Best Nursing Programs in Illinois (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 182 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Illinois. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $180,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 87.3% first-time pass rate. RNs in Illinois earn $79,690/year on average (BLS).
182
Programs
40
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
87.3%
Avg NCLEX (9)
91
Online / Hybrid
$80K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Illinois nursing programs at a glance
- 182 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Illinois (1 LPN, 2 ADN, 16 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (LPN at Rasmussen University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 97% (DePaul University).
- 91 online or hybrid programs serve Illinois students (9 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Illinois: $79,690 (BLS) · 5.1% projected job growth through 2032.
Illinois nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 182 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 40 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 16 BSN · 55 MSN · 26 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN at Rasmussen University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $180,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 87.3% average across 9 programs with published data · high: 97% (DePaul University) |
| Delivery formats | 77 online · 14 hybrid · 9 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $79,690/yr (BLS) · 5.1% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN Programs in Illinois
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Showing 100 of 182 programs from our directory for Illinois.
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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 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
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
40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 88.3% | View |
| Rush University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Rasmussen University | 3 | ADNBSNLPN | 80.8% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | 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 |
| Loyola University Chicago | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 96.4% | View |
| DePaul University | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | 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 |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Illinois?
There are 182 accredited nursing programs available in Illinois across 40 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 16 BSN, 55 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 $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 (77 fully online, 14 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.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Illinois?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, DePaul University leads at 97% first-time pass rate (BSN (Traditional)). Average across 9 programs with data: 87.3%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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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