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Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

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2023 Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

29 Schools Ranked
$29,503 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$25,787 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which nursing program is right for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

The Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 29 schools in Illinois to see which ones offered the best bachelor's degree programs for nursing students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Illinois

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
$47,808 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,570 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Loyola University Chicago to be the best school for nursing students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Illinois.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $47,808 to cover tuition and fees at Loyola Chicago. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Loyola Chicago accumulate an average of $23,570 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Loyola Chicago, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 97% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#2

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, Illinois
$52,512 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,212 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 29 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Illinois Wesleyan University landed the # 2 spot on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $52,512 to cover tuition and fees at Illinois Wesleyan. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,212 in student loans.

Full Illinois Wesleyan University Report

#3

McKendree University

Lebanon, Illinois
$33,050 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,607 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 29 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, McKendree University landed the # 3 spot on the list.

The average tuition and fees at McKendree is $33,050. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from McKendree accumulate an average of $24,607 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at McKendree. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 16% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#4

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
$13,968 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,109 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Illinois State University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

Students from Illinois who attend Illinois State full time pay an average of $13,968 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $24,172. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,109 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Illinois State. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Illinois State University

#5

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois
$34,310 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,522 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 29 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Concordia University, Chicago landed the # 5 spot on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $34,310 to cover tuition and fees at Concordia University, Chicago. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Concordia University, Chicago accumulate an average of $26,522 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Concordia University, Chicago does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 50% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Concordia University, Chicago

#6

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
$28,383 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, University of St Francis did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,383 in student loans.

University of Saint Francis does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 89% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of St Francis

#7

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois
$36,360 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,068 Avg Student Debt

Bradley University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #7 on the list.

If you want to attend Bradley, expect to pay an average of $36,360 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,068 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Bradley does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Bradley University

#8

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois
$35,472 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,413 Avg Student Debt

Lewis University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking.

The average tuition and fees at Lewis is $35,472. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Lewis accumulate an average of $23,413 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Lewis does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Lewis University Report

#9

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois
$26,760 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,543 Avg Student Debt

Aurora University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

The average tuition and fees at Aurora is $26,760. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,543 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Aurora. During the 2019-2020 year, about 96% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Aurora University Report

#10

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois
$35,420 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,422 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Dominican University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Dominican U does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $35,420. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,422 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Dominican U does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 96% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Dominican University

#11

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, Illinois
$39,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,567 Avg Student Debt

Elmhurst University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $39,400 to cover tuition and fees at Elmhurst. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,567 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Elmhurst, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 90% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#12

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
$15,603 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,801 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Chicago ranked #12 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

Students from Illinois who attend UIC full time pay an average of $15,603 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $30,370. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,801 in student loans.

UIC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#13

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois
$10,108 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,123 Avg Student Debt

Governors State University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

In-state students pay an average of $10,108 in tuition and fees if they attend GSU full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $17,620. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,123 in loans while pursuing their degree.

GSU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 69% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Governors State University

#14

Benedictine University

Lisle, Illinois
$32,280 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,886 Avg Student Debt

Benedictine University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

Benedictine U does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $32,280. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Benedictine U accumulate an average of $26,886 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Benedictine U does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#15

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois
$11,496 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,579 Avg Student Debt

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking.

If you want to attend SIUE, expect to pay an average of $11,496 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,579 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at SIUE, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Report

#16

Roosevelt University

Chicago, Illinois
$28,098 Avg Student Debt

Roosevelt University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,098 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Roosevelt, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#17

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, Illinois
$33,275 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,340 Avg Student Debt

Trinity Christian College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #17 on the list.

Trinity Christian does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $33,275. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Trinity Christian accumulate an average of $29,340 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Trinity Christian, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 70% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Trinity Christian College Report

#18

Millikin University

Decatur, Illinois
$39,592 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,442 Avg Student Debt

Millikin University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

Millikin does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $39,592. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $31,442 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Millikin does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Millikin University Report

#19

North Park University

Chicago, Illinois
$33,050 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,826 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, North Park University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you want to attend North Park, expect to pay an average of $33,050 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,826 in student loans.

North Park does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 84% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on North Park University

#20

Wheaton College Illinois

Wheaton, Illinois
$40,820 Average Tuition & Fees

Wheaton College Illinois ranked #20 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

Wheaton College Illinois does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $40,820. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Wheaton College Illinois does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 37% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Wheaton College Illinois

#21

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, Illinois
$37,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,166 Avg Student Debt

Olivet Nazarene University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list.

Olivet Nazarene does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $37,440. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene accumulate an average of $27,166 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Olivet Nazarene does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 47% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#22

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
$14,738 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,759 Avg Student Debt

Northern Illinois University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois ranking.

NIU does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $14,738. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,759 in loans while pursuing their degree.

NIU does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 4% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

Quincy University

Quincy, Illinois
$25,741 Avg Student Debt

Quincy University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Quincy U accumulate an average of $25,741 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Quincy U. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 71% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Quincy University

#24

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
$13,297 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,617 Avg Student Debt

Western Illinois University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

The average tuition and fees at WIU is $13,297. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from WIU accumulate an average of $28,617 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at WIU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Western Illinois University

#25

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois
$12,297 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,733 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Illinois University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Illinois list.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $12,297 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend EIU. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $14,551. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,733 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at EIU. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Eastern Illinois University Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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