Illinois is one of the largest nursing markets in the Midwest. The state has more than 70 Board of Nursing-approved RN programs, anchored by major research institutions in Chicago – Rush University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and DePaul – alongside a strong network of community college ADN programs and regional universities across the state. Chicago’s healthcare environment includes Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Health Care, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medicine, all of which employ nurses at scale. Illinois is currently a non-compact state – Illinois nurses hold single-state licenses that do not confer multistate practice rights – though legislative efforts to join the Nursing Licensure Compact were active in 2025. This guide covers programs, admission requirements, licensing, salary data, and financial aid for prospective nursing students in Illinois.
Nursing education landscape in Illinois
Illinois nursing education divides along geographic lines: Chicago’s concentrated urban market, the collar counties and suburbs, and downstate Illinois – which spans mid-sized cities like Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, and Champaign, through to rural areas with genuine workforce shortages.
Chicago’s nursing programs range from highly selective research university programs to community college ADN programs that make nursing accessible to working adults across the metro. Rush University College of Nursing is nationally recognized in graduate nursing and research; its location inside Rush University Medical Center creates direct clinical integration. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Nursing is the flagship public nursing school in Illinois, offering programs from BSN through PhD with extensive community health research. Loyola University Chicago’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with strong clinical partnerships across the Chicago area. DePaul University offers MSN programs at its Chicago campus.
For community-based nursing education, City Colleges of Chicago operates multiple ADN programs across the city’s campuses, providing an accessible and affordable route to RN licensure in one of the most expensive metropolitan areas in the country. Triton College, Harper College, and College of DuPage serve suburban Chicago with ADN programs. Illinois community colleges collectively enroll a significant portion of the state’s nursing students.
Downstate Illinois has robust regional programs. Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing in Normal is one of the largest undergraduate nursing programs in the state and is well-regarded for baccalaureate education. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Nursing offers BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs in the St. Louis metro area. Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb and Bradley University in Peoria also offer nursing programs serving central and northern Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) regulates all nursing licenses and education in the state. The Illinois Board of Nursing is accessible at idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/nursing.html.
Note on compact status: As of 2026, Illinois is not a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact. Illinois nurses hold single-state licenses. Nurses holding multistate compact licenses from other states cannot practice in Illinois without a separate Illinois license. Legislative bills to join the NLC passed the Illinois House in 2025 but had not been signed into law as of this writing. Monitor updates from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Admission requirements
Illinois nursing programs vary by level and institution. Here is what programs typically require:
For ADN programs (community college):
- Minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 on prerequisite science courses
- ATI TEAS entrance exam (most Illinois community colleges use TEAS; a few use HESI)
- Prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition, Psychology or Sociology
- CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Criminal background check and drug screening required before clinical placements
- Most programs use a competitive point-based or rank-ordered admission process; wait times at Chicago-area community colleges can run 12–18 months
For BSN programs (university):
- Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 on prerequisites; Rush and UIC programs are competitive with admitted cohorts often above 3.5
- TEAS or HESI (varies by institution)
- Prerequisite courses: A&P I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, English Composition, Nutrition
- Letters of recommendation (2–3 typically required)
- Some programs require documented healthcare experience
Chicago-area community college ADN programs are particularly competitive given demand. Downstate programs at regional universities tend to be more accessible. If your GPA is below 3.0, see nursing schools that accept low GPAs.
Types of nursing programs in Illinois
Illinois offers nursing education at every level:
| Program type | Credential | Typical duration | Typical cost range (in-state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA certificate | CNA | 4–8 weeks | $800–$2,500 |
| LPN certificate | LPN | 12–18 months | $8,000–$18,000 |
| ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) | RN | 2 years | $6,000–$20,000 |
| BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | RN | 4 years (or 12–18 mo for RN-to-BSN) | $30,000–$60,000 (public); $70,000–$130,000 (private) |
| MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) | NP, CNS, educator, administrator | 2–3 years post-BSN | $28,000–$60,000 |
| DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) | Advanced practice / leadership | 3–4 years post-BSN | $40,000–$75,000 |
ADN programs through Illinois community colleges are the most cost-effective entry point to RN licensure. City Colleges of Chicago, Triton College, College of DuPage, Elgin Community College, Harper College, and Richland Community College are among the many Illinois community colleges with accredited ADN programs. Most Illinois health systems hire ADN-prepared nurses and offer tuition assistance for BSN completion.
BSN programs range from UIC’s flagship public program (strong in community and urban health) to Rush University’s high NCLEX pass rate programs integrated into a hospital-based environment. Loyola University Chicago’s Mennonite-founded program has strong Catholic health system ties and clinical placements. Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing is one of the largest BSN programs in the state and produces a significant share of downstate nurses. Northern Illinois University, SIUE, and Bradley University serve regional markets.
For a broader overview of degree pathways, see ADN programs and BSN programs. For accelerated BSN options, see accelerated BSN programs.
Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) are offered at Rush, UIC, Loyola, SIUE, and others. Rush University’s DNP programs are well-regarded; UIC’s PhD in Nursing Science has a national research profile. Loyola’s NP tracks include Family, Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care.
Licensing in Illinois
The Illinois Board of Nursing, under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), regulates all nursing licenses and approves nursing education programs in the state.
For RN licensure by examination:
- Graduate from an IDFPR-approved nursing program (ADN or BSN)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
- Submit application and fees to the IDFPR (initial RN licensure fee: approximately $50)
- Pass a criminal background check (required before initial licensure)
- Provide Social Security Number for verification
For LPN licensure:
- Graduate from an IDFPR-approved LPN program
- Pass the NCLEX-PN
- Submit application and fees; background check required
Compact license status: Illinois is not currently an NLC member state. Illinois nurses hold single-state licenses that do not permit practice in other states without additional licensure. Nurses from compact states who move to Illinois must apply for a separate Illinois license. Legislative efforts to join the compact were active in 2025 – check idfpr.illinois.gov for current status. See the nursing compact license guide for broader context on how the compact works and which states are members.
Illinois RN licenses renew every 2 years. Continuing education requirements apply at renewal. See nursing license requirements by state for endorsement procedures.
Nursing job market and salary in Illinois
Illinois’s nursing market is anchored by Chicago’s dense health system cluster. Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Health Care, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine, and Lurie Children’s Hospital collectively employ tens of thousands of nurses across the Chicago metro. The system is competitive for specialty nurses, and base wages tend to be higher in Chicago than in downstate markets.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024 OEWS), the mean annual wage for registered nurses in Illinois is approximately $87,650. The range runs from roughly $64,000 at the 10th percentile to approximately $105,000 at the 90th percentile.
Regional variation within Illinois:
- Chicago metro: wages at the higher end of the state range; specialty and acute care nurses in major hospital systems see the most competitive compensation; Magnet-designated hospitals (Northwestern, Rush, Lurie Children’s) pay competitive specialty differentials
- Peoria, Rockford, Springfield: mid-tier wages; OSF HealthCare, SwedishAmerican (now part of UW Health), and HSHS St. John’s are major employers in these markets
- Rural downstate Illinois: lowest wages in the state but persistent demand and sign-on bonus programs; critical access hospitals face significant staffing challenges
Because Illinois is a non-compact state, Illinois nurses who want to work in other states must apply for individual state licenses. This adds cost and processing time for nurses considering travel nursing or cross-border employment. If Illinois passes NLC legislation, this dynamic will change significantly.
For a broader salary comparison across states, see the nursing salary by state guide.
Financial aid and scholarships
Federal aid: All accredited nursing programs are eligible for FAFSA funding. Submit as early as possible – the window opens October 1 each year. For step-by-step guidance, see nursing school FAFSA guide.
Illinois-specific programs:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant: The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) administers the MAP Grant for low- and moderate-income Illinois residents attending eligible in-state institutions. Nursing students at community colleges and public universities may qualify.
- Illinois Nurses Foundation Scholarships: The INF awards annual scholarships to nursing students enrolled in Illinois programs. Awards vary by year and are merit- and need-based.
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment: Illinois nurses working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) – particularly in rural downstate communities – may qualify for the federal NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program, which covers up to 85% of nursing school debt in exchange for a two-year service commitment.
- Illinois Veterans Grant: Illinois veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for the Illinois Veteran Grant, which waives certain tuition and fees at Illinois public universities and community colleges. This includes veterans pursuing nursing degrees.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Nurses employed full-time at nonprofit or public hospitals (Cook County Health, UI Health, VA Medical Centers in Chicago, Hines, and Marion) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments.
Frequently asked questions
Is Illinois a compact nursing state?
No. As of 2026, Illinois is not a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact. Illinois nurses hold single-state licenses. Nurses from compact states who move to Illinois must obtain a separate Illinois license. Legislative efforts to join the NLC have progressed in the Illinois General Assembly and remain active – check idfpr.illinois.gov for current status. See the nursing compact license guide for full context.
How do I become a nurse in Illinois?
Complete a Board of Nursing-approved RN program (ADN or BSN) at an IDFPR-approved institution. Pass the NCLEX-RN. Submit your licensure application and fee to the IDFPR and pass a criminal background check. Illinois does not require a waiting period between NCLEX and licensure if all application components are complete. Most new graduates apply via the IDFPR online portal; processing typically takes 3–6 weeks.
How competitive are Chicago nursing programs?
Chicago community college ADN programs can have wait times of 12–18 months due to high demand. Rush University’s BSN and MSN programs are selective and clinically integrated. UIC’s College of Nursing is the state’s flagship public nursing school and has competitive admission for BSN and graduate programs. Programs in downstate markets tend to be more accessible.
What does it cost to become an RN in Illinois?
An ADN at an Illinois community college typically costs $6,000–$20,000 in tuition and fees. A BSN at a public university (UIC, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, SIUE) costs approximately $30,000–$60,000 over four years for in-state students. Private university programs (Rush, Loyola) run considerably higher. These figures cover tuition and fees only.
What NCLEX pass rate should I look for?
The IDFPR publishes NCLEX pass rates by program in Illinois. First-time pass rates for US-educated RN candidates have nationally ranged from approximately 82–88% in recent NCSBN cycles. Look for programs consistently at or above the national average. For preparation strategies, see the NCLEX study plan guide.