Best Nursing Schools in Illinois
Illinois combines world-class academic medical centers in Chicago with strong regional programs downstate, producing nurses for the third-largest US metro area. Rush University and UIC consistently rank among the nation's top nursing schools, while community colleges offer accessible ADN pathways.
Top Illinois Nursing Schools by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Chicago's academic medical centers produce exceptionally high NCLEX pass rates. Rush University's MSN program achieves 96%.
| Rush University | MSN | 96% |
| Northwestern University | BSN | 94% |
| University of Illinois Chicago | BSN | 93% |
| Loyola University Chicago | BSN | 92% |
| University of Illinois Springfield | BSN | 88% |
| Illinois State University | BSN | 87% |
| College of DuPage | ADN | 86% |
| DePaul University | BSN | 85% |
| Southern Illinois University | BSN | 84% |
| Moraine Valley CC | ADN | 83% |
Illinois Nursing Markets
Different regions of Illinois offer distinct clinical training environments and specialty focus areas. Your choice of program location can significantly shape your nursing career trajectory.
Chicago (Academic)
Level I Trauma & Research
Rush, Northwestern Memorial, UChicago Medicine, and Lurie Children's anchor premier academic clinical rotations.
Chicago (Community)
Public Health & Safety-Net
Cook County Health, Stroger Hospital, and community health centers provide critical safety-net nursing experience.
Springfield–Champaign
Rural & Public Health
Downstate hospitals serve rural populations with growing demand for primary care and public health nurses.
Suburbs (DuPage/Lake)
Outpatient & Rehab
Advocate Health, Edward Hospital, and Northwestern Lake Forest provide suburban outpatient and rehab training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurses make in Illinois?
The average RN salary in Illinois is approximately $82,000/year, with Chicago-area nurses averaging $88,000+. NPs in Illinois earn $115,000–$145,000 on average.
What are the best nursing schools in Chicago?
Rush University (consistently top-15 nationally), Northwestern, UIC, and Loyola are Chicago's premier nursing programs. Rush is particularly known for its MSN direct-entry program.
Does Illinois have a nursing shortage?
Yes. Illinois projects a shortage of 20,000+ nurses by 2030, with the gap most acute in rural downstate areas and specialty areas like critical care and behavioral health.
Can I become a nurse with an associate degree in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois community colleges offer ADN programs that qualify graduates to take the NCLEX-RN. Many employers in Illinois accept ADN-prepared nurses, especially outside Chicago, though BSN programs provide more career advancement opportunities.
Ready to Compare Illinois Nursing Programs?
Use our interactive comparison tool to evaluate nursing schools side-by-side by NCLEX pass rate, program type, location, and job placement.
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