over 150 years of history as a land-grant research institution, UIUC consistently ranks among the top global universities across engineering, business, computer science, and information science. It holds R1 research classification and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
What makes UIUC distinctive in online graduate education is not simply that it offers online master’s programs — most major research universities do — but how it delivers them. Beginning with the launch of the iMBA through Gies College of Business in 2016, UIUC built its online master’s strategy around a partnership with Coursera, delivering full degree programs at scale through the platform. This was a deliberate institutional bet: use technology to make flagship-quality graduate education accessible to a global audience at dramatically reduced cost. The iMBA, iMSA (Master of Science in Accountancy), and MCS (Master of Computer Science) are the anchor programs of this model, and they’ve collectively enrolled thousands of students from over 100 countries.
The result is a portfolio that is narrow but exceptionally strong. UIUC does not attempt to be all things to all online learners — it does not offer online nursing, criminal justice, or counseling programs. Instead, it concentrates its online investment in areas where it has genuine academic authority: business, computer science, data science, engineering, information science, education, social work, and public health. For prospective students evaluating UIUC, the core question is whether its distinctive delivery model and concentrated strengths align with their specific goals and learning preferences. Note that UIUC is a separate institution from University of Illinois Springfield , which operates its own distinct online program portfolio within the University of Illinois system.
What University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Is Known For
UIUC’s reputation in online graduate education rests on a small number of genuinely distinctive strengths — not marketing slogans, but structural advantages that shape the student experience in material ways.
Gies College of Business Online Programs (iMBA, iMSA, iMSM)
Gies College of Business made one of the boldest moves in graduate business education when it launched the iMBA as a fully online, Coursera-delivered MBA with AACSB accreditation and a total cost under $25,000. That price point — from a business school ranked in the top 50 nationally — was essentially unprecedented. The iMSA followed, creating one of the only fully online, AACSB-accredited accounting master’s degrees designed explicitly as a CPA preparation pathway. The iMSM, a shorter management-focused degree, is stackable from Coursera coursework and costs roughly $10,500 total. These aren’t watered-down credentials: they carry the same Gies College of Business name and the same AACSB accreditation as their on-campus counterparts. The tradeoff is scale — these programs enroll large cohorts, which means the intimate MBA cohort experience that some students seek is not the model here. For students exploring the broader online MBA landscape, Gies represents one of the most aggressive value propositions available.
Grainger College of Engineering MCS
UIUC’s computer science department is consistently ranked in the top five nationally, and the online Master of Computer Science (MCS) program extends that reputation to remote learners. Delivered through Coursera at roughly $21,440 total, the MCS competes directly with Georgia Tech’s well-known OMSCS program for the title of best-value online CS master’s from an elite department. Concentrations in data science, cloud computing, and machines and languages give students specialization options within the degree. For professionals evaluating the online master’s in computer science space, the UIUC MCS belongs on any serious shortlist.
The Coursera Delivery Model
UIUC’s Coursera partnership is not a peripheral detail — it is the defining characteristic of the student experience for its flagship programs. Coursework is delivered through the Coursera platform with video lectures, auto-graded and peer-reviewed assignments, discussion forums, and some live interactive sessions. This approach enables massive scale and low cost, but it also means the learning environment feels different from a traditional online program delivered through Canvas or Blackboard. Students comfortable with self-directed, asynchronous learning tend to thrive. Students who expect frequent live interaction with a single professor in a small class may find the model impersonal.
Cost Advantage Relative to Brand Prestige
Across its Coursera-delivered portfolio, UIUC offers some of the largest gaps between institutional prestige and program cost in all of online graduate education. An MBA from a top-50 business school for under $25,000, a CS master’s from a top-5 department for about $21,000, and a management degree for roughly $10,500 — these are not typical price points for universities of UIUC’s caliber. This cost structure is a direct result of the Coursera model’s economies of scale.
iSchool and Information Science Strength
The School of Information Sciences (iSchool) at Illinois is consistently ranked #1 in the nation for library and information science. The online MS/LIS program, accredited by the American Library Association, is one of the most respected credentials in its field. With concentrations spanning data science and analytics, community informatics, and digital libraries, the program bridges traditional library science with contemporary information challenges. For students interested in online data science from an information-science angle, the iSchool is a distinctive path.
Online Master’s Programs at UIUC by Subject
UIUC’s online master’s portfolio is concentrated rather than broad. The university invests online resources heavily in areas where it has nationally recognized academic authority — business, computer science, data science, engineering, information science — and selectively in education, social work, and public health. The table below shows the full range of known online master’s programs, followed by subject-area breakdowns with context on what each cluster offers and who it serves.
| Program | Degree | Subject Area | Credits | Est. Total Cost | Accreditation | Format Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (iMBA) | MBA | Business | 72 | ~$23,904 | AACSB | Coursera-delivered, fully async |
| Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA) | MS | Business | 48 | ~$19,920 | AACSB | Coursera-delivered, CPA pathway |
| Master of Science in Management (iMSM) | MS | Business | 32 | ~$10,496 | AACSB | Coursera-delivered, monthly starts |
| Master of Computer Science (MCS) | MS | IT & Data | 32 | ~$21,440 | — | Coursera-delivered |
| Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) | MS | IT & Data | 32 | ~$21,440 | — | Coursera-delivered, DS specialization |
| MS in Library and Information Science (MS/LIS) | MS | Information | 40 | Contact school | ALA | Fully online option, #1 ranked |
| MEd in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership | MEd | Education | 32 | Contact school | — | Fully online, multiple concentrations |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | MSW | Social Work | 64 | Contact school | CSWE | Field placement required |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | MPH | Healthcare | 42 | Contact school | CEPH | Practicum required |
| Master of Engineering (ME) | ME | Engineering | 32 | Contact school | — | Multiple specialization tracks |
| MS in Strategic Brand Communication | MS | Communication | 40 | Contact school | — | Fully online |
Gies College of Business is the engine of UIUC’s online master’s strategy. Three programs anchor this area: the iMBA, the iMSA, and the iMSM — all AACSB-accredited, all delivered through Coursera, and all priced dramatically below what most top-50 business schools charge for comparable credentials.
The iMBA is UIUC’s flagship online program. At 72 credit hours with seven concentration options and a total cost around $23,900, it offers one of the most complete online MBA experiences from a nationally ranked business school. The program does not require the GMAT, accepts students three times per year, and is structured for working professionals to complete in two to three years. Its large cohort model means networking happens through team projects and online forums rather than small-class intimacy.
The iMSA is one of few fully online, AACSB-accredited accounting master’s degrees in the country. Designed specifically as a CPA preparation pathway, it accepts students without prior accounting degrees into some tracks, making it a viable career-change option. At roughly $19,920 total, it’s also significantly less expensive than most comparable credentials. For students exploring online accounting programs, the iMSA represents an unusually strong combination of accreditation, brand, and cost.
The iMSM is a shorter, more focused management degree at 32 credits and approximately $10,500 total. With rolling monthly cohort starts, it’s UIUC’s most flexible and accessible online business degree — and one of the most affordable management master’s from any AACSB-accredited program in the country.
This cluster represents UIUC’s second major area of online strength, anchored by the university’s top-5-ranked computer science department and its nationally #1-ranked iSchool.
The MCS (Master of Computer Science) is a 32-credit, Coursera-delivered degree with concentrations in data science, cloud computing, and machines and languages. At roughly $21,440 total, it is one of the only online CS master’s from a top-5 department that costs less than many programs from far less prestigious institutions. The program competes directly with Georgia Tech’s OMSCS for students seeking elite CS credentials at accessible prices. Where OMSCS is known for its sheer scale and even lower price, the UIUC MCS offers a slightly different curricular emphasis and the backing of a CS department with distinct research strengths.
The MCS-DS (Master of Computer Science in Data Science) is a specialized track within the broader MCS program, aimed at students whose primary goal is a data-science-focused credential. Same cost structure, same department, same Coursera delivery — but with a tighter curricular focus on data science methods and applications.
The MS/LIS from the iSchool is a different kind of program entirely. ALA-accredited and ranked #1 nationally, it covers traditional library science alongside data science, digital curation, and community informatics. It’s not delivered through Coursera — it uses the university’s own online infrastructure — and serves a fundamentally different student population than the MCS. But within its field, it is arguably the single most prestigious online master’s degree available anywhere.
The Grainger College of Engineering — one of the top engineering schools in the country — offers an online Master of Engineering (ME) with specialization tracks in aerospace, bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering. This is a professional master’s degree, meaning it’s designed for practicing engineers who want to deepen technical expertise or move into leadership roles without interrupting their careers.
At 32 credits, the ME is relatively compact. It does not require the GRE. Published tuition rates for the online ME are not as transparent as for the Coursera-delivered programs — students should contact Grainger directly for current pricing. The program is not delivered through Coursera; it uses the university’s own course delivery infrastructure, which means a different student experience from the iMBA or MCS. For engineers evaluating online options from elite programs, UIUC’s ME competes with offerings from Purdue University and other top engineering schools.
UIUC’s College of Education offers a fully online MEd in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership (EPOL) with four concentration tracks: Diversity and Equity in Education, Global Studies in Education, Human Resource Development, and Learning Design and Leadership. At 32 credits with fall and spring start dates, it’s a manageable program for working education professionals.
The EPOL program is policy- and leadership-focused rather than clinical or classroom-instruction-focused, which distinguishes it from many other online master’s in education programs that emphasize curriculum and instruction or teaching licensure. Students drawn to systems-level thinking about education — organizational leadership, equity frameworks, instructional design — will find it well-aligned. Students seeking a teaching-focused MEd or a principal licensure pathway should look elsewhere.
The GRE is not required, and admissions are deadline-based. Tuition details should be confirmed directly with the College of Education, as published rates for this program are less transparent than for the Coursera-delivered offerings.
UIUC offers both an online MSW and an online MPH — two programs that share a key structural characteristic: they require in-person components that make them not fully asynchronous.
The MSW is CSWE-accredited with concentrations in mental health, school social work, and children/youth/families. At 64 credits, it’s a substantial program, and the field placement requirement means students need access to approved practice sites in their local area. Advanced standing is available for students with a BSW, which can reduce completion time. For students evaluating online social work programs, UIUC’s MSW offers strong institutional backing but requires more logistical planning than fully online alternatives.
The MPH is CEPH-accredited and requires a practicum experience alongside online coursework. At 42 credits with a fall-only start, it’s more structured in its timeline than UIUC’s Coursera-delivered programs. Students interested in online public health programs should weigh UIUC’s research-university environment against the practicum logistics
Both programs use the university’s own course delivery systems rather than Coursera, which means the student experience is closer to a traditional online graduate program.
The MS in Strategic Brand Communication, housed in the College of Media, is a 40-credit fully online program focused on brand strategy, consumer insights, and digital communication. It occupies a distinctive niche — more analytically oriented than many communication master’s programs and more brand-focused than a traditional marketing degree. Start dates include fall and spring, the GRE is not required, and the program is delivered through the university’s own online infrastructure rather than Coursera.
This is currently the only online master’s degree UIUC offers outside its core clusters of business, technology, engineering, education, social work, and public health. Its existence suggests UIUC is willing to selectively extend its online portfolio where it has clear departmental strength, but it is not pursuing breadth for breadth’s sake.
Looking across UIUC’s full online master’s portfolio, a clear institutional strategy emerges. The university concentrates its online investment in a small number of areas where it has genuine national or global academic authority — business and accounting through Gies, computer science and data science through Grainger, information science through the iSchool. These anchor programs use the Coursera platform to achieve scale and cost efficiency that most peer institutions cannot match.
Outside these anchors, UIUC’s online portfolio is selective rather than expansive. The MEd, MSW, MPH, ME, and MS in Strategic Brand Communication are real programs with real credentials, but they don’t share the Coursera delivery model or the aggressive cost structure of the flagship offerings. They’re delivered through more traditional online infrastructure and, in some cases, require in-person components.
What UIUC does not offer online is equally telling. There are no online master’s programs in nursing, criminal justice, counseling, psychology, or public administration — fields that many large public universities have made central to their online portfolios. This is a deliberate choice: UIUC is not trying to be a comprehensive online university. It’s investing where it can be among the best in the world, and it’s choosing not to compete in areas where it doesn’t have that level of academic advantage. For prospective students, this means UIUC is an excellent fit if your field aligns with its strengths, and a poor fit if it doesn’t — there’s no second-tier backup option within the portfolio.
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Compares
UIUC occupies a specific position in the online master’s landscape: elite brand, narrow portfolio, Coursera-delivered flagship programs, aggressive cost structure. To understand what that means in practice, it helps to compare UIUC against the institutions that prospective students are most likely to evaluate alongside it.
| Dimension | UIUC | Georgia Tech | Purdue | ASU | Indiana University (Kelley) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Online Strength | Business (iMBA), CS (MCS), Data Science | Computer Science (OMSCS), Analytics | Engineering, Business, Technology | Breadth across 200+ programs | Business (Kelley Direct MBA) |
| Delivery Platform | Coursera (flagship programs) | edX / Georgia Tech systems | Purdue Global + main campus | ASU Online (proprietary) | Traditional LMS |
| Online CS Master’s Cost | ~$21,440 (MCS) | ~$7,000 (OMSCS) | Varies by program | ~$15,000+ | N/A (no comparable CS program) |
| Online MBA Cost | ~$23,904 (iMBA) | N/A (no online MBA) | ~$60,000+ (Purdue Krannert) | ~$40,000+ | ~$74,000+ (Kelley Direct) |
| Program Breadth | Narrow (11 programs) | Narrow (CS, analytics, cybersecurity) | Broad (Purdue Global) + selective (main campus) | Very broad | Moderate |
| Brand Prestige | Top-5 public, top-50 business | Top-10 public, top-10 engineering/CS | Top-10 public, top engineering | Top-1 innovation ranking | Top-20 business school |
| Cohort Model | Large-scale, async-first | Large-scale, async-first | Varies | Varies by program | Small cohort (Kelley Direct) |
| Student Experience Model | Coursera platform, peer forums, team projects | edX-based, TA-supported | Traditional LMS + some live | Traditional LMS + adaptive | High-touch cohort with live sessions |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- The comparison reveals distinct positioning for each institution. UIUC and Georgia Tech share the most: both are elite public universities using platform partnerships to deliver large-scale, low-cost online master’s programs in technical fields. The key difference is that Georgia Tech’s OMSCS is cheaper (~$7,000 vs. ~$21,440), while UIUC offers something Georgia Tech does not — a top-ranked online MBA.
- Purdue University offers broader program availability through Purdue Global and selected main-campus programs, but its online MBA from Krannert costs roughly two to three times what the iMBA costs. Students who want engineering plus business from one university might compare UIUC and Purdue closely.
- Arizona State University is the breadth champion — offering more than 200 online graduate programs. For students who want a program UIUC doesn’t offer online, ASU likely does. But ASU’s individual programs rarely match UIUC’s department-level prestige in business or CS.
- Indiana University Online is the most direct MBA competitor. Kelley’s Direct online MBA is widely respected and uses a high-touch, small-cohort model — the opposite of UIUC’s large-scale Coursera approach. It also costs roughly three times as much. The choice between iMBA and Kelley Direct often comes down to whether a student values cost efficiency and flexibility (UIUC) or intimate cohort experience and live instruction (Indiana).
- The takeaway: UIUC’s combination of elite brand and aggressively low cost is nearly unmatched in its core areas. The tradeoff is the Coursera-mediated student experience and the narrow portfolio. Students whose needs fall outside business, CS, or data science — or who prioritize small-cohort learning — will often find better fits elsewhere.
Best For
UIUC’s online master’s programs are strongest for specific student profiles. If you see yourself in one of these descriptions, UIUC likely deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
- Working professionals who want an elite MBA credential without the elite MBA price. The iMBA’s combination of AACSB accreditation, Gies College of Business brand, seven concentration options, and a total cost under $25,000 is essentially unmatched. If you’re a mid-career professional who needs the credential for career advancement but can’t justify $60,000–$120,000 for a traditional online MBA, this is one of the strongest options in the country.
- Tech professionals seeking a top-CS-program credential at accessible cost. The MCS from UIUC’s top-5-ranked CS department offers legitimate elite credentials at roughly $21,440. For software engineers, data engineers, and tech professionals who want a master’s degree that carries real weight with technical hiring managers, the MCS competes with Georgia Tech’s OMSCS as one of the two best values in online CS education.
- Self-directed learners who thrive in asynchronous, platform-delivered environments. If you’re comfortable with Coursera’s interface, enjoy working through video lectures and assignments on your own schedule, and don’t need frequent live interaction to stay engaged, UIUC’s model will feel natural and efficient. The platform’s structure actually works well for learners who prefer to control their own pace.
- Career changers who need brand recognition from a top-tier public university. UIUC’s name recognition — top-5 public university, AAU member, globally known in business and technology — gives graduates a credential that stands out on a resume. For career changers moving into business, technology, or data science, the combination of accessible admissions, reasonable cost, and strong brand can accelerate the transition.
- International students seeking US-accredited credentials without relocating. UIUC’s Coursera-delivered programs are fully online and accept international applicants. The cost structure is far more accessible than most US graduate programs, and the degree carries the same institutional accreditation as an on-campus credential. For professionals outside the US who want a respected American master’s degree, UIUC is one of the most practical options available.
Not a Best Fit For
UIUC’s strengths come with real tradeoffs. These student profiles would likely be better served by other institutions.
Students who want small-cohort intimacy and direct faculty relationships. UIUC’s Coursera-delivered programs enroll large cohorts. If your idea of a valuable graduate experience includes knowing your professor personally, having regular one-on-one office hours, or building a tight-knit peer network through shared live sessions, the iMBA and MCS models will likely feel impersonal. Programs like Indiana University’s Kelley Direct MBA or Northeastern University’s smaller online cohorts offer more of that structure.
Learners who need synchronous, live-session-driven instruction. While UIUC’s programs include some live components, the dominant instructional mode is asynchronous — pre-recorded lectures, self-paced modules, discussion forums. Students who learn best through real-time dialogue, live problem-solving sessions, or Socratic classroom dynamics will find the experience frustrating.
Students seeking programs UIUC doesn’t offer online. If your target field is nursing, criminal justice, counseling, psychology, public administration, or any of the many other disciplines that UIUC has chosen not to put online, there’s no workaround. Arizona State University or other breadth-focused institutions are better starting points for those fields.
Students who strongly prefer a traditional LMS over the Coursera platform. Some students find Coursera’s interface unintuitive, dislike the MOOC-style feel, or simply prefer the more contained environment of a university’s Canvas or Blackboard instance. If you’ve taken Coursera courses before and found the experience unsatisfying, UIUC’s flagship programs will likely carry those same frustrations at the master’s level.
Applicants who need high-touch admissions and advising support. UIUC’s scale means advising resources are spread across a large student body. Students who need significant guidance through the application process, course selection, or career services may find the support infrastructure thinner than at smaller or more advising-intensive online programs.
Featured Programs and Top Picks
Four UIUC online master’s programs stand out as particularly notable — either because they represent extraordinary value, occupy a unique market position, or leverage UIUC’s strongest academic departments.
The iMBA is arguably the single most disruptive online master’s program launched in the past decade. When Gies College of Business put a fully AACSB-accredited MBA on Coursera at a total cost of roughly $23,900, it forced a conversation about what an MBA credential should cost — and what students are actually paying for at institutions that charge $80,000 or more. The program offers seven concentrations spanning finance, digital marketing, strategic leadership, and analytics. It does not require the GMAT. Admissions operate on a deadline basis with three entry points per year. The tradeoff is clear: you get a legitimate top-50 MBA credential at a fraction of the cost, but the cohort model is large-scale and the learning platform is Coursera, not a traditional classroom environment. For most working professionals whose primary goal is the credential and the knowledge — not the campus networking — this is one of the strongest values in graduate business education.
The online Master of Computer Science leverages UIUC’s top-5 CS department to deliver a graduate credential that competing institutions cannot easily replicate. At approximately $21,440 total with concentrations in data science, cloud computing, and machines and languages, the MCS is more expensive than Georgia Tech’s OMSCS but comes from a department with comparable or superior rankings depending on the specialization. The GRE is not required. For tech professionals who want a CS master’s that will be recognized by leading technology employers — and who can’t or don’t want to attend full-time on campus — the MCS is a strong option, especially for students whose interests align with UIUC’s specific research strengths in systems, programming languages, and data-intensive computing.
The Master of Science in Accountancy is one of the most distinctive programs in UIUC’s portfolio. Fully online, AACSB-accredited, designed as a CPA preparation pathway, and available to students without prior accounting degrees (in some tracks), the iMSA fills a genuine gap in online graduate education. Most states require 150 credit hours for CPA licensure, and the iMSA is designed to help students reach that threshold with a credential from a respected accounting program. At roughly $19,920 total, it’s significantly less expensive than most comparable options. Concentrations in data analytics, financial reporting, and taxation add specialization flexibility.
The MS/LIS from the iSchool at Illinois is not a Coursera-delivered program and doesn’t share the cost structure of the Gies or Grainger offerings. But it is, by virtually every ranking, the #1 library and information science program in the United States. ALA-accredited with concentrations spanning data science, community informatics, and digital libraries, it attracts students who want the single most prestigious credential in their field — delivered fully online. It’s a reminder that UIUC’s online strength isn’t limited to business and CS, even if those programs get more attention.
Admissions Snapshot
Admissions standards at UIUC vary meaningfully by program, reflecting the university’s decentralized structure. There is no single admissions threshold that applies across the board — each college and department sets its own requirements, selectivity level, and application timeline.
General Requirements
All programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Most UIUC online master’s programs expect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though this is a guideline rather than a hard cutoff. Applications typically require transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume or CV, and letters of recommendation (usually two to three, depending on the program).
Standardized Test Requirements
Most of UIUC’s online master’s programs do not require the GRE or GMAT. The iMBA, iMSA, iMSM, MCS, and MEd have all dropped standardized test requirements. Some programs may still accept scores as optional supplements to strengthen an application, particularly for students with lower GPAs. Students should verify test policies directly with their target program, as policies can shift from year to year.
Program-Specific Selectivity
Selectivity varies considerably. The iMSM, with its rolling admissions and monthly starts, is among the most accessible programs in the portfolio. The iMBA is moderately selective but has grown significantly in enrollment, suggesting it admits a broader range of applicants than a traditional top-50 MBA program might. The MCS is more competitive — UIUC’s CS department has enormous demand, and while the online program has expanded access, applicants with weak technical backgrounds may struggle to gain admission. The MSW and MPH, with their in-person components and fall-only starts, tend to be more structured in their admissions cycles.
Application Timelines
Most Coursera-delivered programs (iMBA, iMSA, MCS, MCS-DS) accept applications for fall, spring, and summer starts, with specific deadlines for each cycle. The iMSM operates on a rolling basis with monthly cohort starts. The MSW, MPH, and MEd typically admit for fall only. Deadlines are generally several months before the start of each term. International applicants should plan for additional time for transcript evaluation and English proficiency documentation.
International Applicants
UIUC’s online programs are open to international students. Applicants whose native language is not English typically need to demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or a similar exam, though exemptions may be available for applicants who completed prior degrees at English-medium institutions. Since the programs are fully online (with the exception of MSW field placements and MPH practica), international students do not need a student visa.
Tuition and Cost Overview
UIUC’s cost structure is one of the most talked-about aspects of its online master’s programs — and for good reason. The Coursera-delivered programs, in particular, are priced dramatically below what students would typically pay for credentials from a university of this caliber.
The table below breaks down costs for UIUC’s major online master’s programs where tuition data is published. For programs without published per-credit rates, students should contact the relevant department directly.
| Program | Credits | Per-Credit Cost | Estimated Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMBA | 72 | ~$332 | ~$23,904 | AACSB-accredited. Coursera-delivered. |
| iMSA | 48 | ~$415 | ~$19,920 | AACSB-accredited. CPA pathway. |
| iMSM | 32 | ~$328 | ~$10,496 | AACSB-accredited. Monthly starts. |
| MCS | 32 | ~$670 | ~$21,440 | Top-5 CS department. Coursera-delivered. |
| MCS-DS | 32 | ~$670 | ~$21,440 | Data science specialization. |
| MS/LIS | 40 | Not published | Contact iSchool | #1 ranked LIS program. ALA-accredited. |
| MEd (EPOL) | 32 | Not published | Contact College of Education | Multiple concentrations. |
| MSW | 64 | Not published | Contact School of Social Work | Field placement required. |
| MPH | 42 | Not published | Contact School of Public Health | Practicum required. |
| ME (Engineering) | 32 | Not published | Contact Grainger | Multiple specialization tracks. |
| MS Strategic Brand Communication | 40 | Not published | Contact College of Media | Fully online. |
Cost Context and Interpretation
The Coursera-delivered programs — iMBA, iMSA, iMSM, MCS, and MCS-DS — represent the heart of UIUC’s cost advantage. An iMBA at under $24,000 total from a top-50 business school is roughly one-third to one-quarter the cost of comparable online MBAs from peer institutions. The MCS at $21,440 is more expensive than Georgia Tech’s OMSCS (~$7,000) but less than most other online CS master’s programs from top-ranked departments.
The non-Coursera programs (MSW, MPH, MEd, ME, MS/LIS, MS in Strategic Brand Communication) do not publish the same transparent per-credit pricing. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re expensive, but it does mean prospective students need to do more research to determine actual costs. UIUC’s in-state vs. out-of-state tuition distinctions may apply differently to online programs — this varies by program, and students should confirm with their target department.
Financial Aid
Online students at UIUC are generally eligible for federal financial aid (loans, not typically grants) if they are enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program. Scholarships and assistantships are less commonly available for online students than for on-campus students, particularly in the Coursera-delivered programs. Some employer tuition reimbursement programs cover UIUC’s online degrees, and the low total costs of programs like the iMSM and iMBA may make out-of-pocket payment feasible for students who would otherwise need to borrow.
Hidden Cost Considerations
The published per-credit rates for Coursera-delivered programs are generally what students actually pay — there are no significant hidden fees on top of the stated tuition. However, students should account for technology requirements (a reliable computer and internet connection), any course materials or textbooks, and opportunity costs. The MSW and MPH programs carry additional costs related to field placements and practica, which may include travel, background checks, or site-specific fees.
Visit University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
UIUC’s online master’s programs appear in several OMC rankings that are relevant to prospective students evaluating this university. These rankings provide broader context for how UIUC’s offerings compare across the online master’s landscape.
- Best Online Master’s Programs — UIUC’s portfolio, anchored by the iMBA and MCS, positions it among the strongest overall online master’s providers from a traditional research university.
- Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs — The iMBA, iMSA, and iMSM consistently rank among the most affordable options when measured against institutional prestige. The cost-to-brand-value ratio is one of the best available.
- Best Online MBA Programs — The iMBA’s combination of AACSB accreditation, Gies College of Business brand, and sub-$25,000 total cost makes it a regular feature in competitive MBA rankings.
- Best One-Year Online Master’s Programs — The iMSM and MCS can both be completed in as few as 12 months for full-time students, placing them in contention for students seeking accelerated timelines.
- Best Online Master’s in Data Science — The MCS-DS and the MS/LIS (with its data science concentration) both address the data science space from different angles — one from a CS department, the other from an information-science perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address the most common concerns prospective students have when evaluating UIUC’s online master’s programs.
Yes — in terms of the credential itself. UIUC’s online master’s degrees are conferred by the same colleges and departments as the on-campus versions, carry the same institutional accreditation, and the diploma does not distinguish between online and on-campus completion. An iMBA graduate receives a degree from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, just as an on-campus MBA graduate does. However, the experience of earning the degree is different. The Coursera delivery model, large cohort sizes, and predominantly asynchronous format create a learning environment that is structurally distinct from a small on-campus MBA classroom. The credential is equivalent; the educational experience is not identical.
UIUC’s flagship programs — the iMBA, iMSA, iMSM, MCS, and MCS-DS — are delivered through the Coursera platform. In practice, this means students access lectures as pre-recorded videos, complete assignments that may be auto-graded or peer-reviewed, participate in discussion forums for class interaction, and join occasional live sessions or office hours. The pacing is structured into weekly modules within each course, but much of the work is self-directed. Students log into Coursera (not a university LMS like Canvas) to access all course materials. The platform also hosts the degree’s administrative functions — grade tracking, assignment submission, and peer interaction. Some students find this seamless and efficient; others find it less personal than a traditional online classroom. Not all UIUC online programs use Coursera — the MSW, MPH, MEd, ME, MS/LIS, and MS in Strategic Brand Communication use the university’s own course delivery systems.
Costs vary significantly by program. The Coursera-delivered programs have transparent, published per-credit rates: the iMSM costs approximately $10,500 total, the iMSA approximately $19,900, the MCS and MCS-DS approximately $21,400 each, and the iMBA approximately $23,900. These are among the lowest costs from any top-ranked university for comparable credentials. For programs not delivered through Coursera (MSW, MPH, MEd, ME, MS/LIS, MS in Strategic Brand Communication), tuition rates are less transparently published and should be confirmed with the relevant college or department. Financial aid is available for eligible students, though scholarships and assistantships are less common for online students than for their on-campus counterparts.
The iMBA carries AACSB accreditation from Gies College of Business, which is consistently ranked among the top 50 business schools nationally. The degree itself does not indicate that it was completed online. For most employers, the relevant signals are the institutional name (University of Illinois), the college name (Gies), and the accreditation (AACSB) — all of which are identical to the on-campus credential. That said, employer perceptions of online degrees vary by industry and company. In industries like technology, consulting, and corporate management — where UIUC’s brand is already well-known — the iMBA tends to be received positively. In industries with more traditional hiring practices or where specific MBA program rankings drive recruiting decisions, the conversation may be different. The iMBA’s massive enrollment also means it produces a large number of graduates, which can reduce perceived exclusivity compared to smaller, more selective MBA programs.
Requirements vary by program, but common elements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA (guideline, not hard cutoff), a statement of purpose, a resume or CV, and two to three letters of recommendation. Most programs — including the iMBA, iMSA, iMSM, MCS, and MEd — do not require the GRE or GMAT. Some programs may consider GRE/GMAT scores as optional supplements. The MSW requires specific prerequisite coursework, and the MCS favors applicants with undergraduate CS coursework or demonstrable technical background. Admissions timelines vary: Coursera-delivered programs generally accept applications for fall, spring, and summer; the iMSM uses rolling admissions with monthly starts; and programs like the MSW and MPH admit only for fall.
Yes. UIUC’s online master’s programs accept international applicants, and the Coursera-delivered programs in particular have enrolled students from more than 100 countries. Since the programs are fully online, international students do not need a student visa or F-1 status. Applicants whose native language is not English generally need to demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or a similar exam, though waivers may be available for those who completed prior degrees at English-medium institutions. International applicants should also consider time zone differences for any live sessions, the applicability of a US-accredited credential in their home country’s job market, and whether their employer recognizes US-based online degrees for tuition reimbursement or career advancement purposes.
This is one of the most common comparisons in online CS education, and for good reason — both programs offer master’s-level CS credentials from top-ranked departments at prices far below what most universities charge. Georgia Tech’s OMSCS costs approximately $7,000 total, making it significantly cheaper than UIUC’s MCS at roughly $21,440. Both programs are large-scale, primarily asynchronous, and do not require the GRE. The curricular differences reflect each department’s strengths: Georgia Tech emphasizes machine learning, computing systems, and interactive intelligence through its specialization tracks; UIUC offers concentrations in data science, cloud computing, and machines and languages. Both carry the full weight of their respective institutions’ CS reputations. The choice often comes down to cost sensitivity (Georgia Tech wins on raw price), specific curricular fit (which specializations match your goals), and platform preference (edX vs. Coursera). Neither is objectively better — they serve slightly different needs within the same broad category of elite, affordable online CS education.