Looking for a Nursing college in Illinois? If you are searching for the right college to start your nursing education in Illinois State, then we have great news for you. Here we have created a list of the Best Nursing Colleges in Illinois that help you determine which schools best prepare students for their professional careers.

Nursing is one of the most flexible and satisfying careers. There are over 100 colleges in Illinois that have excellent nursing programs. Read an overview of the 10 largest schools as well as their ranking, programs, requirements and tuition info and find out which school is the right one for you. Good Luck!!

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois-Chicago College of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on the Urbana Regional Campus. A BSN degree from UIC will provide you with the strongest possible foundation for a fulfilling career as a nurse. The DNP program is offered in a hybrid format consisting of online, on-site and blended courses. Students graduate with an exceptional blend of clinical, organizational, financial and leadership skills—prepared not only to improve outcomes for their own patients but also to contribute to the transformation of healthcare.

Founded In: 1867
Ranking:  1st
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 15,054 USD, Out-of-state 30,214 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (312) 996-7800
Website: http://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/preprofessional/nursing/

Loyola University Chicago

The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing (SON) provides a transformative education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition, preparing leaders in the health professions to enhance the health of persons, communities. Many are certified in their areas of clinical expertise and serve in leadership positions for regional and national nursing organizations. Graduates of the School of Nursing are highly sought for positions in health-care organizations. At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Accelerated BSN (ABSN). Its graduate programs include the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); Master of Science in Dietetics; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a focus in Nursing.

Founded In: 1870
Ranking:  2nd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 40,426 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 773-274-3000
Website: https://www.luc.edu/nursing/

The University of Illinois at Chicago

The mission of the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago is to transform health, healthcare, and policy through knowledge generation and translation, and education of future leaders from diverse backgrounds. A BSN degree from UIC will provide you with the strongest possible foundation for a fulfilling career as a nurse—one of the fastest growing and most trusted professions in the U.S. Here at UIC, you’ll learn from some of the nations foremost nursing leaders and be supported by energetic and engaged peers. The DNP program is offered in a hybrid format consisting of online, on-site and blended courses.

Founded In: 1859
Ranking:  3rd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 13,664 USD, Out-of-state 26,520 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (312) 996-7800
Website: https://www.nursing.uic.edu/

Bradley University

Bradley’s nursing degrees give you confidence in your caregiver abilities through challenging classes and diverse clinical settings. You can enter Bradley’s direct-admit undergraduate programs with no college background, an RN or LPN. You also can earn graduate nursing degrees on campus or online. Nursing is one of the most rewarding professional careers. Bradley nursing undergraduates typically have one of the nation’s highest pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam. With two major hospital systems, multiple public health facilities and several nursing homes in the area.

Founded In: 1897
Ranking:  4th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 31,480 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (309) 677-2528
Website: https://www.bradley.edu/academic/departments/nur/

University of St Francis

The University of St. Francis is a university engages the mind and spirit of students, faculty and staff, and more. USF’s Leach College of Nursing takes that a step further by offering award-winning nursing programs at every level. The nursing programs at the University of St. Francis are a great place to start your nursing career or continue to build professional knowledge. USF has educated three generations of caring and highly skilled nurses. At USF, you will receive one of the finest nursing educations available, preparing you to be a competent clinician and an advocate for your patients. USF nursing students learn to work with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

Founded In: 1920
Ranking:  5th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 29,950 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 800-735-7500
Website: https://www.stfrancis.edu/academics/college-of-nursing/

Lewis University

If you’re serious about a career as a Registered Professional Nurse, Lewis University offers the ideal preparation for your future – with a robust curriculum in the natural sciences and humanities. Its extensive experience in evidence-based practice, and a background in technology education as it relates to the newest advances in patient care.  Its nursing graduates have the highest licensure pass rates of all nursing programs in Illinois. They offer direct admission to the nursing program as an entering freshman or transfer student at Lewis. You will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN national examination for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse

Founded In: 1932
Ranking:  6th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 29,040 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (815) 836-5250
Website: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/nursing/index.htm

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

The SIUE School of Nursing offers a diverse, vibrant, supportive environment.  Students learn excellence in nursing leadership through innovative teaching, quality research, community service and compassionate care in this diverse and complex world. Its programs prepare students for a fast-paced, rapidly evolving career in health care at a time when the country is facing a nursing shortage. They invite you to explore the opportunities available through the School of Nursing and encourage you to contact us with any questions or ideas. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Nursing faculty and staff educate, empower, and support diverse learners to achieve excellence in nursing. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Nursing, will educate and develop nurses as care providers, scholars, and leaders able to meet the health challenges of a diverse and complex world.

Founded In: 1957
Ranking:  7th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 10,247 USD, Out-of-state 21,740 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 618-650-3956
Website: https://www.siue.edu/nursing/

Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University’s (SXU) School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SONHS) has the right bachelor or master program for all! The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is available in traditional pre-licensure, accelerated-second degree and RN to BSN online-completion formats. The Nursing Program also provides excellent options for graduate students seeking a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or post-master’s certificates. At SXU, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences will prepare students for the 21st-century healthcare workplace by teaching them to not only be strong clinicians with a focus on health and wellness across diverse populations.

Founded In: 1846
Ranking:  8th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 30,920 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 844-468-6798
Website: https://www.sxu.edu/academics/colleges_schools/nursing-health-sciences/index.asp

Elmhurst College

The Department of Nursing and Health Sciences offers four programs of study – two at the undergraduate level and two graduate programs. Elmhurst offers two undergraduate degrees and two master’s degrees in nursing. Elmhurst nursing graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. If you’re ready to increase the challenges, responsibilities, and rewards that come with an MSN degree, Elmhurst’s program will enable you to reach higher in your nursing practice. The baccalaureate degree in nursing and master’s degree in nursing at Elmhurst College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Founded In: 1871
Ranking:  9th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 34,450 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 202-887-6791
Website: https://www.elmhurst.edu/academics/departments/nursing/

North Park University

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at North Park University integrates dynamic teaching and clinical best practices into educational experiences that develop ethical and compassionate graduates committed to patient-centered care, clinical expertise, and skillful practice. North Park’s nursing program is marked by hands-on experiences alongside professors with career experience in compassionate caregiving, and benefitting from established partnerships with leading Chicago healthcare institutions. Its Programs include BSN, MSN in three degree focuses, two post-master’s certificates, and DNP.

Founded In: 1891
Ranking:  10th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 25,860 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (773) 244-6200
Website: https://www.northpark.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/school-of-nursing-and-health-sciences/