Best Nursing Programs in Illinois (2026)
Compare 178 accredited nursing programs across 41 schools in Illinois. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.
178
Programs
41
Schools
$79,690
Avg RN Salary
12 mo
Fastest Program
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023
How to choose a nursing program in Illinois
Illinois is not a compact state, so nurses planning regional mobility will need separate licenses unless practice stays within Illinois. Chicago anchors most of the program capacity and the hospital job market, but Peoria, Springfield, and Quad Cities markets differ meaningfully. Prerequisite science grading is heavily weighted in Illinois admissions, and retaking a low science grade is often cheaper than reapplying repeatedly.
Key takeaways
- Illinois is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact state — license in Illinois directly, or via endorsement from another state.
- Chicago hospital systems (Northwestern, Rush, UChicago, Advocate Health, Loyola) are aggressively BSN-preferred at entry.
- City Colleges of Chicago and other community college ADN programs are the lowest-cost reliable route — but competitive.
- Illinois admissions weight prerequisite science GPA heavily; retake a C in chemistry or anatomy before reapplying.
- Online RN-to-BSN with multiple start dates per year suits Illinois shift workers — verify Illinois state authorization.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- No — license in this state directly or via endorsement.
- CE at renewal
- 20 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $79,690 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (community college ADN).
All Nursing Programs in Illinois
Partner matches load first for your filters; the directory below stays in sync and hides schools already shown in the partner strip. Sort by tuition, duration, or school.
Sponsored · Disclosure
Rush University
Rush University's Accelerated BSN program is a fast-paced, 80-credit program that can be completed in just 16 months. Designed for those who already hold a bachelor's degree, this on-campus program a…
Arizona College of Nursing
Accelerated BSN. On Campus format.
Excelsior University
The ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program at Excelsior University is delivered 100% online, making it ideal for those seeking flexibility in their education. This 60-credit program can be complet…
Western Governors University
WGU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program prepares you for a successful nursing career. This 100% online program requires 124 credits and can be completed in about 36 months, provi…
Aspen University
Aspen University’s BSN — Pre-Licensure program offers a pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 120-credit program is fully online and can be completed in 36 months, makin…
National University
National University's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive pre-licensure pathway that prepares you for a successful nursing career. Offered entirely online, this 120-credit…
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain's BSN (Pre-Licensure Hybrid) program combines online learning with on-campus experiences. Over 36 months, you will complete 120 credits, allowing for flexibility while gaining essential n…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
BSN (Pre-Licensure Online). Online format.
Chamberlain University
The on-campus BSN (Pre-Licensure) program provides a comprehensive education for those entering the nursing field. Over 36 months, you will complete 120 credits in a supportive learning environment,…
DePaul University
The Traditional BSN program at DePaul University is designed for students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered on-campus, this 120-credit program spans 48 months, providing you with th…
Loyola University Chicago
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Loyola University Chicago is a traditional on-campus program designed to prepare you for a career in nursing. Over 48 months, you will complete 120 credits…
Rush University
The Traditional BSN program at Rush University is a 120-credit, on-campus program designed to be completed in 48 months. This program prepares you to become a registered nurse with a solid foundation…
University of Illinois Chicago
The Traditional BSN program at UIC is a four-year, on-campus degree designed to equip you with essential nursing skills and knowledge. With 120 credits, you will receive a strong foundation in nursin…
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive online degree designed for those starting their nursing journey. This 120-credit program takes approximately 48 months to comple…
Excelsior University
The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) completion program at Excelsior University is available 100% online, allowing you to earn your degree on your schedule. This 120-credit program can be finishe…
American Public University System
The BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum for individuals pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 36-month program requires 120 credits, allowing you to bal…
Michigan State University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Michigan State University provides a comprehensive online curriculum for advanced nursing practice. This 36-credit program can be completed in 36 month…
Johns Hopkins University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Johns Hopkins University is offered entirely online, allowing you to balance your studies with professional commitments. This 36-month program requires…
Sacred Heart University
The DNP program at Sacred Heart University is a 100% online degree designed for nursing professionals seeking leadership roles. Over 36 months, you will complete 36 credits, focusing on clinical expe…
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University's DNP program is designed for nursing professionals seeking the highest level of clinical practice. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 36 months, p…
DePaul University
The DNP program at DePaul University combines online and campus-based instruction to prepare you for the highest level of nursing practice. This 36-credit hybrid program takes 36 months to complete,…
University of Texas at Arlington
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UTA is designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to lead in clinical practice, policy, and education. This 36-credit, fully online program can be co…
Regis College
The DNP program at Regis College is designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clinical practice. This 33-credit program is delivered entirely online and can be completed in 36 months, allowing…
Maryville University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Maryville University provides a rigorous online education for nurses aiming to achieve the highest level of clinical practice. Completing 36 credits ov…
Rush University
Rush University's DNP program is a hybrid program designed for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. With 36 credits over 36 months, this curriculum emphasizes clinical leadership and evidence-base…
George Washington University
The DNP program at George Washington University is designed for those pursuing the highest level of clinical nursing practice. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in…
Loyola University Chicago
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Loyola combines online and on-campus learning, enabling you to complete 36 credits in 36 months. Designed for advanced practice nurses, this program fo…
University of Pennsylvania
The DNP program at the University of Pennsylvania is delivered entirely online and takes 36 months to complete. With 36 credits, this program is designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clini…
University of Illinois Chicago
The DNP program at UIC is a hybrid degree designed for advanced nursing practice, combining online coursework with on-campus experiences. This 36-credit program can be completed in 36 months, equippi…
Capella University
The DNP program at Capella University prepares you for the highest level of nursing practice. This 36-credit, 100% online degree can be completed in 42 months, focusing on advanced practice, leadersh…
Liberty University
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at Liberty University prepares you for leadership roles in nursing practice. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 36 months…
Chamberlain University
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at Chamberlain University is delivered entirely online and focuses on advanced clinical and leadership skills. Completing 36 credits in 36 months, this pr…
Grand Canyon University
GCU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is offered 100% online, providing a flexible pathway for advanced practice nurses. This 30-credit program can be completed in 36 months, preparing you f…
Walden University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University prepares you for the highest level of nursing practice. This 42-credit program is delivered 100% online, allowing you to earn your de…
University of Cincinnati
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UC is tailored for nurses seeking the highest level of practice and leadership. This online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 36 mont…
Simmons University
The DNP program at Simmons University is a 100% online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree requiring 36 credits, designed to be completed in 36 months. This program is tailored for advanced practice nu…
Drexel University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Drexel University focuses on clinical practice and leadership in nursing. Delivered entirely online, this program requires 36 credits and can be comple…
Purdue University Global
The DNP in Executive Leadership program at Purdue University Global is designed for advanced practice nurses seeking leadership roles. This 30-credit program is delivered entirely online and can be c…
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…
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…
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…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
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…
Grand Canyon University
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Walden University
Walden University's MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice in primary care. This 50-credit program is delivered 100% online, allowing you to complete your degree i…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
George Washington University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at GWU is tailored for nurses looking to move into leadership roles. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, equipping…
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 Michigan — Flint
Our MSN — Nursing Administration program equips you with the skills needed for leadership roles in healthcare. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, providing…
University of Pennsylvania
The MSN - Nursing Administration program is a 100% online degree that can be completed in 24 months with 36 credits. This program is ideal for nurses looking to take on leadership roles in healthcare…
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…
Herzing University
Herzing University's MSN in Nursing Administration prepares you for leadership roles in healthcare. This 100% online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it a flexibl…
Maryville University
The MSN in Nursing Administration at Maryville University is designed for nurses looking to step into leadership roles. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months,…
Loyola University Chicago
The MSN — Nursing Administration program is fully online, allowing for flexibility as you complete your 36 credits in 24 months. This program is ideal for RNs aiming to enhance their leadership skill…
Penn State World Campus
The MSN in Nursing Administration program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in nursing. Offered 100% online, you can complete this 33-credit program in 24 months, equipping you with the…
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…
Seton Hall University
The MSN in Nursing Education program is a 24-month, 100% online course designed for nurses looking to transition into educational roles. With a focus on developing teaching skills, this 36-credit pro…
Florida State University
The MSN — Nursing Education program at FSU is tailored for those aspiring to teach the next generation of nurses. Offered fully online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, providing…
Showing 100 of 178 programs from our directory. View all programs in Illinois
Explore Nursing in Illinois
Programs by Degree Type
55
MSN Programs
26
DNP Programs
16
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Illinois
41 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rush University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 88.3% | View |
| Rasmussen University | 3 | ADNBSNLPN | 80.8% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 6 | BSNDNPMSN | 79.8% | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| DePaul University | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | View |
| Loyola University Chicago | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 96.4% | View |
| University of Illinois Chicago | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
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