RN Programs in Illinois
Coursework in RN and BSN programs in Illinois build upon your prior learning and nursing experience, and provide opportunities for individualized study in your area of interest. Healthcare reform, increasingly complex medical technology and computerized healthcare have raised the bar for nurses, making an advanced education in nursing a very valuable asset.
In our Illinois RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Illinois RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Illinois, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Illinois RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 46 | 37 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 87.90% | 102.17% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 71.14% to 95.44% | 78.89% to 396.50% |
| Average Net Price | $6,013.42 | $19,560.45 |
| Average Net Price Range | $1,634.00 to $19,642.00 | $10,203.00 to $29,184.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $5,694.95 | $21,263.40 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $3,344.00 to $20,000.00 | $14,157.00 to $27,000.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for Illinois State | BSN Rankings for Illinois State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Illinois
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Illinois and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 41 ADN degree programs and 29 BSN degree programs in Illinois. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Illinois to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
RANKED 1
Southeastern Illinois College
- 3575 College Road, Harrisburg, IL - 62946
- (618) 252-5400
Southeastern Illinois College is located in Harrisburg, Illinois. They offer an ADN program. In addition, they have partnered with six other colleges to offer an online LPN to RN program, which is called the Southern Illinois Online Nursing Initiative (SIONI). The program is offered exclusively online, with the exception of the clinical portions of the program.
School Information
Location: Harrisburg, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 99.00%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 8
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 2
John A Logan College
- 700 Logan College Road, Carterville, IL - 62918-2500
- (618) 985-3741
John A. Logan College is located in Carterville, Illinois. They offer an ADN program. They also offer an LPN to ADN program, which is a “hybrid” program – it is offered partially online and partially on-campus. Whereas some LPN to ADN programs require a certain amount of nursing experience prior to admission, John A. Logan’s nursing program requires that the NCLEX-PN has been passed prior to applying to their program.
School Information
Location: Carterville, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.93%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 71
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 3
South Suburban College
- 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL - 60473-1200
- (708) 596-2000
School Information
Location: South Holland, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.33%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 90
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 4
Heartland Community College
- 1500 West Raab Road, Normal, IL - 61761-9446
- (309) 268-8000
School Information
Location: Normal, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.11%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 99
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 5
Kaskaskia College
- 27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL - 62801
- (618) 545-3000
School Information
Location: Centralia, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.89%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 107
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 6
Illinois Valley Community College
- 815 N Orlando Smith Ave, Oglesby, IL - 61348-9692
- (815) 224-2720
Illinois Valley Community College is located in Oglesby, Illinois. Their nursing program offers an RN option and an Advanced Placement for LPNs. The advanced placement option allows the LPN to become an RN in three semesters. They require that LPNs have a minimum of one year of work experience prior to admittance into the program.
School Information
Location: Oglesby, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.78%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 109
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 7
Oakton Community College
- 1600 E Golf Rd., Des Plaines, IL - 60016-1268
- (847) 635-1600
Oakton Community College is located in Des Plaines, Illinois. There is also a campus in Skokie, Illinois. They offer an RN program and an LPN to RN bridge program. The RN program is offered twice yearly, whereas the bridge program is only offered once per year. The LPN seeking entrance into their program must have a minimum of two years of nursing experience prior to admission.
School Information
Location: Des Plaines, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.52%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 118
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 8
Joliet Junior College
- 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL - 60431-8938
- (815) 729-9020
Joliet Junior College is located in Joliet, Illinois. The College of Nursing at Joliet Junior College offers a practical nursing program, a military corpsman to practical nurse program, an RN program and an LPN transition to RN program. Their LPN to RN program is competitive and their admission requirements are more rigorous than other LPN to RN programs; for example, an exam that predicts success on the NCLEX-RN must be taken prior to admittance into the program.
School Information
Location: Joliet, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.37%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 164
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 9
Highland Community College
- 2998 W Pearl City Rd, Freeport, IL - 61032-9341
- (815) 235-6121
School Information
Location: Freeport, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.00%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 175
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 10
McHenry County College
- 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL - 60012-2761
- (815) 455-3700
McHenry County College is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Their nursing department offers an AAS degree and an LPN to AAS degree. McHenry County College also offers an RN to BSN Partnership Program with Aurora University – Woodstock Center. If enrolled in this program, McHenry nursing students will have direct admission to Aurora’s RN to BSN program.
School Information
Location: Crystal Lake, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.81%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 184
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 11
Lincoln Land Community College
- 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL - 62794-9256
- (217) 786-2200
School Information
Location: Springfield, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.59%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 195
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 12
Harper College
- 1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL - 60067-7398
- (847) 925-6000
Harper College is located in Palatine, Illinois. Their nursing department graduated their first RNs in 1967. They offer a practical nursing program, and RN program and an RN to BSN completion program. Harper College is partnered with Benedictine University to offer the RN to BSN program on the Harper College campus for its RNs.
School Information
Location: Palatine, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.52%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 198
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 13
Spoon River College
- 23235 North County 22, Canton, IL - 61520-8622
- (309) 647-4645
School Information
Location: Canton, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.37%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 206
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 14
Kishwaukee College
- 21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL - 60150-9699
- (815) 825-2086
Kishwaukee College is located in Malta, Illinois. Their nursing program began in 1970, but evolved into an RN program in 1975. They graduate 80 new RNs yearly. At this time, their program is strictly an RN program, without an LPN to RN option.
School Information
Location: Malta, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.85%- State Rank: 14
- US Rank: 223
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 15
Ambria College of Nursing
- 5210 Trillium Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL - 60192
- (847) 397-0300
School Information
Location: Hoffman Estates, IL- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.63%- State Rank: 15
- US Rank: 235
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 16
Moraine Valley Community College
- 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL - 60465-0937
- (708) 974-4300
School Information
Location: Palos Hills, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.56%- State Rank: 16
- US Rank: 238
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 17
Black Hawk College
- 6600-34th Avenue, Moline, IL - 61265-5899
- (309) 796-5000
School Information
Location: Moline, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.33%- State Rank: 17
- US Rank: 245
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 18
Waubonsee Community College
- Rte 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL - 60554-9454
- (630) 466-7900
Waubonsee Community College is located in Sugar Grove, Illinois. They offer an RN program. They also offer an RN to BSN program, in partnership with Governors State College. Waubonsee Community College enrolled its first RN students in 1970. Today, it graduates approximately 144 students per year.
School Information
Location: Sugar Grove, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.74%- State Rank: 18
- US Rank: 269
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 19
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College
- 1900 W Van Buren, Chicago, IL - 60612-3197
- (312) 850-7000
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.44%- State Rank: 19
- US Rank: 280
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 20
Kankakee Community College
- 100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL - 60901
- (815) 802-8100
School Information
Location: Kankakee, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.15%- State Rank: 20
- US Rank: 320
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 21
Shawnee Community College
- 8364 Shawnee College Rd, Ullin, IL - 62992
- (618) 634-3200
School Information
Location: Ullin, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.74%- State Rank: 21
- US Rank: 336
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 22
Southwestern Illinois College
- 2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL - 62221-5899
- (618) 235-2700
Southwestern Illinois College has locations in Belleville, Granite City and Red Bud, Illinois. They offer an RN program. They also have an LPN Articulation program. This program allows LPNs to take prerequisite classes as required; if all classes are passed successfully in the allotted time frame, “escrowed” credits will be awarded. If the LPN does not want to go through this process, they may opt to enroll in the general RN program.
School Information
Location: Belleville, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.11%- State Rank: 22
- US Rank: 359
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 23
Prairie State College
- 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL - 60411-8226
- (708) 709-3500
Prairie State College is located in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Their nursing department offers an ADN degree and a bridge option for licensed practical nurses. LPNs may enter the generic ADN program if there are not enough seats available in the bridge program for the amount of applicants.
School Information
Location: Chicago Heights, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.52%- State Rank: 23
- US Rank: 386
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 24
College of DuPage
- 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL - 60137-6599
- (630) 942-2800
School Information
Location: Glen Ellyn, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.37%- State Rank: 24
- US Rank: 392
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 25
Rock Valley College
- 3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL - 61114-5699
- (815) 921-7821
Rock Valley College is located in Rockford, Illinois. They offer an AAS RN degree. Rock Valley College also has a partnership with five local universities (Indiana-Wesleyan University, Northern Illinois University, Olivet-Nazarene University, St. Anthony College of Nursing and University of Illinois in Chicago); these universities offer RN to BSN programs that Rock Valley College RN graduates may attend after passing their NCLEX-RN.
School Information
Location: Rockford, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.11%- State Rank: 25
- US Rank: 403
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 26
Lewis and Clark Community College
- 5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL - 62035
- (618) 468-7000
School Information
Location: Godfrey, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.78%- State Rank: 26
- US Rank: 418
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 27
John Wood Community College
- 1301 S 48th Street, Quincy, IL - 62305-8736
- (217) 224-6500
School Information
Location: Quincy, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.59%- State Rank: 27
- US Rank: 425
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 28
Triton College
- 2000 5th Ave, River Grove, IL - 60171-1995
- (708) 456-0300
School Information
Location: River Grove, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.15%- State Rank: 28
- US Rank: 442
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 29
Richland Community College
- One College Pk, Decatur, IL - 62521-8512
- (217) 875-7200
School Information
Location: Decatur, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.11%- State Rank: 29
- US Rank: 443
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 30
Lake Land College
- 5001 Lake Land Blvd, Mattoon, IL - 61938
- (217) 234-5253
Lake Land College is located in Mattoon, Illinois. They offer an RN program. They do not offer a specific LPN to RN program; however, LPNs are welcome to apply to their program. LPNs who apply and are accepted may then apply for a waiver to pass out of certain classes.
School Information
Location: Mattoon, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.00%- State Rank: 30
- US Rank: 450
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 31
Sauk Valley Community College
- 173 Illinois Rt 2, Dixon, IL - 61021-9112
- (815) 288-5511
School Information
Location: Dixon, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 85.22%- State Rank: 31
- US Rank: 473
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 32
Elgin Community College
- 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL - 60123-7193
- (847) 697-1000
Elgin Community College is located in Elgin, Illinois. Elgin Community College has a variety of degree options; many of these associate’s degrees are designed so that after completion, the graduate can enter a university seamlessly and complete their bachelor’s degree. They offer an RN program and offer their students guidance throughout the program, should they want to complete a BSN degree after graduation.
School Information
Location: Elgin, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 85.11%- State Rank: 32
- US Rank: 477
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 33
College of Lake County
- 19351 W Washington St., Grayslake, IL - 60030-1198
- (847) 543-2000
School Information
Location: Grayslake, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 81.89%- State Rank: 33
- US Rank: 563
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 34
Parkland College
- 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL - 61821-1899
- (217) 351-2200
Parkland College is located in Champaign, Illinois. Their nursing program has multiple options – an ADN program, an LPN to ADN bridge program and a paramedic to ADN bridge program. The paramedic to ADN bridge program builds on clinical work experience; the program is designed to “…fill in the gaps, so you would not need everything a student starting from the beginning needs to be able to graduate and take the NCLEX.”
School Information
Location: Champaign, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 79.26%- State Rank: 34
- US Rank: 602
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 35
Morton College
- 3801 S Central Ave, Cicero, IL - 60804-4398
- (708) 656-8000
School Information
Location: Cicero, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 78.78%- State Rank: 35
- US Rank: 614
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 36
Carl Sandburg College
- 2400 Tom L. Wilson Boulevard, Galesburg, IL - 61401
- (309) 344-2518
School Information
Location: Galesburg, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 78.11%- State Rank: 36
- US Rank: 626
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 37
Danville Area Community College
- 2000 E Main St, Danville, IL - 61832-5118
- (217) 443-3222
School Information
Location: Danville, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 76.56%- State Rank: 37
- US Rank: 646
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 38
Illinois Central College
- 1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL - 61635-0001
- (309) 694-5422
School Information
Location: East Peoria, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 71.52%- State Rank: 38
- US Rank: 691
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 39
Northwestern College-Southwestern Campus
- 7725 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, IL - 60455
- (708) 237-5050
School Information
Location: Bridgeview, IL- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 51.81%- State Rank: 39
- US Rank: 726
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
Robert Morris University Illinois
- 401 S State Street, Chicago, IL - 60605
- (312) 935-6800
Robert Morris University Illinois is located in Chicago, Illinois. They are able to boast that their graduation rate is in the top 5 amongst private universities in Illinois. Their department of nursing offers a BSN degree and an ASN degree.
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- 2122 - 25th Avenue, Rock Island, IL - 61201-5317
- (309) 779-7700
Trinity College or Nursing and Health Sciences is located in Rock Island, Illinois. This college is unique in that it is small and houses only health science degrees – nursing (associates of nursing, bachelor’s of nursing, master’s of nursing, bachelor of science in health science, associate of applied science in radiography, and associated of applied science in respiratory therapy). They also offer the EDGE Program, which allows high school seniors early entry into their programs.
School Information
Location: Rock Island, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College
- 1145 W Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL - 60640-6063
- (773) 907-4000
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College
- 7500 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL - 60652-1299
- (773) 838-7500
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
Frontier Community College
- Frontier Drive, Fairfield, IL - 62837
- (618) 393-2982
School Information
Location: Fairfield, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
Olney Central College
- 305 N West Street, Olney, IL - 62450
- (618) 393-2982
School Information
Location: Olney, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College
- 4300 N Narragansett, Chicago, IL - 60634-1500
- (773) 777-7900
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
ADN Programs In Illinois
Illinois has many education programs for nursing students. Their is a multitude of colleges located in urban Chicago and in community colleges in outlying areas of the state. Many of the colleges offer RN programs. Community colleges in Illinois also often partner with neighboring universities and colleges to offer "bridge" programs, which allows a recent RN graduate to "bridge" into a BSN program.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Illinois ADN Programs
Southeastern Illinois College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Illinois of 95.44%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $7,403.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Illinois: 46
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 87.90%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 71.14% to 95.44%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Illinois?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Illinois so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Illinois is offered by Olney Central College at about $1,634.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Robert Morris University Illinois and it will cost about $19,642.00.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inIllinois: $6,013.42
- Net-Price Range for Illinois ADN Programs: $1,634.00 to $19,642.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Illinois Schools: $5,694.95
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Illinois: $3,344.00 to $20,000.00
RANKED 1
MacMurray College
- 447 East College Ave, Jacksonville, IL - 62650-2590
- (217) 479-7043
School Information
Location: Jacksonville, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 100.00%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 1
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 2
Trinity Christian College
- 6601 W College Dr, Palos Heights, IL - 60463-0929
- (708) 597-3000
School Information
Location: Palos Heights, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 99.00%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 5
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 3
Bradley University
- 1501 W Bradley Ave, Peoria, IL - 61625-0001
- (309) 676-7611
Bradley University’s online platform is exclusively focused on education for nurses and counselors, and their nursing programs can be completed 100% online, allow the completion of clinicals locally, and ready students for NCLEX-BSN Exam and for ANCC certification.
School Information
Location: Peoria, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.00%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 62
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
Saint Anthony College of Nursing
- 5658 E State St, Rockford, IL - 61108-2468
- (815) 282-7900
Saint Anthony College of Nursing is located in Rockford, Illinois. Their selection of nursing programs is vast – they offer everything from diploma RN programs to doctoral nursing programs. They even have a parish nurse program, which prepares the RN to work in a faith-based institution. They have a revamped RN to BSN program that allows the RN to complete their BSN in 18 months.
School Information
Location: Rockford, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.81%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 66
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
Illinois State University
- North and School Streets, Normal, IL - 61790-1000
- (309) 438-2111
Illinois State University is located in Normal, Illinois. Their nursing department is called the “Mennonite College of Nursing”. They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and their RN to BSN program is offered online. In addition, they offer various MSN and doctoral options. They also have a group called M.E.N in Nursing (Men are Excellent Nurses), which works to bring men into the field of nursing.
School Information
Location: Normal, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.07%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 84
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- 2122 - 25th Avenue, Rock Island, IL - 61201-5317
- (309) 779-7700
Trinity College or Nursing and Health Sciences is located in Rock Island, Illinois. This college is unique in that it is small and houses only health science degrees – nursing (associates of nursing, bachelor’s of nursing, master’s of nursing, bachelor of science in health science, associate of applied science in radiography, and associated of applied science in respiratory therapy). They also offer the EDGE Program, which allows high school seniors early entry into their programs.
School Information
Location: Rock Island, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.96%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 88
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 7
Lewis University
- One University Parkway, Romeoville, IL - 60446-2200
- (815) 838-0500
Lewis University is located in Romeoville, Illinois. Their nursing department offers a few options for its nursing students: a pre-licensure program, which is a general BSN program, a pre-licensure accelerated program, which is designed for students already holding a bachelor’s degree, and an RN to BSN program.
School Information
Location: Romeoville, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.74%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 97
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 8
Aurora University
- 347 S Gladstone Ave, Aurora, IL - 60506-4892
- (630) 892-6431
Aurora University is located in Aurora, Illinois. They offer both a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program. Incoming freshmen may apply for direct admission into the BSN program if they have an ACT score of 23 and a GPA of 3.2.
School Information
Location: Aurora, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.85%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 134
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 9
Loyola University Chicago
- 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL - 60660
- (773) 274-3000
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.19%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 158
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
University of St Francis
- 500 N Wilcox St, Joliet, IL - 60435-6188
- (815) 740-3400
University of St Francis is located in Joliet, Illinois. The Leach College of Nursing is offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate programs include a traditional BSN program and two RN to BSN programs. They offer an RN to BSN program online and an RN to BSN program as a fast track program with Joliet Junior College.
School Information
Location: Joliet, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.70%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 172
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
Western Illinois University
- 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL - 61455
- (309) 295-1414
School Information
Location: Macomb, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.67%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 173
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 12
Illinois Wesleyan University
- 1312 N Park St, Bloomington, IL - 61702-2900
- (309) 556-1000
Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, Illinois. They offer a BSN program. Their program is unique because they encourage their nursing students to study abroad in Barcelona. A transcultural experience is also offered for travel to Hawaii. Nursing students are also given the opportunity to minor Human Services Management or Spanish.
School Information
Location: Bloomington, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.59%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 175
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 13
Northern Illinois University
- 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, IL - 60115-2828
- (800) 892-3050
School Information
Location: Dekalb, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.96%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 203
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 14
Methodist College
- 415 St. Mark Court, Peoria, IL - 61603
- (309) 672-5513
School Information
Location: Peoria, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.07%- State Rank: 14
- US Rank: 227
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 15
St Johns College of Nursing
- 729 E. Carpenter St, Springfield, IL - 62702
- (217) 525-5628
St. John’s College of Nursing is located in Springfield, Illinois. They offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program for those students already holding a bachelor’s degree, and an RN to BSN program. They also have an early admit option for high school seniors.
School Information
Location: Springfield, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.93%- State Rank: 15
- US Rank: 231
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 16
Elmhurst College
- 190 Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL - 60126-3096
- (630) 279-4100
Elmhurst College is located in Elmhurt, Illinois. They offer a prelicensure program (a BSN program for those without a prior RN license) and a Baccalaureate Degree Completion Option (a BSN program for those holding an ADN degree, already holding their RN license).
School Information
Location: Elmhurst, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.44%- State Rank: 16
- US Rank: 249
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 17
Blessing Rieman College of Nursing
- Broadway at 11th Street, Quincy, IL - 62305-7005
- (217) 228-5520
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing is located in Quincy, Illinois. They offer a basic-track BSN program and an RN to BSN program. They also offer a variety of advanced degrees; unique to their program is the RN to MSN program, which allows the RN to bypass the BSN and obtain and an advanced degree.
School Information
Location: Quincy, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.19%- State Rank: 17
- US Rank: 252
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 18
Olivet Nazarene University
- One University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL - 60914-2271
- (815) 939-5011
School Information
Location: Bourbonnais, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.85%- State Rank: 18
- US Rank: 282
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 19
North Park University
- 3225 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL - 60625-4895
- (773) 244-6200
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.74%- State Rank: 19
- US Rank: 339
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 20
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
- 511 NE Greenleaf St, Peoria, IL - 61603-3783
- (309) 655-2201
School Information
Location: Peoria, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.52%- State Rank: 20
- US Rank: 345
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 21
University of Illinois at Chicago
- 601 S Morgan, Chicago, IL - 60607
- (312) 996-7000
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.37%- State Rank: 21
- US Rank: 349
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 22
Saint Xavier University
- 3700 W 103rd St, Chicago, IL - 60655
- (773) 298-3000
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 85.04%- State Rank: 22
- US Rank: 377
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 23
Millikin University
- 1184 W Main St, Decatur, IL - 62522-2084
- (217) 424-6211
Millikin University is located in Decatur, Illinois. They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program. They also offer a school nurse certification. The school nurse certification is allows the BSN to become a K-12 nurse in the state of Illinois; this certificate can be obtained at only four universities in Illinois, with Millikin University being one of the four.
School Information
Location: Decatur, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.96%- State Rank: 23
- US Rank: 393
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 24
Resurrection University
- 1431 N. Claremont, Chicago, IL - 60622
- (773) 252-6464
Resurrection University is located in Chicago, Illinois. This university is unique because its primary focus is educating healthcare professionals. While their main focus is nursing, they also offer degrees in health information management, radiography and health systems leadership.
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 81.44%- State Rank: 24
- US Rank: 432
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 25
Chamberlain College of Nursing-Illinois
- 1221 N Swift Rd, Addison, IL - 60101
- (630) 953-3660
School Information
Location: Addison, IL- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 81.22%- State Rank: 25
- US Rank: 437
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 26
Rockford University
- 5050 E State St, Rockford, IL - 61108-2311
- (815) 226-4186
Rockford University is located in Rockford, Illinois. They offer a “basic BSN” program. They also have an “early decision option” for high school seniors. High school seniors may opt to enroll in the nursing program immediately – however, this is competitive and only a handful of seniors are selected each year.
School Information
Location: Rockford, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 81.07%- State Rank: 26
- US Rank: 440
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 27
Lakeview College of Nursing
- 903 N Logan Ave, Danville, IL - 61832
- (217) 709-0920
School Information
Location: Danville, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 76.33%- State Rank: 27
- US Rank: 470
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 28
Chicago State University
- 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL - 60628-1598
- (773) 995-2000
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 72.52%- State Rank: 28
- US Rank: 483
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Robert Morris University Illinois
- 401 S State Street, Chicago, IL - 60605
- (312) 935-6800
Robert Morris University Illinois is located in Chicago, Illinois. They are able to boast that their graduation rate is in the top 5 amongst private universities in Illinois. Their department of nursing offers a BSN degree and an ASN degree.
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
- Il State Rte 157, Edwardsville, IL - 62026-1259
- (800) 447-7483
School Information
Location: Edwardsville, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
McKendree University
- 701 College Rd, Lebanon, IL - 62254-1291
- (618) 537-4481
School Information
Location: Lebanon, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Governors State University
- 1 University Pky, University Park, IL - 60484
- (708) 534-5000
School Information
Location: University Park, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
Benedictine University
- 5700 College Rd, Lisle, IL - 60532-0900
- (630) 829-6000
School Information
Location: Lisle, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Eastern Illinois University
- 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL - 61920
- (217) 581-5000
School Information
Location: Charleston, IL- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Quincy University
- 1800 College Ave, Quincy, IL - 62301-2699
- (217) 222-8020
School Information
Location: Quincy, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Concordia University-Chicago
- 7400 Augusta, River Forest, IL - 60305-1499
- (708) 771-8300
School Information
Location: River Forest, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
DePaul University
- 55 E Jackson, Chicago, IL - 60604
- (312) 362-8000
School Information
Location: Chicago, IL- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
BSN Programs In Illinois
Coursework in BSN programs builds knowledge gained from nursing experience and helps provide individualized study in an area of interest. The healthcare reform, complex medical technology, and computerized healthcare have made higher education in nursing essential to be a success in the industry. BSN programs in Illinois offer a wide selection of hospital and outpatient settings. This can enhance nursing practice and provide a foundation for leadership positions. Courses that are common in BSN programs may include (but are not limited to):
- Leadership, management, and professional roles in nursing
- Advanced practice studies in a choice of areas or concentration
- Cultural aspects of healthcare for individuals, families, and populations
NCLEX Passing Rates for Illinois BSN Programs
Robert Morris University Illinois wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Illinois with a score of 396.50%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $19,642.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Illinois: 37
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 102.17%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 78.89% to 396.50%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Illinois?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Illinois to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Illinois is offered by Chicago State University and will cost you about $10,203.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 78.89%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Loyola University Chicago and will cost you about $29,184.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 91.11%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Illinois: $19,560.45
- Net-Price Range for Illinois BSN Programs: $10,203.00 to $29,184.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Illinois Schools: $21,263.40
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Illinois: $14,157.00 to $27,000.00
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Illinois
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Illinois
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Illinois offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Illinois RN Licensing Requirements
RN Licensure by Exam
After graduation a candidate can apply for the exam and licensing. This can be completed online. The application and fee is sent to through an outside agency called Continental Testing Services for a $91 fee. There is also a paper application available. Prior to receiving authorization to participate in the exam, candidates must submit proof of graduation. An official transcript will be required eventually but the process can be quickened the process by providing the correct documentation. Fingerprints will be required. This is a step that can be completed within 60 days in advance.
Registration to the exam itself is completed through the Pearson VUE website and requires a $200 fee. When a nursing candidate has passed a licensing exam they will be able to practice under appropriate supervision as a “license pending” nurse. This cannot be done, however, until the candidate receives an authorization letter. The exam must be passed within three years of the time they apply for the Board; otherwise, two years of nursing school will be required.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Candidates who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states need license verification from the state in which they are licensed. This includes the current state and other states in which the nurse has practice in the most recent five year around. NCLEX results may be provided by the state of original licensure or by Pearson VUE. Endorsement candidates may obtain a temporary license in favor of beginning work before the paperwork is processed. The endorsement application fee is $50 but is $75 for a temporary license.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Eligible foreign nurses may obtain licensing in Illinois as long as they are license in their country and met all other requirements. There must be a credential report for one or two approved agencies. Credentials or documentation that are not in English must be sent with a certified translation. Candidates who do not speak English as a first language must complete the TOEFL or IELTS Academic Module. This requirement may be waived for a nurse who completed a program or took a licensing exam in English.
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
James R. Thompson Center
100 West Randolph, 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 814-4500
Fees
Initial licensing fee, RN: $91
License renewal (every two years), RN: $50
RN Salaries in Illinois
Nurses who have completed a RN to BSN program are commonly sought out by prospective employers and offered a wider range of career choices. Both hospitals and non-hospitals positions in Illinois for nurses with BSNs include:
- RN educators for faculty, academic advising, and clinical preceptors
- Labor and delivery, intensive care, and OBGYN
- Intervention catheter labs, emergency department, and PACU
The complexity of care for an increasingly older population requires advanced training for effective nursing care. The nurses in Illinois earn an average salary of $66,730 annually.
Illinois Registered Nursing Salaries
You will see in this table that the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville metropolitan area has the highest employment rate as well as hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington-Normal, IL | 1,380 | $28.02 | $58,290 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 2,390 | $27.79 | $57,800 |
| Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL Metropolitan Division | 69,750 | $34.67 | $72,100 |
| Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI | 81,780 | $34.21 | $71,150 |
| Danville, IL | 550 | $28.47 | $59,220 |
| Decatur, IL | 1,400 | $24.01 | $49,940 |
| Kankakee-Bradley, IL | 1,340 | $33.23 | $69,110 |
| Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division | 5,700 | $32.81 | $68,250 |
| Peoria, IL | 4,790 | $26.68 | $55,490 |
| Rockford, IL | 3,830 | $27.86 | $57,940 |
| Springfield, IL | 2,950 | $29.45 | $61,250 |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 2,720 | $25.12 | $52,240 |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 3,870 | $24.80 | $51,580 |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 2,430 | $23.24 | $48,350 |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 3,860 | $26.56 | $55,240 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary
