PhD recipients stand out as valued specialists and trusted experts in their fields. If you’re an experienced working professional in education, nursing, or technology, a doctorate can expand your skills and qualify you for advanced roles in administration, research, and many other areas. These advanced positions come with greater responsibility, higher pay, and room for growth.
This guide to PhD programs in Illinois can help you explore your options, whether you’re a seasoned industry professional, a current student looking to continue your studies, or somewhere in between. It overviews available online and campus-based programs highlights standout schools for 2024 and looks at some benefits you’ll gain with a doctorate.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Illinois for 2024
Standout PhD programs in Illinois look different depending on the specific field, academic background, and career goals, making categories like “best” hard to quantify at the doctoral level. Using metrics like high-caliber programming, flexibility, and overall price tag, three top-rated schools offering a range of quality doctoral programs across the disciplines stand out in Illinois for 2024. These courses of study deliver high-caliber programming with flexible study options with a reasonable overall price tag.
Northwestern University
A private research institution located north of Chicago, Northwestern University is the oldest chartered institution in Illinois and serves more than 20,000 students each year. Its graduate school of arts and sciences administers over 25 campus-based PhD and doctoral programs. Aspiring scholars and researchers in the humanities can earn their degrees in fields like African American studies, philosophy, communications, and religious studies. In professional studies and the hard sciences, degree-seekers can obtain doctorates in subjects like audiology, finance and accounting, computer science, health sciences, management and marketing, and plant biology. Northwestern also extends a unique, integrated JD-PhD program designed for students interested in becoming law school faculty. Most doctoral students at Northwestern receive a competitive stipend and full funding for at least five years of study.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Graduate students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can choose from nearly 100 PhD programs encompassing engineering and economics, anthropology, astronomy, business administration, education, computer science, comparative literature, English, economics, informatics, and more. Each of these programs entails residential requirements and delivers program content using in-person learning tools.
The University of Illinois’ flagship institution offers online doctoral programs in diversity and equity, global studies, human resource development, learning design, and international education administration for those interested in virtual learning. Each of these programs results in an EdD and prepares students for leadership roles in K-12 settings.
More than 75% of graduate students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign receive financial aid, including fellowships and teaching or research assistantships. The school also offers professional development and career advancement resources to help degree-seekers successfully navigate their job search after graduation.
Loyola University
One of the largest Catholic-affiliated institutions in the U.S., Loyola University Chicago offers nearly 150 graduate and professional courses of study, including 27 campus-based PhD and doctoral programs. Qualified students can earn the highest academic degree available by selecting specializations in the arts and sciences, health sciences, education, nursing, and social work. Individual degree options include doctorates in chemistry, child development, history, psychology, neuroscience and microbiology, counseling, and theology. Loyola is also home to several dual degree programs in law, political science, and medicine, each of which results in a PhD.
Individual financial aid packages vary by field, but many graduate students at Loyola receive some form of aid, a stipend, and health insurance. Additional resources include conference travel funding, research mentoring programs, and career readiness tools.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Illinois
You probably already have a clear sense of what field or discipline you want to focus on in your PhD studies, but what program type is best for helping you achieve your goals with minimal disruption? The best doctoral programs in Illinois offer multiple options and pathways to earn your degree. Learn more about these different program types below.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Illinois
The most popular and prominent program type, full-time PhD programs in Illinois, provides a traditional path to degree attainment in various fields. Students begin with several semesters of coursework, typically followed by a sequence of comprehensive examinations. Candidates then produce original dissertation projects and complete oral defenses. Most schools offer this program type, including public colleges within the University of Illinois System and private institutions like McKendree University.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Illinois
Many schools discourage part-time doctoral work because of the rigors of study and the demands traditional programming often places on candidates. However, some universities offer clear pathways to accommodate applicants seeking to earn their doctorate at a slower pace. Part-time PhD programs are a great way for working professionals to maintain their current career trajectory as they hone their expertise and build new skills. Examples include the Management Science and Public Administration programs at Illinois Tech and the University of Illinois Chicago.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Illinois
While not a universal norm, full funding is a key feature of most top-ranked PhD programs in Illinois. Colleges and universities with quality doctoral programs recognize that the commitment involves more than focused intellectual effort alone. Without robust support, even the most reasonably priced programs can create financial stress, especially for full-time degree-seekers unable to draw a steady income. Reputable doctoral programs at renowned schools like Northwestern and the University of Chicago offer full funding packages that include competitive stipends to help cover living expenses.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Illinois
No-GRE doctorates may not be as popular as those at the master’s level, but some options are still available for aspiring PhD candidates. Sometimes this involves an option to waive the GRE or replace it with a different requirement. In other cases, schools may drop the GRE entirely. This is the case for the social work and behavior analysis programs at the University of Illinois Chicago and the Chicago School of Psychology.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Illinois
Accelerated doctoral programs offer an intensive and competitive pathway to obtain your PhD on an expedited timeline. In Illinois, this typically means entering a program in a field where you’ve already earned a degree or completed a similar set of requirements. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, for example, qualified applicants can pursue an accelerated geography doctorate and earn an additional graduate degree along the way. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale offers a similar program in mechanical engineering for applicants who already possess a graduate degree.
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Illinois
Currently, there are only PhD programs with dissertations available in Illinois. Prospective degree-seekers can expect to complete a dissertation project of some sort when earning their doctorate. Specific requirements and criteria vary by school.
In-Demand Doctoral and PhD Programs in Illinois
Computer Science
Ideal for students with a background in computer science and strong quantitative reasoning skills, a PhD in computer science develops expertise in advanced programming, statistical modeling, and software engineering, among others. Specializations include data analytics, robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Graduates typically advance their careers as academics (i.e., scholars and professors) or industry professionals (e.g., researchers, corporate consultants, and data scientists).
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Nursing
Doctoral programs in Illinois focused on nursing help experienced RNs rise to the highest levels of practice in the healthcare industry. These programs typically result in a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and most candidates focus on areas that reflect broader needs and employment trends. Available concentrations encompass gerontology, pediatrics, anesthesiology, nursing leadership, and family nurse practitioner.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Economics
Research-minded individuals interested in advanced economic theory, political economy, and finance can hone their expertise by pursuing a PhD in economics. Graduates qualify for a variety of high-level roles in academia, industry, and governmental organizations. Topics and areas of specialization span econometrics and game theory, developmental economics, quantitative research methods, policy analysis, and market exchange.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Education
In Illinois, recipients of a doctorate in education often become academic administrators, school principals or superintendents, instructional designers, deans, and learning officers. Depending on your goals, these programs result in either a PhD or an EdD and typically focus on areas like educational leadership, educational policy, psychology, technology, and curriculum design. The degree equips candidates for leadership positions in secondary and postsecondary contexts.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Psychology
Doctoral psychology programs allow candidates to advance their careers as experts in a chosen subfield, whether it’s forensic psychology, counseling, clinical or developmental psychology, or neuroscience. Most psychology PhD programs in Illinois focus on research and teaching or clinical practice, and some extend different degree pathways that correlate with this traditional division. Prospective students often need some background or experience in psychology.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Earning Your Online PhD or Professional Doctorate in Illinois
Hybrid and online PhD programs in Illinois tend to cluster around disciplines like education and nursing. These programs often attract working professionals looking to balance advanced study with on-the-job responsibilities. Greater flexibility in program pacing and delivery allows for this and helps candidates obtain the skills and knowledge they need to advance with fewer professional interruptions.
For instance, qualified RNs can earn a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Illinois Chicago. The program allows part-time enrollment – a rarity for some other programs – and delivers all coursework entirely online. Blended and in-person components include clinical placements and other capstone requirements.
Fully online PhD programs in Illinois take a different approach. There are no in-person requirements whatsoever, and students progress through their programs using remote tools within synchronous or asynchronous learning environments. The education programs at Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offer good examples of what you can expect in a fully online PhD program.
Browse our list of top-rated Illinois colleges below to find a quality online doctoral program that works with your schedule, budget, and professional goals.
Best Online Doctoral Programs in Illinois for 2024
For people looking to step into a leadership role in the education, healthcare, business, or nonprofit sectors, Olivet Nazarene University has an ethical leadership doctoral program. This fully online degree provides an understanding of how competent and ethical leadership contributes to the well-being of an organization and best positions the organization for change. Although students aren't required to come to campus, Olivet Nazarene University has created a highly supportive environment that allows them to thrive. In addition to interactive discussions among students and networking opportunities with community leaders, the school also provides online tutoring and individual services to help students succeed.
Program Highlights:
EdD in Ethical Leadership
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $700/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
With more than 200 fully online courses and 62 hybrid courses, Governors State University understands the importance of offering distance learning opportunities to its students. The school strives to provide the flexibility adult learners need, no matter what other responsibilities they have, so their personal life doesn't have to get in the way of their academic aspirations. Governors State University offers online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including a doctorate in interdisciplinary leadership that allows you to concentrate in higher education administration, the superintendent path for grades P-12, and nonprofit and social entrepreneurship leadership. This program is right for you if you're an educator or nonprofit leader who wants to learn advanced theories to help you make tough decisions driven by data analysis and gain the foresight needed for effective planning.
Program Highlights:
EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $477/credit hour in-state; $955/credit hour credit out-of-state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Educational Leadership Constituent Council
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
Lewis University offers a variety of fully online graduate and undergraduate programs in disciplines like criminal justice, organizational leadership, and aviation and transportation. Students enrolled in these programs access course material through the Blackboard learning management system, which is a repository for all class content, including the syllabus, assignments, and tests. If you need help navigating the technology, there's a service desk ready to support you. If you're a nurse interested in earning a terminal degree, the school offers a nursing practice doctorate. You will take advanced courses in healthcare policy, research design and measurement, and financial and strategic management. In addition, the program requires a project where students do a deep dive into a nursing topic to demonstrate their understanding of course material.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $795/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
Online education is nothing new for the University of St. Francis. Since it launched its first online business degree program two decades ago, the school has been among the pioneers for providing education online. Today, over 1,500 St. Francis students enroll in about 120 online classes offered by the school and earn degrees virtually, whether they're graduate or undergraduate students. For those interested in earning a doctorate online, St. Francis has degrees in nursing and education. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed for students who want to provide advanced care in various settings and those who aspire to become educators to train the next generation of nurses. The Doctor of Education in educational leadership is tailored for students who want to pursue managerial positions in schools or community organizations.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $699/credit
- Mode: Partially or fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 40
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $799/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
Concordia University-Chicago offers dozens of online degrees in disciplines ranging from business administration to special education to human resources management. Like the degree programs offered on campus, the online education provided by the school is based on its Lutheran principles, so courses weave the tenets of integrity and faith into their content. Students interested in doctoral programs have several to choose from, including the doctorate in exercise science, which is an accelerated program offered entirely online. To provide maximum flexibility for working professionals, the program is offered on an asynchronous basis. This allows students to work at their own pace while still having the opportunity to regularly communicate with their classmates and professors. Another online doctoral program, Concordia's doctorate in business administration, is designed for experienced professionals who want to enhance both their business and research skills to best tackle the real-world challenges they face.
Program Highlights:
Doctorate in Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $963/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Leadership PhD
- Credits: 67
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $753/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Doctorate in Exercise Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $775/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio12
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio21
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio19
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio19
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio20
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio19
Where to Get Help Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree in Illinois
PhD programs in Illinois recognize the demands advanced study place on your time and finances. As a result, most offer some form of financial aid to lessen the burden and defray costs. Options include traditional scholarships and grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and research assistantships.
Some schools extend full-funding packages that cover tuition and entail a stipend to help with living expenses, including health insurance in some cases. Illinois-based institutions like Northwestern and the University of Chicago offer aid of this type.
Other programs, like the ones at Loyola and the University of Illinois Chicago, take a different approach. They provide partial or limited funding based on departmental resources and the strength of your application materials. In this context, aid could involve scholarships or assistantships, grants, external funding, or some combination of these. See this guide to PhD financial aid for more information.
Illinois Doctorate Holders’ Income: How Much Do They Earn?
Earnings potential for PhD holders in Illinois reflects broader trends in salary and their correlation with educational attainment. As data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows, working professionals with a doctorate see higher earnings and lower unemployment rates than their peers with bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
As the table below indicates, roles available to graduates with PhDs in Illinois often see median earnings that reach or exceed six figures. This is especially the case for in-demand fields like computer science and information research, economics, healthcare, and psychology.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Research Scientist | PhD in Computer Science | $109,810 | $178,410 |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | $105,980 | $208,00 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | PhD in Family and Consumer Science Education | $129,580 | $182,730 |
| Historian | PhD in History | $61,340 | $80,410 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $122,960 | $141,200 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy | $149,730 | $122,370 |
| Physicist | PhD in Physics | $136,600 | $174,950 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology | $101,600 | $130,050 |
| School Principal/Administrator | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $98,600 | $149,730 |
| Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist | PhD in Biology | $61,780 | $100,440 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021