Most Affordable Nursing Programs in Illinois (2026)

50 accredited programs ranked by tuition cost. Starting from $14,560.

$14,560
Lowest tuition
$79,690
Avg RN salary in Illinois

Compare Costs & Get Matched in Illinois

Find programs with financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment options.

💡 ROI Reality Check: At an average salary of $79,690/year in Illinois, most nursing programs pay for themselves within 4 months of employment.

Programs Ranked by Tuition (Low to High)

All programs are accredited and approved for NCLEX licensure. Financial aid eligibility varies by program type and accreditation.

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ProgramSchoolDegreeFormatTotal TuitionDurationFinancial Aid
ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)Excelsior UniversityADNOnline$14,56024 moAvailableDetails
MSNLiberty UniversityMSNOnline$19,98024 moAvailableDetails
LPNRasmussen UniversityLPNOn Campus$21,00012 moAvailableDetails
MSN — AdministrationUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonMSNOnline$24,12024 moAvailableDetails
MSN — EducationUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonMSNOnline$24,12024 moAvailableDetails
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerLiberty UniversityMSNOnline$26,64036 moAvailableDetails
BSN CompletionAmerican Public University SystemBSNOnline$27,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPLiberty UniversityDNPOnline$28,62036 moAvailableDetails
BSN — Pre-LicensureAspen UniversityBSNOnline$28,80036 moAvailableDetails
BSN CompletionExcelsior UniversityBSNOnline$30,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPGrand Canyon UniversityDNPOnline$30,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPUniversity of Michigan — FlintDNPOnline$31,10436 moAvailableDetails
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerKeiser UniversityMSNOnline$32,00030 moAvailableDetails
DNPUniversity of CincinnatiDNPHybrid$33,84036 moAvailableDetails
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)Western Governors UniversityBSNOnline$35,70036 moAvailableDetails
ADNRasmussen UniversityADNOn Campus$36,00024 moAvailableDetails
DNPMaryville UniversityDNPOnline$36,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNP — Executive LeadershipPurdue University GlobalDNPOnline$36,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonDNPOnline$36,12036 moAvailableDetails
DNPPenn State World CampusDNPOnline$36,96036 moAvailableDetails
DNPGonzaga UniversityDNPOnline$38,88036 moAvailableDetails
DNPMichigan State UniversityDNPOnline$39,60036 moAvailableDetails
DNPArizona State UniversityDNPHybrid$42,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPUniversity of Illinois ChicagoDNPHybrid$44,00036 moAvailableDetails
BSN — Pre-LicensureNational UniversityBSNOnline$45,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPDrexel UniversityDNPOnline$45,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPChamberlain UniversityDNPOnline$45,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPCapella UniversityDNPOnline$46,80042 moAvailableDetails
BSN CompletionSouthern New Hampshire UniversityBSNOnline$50,40048 moAvailableDetails
DNPWalden UniversityDNPOnline$51,00048 moAvailableDetails
DNPUniversity of PhoenixDNPOnline$51,84036 moAvailableDetails
BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)Joyce University of Nursing and Health SciencesBSNOnline$52,00036 moAvailableDetails
Accelerated BSNArizona College of NursingBSNOn Campus$56,00028 moAvailableDetails
Accelerated BSNRush UniversityBSNOn Campus$58,00016 moAvailableDetails
BSNRasmussen UniversityBSNHybrid$58,00036 moAvailableDetails
BSN (Traditional)University of Illinois ChicagoBSNOn Campus$60,00048 moAvailableDetails
DNPRegis CollegeDNPOnline$60,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPSacred Heart UniversityDNPOnline$65,00036 moAvailableDetails
BSN (Pre-Licensure Hybrid)Chamberlain UniversityBSNHybrid$69,00036 moAvailableDetails
BSN (Pre-Licensure)Chamberlain UniversityBSNOn Campus$69,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPLoyola University ChicagoDNPHybrid$72,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPRush UniversityDNPHybrid$72,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPDePaul UniversityDNPHybrid$73,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPSimmons UniversityDNPOnline$75,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPGeorge Washington UniversityDNPOnline$78,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPJohns Hopkins UniversityDNPOnline$88,00036 moAvailableDetails
DNPUniversity of PennsylvaniaDNPOnline$108,00036 moAvailableDetails
BSN (Traditional)Rush UniversityBSNOn Campus$120,00048 moAvailableDetails
BSN (Traditional)Loyola University ChicagoBSNOn Campus$160,00048 moAvailableDetails
BSN (Traditional)DePaul UniversityBSNOn Campus$180,00048 moAvailableDetails

How to Find Affordable Nursing Programs in Illinois

Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable path to RN licensure, costing 60–80% less than private university BSN programs. Once you have your RN license, many hospitals will pay for you to complete an RN-to-BSN program — making the overall cost even lower.

Illinois residents should investigate state-specific nursing scholarship programs. Many states offer loan forgiveness for nurses who work in rural or underserved areas for 2–4 years after graduation. The National Health Service Corps also offers up to $50,000 in loan repayment for nurses working in qualified shortage areas.

Always compare total program cost — not just per-semester tuition. Include fees, books, uniforms, clinical supplies, and exam fees (NCLEX registration is approximately $200). Some programs advertise low tuition but have high mandatory fees that significantly increase the actual cost.

Related Pages

Best Schools in IllinoisFastest Programs in IllinoisOnline Programs in IllinoisNursing Salary in IllinoisCheapest Online BSN Programs
How much does nursing school cost in Illinois?
Costs vary by credential and institution. In general, LPN certificates and community college ADN programs are the lowest-tuition options; public university BSN programs often cost less for in-state residents than private colleges. RN wages in Illinois average about $79,690 per year (BLS), which helps programs pay for themselves quickly.
What is the most affordable nursing program in Illinois?
Among programs we list with tuition data, the lowest total tuition is about $14,560. Community college ADN pathways often combine the lowest sticker price with a strong NCLEX prep track.
Is financial aid available for nursing programs in Illinois?
Yes. Accredited programs qualify for federal financial aid including Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study. Illinois also offers state nursing scholarships and loan repayment programs for nurses who work in underserved areas. Always fill out the FAFSA before enrolling. Verify requirements with the Illinois Board of Nursing and your school’s financial aid office.
What is the ROI on a nursing degree in Illinois?
At an average RN salary of $79,690 per year in Illinois (BLS occupational data), nursing school often pays back quickly relative to tuition. A $14,560 program breaks even in about 4 months of estimated take-home income from a typical RN wage.
Are affordable nursing programs as good as expensive ones?
Not all expensive programs are better. Look at NCLEX first-time pass rates — community college ADN programs routinely outperform private college programs on this measure. Accreditation (ACEN or CCNE) guarantees a minimum quality standard regardless of price.
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