Overview of Nursing Schools in Illinois
- There are 82 nursing schools in Illinois. The CCNE accredits 31 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 44 schools in Illinois.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Illinois is between 71.14% and 95.44%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Illinois is between 78.89% and 96.67%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Illinois can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Illinois
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools 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% | 89.20% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 71.14% to 95.44% | 78.89% to 96.67% |
Nursing Programs Offered by Illinois Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 81
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 16
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 8
- CNL: 8
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
- Nursing Administration: 1
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 1
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
Illinois Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Illinois at Chicago: 10
- Loyola University – Chicago: 5
- Saint Francis Medical Center – College of Nursing: 5
- Oak Point University: 4
- Bradley University: 4
- Lewis University: 4
- Saint Anthony College of Nursing: 4
- University of St Francis: 3
- North Park University: 3
- DePaul University: 3
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 30 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.
Best Nursing Schools (BSN) 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
View More
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%
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
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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
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%
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
View More
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%
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
View More
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
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
View More
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%
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
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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%
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%
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in Illinois
- Ambria College of Nursing
- Black Hawk College
- McHenry County College
- Joliet Junior College
- Southeastern Illinois College
- Southwestern Illinois College
- John A Logan College
- College of DuPage
- Kaskaskia College
- Kankakee Community College
- Oakton Community College
- Heartland Community College
- Elgin Community College
- William Rainey Harper College
Ambria College of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 5210 Trillium Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL - 60192
- (847) 397-0300
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 7
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: $3,573
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,521
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Black Hawk College
Pass Rate
- 6600-34th Avenue, Moline, IL - 61265-5899
- (309) 796-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 94
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,470
Book and Supplies: $7,650
Percent Received Aid: 48%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,557
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 35%
McHenry County College
Pass Rate
- 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL - 60012-2761
- (815) 455-3700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 89
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,862
Book and Supplies: $14,449
Percent Received Aid: 55%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,633
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 32%
Joliet Junior College
Pass Rate
- 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL - 60431-8938
- (815) 729-9020
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 208
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,440
Book and Supplies: $13,410
Percent Received Aid: 55%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,002
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 18%
Southeastern Illinois College
Pass Rate
- 3575 College Road, Harrisburg, IL - 62946
- (618) 252-5400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 33
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,140
Book and Supplies: $6,360
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,064
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 40%
Southwestern Illinois College
Pass Rate
- 2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL - 62221-5899
- (618) 235-2700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 136
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,660
Book and Supplies: $5,940
Percent Received Aid: 62%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,727
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 28%
John A Logan College
Pass Rate
- 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville, IL - 62918-2500
- (618) 985-3741
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 71
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,310
Book and Supplies: $6,980
Percent Received Aid: 75%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,700
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 22%
College of DuPage
Pass Rate
- 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL - 60137-6599
- (630) 942-2800
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 267
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,140
Book and Supplies: $11,850
Percent Received Aid: 72%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,941
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 22%
Kaskaskia College
Pass Rate
- 27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL - 62801
- (618) 545-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 68
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,560
Book and Supplies: $12,330
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,795
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 29%
Kankakee Community College
Pass Rate
- 100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL - 60901
- (815) 802-8100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 63
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,950
Book and Supplies: $25,560
Percent Received Aid: 74%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,852
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 33%
Oakton Community College
Pass Rate
- 1600 E Golf Rd., Des Plaines, IL - 60016-1268
- (847) 635-1600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 149
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,985
Book and Supplies: $12,462
Percent Received Aid: 55%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,661
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 28%
Heartland Community College
Pass Rate
- 1500 West Raab Road, Normal, IL - 61761-9446
- (309) 268-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 80
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,070
Book and Supplies: $14,550
Percent Received Aid: 66%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,018
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 42%
Elgin Community College
Pass Rate
- 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL - 60123-7193
- (847) 697-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 133
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,180
Book and Supplies: $9,516
Percent Received Aid: 50%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,131
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 42%
William Rainey Harper College
Pass Rate
- 1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL - 60067-7398
- (847) 925-6000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 198
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,702
Book and Supplies: $11,682
Percent Received Aid: 76%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,921
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 35%
More Illinois Nursing Schools (BSN & ASN)
Additional List of Top Illinois Nursing Programs
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.
Online NP Programs Liked by Illinois Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.