Skip to main content

Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois (2026)

Compare nurse practitioner pathways available to Illinois nurses — including MSN, RN-to-MSN, and DNP programs — with delivery mode, timeline, and tuition insights.

77

NP Pathway Programs

65

Fully Online

18 mo

Fastest Option

$80K

Avg RN Salary

Match with NP Pathway Programs in Illinois

How This NP Programs List Is Built

Because many schools package NP tracks differently, this page combines MSN, RN-to-MSN, and DNP listings as NP pathways for Illinois. This approach captures the most relevant advanced-practice options without over-filtering out valid programs.

Always confirm that your target specialty (for example FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, or PNP) is currently available and that the curriculum supports your intended certification exam. Specialty availability can vary by campus, cohort, and admissions cycle.

APRN practice rules vary by state. Review current scope-of-practice and licensure requirements through the Illinois Board of Nursing before choosing a program.

NP Pathway Programs Available in Illinois

Includes MSN, RN-to-MSN, and DNP programs that may lead to NP specialization. Current listed tuition range: $13,500 to $108,000.

Format
Degree
Tuition (USD)
Showing 77 of 77 programs
Program info
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerUniversity of PennsylvaniaMSNOnline24 mo$86,000Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerLoyola University ChicagoMSNHybrid30 mo$52,800Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerRush UniversityMSNHybrid24 mo$55,200Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerSimmons UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$67,200Get Info →
MSNLiberty UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$19,980Get Info →
MSN — AdministrationUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonMSNOnline24 mo$24,120Get Info →
MSN — EducationUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonMSNOnline24 mo$24,120Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerKeiser UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$32,000Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerWalden UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$48,150Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerUniversity of CincinnatiMSNHybrid36 mo$22,560Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerIndiana State UniversityMSNHybrid36 mo$23,000Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerJohns Hopkins UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$58,000Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerRegis CollegeMSNOnline30 mo$46,800Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerGrand Canyon UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$30,625Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerUniversity of PhoenixMSNOnline36 mo$46,080Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerLiberty UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$26,640Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerDrexel UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$31,275Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerNational UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$18,000Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerMaryville UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$25,440Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerGeorge Washington UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$72,500Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerMichigan State UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$27,000Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerUniversity of Illinois ChicagoMSNHybrid30 mo$25,300Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerGonzaga UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$24,300Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerDePaul UniversityMSNHybrid24 mo$52,500Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerSacred Heart UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$46,000Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerWest Coast UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$42,000Get Info →
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerJoyce University of Nursing and Health SciencesMSNOnline36 mo$36,000Get Info →
MSN — Health Care Quality & Patient SafetyGrand Canyon UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$22,050Get Info →
MSN — Health Systems AdministrationArizona State UniversityMSNOnline18 mo$18,480Get Info →
MSN — InformaticsUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonMSNOnline24 mo$24,120Get Info →
MSN — Leadership & ManagementWestern Governors UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$18,000Get Info →
MSN — Nurse EducatorUniversity of CincinnatiMSNOnline24 mo$16,920Get Info →
MSN — Nurse EducatorChamberlain UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$30,780Get Info →
MSN — Nurse EducatorCapella UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$27,000Get Info →
MSN — Nurse EducatorWalden UniversityMSNOnline30 mo$40,488Get Info →
MSN — Nurse EducatorGrand Canyon UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$22,050Get Info →
MSN — Nurse EducatorUniversity of Michigan — FlintMSNOnline24 mo$20,736Get Info →
MSN — Nurse Practitioner (FNP)Chamberlain UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$40,020Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationLoyola University ChicagoMSNOnline24 mo$39,600Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationIndiana State UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$18,000Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationFlorida State UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$18,000Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationRegis CollegeMSNOnline24 mo$35,100Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationGonzaga UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$19,440Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationDrexel UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$25,020Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationNational UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$13,500Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationHerzing UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$21,000Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationUniversity of PennsylvaniaMSNOnline24 mo$72,000Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationMaryville UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$19,080Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationChamberlain UniversityMSNOnline24 mo$30,780Get Info →
MSN — Nursing AdministrationPenn State World CampusMSNOnline24 mo$27,720Get Info →
RN to MSNCapella UniversityRN-MSNOnline36 mo$32,400Get Info →
DNPChamberlain UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$45,000Get Info →
DNPSimmons UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$75,000Get Info →
DNPCapella UniversityDNPOnline42 mo$46,800Get Info →
DNPJohns Hopkins UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$88,000Get Info →
DNPGrand Canyon UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$30,000Get Info →
DNPLiberty UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$28,620Get Info →
DNPRegis CollegeDNPOnline36 mo$60,000Get Info →
DNPUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonDNPOnline36 mo$36,120Get Info →
DNPWalden UniversityDNPOnline48 mo$51,000Get Info →
DNPUniversity of Michigan — FlintDNPOnline36 mo$31,104Get Info →
DNPSacred Heart UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$65,000Get Info →
DNPUniversity of Illinois ChicagoDNPHybrid36 mo$44,000Get Info →
DNPUniversity of PhoenixDNPOnline36 mo$51,840Get Info →
DNPUniversity of CincinnatiDNPHybrid36 mo$33,840Get Info →
DNPArizona State UniversityDNPHybrid36 mo$42,000Get Info →
DNPPenn State World CampusDNPOnline36 mo$36,960Get Info →
DNPDePaul UniversityDNPHybrid36 mo$73,000Get Info →
DNPDrexel UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$45,000Get Info →
DNPGeorge Washington UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$78,000Get Info →
DNPGonzaga UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$38,880Get Info →
DNPLoyola University ChicagoDNPHybrid36 mo$72,000Get Info →
DNPMaryville UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$36,000Get Info →
DNPRush UniversityDNPHybrid36 mo$72,000Get Info →
DNPMichigan State UniversityDNPOnline36 mo$39,600Get Info →
DNPUniversity of PennsylvaniaDNPOnline36 mo$108,000Get Info →
DNP — Executive LeadershipPurdue University GlobalDNPOnline36 mo$36,000Get Info →
How long do nurse practitioner programs take in Illinois?
Most nurse practitioner pathways available to Illinois nurses take 24 to 48 months depending on entry point and enrollment pace. MSN NP tracks often run 24–36 months, RN-to-MSN tracks can run 30–48 months, and DNP NP tracks often run 36–48 months. The shortest NP-pathway program currently listed for Illinois is 18 months.
What do NP programs cost in Illinois?
Among NP-pathway programs listed for Illinois, tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs at public universities may be less expensive for in-state residents, while private and accelerated pathways usually cost more.
Can I complete an NP program online in Illinois?
Yes. Many programs available to Illinois students use online or hybrid delivery for didactic coursework. 65 fully online options are listed in our current results, with 12 hybrid options. Clinical and practicum requirements must still be completed in-person at approved sites.
What are common admission requirements for NP programs in Illinois?
Most NP pathways require an active unencumbered RN license, accredited prior nursing degree (BSN for MSN tracks, or MSN for post-master's DNP), minimum GPA (often 3.0), professional references, resume/CV, and personal statement. Some programs request 1–2 years of RN experience before clinical-track admission.
Does Illinois require a DNP to become a nurse practitioner?
In most states, including Illinois, a DNP is not universally required to practice as an NP. Many NPs enter practice through MSN preparation and national certification. DNP training may improve leadership, systems, and quality-improvement competencies and can strengthen competitiveness for higher-level clinical and administrative roles.
How should I verify NP specialty tracks for programs in Illinois?
Specialty track availability (FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, etc.) can change by cohort and year. Use this page as a shortlist, then confirm current specialty offerings, certification eligibility, and clinical placement policy directly with each school before applying.
Is becoming an NP worth it in Illinois?
For many nurses, yes. RNs in Illinois earn an average of $79,690 annually (BLS May 2023). Advanced-practice roles often command significantly higher earnings, and demand for advanced nursing roles remains strong. The strongest ROI usually comes from programs aligned with your intended specialty and realistic financing plan.
Free Program Matching

Get Matched with Accredited Nursing Programs

Tell us your zip code and program preference, and we’ll connect you with top nursing schools that match your goals — tuition budget, schedule, and location.

Takes 30 seconds — completely freeCompare tuition, accreditation, and program lengthNo spam — only programs that fit your criteria

Find Programs Near You

Enter your details to see matching programs.

Free. No obligation. No spam.

Explore Nursing in Illinois

All Programs in IllinoisFastest ProgramsMost AffordableOnline ProgramsFor Working AdultsHow to Become a NurseNursing Shortage & OutlookLPN to RN ProgramsRN to BSN ProgramsAccelerated BSNMSN ProgramsDNP ProgramsCRNA ProgramsNCLEX Pass RatesAdmission RequirementsLicense RequirementsRN Salary Data

Nearby States

IndianaIowaKentuckyMissouriWisconsin

We use cookies and similar technologies to understand how visitors use our site and to improve your experience. See our Privacy Policy for details. You can update your preferences at any time via Cookie Preferences in the footer.