Best Nursing Schools in Illinois
Illinois has a diverse population spread amongst both urban and rural settings. These diverse populations come with a wide variety of healthcare needs, but unfortunately, there is a shrinking nurse population to serve these communities. According to recent data, the nursing population will need to grow to a projected 5% within the next ten years to keep up with the current demand. If you’re looking to start a new career in Illinois, nursing might be the best choice as job security is only expected to grow.
Jump to:
- Illinois RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in Illinois
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Illinois
Best RN Programs in Illinois
Selecting the best nursing school in Illinois can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Illinois by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 78 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Trinity Christian College
Score: 99.79
Trinity Christian College’s BSN program prepares students both academically and clinically to care for patients’ physical, spiritual, and mental needs. Students are able to gain hands-on learning in the simulation lab, allowing them to hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (708) 597-3000
Saint Anthony College of Nursing
Score: 98.50
Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford, Illinois is known for its standard of academic excellence paired with practical experience. With state of the art skills labs and low student/teacher ratio, students excel in the demanding yet nurturing program.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (815) 282-7900
Rush University
Score: 97.37
Located in the metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, Rush University is home to a prestigious college of nursing. With a direct-entry MSN option for non-nurses, students work with nationally and internationally renowned faculty to prepare them for their profession.
Program Details
- Programs: MSN
- Phone: (312) 942-5000
Ambria College of Nursing
Score: 96.78
Ambria College of Nursing supports students through multiple nursing program pathways. Their associate degree pathway has options for new nurses and licensed LPNs, and accepts students 3 times per year in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
- Phone: (847) 397-0300
Lewis University
Score: 96.33
Located in Romeoville, Illinois, Lewis University creates leaders in the high-tech patient care environment. With attention to the pacing of the healthcare field today, Lewis University nursing graduates are well-informed on the advancements of health care.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (815) 838-0500
John A. Logan College
Score: 95.92
John A. Logan College's associate degree nursing program is located in the community of Carterville, Illinois. Designed to assist nurses in upgrading their skills and knowledge, the college's graduates are a welcome addition as therapeutic and caring members of the healthcare team.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (618) 985-3741
Joliet Junior College
Score: 95.86
Joliet Junior College is home to one of the state's most well regarded nursing programs. With an eye on the burgeoning demand for nurses, Joliet graduates are informed collaborators and managers who influence health outcomes.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (815) 729-9020
Western Illinois University
Score: 95.74
The CCNE-accredited BSN program at Macomb’s Western Illinois University focuses on preparing nurses for a wide variety of healthcare settings, particularly rural settings. Their nursing resource center houses computer simulation programs and simulators for students to practice new skills before working on real patients.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (309) 298-1414
Black Hawk College
Score: 95.68
Black Hawk College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program offers a career-oriented curriculum to prepare students to provide quality care to patients. Students will develop skills such as clinical reasoning and nursing judgment to minimize risk, and effective communication techniques to ensure positive outcomes.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (309) 796-5000
Illinois State University
Score: 95.66
Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois has the benefit of small city environment with big-city opportunities from nearby Bloomington. Nursing graduates of the BSN program are able to integrate classroom knowledge and skills to find solutions in patient care.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (309) 438-7400
Southeastern Illinois College
Score: 95.35
Located in beautiful south Illinois in the city of Harrisburg, Southeastern Illinois College is proud to offer excellent nursing programming to hundreds of soon-to-be RNs. With flexible offerings and emphasis on clinical experience, nursing graduates are a welcome addition to area healthcare teams.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (618) 252-5400
Kaskaskia College
Score: 95.21
Kaskaskia College in Centralia offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing. They have prepared over 1800 graduates for a career in registered nursing, and their program gives students the tools they will need to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (618) 545-3000
McHenry County College
Score: 95.14
McHenry County College, located in Crystal Lake, Illinois has a number of program pathways, including an ADN program, to best support new or returning nursing students. With full- or part-time course loads, MCC's flexibility is designed to meet nursing needs now and in the future.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (815) 455-3700
Oakton Community College
Score: 94.45
Des Plaines, Illinois is the proud home of Oakton Community College. With renowned nursing faculty and state of the art facilities for clinical practice, Oakton's ADN students graduate prepared to use clinical and professional leadership skills to improve the health of individuals in their communities.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (847) 635-1600
Southwestern Illinois College
Score: 94.33
Belleville, Illinois - located just southeast of St. Louis, MS - is home to the Southwestern Illinois College. With a formidable nursing program, SIC graduates enter the workforce as they develop into knowledgeable and effective care providers.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (618) 235-2700
College of DuPage
Score: 94.01
Glen Ellyn's College of DuPage offers students an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) pathway to enter registered nursing practice. This 2-year program begins every Fall and Spring semester to prepare students for entry-level positions caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates leave the program with exceptional clinical decision-making abilities.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (630) 942-2380
Heartland Community College
Score: 93.23
Heartland Community College serves students in the Normal vicinity through its excellent ADN and LPN to RN program pathways. Enrolled students learn a number of contemporary nursing principles and techniques to help them find success amongst healthcare teams.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (309) 268-8000
Dominican University
Score: 92.97
Located in River Forest, Dominican University’s BSN program allows students to learn and explore in its state-of-the-art labs, collaborate with educated faculty, and gain the skills needed to become licensed as an RN. The curriculum emphasizes student attention, faculty interaction, and personal accountability.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (708) 366-2490
Bradley University
Score: 92.82
Located in Peoria, Illinois, Bradley University faculty believe that nurses need to care for the whole patient by using ethical and scientific patient-centered care models. They offer a direct-entry BSN program in which students begin taking nursing courses during freshman year. The nursing profession welcomes Bradley graduates to their ranks.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (404) 975-5000
Harper College
Score: 92.66
Harper College in Palatine, Illinois strives to provide one of the state's most acclaimed associate degree nursing programs. With almost 50 years' experience in nursing education, Harper College works to fill today's growing demand for empathy and evidence-based care in registered nursing.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (847) 925-6000
Illinois Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
If you have no experience as a nurse and you’re looking for the fastest entryway point into a nursing career, the ideal degree is an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). This option and a nursing diploma both take a year or two to complete. If you do have nursing experience (as an LPN) you may be able to enroll in an LPN to RN bridge program to get either an ADN or BSN.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Illinois include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Illinois.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
In Illinois, while ADN programs and nursing diplomas offer quicker paths to entering the workforce, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can be a valuable investment for those able to commit more time to their education. Many employers in the state prefer hiring nurses with a BSN over those with an ADN or diploma, and a BSN provides a solid foundation if you decide to pursue graduate studies. For those already working as nurses, a BSN can be completed in as little as two years if you hold an RN license and an ADN. If you have a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN program allows you to complete your BSN in about a year, provided you have the necessary credits.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Illinois typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
Working nurses are often strapped for time in their busy schedules. If you’re hoping to get your BSN in a shorter amount of time (compared to a traditional BSN program), you can leverage your current experience into a bridge program called an Illinois RN to BSN. This will put you on track to graduation in only 2 years.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Illinois ABSN programs are a great way for non-nurses who have a bachelor’s degree to get their BSN in only a year or two. These programs are perfect for individuals who decide to become nurses later in their careers.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For many students, graduate school represents the ultimate step in advancing their nursing careers. Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge to advanced practice, or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are excellent options for those aiming for higher salaries, increased autonomy, and enhanced job prospects. Generally, nursing graduate programs require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher, along with a valid RN license.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Illinois:
- Illinois Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Illinois MSN Program
- Illinois Accelerated MSN Program
- Illinois RN to MSN Programs
- Illinois Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Illinois DNP Programs
Getting an RN License in Illinois
In order to seek nursing jobs in Illinois, you’ll need to get licensed in the state. To get licensed, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN. Following this, you’ll need to fill out and send an application to the Illinois Nursing Board and send the appropriate fees.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Illinois
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Ilinois Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
RN program accreditation is arguably the most important factor when it comes to selecting an RN program. If a program isn’t accredited, any student who graduates from it won’t be able to get licensed. As you begin your search, make sure that your prospective school is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Continued List of All RN Programs in Illinois
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21. | Millikin University Decatur, IL 62522 | Phone: (217) 424-6211 | Programs: BSN, MSN | 92.66 | millikin.edu |
| 22. | Kankakee Community College Kankakee, IL 60901 | Phone: (815) 802-8100 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 92.36 | kcc.edu |
| 23. | Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL 60660 | Phone: (773) 274-3000 | Programs: BSN | 92.26 | luc.edu |
| 24. | DePaul University Chicago, IL 60614 | Phone: (773) 687-1000 | Programs: MSN | 91.68 | csh.depaul.edu |
| 25. | Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL 60115 | Phone: (815) 753-1231 | Programs: BSN | 91.07 | chhs.niu.edu |
| 26. | Aurora University Aurora, IL 60506 | Phone: (630) 892-6431 | Programs: BSN | 89.77 | aurora.edu |
| 27. | Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, IL 60914 | Phone: (800) 648-1463 | Programs: BSN | 89.48 | olivet.edu |
| 28. | Shawnee Community College Ullin, IL 62992 | Phone: (618) 634-3200 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 89.34 | shawneecc.edu |
| 29. | Lincoln Land Community College Springfield, IL 62794 | Phone: (217) 786-2437 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 89.29 | llcc.edu |
| 30. | City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X Chicago, IL 60612 | Phone: (312) 850-7000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 88.96 | ccc.edu |
| 31. | Elgin Community College Elgin, IL 60123 | Phone: (847) 697-1000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 88.90 | elgin.edu |
| 32. | Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901 | Phone: (618) 536-6666 | Programs: BSN | 88.87 | sah.siu.edu |
| 33. | Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Quincy, IL 62301 | Phone: (217) 228-5520 | Programs: BSN, MSN | 88.75 | brcn.edu |
| 34. | Graham Hospital School of Nursing Canton, IL 61520 | Phone: (309) 647-5240 | Programs: Diploma | 88.66 | grahamschoolofnursing.org |
| 35. | St. John's College of Nursing Springfield, IL 62702 | Phone: (217) 525-5628 | Programs: BSN | 88.16 | sjcs.edu |
| 36. | Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills, IL 60465 | Phone: (708) 974-4300 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 87.69 | morainevalley.edu |
| 37. | Lakeview College of Nursing Danville, IL 61832 | Phone: (217) 709-0920 | Programs: BSN | 87.53 | lakeviewcol.edu |
| 38. | Methodist College Peoria, IL 61615 | Phone: (309) 672-5513 | Programs: BSN | 87.48 | methodistcol.edu |
| 39. | Kishwaukee College Malta, IL 60150 | Phone: (815) 825-2086 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 86.87 | kish.edu |
| 40. | John Wood Community College Quincy, IL 62305 | Phone: (217) 224-6500 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 86.50 | jwcc.edu |
| 41. | Rock Valley College Rockford, IL 61114 | Phone: (815) 921-7821 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 86.27 | rockvalleycollege.edu |
| 42. | Elmhurst College Elmhurst, IL 60126 | Phone: (630) 617-3400 | Programs: BSN, MSN | 86.10 | elmhurst.edu |
| 43. | University of St. Francis Joliet, IL 60435 | Phone: (800) 735-7500 | Programs: BSN | 86.02 | stfrancis.edu |
| 44. | Spoon River College Canton, IL 61520 | Phone: (309) 647-4645 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.94 | src.edu |
| 45. | Illinois Valley Community College Oglesby, IL 61348 | Phone: (815) 224-2720 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.86 | ivcc.edu |
| 46. | Lake Land College Mattoon, IL 61938 | Phone: (217) 234-5253 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.82 | lakelandcollege.edu |
| 47. | Chamberlain University Downers Grove, IL 60515 | Phone: (877) 751-5783 | Programs: BSN | 85.31 | chamberlain.edu |
| 48. | St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Peoria, IL 61603 | Phone: (309) 655-2201 | Programs: BSN | 85.09 | osfhealthcare.org |
| 49. | Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences Rock Island, IL 61201 | Phone: (309) 779-7700 | Programs: BSN | 84.72 | trinitycollegeqc.edu |
| 50. | Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove, IL 60554 | Phone: (630) 466-7900 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 84.39 | waubonsee.edu |
| 51. | College of Lake County Grayslake, IL 60030 | Phone: (847) 543-2000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 84.27 | clcillinois.edu |
| 52. | South Suburban College South Holland, IL 60473 | Phone: (708) 596-2000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 84.22 | ssc.edu |
| 53. | Illinois Wesleyan University Bloomington, IL 61701 | Phone: (309) 556-1000 | Programs: BSN | 84.16 | iwu.edu |
| 54. | Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL 60655 | Phone: (844) 468-6798 | Programs: BSN | 84.01 | sxu.edu |
| 55. | Lewis & Clark Community College Godfrey, IL 62035 | Phone: (618) 468-4401 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 82.82 | lc.edu |
| 56. | University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL 60607 | Phone: (312) 996-7000 | Programs: BSN, MSN | 82.65 | nursing.uic.edu |
| 57. | Prairie State College Chicago Heights, IL 60411 | Phone: (708) 709-3500 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 82.36 | prairiestate.edu |
| 58. | North Park University Chicago, IL 60625 | Phone: (800) 888-6728 | Programs: BSN | 82.34 | northpark.edu |
| 59. | Sauk Valley Community College Dixon, IL 61021 | Phone: (815) 288-5511 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 82.33 | svcc.edu |
| 60. | Rasmussen College Romeoville, IL 60446 | Phone: (815) 306-2600 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN | 81.65 | rasmussen.edu |
| 61. | Richland Community College Decatur, IL 62521 | Phone: (217) 875-7200 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 81.44 | richland.edu |
| 62. | Parkland College Champaign, IL 61821 | Phone: (217) 351-2200 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 79.96 | parkland.edu |
| 63. | Illinois Central College East Peoria, IL 61635 | Phone: (309) 694-5422 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 79.43 | icc.edu |
| 64. | Danville Area Community College Danville, IL 61832 | Phone: (217) 443-3222 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 78.73 | dacc.edu |
| 65. | Rockford University Rockford, IL 61108 | Phone: (815) 226-4000 | Programs: BSN | 75.48 | rockford.edu |
| 66. | Triton College River Grove, IL 60171 | Phone: (708) 456-0300 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 74.39 | triton.edu |
| 67. | Highland Community College Freeport, IL 66035 | Phone: (815) 235-6121 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 73.35 | highland.edu |
| 68. | Carl Sandburg College Galesburg, IL 61401 | Phone: (309) 344-2518 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 70.87 | sandburg.edu |
| 69. | Morton College Cicero, IL 60804 | Phone: (708) 656-8000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 68.89 | morton.edu |
| 70. | Northwestern College Bridgeview, IL 60455 | Phone: (888) 205-2283 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 51.70 | nc.edu |
| 71. | Chicago State University Chicago, IL 60628 | Phone: (773) 995-2000 | Programs: BSN | 42.44 | csu.edu |
| 72. | Roosevelt University Chicago, IL 60605 | Phone: (312) 341-3500 | Programs: BSN | - | roosevelt.edu |
| 73. | CAAN Academy of Nursing Matteson, IL 60443 | Phone: (708) 983-1645 | Programs: LPN to ADN | - | caanacademy.org |
| 74. | Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL 62901 | Phone: (618) 453-7211 | Programs: BSN | - | sah.siu.edu |
| 75. | Robert Morris University Illinois Chicago, IL 60605 | Phone: (800) 762-5960 | Programs: BSN | - | rmu.edu |
| 76. | Instituto College Chicago, IL 60608 | Phone: (773) 890-0055 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | institutochicago.org |
| 77. | Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL 61920 | Phone: (217) 581-5000 | Programs: BSN | - | eiu.edu |
| 78. | Benedictine University Isle, IL 60532 | Phone: (630) 829-6000 | Programs: MSN/MBA | - | online.ben.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.