nursingadmissionscareersIllinois

Best Nursing Schools in Illinois: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 6, 2026

Explore 20 nursing programs across Illinois, from affordable community colleges ($3,180–$4,920/yr) to prestigious universities. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduate earnings to find your best fit.

Illinois offers prospective nursing students a diverse range of educational pathways, from community college Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs to university Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and graduate degrees. Whether you're a high school graduate seeking an affordable entry point or a career changer pursuing advanced credentials, Illinois has 20 accredited nursing programs strategically located across the state.

This guide walks you through your options, the financial realities, and how to choose a program that aligns with your career goals and budget.

Overview of Nursing Education in Illinois

Illinois nursing education spans two primary institutional types:

Public Universities (4) — University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Western Illinois University offer Bachelor's and Master's degrees with moderate in-state tuition.

Private Universities (4) — DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago lead the private sector with higher tuition but strong graduate outcomes, particularly in doctoral-level nursing programs.

Community Colleges (12) — Twelve public community colleges provide the most affordable pathway to nursing licensure through Associate degree programs, with tuition ranging from $3,180 to $4,920 per year.

The nursing profession in Illinois is competitive but accessible. Registered nurses (RNs) in Illinois earn a median salary of $80,000–$110,000 annually, depending on degree level and specialization. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for RNs through 2032, making nursing one of the state's most stable healthcare careers.

Top University Nursing Programs in Illinois

Public Universities: Affordable BSN Pathways

University of Illinois Chicago (Chicago)

UIC's nursing program serves 21,814 students and maintains a 78.5% acceptance rate with in-state tuition at $14,338 per year. The university offers a rigorous BSN curriculum with a 60.9% graduation rate. Graduates earn an average of $107,171 annually with a First Professional Degree, making UIC a solid choice for students seeking a balance between affordability and strong earning potential.

Best for: Students in the Chicago metropolitan area seeking a public research university with competitive nursing outcomes.

Illinois State University (Normal)

Illinois State maintains the highest acceptance rate among public universities at 89.0%, with in-state tuition of $16,021 per year. The program enrolls 18,414 students and boasts a 66.7% graduation rate. Graduates with Master's degrees earn $102,485 annually. Illinois State is known for accessible admissions and strong community connections.

Best for: Students prioritizing admission accessibility and a mid-sized university environment in central Illinois.

Northern Illinois University (Dekalb)

NIU offers the lowest in-state tuition among public universities at $12,700 per year. With a 70.5% acceptance rate and 51.3% graduation rate, NIU serves 11,277 students. Master's degree graduates earn $96,563 annually. The program is located in a college town setting with lower cost of living.

Best for: Budget-conscious students seeking the lowest public university tuition in the state.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Edwardsville)

SIUE has the highest acceptance rate of any four-year program at 97.2%, with in-state tuition of $12,922 per year. The program serves 8,836 students with a 54.2% graduation rate. Notably, SIUE graduates with Doctoral degrees earn $165,748 annually—the highest among public universities. This makes SIUE an excellent choice for students planning graduate education.

Best for: Students seeking easy admission and planning to pursue advanced nursing degrees (Master's or Doctorate).

Western Illinois University (Macomb)

WIU charges $14,952 per year in-state tuition with a 75.0% acceptance rate. The program serves 4,939 students with a 46.2% graduation rate. Bachelor's degree graduates earn $63,350 annually. WIU is the smallest public university program on this list, offering a more intimate learning environment.

Best for: Students seeking a smaller cohort size and personalized attention in a rural Illinois setting.

Private Universities: Premium Programs with High Earning Potential

DePaul University (Chicago)

DePaul's private nonprofit status comes with higher tuition at $44,460 per year, but the program delivers exceptional outcomes. With a 73.5% acceptance rate and 69.7% graduation rate, DePaul serves 14,283 students. Graduates with Doctoral degrees earn $204,157 annually—the highest of any Illinois nursing program. This premium reflects DePaul's reputation and advanced degree offerings.

Best for: Students planning doctoral-level nursing education (DNP, PhD) and willing to invest in premium education.

Loyola University Chicago (Chicago)

Loyola's tuition is $51,716 per year, the highest among traditional nonprofits. The program maintains a strong 81.4% acceptance rate and impressive 73.9% graduation rate, serving 11,576 students. Doctoral degree graduates earn $149,948 annually. Loyola is Jesuit-affiliated and emphasizes values-based nursing education.

Best for: Students seeking a values-centered, Jesuit education with strong graduate program outcomes.

For-Profit Alternative: Chamberlain University-Illinois

Chamberlain University-Illinois (Addison)

Chamberlain charges $20,604 per year and maintains a high 88.6% acceptance rate. However, the 44.4% graduation rate is the lowest among all programs listed. The program serves 12,188 students, and graduates with Graduate Certificates earn $91,630 annually. Chamberlain's high acceptance but low graduation rate suggests students should carefully evaluate support services before enrolling.

Best for: Career changers seeking flexible scheduling and high admission accessibility, with realistic expectations about completion rates.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Pathway

Community colleges represent the most affordable entry point into nursing, with tuition ranging from $3,180 to $4,920 per year. These programs award Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN), which qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Many ADN graduates later pursue RN-to-BSN bridge programs at universities.

Most Affordable Programs

Elgin Community College (Elgin) — $3,180/year Nursing graduates earn $56,095 annually with an Associate's degree.

Waubonsee Community College (Sugar Grove) — $3,432/year Nursing graduates earn $61,103 annually.

William Rainey Harper College (Palatine) — $3,822/year Nursing graduates earn $62,113 annually.

Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills) — $3,822/year Nursing graduates earn $61,990 annually.

Mid-Range Community Colleges

Oakton College (Des Plaines) — $3,985/year Nursing graduates earn $63,332 annually.

Southwestern Illinois College (Belleville) — $3,870/year Nursing graduates earn $61,309 annually.

College of Lake County (Grayslake) — $4,494/year Nursing graduates earn $64,022 annually.

Joliet Junior College (Joliet) — $4,530/year Nursing graduates earn $63,822 annually.

Illinois Central College (East Peoria) — $4,650/year Nursing graduates earn $54,686 annually.

Triton College (River Grove) — $4,920/year Nursing graduates earn $63,670 annually.

College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn) — $4,320/year Nursing graduates earn $69,105 annually, the highest among community colleges.

City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College (Chicago) — $4,380/year Nursing graduates earn $70,086 annually, the second-highest community college graduate earnings.

Why Choose Community College?

Cost: Two-year ADN programs cost $6,360–$9,840 total, compared to $28,676–$206,864 for four-year universities
Speed to licensure: Graduates can become licensed RNs in two years
Transfer pathways: Many community college graduates pursue RN-to-BSN degrees later at universities, spreading costs over time
Local focus: Community colleges often have strong relationships with local hospitals and healthcare employers

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Selecting a nursing program requires balancing multiple factors:

1. Degree Level and Career Goals

Associate Degree (ADN): Community colleges, 2 years, $3,180–$4,920/year. Fastest entry to RN licensure. Best for students prioritizing affordability and quick employment.

Bachelor's Degree (BSN): Universities, 4 years, $12,700–$51,716/year. Increasingly preferred by employers and required for many advanced roles. Best for students planning long-term nursing careers or graduate education.

Graduate Degrees (Master's, DNP, PhD): Universities, 1–3 additional years. Prepare for advanced practice, leadership, or research roles. Best for experienced RNs or students with strong academic records.

2. Admission Competitiveness

Easiest admission: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (97.2%), Illinois State University (89.0%), Chamberlain University (88.6%)

Moderate admission: Most public universities (70–78% acceptance)

Competitive admission: Private universities (73–81% acceptance)

If your GPA or test scores are below average, community colleges and SIUE offer accessible pathways. Stronger students may pursue competitive private universities for higher earning potential.

3. Graduation Rates and Program Quality

Strongest graduation rates: Loyola University (73.9%), DePaul University (69.7%), Illinois State University (66.7%)

Lowest graduation rates: Chamberlain University (44.4%), Western Illinois University (46.2%), Northern Illinois University (51.3%)

Higher graduation rates often correlate with better student support, mentoring, and program structure. If graduation rate is below 60%, investigate why before enrolling.

4. Financial Considerations

Lowest total cost: Community colleges ($6,360–$9,840 for ADN)

Best value public universities: Northern Illinois University ($12,700/year), University of Illinois Chicago ($14,338/year)

Premium programs with highest ROI: DePaul and Loyola for doctoral-track students (graduates earn $149,948–$204,157)

Calculate your total cost of attendance, including housing, books, and living expenses. Factor in financial aid eligibility (see section below).

5. Location and Accessibility

Chicago area: UIC, DePaul, Loyola, Chamberlain, Malcolm X College, multiple community colleges Central Illinois: Illinois State University, Illinois Central College Northern suburbs: Harper College, Oakton, Triton, College of Lake County Southern Illinois: SIUE, Southwestern Illinois College

Choose a location that minimizes commuting costs and stress, especially if balancing work and school.

Nursing Job Market in Illinois

Illinois has a robust healthcare sector with strong demand for nurses across multiple settings:

Major employment hubs:

Chicago and suburbs (largest concentration of hospitals and healthcare systems)
St. Louis metro area (SIUE region)
Peoria and central Illinois
Southern Illinois (Edwardsville region)

Salary expectations by degree:

ADN graduates: $56,000–$70,000 annually
BSN graduates: $63,000–$107,000 annually
Master's degree graduates: $96,000–$102,000 annually
Doctoral degree graduates: $149,000–$204,000 annually

Job growth: The Illinois Department of Employment Security projects continued growth in RN positions through 2032, with particular demand in:

Hospital acute care
Home health and hospice
Specialty nursing (ICU, OR, emergency)
Nurse practitioner roles (Master's/DNP graduates)

Licensure: All nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Passage rates vary by program; ask schools for their NCLEX pass rates during the application process.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Illinois

Federal Aid

All students attending accredited nursing programs qualify for federal financial aid:

Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 (2023–24) for low-income students, non-repayable
Federal Loans: Stafford loans up to $5,500–$20,500 annually, depending on year
Work-Study: On-campus employment opportunities at most universities

State of Illinois Programs

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC):

Monetary Award Program (MAP): Grants up to $5,000/year for low-income Illinois residents
Illinois Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program: Forgives loans for nurses teaching in nursing programs

Healthcare Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment: Some Illinois hospitals and healthcare systems offer loan repayment for RNs who commit to employment.

Institutional Aid

University scholarships: DePaul, Loyola, and other private universities offer merit-based scholarships reducing tuition by 25–50%
Community college scholarships: Many community colleges offer small scholarships ($500–$2,000) for nursing students
Employer tuition assistance: Hospitals and healthcare systems often reimburse tuition for employees pursuing nursing degrees

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) scholarships
American Association of University Women (AAUW) nursing scholarships
State and local nursing associations offer scholarships

Total aid strategy: Combine federal Pell Grants, state MAP grants, institutional scholarships, and work-study to minimize loan debt. Community college students can minimize costs further by attending low-tuition programs.

Next Steps: Compare Programs and Apply

You've reviewed Illinois nursing programs—now it's time to compare schools side-by-side and begin applications.

Use GradeToGrad to:

Filter nursing programs by location, tuition, acceptance rate, and degree level
Compare graduation rates and graduate earnings
Read student reviews and program details
Track application deadlines and requirements

Explore Nursing Programs in Illinois on GradeToGrad →

Application Timeline

12 months before enrollment:

Research programs and narrow choices to 3–5 schools
Request information and schedule campus visits
Take the SAT/ACT if required (most nursing programs require standardized tests)

9 months before:

Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov
Apply for state grants through ISAC
Begin nursing program applications

6 months before:

Complete prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology)
Attend program interviews or information sessions
Submit transcripts and test scores

3 months before:

Receive acceptance letters
Compare financial aid packages
Make final decision and commit to program

Key Questions to Ask Programs

Before enrolling, contact nursing programs directly and ask:

What is your NCLEX-RN pass rate for the past three years?
What is the graduation rate and average time to completion?
What prerequisite courses are required, and can I take them at community college?
What is the total cost of attendance, including books, uniforms, and clinical fees?
What clinical placements and healthcare partners do you have?
What support services (tutoring, counseling, career services) are available?
Do you offer flexible scheduling or online components?
What is the job placement rate for graduates?

Making Your Decision

Illinois offers nursing education pathways for every budget and career stage:

Budget-conscious students: Start at a community college (Elgin, Waubonsee, or Harper) for $3,180–$3,822/year
Traditional students seeking BSN: Choose a public university (UIC, Illinois State, or SIUE) for $12,700–$16,021/year
Career changers: Consider Chamberlain's flexible scheduling, despite lower graduation rates
Advanced degree seekers: Invest in DePaul or Loyola for doctoral-level credentials and $150,000+ earning potential

Your nursing degree is an investment in a stable, meaningful career. Take time to choose a program aligned with your goals, financial situation, and learning preferences.

Ready to compare programs? Search Illinois nursing schools on GradeToGrad today.