Illinois’ Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. According to the 2020 RN workforce report prepared by the Illinois Workforce Center, Illinois will face a nursing shortage of approximately 15,000 by 2025. About 52% of Illinois’s RN workforce is over 55 and plans to retire in the next five years, which means there will be plenty of RN employment opportunities in Illinois.
Illinois, nicknamed “The Prairie State,” has farmland, forests, and beautiful rolling hills, making it a great place to call home. It is also one of eight states in North America’s Great Lakes region. Illinois is home to the city of Chicago, one of the largest cities in the nation, which is a hub for almost 36 Fortune 500 companies that offer an abundance of economic opportunities and high quality of life.
There is something for everyone to enjoy in Illinois. You can explore the outdoors, learn about local history and art at museums, attend a sports game, play at one of the many parks, or visit Navy Pier. Illinois offers fun for all ages.
The cost of living in Illinois is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to call home. Groceries, food, transportation, housing, and healthcare costs are below average. There are multiple top-ranked colleges and universities in the state to choose from, making it a great place to attend nursing school and start your career.
The Best Nursing Schools in Illinois
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Illinois to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Illinois based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Illinois Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Illinois ADN Nursing Program
Shawnee Community College
Shawnee Community College, located in Ullin, Illinois, offers an ADN program designed for current licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who wish to pursue their ADN. The program prepares students for the practice of professional registered nurses as defined by the Nurse Practice Act. To be admitted to the program, students must hold a current BLS Healthcare Provider certification, have an unencumbered LPN license, or be enrolled in an approved LPN program with a graduation date prior to the start of ADN classes, and take an entrance exam for the program with a score of 60% or higher.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,750
Out-of-State: $6,300
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,750 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,300 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,176 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Illinois ADN Nursing Program
Southeastern Illinois College
Southeastern Illinois College, located in Harrisburg, IL, offers an ADN program that can be completed in two years. This program provides concentrations in specialty areas like pediatrics and obstetrics. In addition to classroom instruction, students are given opportunities to practice their newly acquired skills in various clinical settings within the community.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,120
Out-of-State: $6,360
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,120 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,360 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,239 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Illinois ADN Nursing Program
Ambria College of Nursing
Ambria College of Nursing, located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) degree. They offer two pathways to becoming an RN: traditional or LPN to RN.
The LPN to RN program can be completed in just 12 months, while the traditional RN program is a two-year program. Before being admitted into the program, students must achieve 60% or higher on the entrance exam, take the reading exam or equivalent, take the math exam or equivalent, complete a background check and drug test, complete prerequisites or equivalent, and participate in an RN admission interview. Ambria College is equipped with state-of-the-art advanced patient simulators SimMan, SimMom, and SimBaby that can display physiological and neurological symptoms.
Average Tuition
In-State: $33,465
Out-of-State: $33,465
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$33,465 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$33,465 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
49% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
229 |
| Institution Type |
Private College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Illinois BSN Nursing Program
Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University, located in Olivet, Illinois, offers a BSN program that prepares students to practice nursing with competence and excellence from a Christian perspective. Students are taught to apply ethical, moral, spiritual, and professional concepts in their daily practice. Upon completing the program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and are prepared to start working as entry-level nurses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $34,440
Out-of-State: $34,440
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$34,440 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$34,440 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97% |
| Admission Rate |
68% |
| Retention Rate |
78% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,462 |
| Institution Type |
Christian Liberal Arts University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
48% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Illinois BSN Nursing Program
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, located in Quincy, Illinois, has a BSN program, BSN transfer option, second degree BSN option, and an RN to BSN online program. Their nursing programs have a national reputation for nursing education excellence and combine clinical experience with one-on-one support. Students receive training in a multimillion-dollar simulation center and hands-on clinical experiences in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $29,930
Out-of-State: $29,930
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$29,930 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$29,930 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94% |
| Admission Rate |
66% |
| Retention Rate |
83% |
| Students Enrolled |
157 |
| Institution Type |
Private College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
81% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Illinois BSN Nursing Program
Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University, located in Macomb, Illinois, offers a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program.
Their RN to BSN program is 100% online. For the traditional BSN pathway, you must be admitted into the pre-nursing program and complete all general education and support courses before August 1st. You must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and provide two letters from professional references. This program is 125 credits, with 65 of them being nursing courses. Western Illinois University provides the highest quality of education using innovative teaching and learning modalities. Students typically start the nursing program at the beginning of their junior year of college.
Average Tuition
In-State: $13,669
Out-of-State: $13,669
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$13,669 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$13,669 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93% |
| Admission Rate |
72.5% |
| Retention Rate |
77% |
| Students Enrolled |
6,980 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Illinois
When choosing a nursing program in Illinois, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept accredited programs. If you are considering continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program. Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Illinois
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Illinois predicts to have a shortage of 15,000 nurses by 2025, which means there will be plenty of job opportunities for RNs to choose from.
The WalletHub ranks Illinois as the 15th best state to work as a nurse. It also ranks Illinois as the second highest state for annual nursing salary when adjusted for the cost of living.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $82,220. Illinois continues to see an increasing need for more RNs, which means there are ample employment and advancement opportunities for RNs in the state.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Illinois
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Illinois is $82,220, and it employs 129,390 nurses. Illinois also employs 7,990 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $122,310.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Illinois Cities for RNs |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL |
$85,260 |
| Kankakee, IL |
$80,980 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL |
$79,310 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Illinois
Candidates can take multiple steps and paths to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Each candidate must complete a program approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing. Illinois has 44 fully approved ADN programs and 35 BSN programs. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Illinois, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Illinois:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken
in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must
submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal
background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Illinois, you will need to renew it every two years. RNs must also complete 20 hours of
continuing education every two years. For the upcoming 2024 RN renewal, RNs who care for adults 26 years of age and older must
complete a one-hour course on diagnosis, treatment, and care of Alzheimer’s disease, along with other dementia types. RNs must
also complete the implicit bias form, which will count as one continuing education credit. Continuing education on sexual harassment prevention training is also required. All continuing education must be done through a board-approved continuing education sponsor. A list of board-approved continuing education sponsors can be found on the Illinois Board of Nursing website. First-time renewal applicants do not need to comply with the continuing education requirements.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Illinois:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Illinois.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- License renewal occurs every two years. All APRNs will need to complete 80 hours of approved continuing education in the 2-year renewal cycle. A minimum of 50 continuing education hours shall include no less than 20 hours of pharmacotherapeutics, including 10 hours of opioid prescribing or substance abuse education. A maximum of 30 hours of credit may be obtained by presentations in the APRN clinical specialty, evidence-based practice, quality improvement projects, publications, research projects, or preceptor hours. First-time renewal applicants do not need to comply with the continuing education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Illinois
Is Illinois a good place for nurses to work?
Illinois is a great place to work as an RN. The WalletHub ranks Illinois as the 15th highest state in the U.S. to work as a nurse, and it ranks it second in the U.S. for receiving the highest cost-of-living adjusted salary. There are plenty of nursing employment opportunities in Illinois, with a 15,000 shortage of RNs predicted by 2025.
Is Illinois a compact state for nursing?
No. Illinois is not a compact state for nursing. To practice as an RN in Illinois, you must apply for an RN license on the Illinois Board of Nursing website.
What are the requirements for RNs in Illinois?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years. RNs are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years in the renewal period. One contact hour needs to be completed on diagnosing, treating, and caring for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types if you care for adult patients aged 26 or older. One continuing education credit will be given for completing the implicit bias form, and sexual harassment prevention training is also required. All continuing education must be completed by an approved sponsor. A list of board-approved continuing education sponsors can be found on the Illinois Board of Nursing website.
How much does an Illinois RN license cost?
The RN license application fee is $98, and the examination fee is $200. It costs $80 to renew your RN license in Illinois.
