2023 Best Ranked Nursing Schools in Illinois
Spend a few minutes to review our nursing school rankings before applying to any nursing school. We've streamlined the process of identifying the top nursing schools in the Illinois. Our 2023 annual ranking report utilizes NCLEX first-time passing rates, accreditation, and affordability as the key criteria to curate our rankings.
If you are considering becoming a nurse or advancing your current degree, Illinois offers a promising career outlook for nurses. In light of the critical nursing shortage, competitive salary ranges, and high-quality educational opportunities, nurses in Illinois can anticipate a bright future with ample job opportunities, attractive compensation, and prospects for career advancement.
According to state projections, Illinois will require 142,890 new RNs by 2030, translating to approximately 7,870 new nurses each year. This need for new nurses places Illinois sixth in the U.S. for the number of new RNs required by 2030.
With more than 89 nursing schools in Illinois, it can be difficult to decide which program is best for your career. Thirty-one programs are accredited by the CCNE while 44 are accredited by the ACEN. The good news is that most of the nursing programs in Illinois are accredited, which isn't always the case for some states. Attending an accredited program helps ensure that students receive a high-quality nursing education and can transfer their credits from one accredited institution to another.
When it comes to the NCLEX passing rate for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in the state pass within a range of between 16.67% and 100.00%. With a number of schools having such a low NCLEX passing rate, you are going to want to steer clear of those programs. You will find quality schools that have a high passing rate.
On the positive site, after passing the NCLEX, the nursing profession in Illinois offers competitive compensation. RNs in the state earn an average annual salary of $78,260, or $37.63 per hour, with salary ranges extending from $52,080 to $111,220. Illinois ranks 19th in the U.S. for RN salaries and 17th when adjusted for cost-of-living. These figures reflect the value placed on nursing expertise and the vital role that RNs play in the healthcare system.
With 4% of U.S. RNs working in Illinois and a current total of 129,260 RNs employed in the state, Illinois ranks seventh in the U.S. for the total number of RNs employed. For individuals seeking a career that combines purpose, growth potential, and competitive compensation, nursing in Illinois presents a compelling choice.
Best Ranked Nursing Schools in Illinois
Trinity Christian College
Pass Rate
6601 W College Dr, Palos Heights, IL - 60463-0929
(708) 597-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 67
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,100
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $16,084
Percent Admitted: 64%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Trinity Christian College is a private Christian college located in Palos Heights, Illinois. The nursing school offers a four-year BSN program that comes with an integrated minor in science. Trinity’s nursing program is the only nursing school in the Chicago area with a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2015 and 2016 and has continued to earn that perfect score each consecutive year.
The program prepares students academically and clinically for the patient’s physical, spiritual, and mental needs. The coursework incorporates knowledge from the humanities and the natural, social, and nursing sciences to cultivate a holistic understanding of nursing care. The program offers small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities, providing a comprehensive and hands-on experience grounded in a Christian environment. Trinity Christian College’s nursing program has an excellent reputation in Illinois, attracting a strong, albeit small yet dedicated group of students. The college offers a robust program and is accessible to most interested students with an 88% acceptance rate.
Saint Anthony College of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL - 61114
- (815) 282-7900
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.33%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 22
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,000
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
- Percent Admitted: 100%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 67%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
Saint Anthony College of Nursing is located in Rockford, IL. Their health sciences facility is located on the campus of Rock Valley College, which provides for an interdisciplinary campus and student experience. They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN track. All programs are CCNE accredited. Saint Anthony’s additionally offers high school students the chance to reserve a seat in the BSN program beginning in the fall, two years after high school graduation. Students must take general education and pre-nursing requirements at other institutions before enrolling into the BSN program at Saint Anthony’s.
The RN to BSN program is 18 months long and offers classes during the evening and afternoon, making it possible for RNs to incorporate an academic curriculum into their schedules. The school is owned and operated by OSF HealthCare, and provides nursing education that deeply integrates Christian values and the example of Francis of Assisi. OSF HealthCare has a rich and extensive history for its efforts to care for those in need and saving lives.
Lewis University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Pass Rate
- One University Parkway, Romeoville, IL - 60446-2200
- (815) 838-0500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.33%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 224
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,202
- Percent Admitted: 66%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
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.
Western Illinois University
Pass Rate
- 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL - 61455
- (309) 298-1414
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 441
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 93%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,636
- Percent Admitted: 67%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
Millikin University
Pass Rate
- 1184 W Main St, Decatur, IL - 62522-2084
- (217) 424-6211
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.33%
- Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 148
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $26,792
- Book and Supplies: $39,592
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $25,802
- Percent Admitted: 71%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
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.
MacMurray College
Pass Rate
- 447 East College Ave, Jacksonville, IL - 62650-2590
- 2174797043
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty:
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
MacMurray College is a private Christian institution located in Jacksonville, Illinois that offers a four-year, CCNE accredited BSN program, as well as an online RN to BSN program. MacMurray’s BSN program is a unique program that integrates a liberal arts core while preparing graduates for professional nursing practice, graduate education, and ongoing career development.
The program’s focus lies in the extensive development of students’ knowledge, values, and competencies that ensure they can provide safe, high quality nursing care for diverse populations in various settings. The coursework further equips students with the clinical reasoning, communication skills, understanding of healthcare policies and systems, and management technology necessary to be a strong member of a healthcare team.
To be admitted to the MacMurray’s nursing program, the applicant must met the following minimum requirements: 2.75/4.00 high school GPA, ACT composite of 20 or 1020 on the SAT, 2 semesters of chemistry with a grade C or better within the last 5 years. Students can enroll twice a year, in the fall or spring semester.
Bradley University
Pass Rate
- 1501 W BRADLEY AVE, Peoria, IL - 61625-0001
- (309) 676-7611
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.67%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 326
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,726
- Percent Admitted: 73%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
Founded in 1897, Bradley University is a private university in Bradley Ave., Peoria. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It also has received numerous awards, among these are from U.S. News and World Report, and the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education. With an average class size of 17 students, it has 340+ full-time faculty members with a 1:12 faculty to student ratio. Its curriculum places emphasis on experiential and global learning opportunities, wherein all classes are taught by faculty, of which 79% possess doctorate or terminal degrees.
The Accelerated Nursing (ABSN 2nd Degree) is one of the programs offered by the Nursing Department under the College of Education and Health Sciences. This 15-month program allows individuals who have completed a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to obtain their BSN degree.
Students of this program will be mentored through one-on-one advising by faculty, and will also have the chance to network and establish professional connections through exposure to several organizations such as the Nurses Christian Fellowship, Theta Tau Honor Society, and the Bradley Nursing Student Association. In terms of experiences, Bradley University is also situated in a growing medical community, with three major hospitals in the city.
Prerequisites and required courses for this program are composed of 31 and 59 hours of coursework, respectively. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam), and pursue a career in the healthcare industry.
Loyola University - Chicago
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL - 60660
- (773) 274-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.67%
- 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: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 994
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,025
- Percent Admitted: 71%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
The Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing offers undergraduate (BSN), master’s (MSN), and doctoral programs (DNP and PhD) in nursing. All programs are CCNE accredited and fairly competitive, with a 55% acceptance rate.
The BSN program is designed to prepare generalist nurses who can deliver quality and professional care. Students are expected to gain comprehensive knowledge from liberal arts, sciences, and nursing science as a solid basis for professional nursing practice. Graduates are additionally culturally competent, and are able to integrate levels of prevention, quality, and safety principles into their position within a healthcare team.
The MSN program equips students with advanced knowledge and skills to prepare them for leadership roles in inter professional healthcare delivery. This further education shifts its lens to scientific findings in nursing, healthcare, and biopsychosocial fields. Additionally, graduates will be well-prepared for effective leadership, with a strong fluency in ethical and critical decision-making, workplace relations, and systems.
The DNP program offers advanced practice nurses with the highest level of knowledge and skill to provide innovative leadership in the nursing profession. Graduates will have mastered an area of nursing practice and have advanced levels of ethical and moral judgment and decision-making.
The PhD in Nursing is designed to matriculate individuals who are able to initiate a beginning program of research that expands nursing and healthcare knowledge, in addition to a thorough understanding of social, cultural, political, economic, and ethical considerations.
Northern Illinois University
Pass Rate
- 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, IL - 60115-2828
- (800) 892-3050
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.33%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 804
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,280
- Percent Admitted: 59%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
Additional List of Top Illinois Nursing Programs
|
Grade
|
University
|
Illinois Rank
|
Degree
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 89.33 | Olivet Nazarene University | 12 | BSN |
| 89.00 | Lakeview College of Nursing | 13 | BSN |
| 88.67 | Blessing Rieman College of Nursing | 14 | BSN |
| 88.00 | St John's College of Nursing | 15 | BSN |
| 86.00 | Methodist College | 16 | BSN |
| 86.00 | Saint Xavier University | 18 | BSN |
| 86.00 | Chamberlain College of Nursing-Illinois | 17 | BSN |
| 85.33 | Saint Francis Medical Center - College of Nursing | 19 | BSN |
| 84.67 | Elmhurst University | 21 | BSN |
| 84.33 | Illinois Wesleyan University | 23 | BSN |
| 84.33 | University of St Francis | 20 | BSN |
| 84.00 | University of Illinois at Chicago | 22 | BSN |
| 83.67 | Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences | 24 | BSN |
| 81.00 | North Park University | 25 | BSN |
| 74.00 | Rockford University | 26 | BSN |
| 68.67 | Oak Point University | 28 | BSN |
| 37.00 | Chicago State University | 29 | BSN |
2023 Nursing Salaries in Illinois
Curious about the earning potential as an Illinois nurse? Or interested in determining if your current pay is reasonable?
Our 2023 Nursing Salary Reports are comprised of thousands of surveys conducted by the Department of Labor for Illinois nurses and provide insights into earnings based on experience, education, specialization, and geographical location. These reports also account for cost-of-living adjustments and the projected demand for nurses.
By delivering these comprehensive reports, we strive to help you comprehend the salary metrics essential for making informed decisions regarding your career choices and future educational pursuits.
| Nursing Salary Reports | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $250,280 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $120,470 |
| Nurse Midwives | $115,690 |
| Registered Nurses | $78,260 |
| Nursing Instructors | $74,320 |
| LPNs | $54,080 |
| Nursing Assistants | $33,230 |
2023 Highest-Paying Cities for Nursing Salaries in Illinois
Our comprehensive nursing salary reports for Illinois cities examine the factors influencing salary ranges, including experience, education, and job title.
These reports also discuss projections for nursing demand through 2030, taking into account cost of living (COL) differences across cities, and presenting average salaries to provide healthcare professionals with valuable insights to inform their career decisions.
Nursing salaries in Illinois can vary significantly based on factors such as role, education, and experience. Our city salary reports offer a detailed analysis of these variations, enabling nurses to make informed decisions about their career path and negotiate better compensation packages.
| Area | Average Salary | COL Adjusted | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $81,300 | $77,539 | $-3,761 |
| Kankakee | $76,040 | $80,842 | $4,802 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $74,800 | $80,508 | $5,708 |
| Springfield | $73,360 | $80,846 | $7,486 |
| Rockford | $72,830 | $79,517 | $6,687 |
| Decatur | $72,030 | $81,927 | $9,897 |
| Danville | $71,870 | $84,772 | $12,902 |
| Bloomington | $70,090 | $74,406 | $4,316 |
| Northwest Illinois Nonmetropolitan Area | $68,960 | $79,796 | $10,836 |
| Peoria | $68,630 | $76,545 | $7,915 |
| Carbondale-Marion | $67,960 | $78,721 | $10,761 |
| West Central Illinois Nonmetropolitan Area | $67,760 | $78,408 | $10,648 |
| South Illinois Nonmetropolitan Area | $65,890 | $76,244 | $10,354 |
| East Central Illinois Nonmetropolitan Area | $65,660 | $75,978 | $10,318 |
Financial Aid for Nursing Schools in Illinois
A number of nursing scholarships are available to Illinois residents for online or campus scholarships. Here is a curated list of scholarships to help make your dream of becoming a nurse a reality. Find their award amounts, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
- Illinois Nurses Foundation Scholarship offers varying award amounts for nursing students in Illinois. Applications are due in May, and eligibility includes enrollment in an accredited nursing program, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and Illinois residency. Selection criteria prioritize academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential.
- For those pursuing a career as a school nurse, the Illinois Association of School Nurses Scholarship awards $1,000. To qualify, applicants must be members of the Illinois Association of School Nurses, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and submit their applications by April. Academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need are considered for this scholarship.
- Nursing students planning to work in a healthcare facility located in a Health Professional Shortage Area in Illinois can apply for the Illinois Department of Public Health Nursing Education Scholarship Program. With varying award amounts and application deadlines, this scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and Illinois residency. Financial need and fund availability influence the selection process.
- Open to Illinois nursing students who are members of the Illinois Health Information Management Association, the Illinois Health Improvement Association Scholarship offers a $1,000 award. Applicants should be enrolled in an accredited nursing program, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and plan to pursue a career in health information management. Apply by March to be considered based on academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need.
- If you're a nursing student residing in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, or Will County in Illinois, consider the Illinois Nurses Association District 6 Scholarship. Offering a $1,000 award, applications are due in October, and eligibility requires membership in the Illinois Nurses Association District 6, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients are chosen based on academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need.
- Specifically designed for aspiring school nurses, the Illinois Association of School Nurses Scholarship grants $1,000. Students need to be members of the Illinois Association of School Nurses, enrolled in an Illinois nursing program, and have at least a 3.0 GPA. With a May deadline, the application necessitates an essay, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
- Daughters of the American Revolution members can apply for the Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship, which awards $2,500. Applicants are required to study in an accredited U.S. nursing program and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Submit an essay, letters of recommendation, and transcripts by February for consideration.
- For those committed to working in underserved Illinois areas post-graduation, the Illinois Department of Public Health Nursing Education Scholarship Program offers $5,000 awards. Illinois residents enrolled in a state nursing program with a minimum 2.5 GPA can apply by April. Applications require an essay, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
- The Illinois AMVETS Service Foundation Scholarships prioritize veterans and their immediate family members residing in Illinois. Award amounts vary, and applicants must be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited nursing program. Apply by March, showcasing academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement.
- Offering a $2,500 award, the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing Scholarship targets nursing students in Illinois pursuing a master's or doctoral program in advanced practice nursing. Apply by May, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate academic achievement, professional goals, and community involvement.
- The Illinois State Board of Education Nursing Education Scholarship Program provides varying award amounts for nursing students who are Illinois residents studying in an accredited in-state program. Applications are due in June, and priority is given to applicants demonstrating financial need and intent to work as a nurse in Illinois after graduation. A two-year commitment to work in an underserved Illinois area is required.
Illinois Nursing Resources
Discover key organizations and agencies in Illinois dedicated to enhancing the nursing profession, providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy initiatives to support nurses in their career development and pursuit of excellence.
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) - IDFPR supervises licensing, regulation, and enforcement, upholding professional standards and quality care for nurses in Illinois.
- Illinois Nurses Foundation (INF) - INF backs the nursing profession by awarding scholarships, endorsing nursing research, and enabling continuing education opportunities statewide.
- Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) - IASN champions school nurses' roles, providing resources and networking opportunities while advocating for student health and wellness across Illinois schools.
- Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL) - IONL fosters excellence in nursing practice and management by advancing nursing leadership through professional development, networking, and advocacy initiatives.
- Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN) - ISAPN emphasizes high-quality care, offering advanced practice nurses educational resources, networking events, and advocacy for the profession.
Nursing Schools in Your State
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