Illinois program guide
Best Nursing Programs in Illinois (2026)
184 accredited nursing programs are open to Illinois students; the fastest listed takes 12 months. Compare programs accepting applications below.
- Programs listed
- 184
- Open to Illinois students
- Fastest listed
- 12 mo
- Shortest completion time
- Lowest tuition
- $13,500
- Total listed tuition
Programs accepting applications
All Nursing Programs in Illinois
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Illinois nursing program market snapshot
MyNursingSchools lists 184 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Illinois. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $180,000. RNs in Illinois earn $91,130/year on average (BLS).
| Programs in directory | 184 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 17 BSN · 54 MSN · 26 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN at Rasmussen University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $180,000 |
| Delivery formats | 76 online · 15 hybrid · 9 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $91,130/yr (BLS) · 5.1% projected growth through 2032 |
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
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.
- Compact licensure
- No — license in this state directly or via endorsement.
- CE at renewal
- 20 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $91,130 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Illinois
Programs by Degree Type
54
MSN Programs
26
DNP Programs
17
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Illinois
5 accredited institutions with a campus in Illinois.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rush University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Loyola University Chicago | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 6 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| DePaul University | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Illinois Chicago | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Illinois Residents
34 accredited schools based outside Illinois that enroll Illinois residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and Illinois Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Rasmussen University | 3 | ADNBSNLPN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Illinois?
There are 184 accredited nursing programs available in Illinois across 39 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 17 BSN, 54 MSN, and 26 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Illinois?
Nursing program tuition in Illinois starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $180,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Illinois?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Illinois can be completed in 12 months (LPN at Rasmussen University). 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 can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Illinois?
Registered nurses in Illinois earn an average of $91,130 per year ($44/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 (76 fully online, 15 hybrid) available to Illinois residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many 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.
Compare nursing programs in Illinois
- Most affordable 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.
