Nursing Schools in Illinois: Campus & Online Programs (2026)
Compare 19 campus-based nursing schools in Illinois — plus accredited online programs open to Illinois residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.
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Campus-Based Nursing Schools in Illinois
Nursing schools with a campus in Illinois, ranked by NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and program quality.
| Rank | School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Acceptance Rate | Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Loyola University Chicago | 89% | — | CCNE | View School |
| #2 | DePaul University | 87% | — | CCNE | View School |
| #3 | Ambria College of Nursing (Judson University) | N/A | 100% | ACEN | View School |
| #4 | CAAN Academy of Nursing | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #5 | Chamberlain University | N/A | 25% | CCNE | View School |
| #6 | Heartland Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #7 | Illinois Central College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #8 | Illinois Valley Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #9 | Kankakee Community College | N/A | 63% | ACEN | View School |
| #10 | Kaskaskia College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #11 | McHenry County College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #12 | Mennonite College of Nursing – Illinois State University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #13 | Oakton Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #14 | Rush University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #15 | South Suburban College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #16 | Triton College | N/A | 100% | ACEN | View School |
| #17 | University of Illinois Chicago | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #18 | University of Illinois Chicago – College of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #19 | Waubonsee Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Illinois Residents
These accredited schools are based outside Illinois but enroll Illinois residents online. Confirm clinical-placement and Illinois Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
How We Evaluate Nursing Schools in Illinois
We separate schools with a physical campus in Illinois from accredited online programs that enroll Illinois residents, because the two answer different questions — one is about studying locally, the other about studying from Illinois. Within each group we weight NCLEX first-time pass rate most heavily; it is the strongest available predictor of how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.
Accreditation is non-negotiable: we only include schools accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or regionally accredited programs with state board approval. We also consider acceptance rate (program selectivity), program variety across degree levels (LPN through doctoral), and value relative to regional salary expectations. Where a school has not yet reported outcome data, we show it without inventing a number.
What to Look for in a Illinois Nursing School
The most important factor is NCLEX pass rate. The national average for first-time test-takers sits around 87–89% (NCSBN, 2023). Programs consistently above 90% have demonstrated they effectively prepare students for licensure. Ask schools for their three-year average pass rate — a single good year can be an anomaly.
Accreditation matters for several reasons beyond quality assurance. CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs make you eligible for federal financial aid, qualify you for military service, and meet the requirements for most graduate nursing programs if you plan to advance your career later.
Consider clinical placement. Hospitals in Illinois often have affiliation agreements with specific nursing schools, giving graduates an inside track to jobs. If you are considering an online program based outside Illinois, confirm that it arranges clinical placements within Illinois and is approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing for pre-licensure study.
Nursing Career Outlook in Illinois
Registered nurses in Illinois earn an average of $91,130 annually. The BLS projects nursing employment to grow 6% nationally through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations — driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare. Illinois is expected to see strong demand in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home health settings.
BSN-prepared nurses command higher salaries and have access to broader roles. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 80% of nursing positions now prefer or require a BSN. If you currently hold an ADN, many schools serving Illinoisoffer flexible RN-to-BSN completion programs you can complete while working.
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Advertiser DisclosureBelow are programs currently accepting applications from Illinois residents. Each will send tuition details, start dates, and admission requirements directly — useful for comparing schools and formats beyond the tables above.
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