Master's in nursing
MSN Programs in Illinois
122 accredited MSN programs enroll Illinois nurses, 11 of them from schools based in Illinois. The lowest listed total tuition is $9,720, and the shortest program takes 18 months.
- Programs available
- 122
- 113 fully online · 8 hybrid
- Based in Illinois
- 11
- Programs from in-state schools
- NP median pay
- $129,210
- National, BLS May 2024
Illinois has 122 accredited MSN and RN-to-MSN programs in the MyNursingSchools directory, 113 of them fully online. Most MSN programs take 18–36 months post-BSN; the fastest option listed for Illinois is 18 months. Listed total tuition ranges from $9,720 to $86,000. Illinois RNs earn an average of $91,130 (BLS); the national median for nurse practitioners was $129,210 (BLS May 2024). MSN-prepared nurses qualify for advanced-practice, education, leadership, and informatics roles unavailable at the BSN level. NP tracks require CCNE or ACEN accreditation plus ANCC/AANP board certification for APRN licensure.
Programs accepting applications
MSN Programs Available in Illinois
122 accredited programs — 113 fully online, 8 hybrid — including online programs from other states that enroll Illinois nurses.
Sponsored · Advertiser disclosure
Free info packetsNo obligationAccredited programs only
Sponsored · Disclosure
American Public University System
APUS's CCNE-accredited online BSN-to-MSN in Community and Public Health prepares BSN-holding nurses for advanced community and public health nursing roles. Covers population health management, inform…
American Public University System
APUS's CCNE-accredited online BSN-to-MSN in Nurse Educator prepares BSN-holding nurses for teaching roles at community colleges, universities, or as clinical nurse educators. Includes on-site practic…
North Park University
North Park University's Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing is an on-ground, 20-month prelicensure program in Chicago for career changers who hold a bachelor's degree in another field. It runs…
Liberty University
Liberty University's MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program is designed for nurses looking to advance their careers with a master's degree. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Administration program offers a comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings. Delivered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be com…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Education program prepares you to become a nursing educator in academic or clinical settings. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, offering flex…
Sacred Heart University
The online MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for registered nurses aiming for advanced practice roles. Over 30 months, you'll complete 46 credits, gaining the skills necessary to pr…
George Washington University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at George Washington University prepares you for advanced practice in family-focused healthcare. This 100% online program consists of 50 credits and can be…
Rush University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid program that combines online and on-campus learning. With 46 credits over 24 months, you will gain advanced clinical skills and knowledge neces…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
University of Pennsylvania
The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a 100% online format, allowing you to earn your degree in just 24 months. With 43 credits, this program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to…
Walden University
Walden University's online BSN-to-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner specialization is 58 quarter credits, including 640 supervised practicum hours. Tuition is $785 per quarter credit, or $45,530 at the m…
Regis College
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles with a focus on family care. Offered 100% online, this 48-credit program can be completed in 30 months, pr…
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University's MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles. This fully online program consists of 45 credits and can be completed in 30 months, maki…
DePaul University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program combines online and on-campus learning to prepare you for advanced practice roles. This 45-credit hybrid program can be completed in 24 months, offering yo…
Loyola University Chicago
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program combines online and campus learning, allowing you to earn your degree in 30 months. This 48-credit program is designed for registered nurses seeking advanc…
Michigan State University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Michigan State University is a fully online course designed for registered nurses looking to specialize in family healthcare. This 45-credit program can…
Indiana State University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Indiana State University is an online degree that prepares you for advanced practice nursing. Over 36 months, you will earn 46 credits, gaining the know…
Simmons University
The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 100% online degree consisting of 48 credits, designed to be completed in 36 months. This program is ideal for registered nurses looking to advance the…
Johns Hopkins University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Johns Hopkins University offers a fully online curriculum that prepares you to provide comprehensive healthcare. This 24-month program requires 43 credi…
University of Illinois Chicago
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid degree that combines online and on-campus learning over 30 months. This 46-credit program prepares you to provide comprehensive healthcare as a…
National University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at National University equips you with advanced clinical skills and knowledge. This 48-credit program is delivered 100% online and can be completed in 30 m…
Grand Canyon University
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
Drexel University
Drexel's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you for advanced practice nursing with a focus on family care. This 100% online program consists of 45 credits and can be finished in 30 months, per…
University of Cincinnati
The MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner at UC is designed for registered nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Offered 100% online, this program requires 48 credits and can be completed in 36 months,…
Maryville University
Maryville University's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you for an advanced role in healthcare with a comprehensive 100% online curriculum. This 48-credit program can be completed in 30 mont…
Grand Canyon University
The MSN in Health Care Quality & Patient Safety at GCU is delivered entirely online and focuses on improving healthcare outcomes. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, making it a gre…
Arizona State University
The MSN in Health Systems Administration program at Arizona State University prepares you for leadership roles in nursing and healthcare management. This fully online program spans 30 credits and can…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Informatics program focuses on the integration of technology in nursing practice, preparing you for a vital role in healthcare data management. This 36-credit program is offered online and…
Western Governors University
WGU's MSN in Leadership & Management prepares you to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings. Offered entirely online, this program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, prov…
Capella University
The MSN — Nurse Educator program prepares you to become an effective nursing educator. Offered entirely online, this 45-credit program can be completed in 30 months, equipping you with the skills to…
University of Cincinnati
If you aspire to shape the future of nursing, the MSN in Nurse Educator program at the University of Cincinnati is perfect for you. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be completed…
Walden University
The MSN - Nurse Educator program at Walden University equips you with the skills to teach future generations of nurses. This 42-credit degree can be completed in 30 months, entirely online, making it…
Grand Canyon University
GCU’s MSN in Nurse Educator program is a 100% online degree designed for nurses who aspire to teach and mentor future healthcare professionals. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, o…
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain’s MSN — Nurse Educator program is a 100% online pathway for nurses aiming to teach the next generation. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, equipping you with the skills…
University of Michigan — Flint
The MSN — Nurse Educator program prepares you for a vital role in nursing education. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it an ideal choice for t…
Chamberlain University
The MSN — Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is fully online and designed for registered nurses looking to specialize. With 47 credits and a duration of 36 months, this program prepares you to provide…
Gonzaga University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at Gonzaga University equips you with essential skills for leadership roles in healthcare. This 100% online program requires 36 credits and can be completed i…
Drexel University
Drexel's MSN in Nursing Administration prepares you for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. This 100% online program includes 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it ide…
Regis College
The MSN — Nursing Administration program equips you with the leadership skills needed for administrative roles in healthcare settings. This 36-credit, fully online program can be completed in 24 mont…
National University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at National University is designed for RNs looking to move into leadership positions. This 36-credit online program can be completed in 24 months, providing t…
University of Texas at Arlington
UT Arlington's online RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares registered nurses to manage chronic conditions in adult and older patients in primary care, ambulatory, tele…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track lets registered nurses with a diploma, associate degree or non-nursing bachelor's degree earn an MSN without a separate BSN. It is 84 quarter…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Nursing Education track is 79 quarter credits: 26 RN foundational credits at $435 per quarter credit and 53 MSN credits at $505, or $38,075 in tuition at the minimum time to…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics track is 79 quarter credits: 26 RN foundational credits at $435 per quarter credit and 53 MSN credits at $505, or $38,075 in tuition at the minimum time…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care track lets registered nurses with a diploma, associate degree or non-nursing bachelor's degree earn an MSN without a separate…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Public Health Nursing track is 79 quarter credits: 26 RN foundational credits at $435 per quarter credit and 53 MSN credits at $505, or $38,075 in tuition at the minimum tim…
Capella University
The RN to MSN program serves as a bridge for RNs seeking to advance directly to a Master of Science in Nursing. This 60-credit, 100% online program can be completed in 36 months, allowing you to elev…
American Public University System
APUS's CCNE-accredited online RN-to-MSN in Community and Public Health provides a streamlined pathway for diploma/ADN nurses to earn both a BSN and MSN. Students substitute three BSN courses for MSN…
American Public University System
APUS's CCNE-accredited online RN-to-MSN in Nurse Educator prepares diploma/ADN nurses to earn both a BSN and MSN while developing advanced skills in curriculum design, assessment, and clinical educat…
American Public University System
APUS's CCNE-accredited online RN-to-MSN in Nurse Leader prepares diploma/ADN nurses to earn both a BSN and MSN with a focus on healthcare leadership, management, and organizational change. Includes a…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track lets registered nurses with a diploma, associate degree or non-nursing bachelor's degree earn an MSN without a separate…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track lets registered nurses with a diploma, associate degree or non-nursing bachelor's degree earn an MSN without a separa…
University of Texas at Arlington
UT Arlington's online RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner takes registered nurses from an ADN or diploma through the BSN to the MSN in one program. It is 81 credit hours, can be completed in as few a…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Nurse Executive track is 79 quarter credits: 26 RN foundational credits at $435 per quarter credit and 53 MSN credits at $505, or $38,075 in tuition at the minimum time to c…
Walden University
Walden's online RN-to-MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track lets registered nurses with a diploma, associate degree or non-nursing bachelor's degree earn an MSN without a separate BS…
Showing 65 of 122 programs. Compare online MSN programs by specialty →
Based in Illinois
MSN programs from Illinois schools
11 programs from schools whose main campus is in Illinois, cheapest first. NP tracks need local clinical preceptors, so ask each school how it places students.
University of Illinois Chicago
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner
Show 6 more from Illinois schools
Chamberlain University
The MSN — Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is fully online and designed for registered nurses looking to specialize. With 47 credits and a duration of 36 months, this program prepares you to provide…
DePaul University
The MSN — Nursing Leadership program is offered entirely online, making it ideal for busy professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills in nursing. This 36-credit program can be completed…
DePaul University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program combines online and on-campus learning to prepare you for advanced practice roles. This 45-credit hybrid program can be completed in 24 months, offering yo…
Loyola University Chicago
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program combines online and campus learning, allowing you to earn your degree in 30 months. This 48-credit program is designed for registered nurses seeking advanc…
Rush University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid program that combines online and on-campus learning. With 46 credits over 24 months, you will gain advanced clinical skills and knowledge neces…
North Park University
North Park University's Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing is an on-ground, 20-month prelicensure program in Chicago for career changers who hold a bachelor's degree in another field. It runs…
Looking for an MSN you can finish while working in Illinois?
Tell us your ZIP and when you want to start. We'll show accredited programs accepting applications for that start date.
We don’t ask for your name, email, or phone. Leave ZIP blank and we’ll use your approximate location. Results include sponsored partner listings, labeled as such.
Why an MSN Is the Next Step for Illinois BSN Nurses
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the gateway credential for advanced-practice nursing roles. In Illinois, MSN-prepared nurses fill roles that BSN-only nurses cannot — nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nursing administration, nursing educator, and informatics positions.
Illinois RNs earn an average of $91,130 per year (BLS, May 2024). The national median for nurse practitioners was $129,210 over the same period, and leadership, education and informatics roles open up at the MSN level as well.
MSN programs are typically structured around the working nurse — asynchronous online didactic content, weekend or evening live sessions, and clinical practicums arranged at the student's workplace or a partner facility. Most full-time RNs complete an MSN in 24–36 months while continuing to work.
Common MSN Specialty Tracks
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Primary care across the lifespan; the largest NP specialty by enrollment. Strong demand in both urban and rural settings.
Adult-Gerontology NP (AGNP)
Acute or primary care for adolescents, adults, and older adults. Splits into Acute Care (AGACNP) and Primary Care (AGPCNP) tracks.
Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Diagnose and prescribe for mental health conditions across the lifespan. One of the fastest-growing and best-compensated NP specialties.
Pediatric NP
Acute or primary care for infants through adolescents. Concentrated demand in urban metro areas with large pediatric populations.
Nurse Educator
Teach in nursing schools or hospital staff-development roles. Critical to addressing the nursing shortage by training future RNs.
Nursing Administration / Leadership
Prepares nurses for charge, manager, director, and CNO roles. Often combined with an MBA or MHA depending on career goals.
Nursing Informatics
Bridges clinical practice and health IT — EHR optimization, data analytics, decision support. Growing demand as hospitals expand digital infrastructure.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Expert clinician role focused on a specific population, setting, or disease. Less common than NP but valued in specialty units.
How to Choose an MSN Program in Illinois
Specialty Track Alignment
Decide on a specialty before choosing a program. NP tracks have specific accreditation and certification requirements; non-clinical tracks (education, informatics) have different prerequisite paths. Switching tracks mid-program adds time and cost.
Accreditation
Verify CCNE or ACEN accreditation. NP tracks must also meet criteria recognized by ANCC and AANP for board certification eligibility. Non-accredited programs will block Illinois licensure for advanced practice.
Clinical Placement Support
For NP and CNS tracks, ask whether the program guarantees clinical placement or makes you find your own preceptors. Illinois students choosing online programs from out-of-state schools should confirm placement support is available locally.
State Authorization & APRN Licensure
Confirm the program is authorized to enroll Illinois students and that its NP curriculum meets Illinois APRN licensure requirements. SARA covers most states for didactic content; APRN scope rules are state-specific.
Total Cost & Employer Support
Total tuition for MSN programs listed for Illinois runs from $9,720 to $86,000. Many Illinois hospital systems offer tuition reimbursement for MSN coursework, so ask your employer before you enroll.
Cohort Format & Schedule
Compare asynchronous online vs. cohort-paced vs. hybrid weekend formats. Working RNs benefit most from asynchronous coursework with predictable workloads; cohort formats build peer networks valuable for career-long mentorship.
How long does an MSN program take in Illinois?
How much does an MSN cost in Illinois?
What MSN specialties can I pursue in Illinois?
Can I do an MSN online in Illinois?
Is an MSN worth it for nurses in Illinois?
Do I need a BSN before applying to an MSN program in Illinois?
How does Illinois regulate Nurse Practitioner practice?
Illinois Nursing License Information
RN Renewal Cycle
2 years
RN CE Hours Required
20 hours
RN NLC Compact
No — single-state license
APRN (NP, CNS) licensure is separate from RN licensure and not currently part of the NLC compact. Source: Illinois Board of Nursing
Compare nursing programs in Illinois
- Most affordable programs in Illinois
- All nursing programs in Illinois
- Online nursing programs in IllinoisPrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in IllinoisPrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in IllinoisSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in Illinois
- ADN programs in IllinoisAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in IllinoisFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.