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Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois

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2023 Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois

22 Schools Ranked
$9,377 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$14,153 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 Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 22 schools in Illinois to see which undergraduate certificate programs offered the best educational experiences 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 Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
$9,870 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,896 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found William Rainey Harper College to be the best school for nursing students who want to pursue a undergraduate certificate in Illinois.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Harper College is $9,870. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,682. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,896 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Harper College. In 2019-2020 about 86% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full William Rainey Harper College Report

#2

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois
$12,570 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,047 Avg Student Debt

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Joliet Junior College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Illinois.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Joliet Junior College is $12,570. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,410. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $16,047 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Joliet Junior College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#3

Oakton Community College

Des Plaines, Illinois
$10,446 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,358 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Oakton Community College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Oakton Community College is $10,446. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,462. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Oakton Community College accumulate an average of $17,358 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 Oakton Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. 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 Oakton Community College

#4

Lake Land College

Mattoon, Illinois
$8,104 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,767 Avg Student Debt

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Lake Land College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Illinois.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $8,104 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Lake Land College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,906. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Lake Land College accumulate an average of $9,767 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Lake Land College. In fact, around 69% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Lake Land College Report

#5

Kaskaskia College

Centralia, Illinois
$7,530 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,996 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Kaskaskia College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list.

Students from Illinois who attend Kaskaskia College full time pay an average of $7,530 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,330. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $9,996 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Kaskaskia College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 54% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$16,095 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,095 in student loans.

Malcolm X College 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 97% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College Report

#7

John A Logan College

Carterville, Illinois
$5,960 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,389 Avg Student Debt

John A Logan College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #7 on the list.

Full-time students from Illinois pay an average of $5,960 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend John A Logan College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,980. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $15,389 in loans while pursuing their degree.

John A Logan College 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 46% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full John A Logan College Report

#8

Olney Central College

Olney, Illinois
$10,056 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,619 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Olney Central College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

In-state students pay an average of $10,056 in tuition and fees if they attend Olney Central College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,082. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Olney Central College accumulate an average of $8,619 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Olney Central College 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 fact, around 39% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#9

Black Hawk College

Moline, Illinois
$18,698 Avg Student Debt

Black Hawk College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #9 on the list.

Undergraduate Certificate recipients from BHC accumulate an average of $18,698 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that BHC does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 71% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Black Hawk College Report

#10

Rend Lake College

Ina, Illinois
$6,000 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,002 Avg Student Debt

Rend Lake College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois ranking.

In-state students pay an average of $6,000 in tuition and fees if they attend Rend Lake College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,750. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $10,002 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Rend Lake College 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 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#11

Parkland College

Champaign, Illinois
$11,580 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,293 Avg Student Debt

Parkland College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate nursing programs.

In-state students pay an average of $11,580 in tuition and fees if they attend Parkland College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,930. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $13,293 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Parkland College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Parkland College

#12

Sauk Valley Community College

Dixon, Illinois
$11,580 Average Tuition & Fees
$4,936 Avg Student Debt

Sauk Valley Community College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list.

In-state students pay an average of $11,580 in tuition and fees if they attend Sauk Valley Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,840. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Sauk Valley Community College accumulate an average of $4,936 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 Sauk Valley Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 84% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Sauk Valley Community College Report

#13

Elgin Community College

Elgin, Illinois
$7,140 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,701 Avg Student Debt

Elgin Community College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ECC is $7,140. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,516. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,701 in student loans.

ECC 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 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Elgin Community College

#14

Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, Illinois
$6,840 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,607 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Lincoln Land Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

Students from Illinois who attend LLCC full time pay an average of $6,840 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,068. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from LLCC accumulate an average of $10,607 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at LLCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Lincoln Land Community College Report

#15

Illinois Valley Community College

Oglesby, Illinois
$12,952 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,432 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Valley Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois ranking.

Students from Illinois who attend IVCC full time pay an average of $12,952 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,942. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $10,432 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since IVCC does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#16

Illinois Central College

East Peoria, Illinois
$14,029 Avg Student Debt

Illinois Central College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #16 on the list.

By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,029 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at ICC. In 2019-2020 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#17

Kankakee Community College

Kankakee, Illinois
$13,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,502 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Kankakee Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Kankakee Community College is $13,200. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $25,560. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $21,502 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Kankakee Community College. In fact, around 67% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Kankakee Community College Report

#18

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, Illinois
$7,860 Average Tuition & Fees

Carl Sandburg College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Carl Sandburg College is $7,860. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,760.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Carl Sandburg College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 83% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#19

Richland Community College

Decatur, Illinois
$9,090 Average Tuition & Fees

Richland Community College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list.

In-state students pay an average of $9,090 in tuition and fees if they attend Richland Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,260.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Richland Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 59% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Richland Community College Report

#20

Heartland Community College

Normal, Illinois
$9,810 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,431 Avg Student Debt

Heartland Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #20 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Heartland Community College is $9,810. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,550. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $14,431 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Heartland Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Heartland Community College Report

#21

Danville Area Community College

Danville, Illinois
$8,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,931 Avg Student Debt

Danville Area Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Illinois list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $8,650 to cover tuition and fees at DACC. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from DACC accumulate an average of $9,931 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that DACC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 57% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Danville Area Community College

#22

Rock Valley College

Rockford, Illinois
$8,924 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,594 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Rock Valley College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Rock Valley College is $8,924. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $17,564. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Rock Valley College accumulate an average of $14,594 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Rock Valley College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 86% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Rock Valley College Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 22 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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