Best Nursing Programs in Illinois (2026)

Compare 178 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Illinois. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

178

Programs

40

Schools

$79,690

Avg RN Salary

12 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

Explore Nursing in Illinois

Fastest Programs Most Affordable Programs Online Programs Programs for Working Adults How to Become a Nurse Nursing Shortage & Outlook LPN to RN Programs RN to BSN Programs Accelerated BSN Programs Nurse Practitioner Programs MSN Programs DNP Programs CRNA Programs Admission Requirements NCLEX Pass Rates Nursing License Requirements RN Salary Data

Programs by Degree Type

55

MSN Programs

26

DNP Programs

16

BSN Programs

2

ADN Programs

1

LPN Programs

Nursing Education in Illinois

Illinois offers 178 accredited nursing programs across 40 institutions, covering degree levels from LPN certificates through doctoral programs. Registered nurses in Illinois earn an average of $79,690 per year, with 5.1% job growth projected through 2032. 91 programs offer online or hybrid delivery, making it possible to earn your degree while working.

Illinois does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses must obtain separate licensure for each state in which they wish to practice. All nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain licensure. Continuing education requirements include 20 hours per renewal cycle (2 years).

Tuition for nursing programs in Illinois starts at $13,500, with community college ADN programs generally offering the lowest cost pathway to an RN license. With an average RN salary of $79,690, even the most expensive programs typically deliver a strong return on investment within 2–4 years of graduation.

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Nursing Schools in Illinois

40 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	4	BSNMSN	N/A	View
Chamberlain University	6	BSNDNPMSN	79.8%	View
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences	2	BSNMSN	91.2%	View
University of Illinois Chicago	3	BSNDNPMSN	N/A	View
DePaul University	3	BSNDNPMSN	97.0%	View
Loyola University Chicago	4	BSNDNPMSN	96.4%	View
American Public University System	1	BSN	N/A	View
Southern New Hampshire University	1	BSN	N/A	View
George Washington University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Gonzaga University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Drexel University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Liberty University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Capella University	2	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Penn State World Campus	2	DNPMSN	N/A	View

All Nursing Programs in Illinois

Sorted by school name. Filter by degree type, cost, and duration using the links above.

Sort by

Format

Degree

Tuition (USD)

Showing 30 of 30 programs

1

BSNOn Campus

Rush University

Accelerated BSN

$58,000 total16 mo program89% grad rate

2

BSNOn Campus

Arizona College of Nursing

Accelerated BSN

$56,000 total28 mo program88% NCLEX pass rate78% grad rate

3

ADNOn Campus

Rasmussen University

$36,000 total24 mo program79% NCLEX pass rate63% grad rate

4

ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate

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5

BSNOnline

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

$35,700 total36 mo program92% NCLEX pass rate55% grad rate

6

BSNOnline + Campus

Rasmussen University

$58,000 total36 mo program82% NCLEX pass rate63% grad rate

7

BSNOnline

Aspen University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$28,800 total36 mo program60% grad rate

8

BSNOnline

National University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate

9

BSNOnline + Campus

Chamberlain University

BSN (Pre-Licensure Hybrid)

$69,000 total36 mo program80% NCLEX pass rate62% grad rate

10

BSNOnline

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)

$52,000 total36 mo program91% NCLEX pass rate82% grad rate

11

BSNOn Campus

Chamberlain University

BSN (Pre-Licensure)

$69,000 total36 mo program80% NCLEX pass rate62% grad rate

12

BSNOn Campus

Rush University

BSN (Traditional)

$120,000 total48 mo program89% grad rate

13

BSNOn Campus

University of Illinois Chicago

BSN (Traditional)

$60,000 total48 mo program78% grad rate

14

BSNOn Campus

DePaul University

BSN (Traditional)

$180,000 total48 mo program97% NCLEX pass rate80% grad rate

15

BSNOn Campus

Loyola University Chicago

BSN (Traditional)

$160,000 total48 mo program96% NCLEX pass rate83% grad rate

16

BSNOnline

Excelsior University

$30,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate

17

BSNOnline

American Public University System

$27,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate

18

BSNOnline

Southern New Hampshire University

$50,400 total48 mo program70% grad rate

19

DNPOnline

George Washington University

$78,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate

20

DNPOnline + Campus

University of Illinois Chicago

$44,000 total36 mo program78% grad rate

21

DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

$38,880 total36 mo program82% grad rate

22

DNPOnline

Drexel University

$45,000 total36 mo program75% grad rate

23

DNPOnline + Campus

Rush University

$72,000 total36 mo program89% grad rate

24

DNPOnline

Liberty University

$28,620 total36 mo program72% grad rate

25

DNPOnline

Capella University

$46,800 total42 mo program58% grad rate

26

DNPOnline

Penn State World Campus

$36,960 total36 mo program72% grad rate

27

DNPOnline

Johns Hopkins University

$88,000 total36 mo program92% grad rate

28

DNPOnline

Chamberlain University

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate

29

DNPOnline + Campus

Arizona State University

$42,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate

30

DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate

Showing 30 of 178 programs. View all programs in Illinois

Start Your Nursing Career in Illinois

Get matched with accredited programs that fit your budget and schedule.

How many nursing programs are available in Illinois?

There are 178 accredited nursing programs available in Illinois, spanning LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degree levels. Programs are offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.

How much does nursing school cost in Illinois?

Nursing program tuition in Illinois starts as low as $13,500. Costs vary widely by degree level and institution type. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable, while private BSN programs may cost $30,000–$70,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

How long does nursing school take in Illinois?

The fastest nursing programs in Illinois can be completed in as little as 12 months. LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers with a prior bachelor's degree can be completed in 12–18 months.

What is the average nurse salary in Illinois?

Registered nurses in Illinois earn an average of $79,690 per year ($38/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Illinois is projected to grow 5.1% through 2032.

Can I complete nursing school online in Illinois?

Yes. There are 91 online and hybrid nursing programs available to Illinois residents. Online programs deliver lectures and coursework digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities. Many programs arrange clinical placements within Illinois.

What are the nursing license requirements in Illinois?

To practice nursing in Illinois, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Illinois Board of Nursing. Illinois is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you will need separate licensure for each state you wish to practice in. License renewal is every 2 years with 20 continuing education hours required.

Is there a nursing shortage in Illinois?

Yes. Like most states, Illinois is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5.1% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.

What GPA do I need for nursing school in Illinois?

GPA requirements for nursing programs in Illinois vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.

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