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Best Nursing Programs in Illinois (2026)

Compare 178 accredited nursing programs across 45 schools in Illinois. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

178

Programs

45

Schools

$79,690

Avg RN Salary

9 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

Explore Nursing in Illinois

Fastest ProgramsMost Affordable ProgramsOnline ProgramsPrograms for Working AdultsHow to Become a NurseNursing Shortage & OutlookLPN to RN ProgramsRN to BSN ProgramsAccelerated BSN ProgramsMSN ProgramsAdmission RequirementsNCLEX Pass RatesNursing License RequirementsRN Salary Data

Programs by Degree Type

29

MSN Programs

26

RN-BSN Programs

26

DNP Programs

16

BSN Programs

2

ADN Programs

1

LPN Programs

Nursing Education in Illinois

Illinois offers 178 accredited nursing programs across 45 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 $8,100, 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.

Find Your Nursing Program in Illinois

Nursing Schools in Illinois

45 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.

SchoolProgramsDegree TypesNCLEX Rate
Arizona College of Nursing1
BSN
88.3%View
Rasmussen University3
ADNBSNLPN
80.8%View
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences2
BSNMSN
91.2%View
University of Pennsylvania2
MSNDNP
N/AView
Loyola University Chicago3
MSNBSNDNP
96.4%View
Simmons University2
MSNDNP
N/AView
Rush University4
MSNBSNDNP
N/AView
Drexel University3
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
Southern New Hampshire University2
RN-BSNBSN
N/AView
Chamberlain University4
RN-BSNBSNDNP
79.8%View
National University3
RN-BSNBSNMSN
N/AView
Purdue University Global2
RN-BSNDNP
N/AView
University of Phoenix3
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
University of Alabama at Birmingham1
RN-BSN
N/AView
University of Illinois Chicago4
RN-BSNBSNDNP+1
N/AView
Grand Canyon University4
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
Western Governors University2
RN-BSNBSN
91.8%View
Seton Hall University1
RN-BSN
N/AView
Ohio State University1
RN-BSN
N/AView
Herzing University1
RN-BSN
N/AView

All Nursing Programs in Illinois

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

ProgramSchoolDegreeFormatDurationTuition
Accelerated BSNArizona College of NursingBSNOn Campus28 mo$56,000Details
ADNRasmussen UniversityADNOn Campus24 mo$36,000Details
BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)Joyce University of Nursing and Health SciencesBSNOnline36 mo$52,000Details
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerUniversity of PennsylvaniaMSNOnline24 mo$86,000Details
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerLoyola University ChicagoMSNHybrid30 mo$52,800Details
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerSimmons UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$67,200Details
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerRush UniversityMSNHybrid24 mo$55,200Details
RN to BSNDrexel UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$20,850Details
RN to BSNSouthern New Hampshire UniversityRN-BSNOnline15 mo$15,120Details
RN to BSNChamberlain UniversityRN-BSNOnline9 mo$20,460Details
RN to BSNNational UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$13,500Details
RN to BSNPurdue University GlobalRN-BSNOnline18 mo$13,500Details
RN to BSNUniversity of PhoenixRN-BSNOnline24 mo$16,200Details
RN to BSNUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRN-BSNOnline12 mo$9,600Details
RN to BSNUniversity of Illinois ChicagoRN-BSNOnline15 mo$10,200Details
RN to BSNGrand Canyon UniversityRN-BSNOnline12 mo$18,900Details
RN to BSNWestern Governors UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$16,800Details
RN to BSNSeton Hall UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$22,500Details
RN to BSNOhio State UniversityRN-BSNOnline12 mo$9,900Details
RN to BSNHerzing UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$15,000Details
RN to BSNMichigan State UniversityRN-BSNOnline15 mo$12,000Details
RN to BSNGonzaga UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$16,200Details
RN to BSNGeorge Washington UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$22,500Details
RN to BSNDePaul UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$21,000Details
RN to BSNAmerican Public University SystemRN-BSNOnline15 mo$8,100Details
RN to BSNSacred Heart UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$21,000Details
RN to BSNMarquette UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$18,000Details
RN to BSNUniversity of South FloridaRN-BSNOnline15 mo$9,600Details
RN to BSNUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonRN-BSNOnline12 mo$11,940Details
RN to BSNLiberty UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$14,820Details

Showing 30 of 178 programs. View all programs in Illinois

Start Your Nursing Career in Illinois

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 $8,100. 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 9 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.

Nursing Programs in Nearby States

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