2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Illinois
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Illinois? Our ranking highlights 240 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 52 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Illinois
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found John A Logan College to be the best-value Nursing school in Illinois. This public school is set in Carterville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $7,540. Graduates carry a median of $10,479 in student loans. John A Logan College alumni report median earnings of $34,096 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about John A Logan College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lincoln Land Community College earned it the #2 place in Illinois. Based in Springfield, IL, Lincoln Land Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,744, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,272. Lincoln Land Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,479 a decade after entry. Set against $11,272 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lincoln Land Community College
Out of the 52 schools in Illinois in this year's value ranking, Kaskaskia College landed the #3 spot. Based in Centralia, IL, Kaskaskia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800, while out-of-state students pay about $12,570. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,801. That is a strong return on a $7,875 median debt. Read the full report on Kaskaskia College
Out of the 52 schools in Illinois in this year's value ranking, Highland Community College Freeport landed the #4 spot. Set in Freeport, IL, Highland Community College Freeport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,936, compared with $7,360 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $13,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,783 median debt. Read the full report on Highland Community College Freeport
You'll get strong value at College Of Lake County, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Grayslake, IL, College Of Lake County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,788, compared with $14,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,785. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,785 median debt. Read the full report on College Of Lake County
Rend Lake College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ina, IL, Rend Lake College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,500, with out-of-state students paying around $7,800. Typical Nursing student debt is $8,688. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,775. Set against $8,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Rend Lake College
Elgin Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Elgin, IL, Elgin Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,252, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Elgin Community College Nursing students take on a median of $7,727 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,516 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Elgin Community College
Harper College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Palatine, IL, Harper College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,894, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. Harper College Nursing students take on a median of $10,963 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,071 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,963 median debt. More on Harper College
Oakton Community College placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Oakton Community College is a public school based in Des Plaines, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $3,985, while out-of-state students pay about $12,462. Oakton Community College Nursing students take on a median of $7,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,852. That is a strong return on a $7,750 median debt. See the full Oakton Community College profile
Black Hawk College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Black Hawk College is a public school based in Moline, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $8,100. The median Nursing program debt is $11,340. Median earnings reach $37,253 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,340 median debt. See the full Black Hawk College profile
Lake Land College placed #11 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Located in Mattoon, IL, Lake Land College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,769. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lake Land College profile
Moraine Valley Community College placed #12 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Set in Palos Hills, IL, Moraine Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,822, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Students borrow a median of $11,149 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Moraine Valley Community College
Waubonsee Community College placed #13 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Based in Sugar Grove, IL, Waubonsee Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,504, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,939 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,788. That is a strong return on a $9,939 median debt. Read the full report on Waubonsee Community College
Governors State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in University Park, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,004. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,990. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,169. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%. Read more about Governors State University
Carl Sandburg College placed #15 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Carl Sandburg College is a public school based in Galesburg, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,390, with out-of-state students paying around $8,900. Graduates carry a median of $8,604 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,274. That is a strong return on a $8,604 median debt. Read the full report on Carl Sandburg College
Morton College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Cicero, IL, Morton College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,884, compared with $11,028 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,734 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,406. That is a strong return on a $7,734 median debt. See the full Morton College profile
Illinois State University landed the #17 spot for value in Illinois this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University
Kishwaukee College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Kishwaukee College is a public school based in Malta, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $13,680. Kishwaukee College Nursing students take on a median of $10,328 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,657 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Kishwaukee College report
Southwestern Illinois College placed #19 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Located in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,388. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,884. Set against $10,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southwestern Illinois College
Prairie State College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Chicago Heights, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,176, while out-of-state students pay about $11,064. Students borrow a median of $15,663 to complete their Nursing program here. Prairie State College alumni report median earnings of $36,696 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Prairie State College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #21 spot for value in Illinois this year. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,917. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
John Wood Community College placed #22 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Set in Quincy, IL, John Wood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,100, compared with $8,700 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,844 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full John Wood Community College profile
Rock Valley College placed #23 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. This public school is set in Rockford, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,334, while out-of-state students pay about $7,379. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,236. Median earnings reach $39,158 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,236 median debt. See the full Rock Valley College profile
Richland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Decatur, IL, Richland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,680, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. Richland Community College Nursing students take on a median of $9,562 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,793. Set against $9,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Richland Community College profile
City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Graduates carry a median of $12,272 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,427 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Illinois
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
South Suburban College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in South Holland, IL, South Suburban College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,093 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,904. Median earnings reach $33,680 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Suburban College
Illinois Central College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in East Peoria, IL, Illinois Central College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800, while out-of-state students pay about $12,150. Students borrow a median of $12,222 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,366 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Illinois Central College report
Parkland College landed the #28 spot for value in Illinois this year. Located in Champaign, IL, Parkland College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,284, compared with $13,266 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $10,168. Parkland College alumni report median earnings of $38,320 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,168 median debt. Read the full report on Parkland College
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. This public school is set in Olney, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,260, with out-of-state students paying around $12,460. The median Nursing program debt is $9,434. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,533 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,434 median debt. Read the full report on Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College
Joliet Junior College placed #30 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Based in Joliet, IL, Joliet Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Joliet Junior College Nursing students take on a median of $11,995 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,889 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,995 median debt. See the full Joliet Junior College profile
Heartland Community College landed the #31 spot for value in Illinois this year. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,550, compared with $13,110 for out-of-state students. Heartland Community College Nursing students take on a median of $13,266 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,768. That is a strong return on a $13,266 median debt. Read more about Heartland Community College
Lewis And Clark Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. Graduates carry a median of $9,602 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,724 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,602 median debt. See the full Lewis And Clark Community College profile
Sauk Valley Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Sauk Valley Community College is a public school based in Dixon, IL. Students from in state pay about $5,340 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,900 for out-of-state students. Sauk Valley Community College Nursing students take on a median of $12,811 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,458. That is a strong return on a $12,811 median debt. More on Sauk Valley Community College
Illinois Valley Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Oglesby, IL, Illinois Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,385. The median Nursing program debt is $8,099. Illinois Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,099 median debt. Read the full report on Illinois Valley Community College
Danville Area Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Danville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,440, while out-of-state students pay about $7,440. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,470. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,867. Set against $9,470 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Danville Area Community College profile
Northern Illinois University landed the #36 spot for value in Illinois this year. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Nursing students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
Mckendree University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,740. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,362. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,572 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mckendree University report
Kankakee Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Kankakee Community College is a public school based in Kankakee, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $25,830. The median Nursing program debt is $13,289. Median earnings reach $38,767 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Kankakee Community College
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $20,115. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
Triton College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in River Grove, IL, Triton College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,070, compared with $15,330 for out-of-state students. Triton College Nursing students take on a median of $12,994 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,728 ten years after entry. Set against $12,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Triton College
University Of St Francis offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,110. University Of St Francis Nursing students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of St Francis
Mchenry County College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Crystal Lake, IL, Mchenry County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,162 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,399. Graduates carry a median of $7,440 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,143. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mchenry County College
Bradley University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Peoria, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,160. Graduates carry a median of $26,380 in student loans. Bradley University alumni report median earnings of $66,852 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,380 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Bradley University report
Lewis University landed the #44 spot for value in Illinois this year. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. The median Nursing program debt is $24,838. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,099. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Lewis University
Olivet Nazarene University placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Nursing students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Benedictine University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Benedictine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lisle, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,648. The median Nursing program debt is $25,338. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,446. Set against $25,338 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Benedictine University profile
Depaul University placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in Illinois. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Depaul University profile
North Park University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, North Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. North Park University Nursing students take on a median of $27,360 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,572. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Park University has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full North Park University profile
Loyola University Chicago came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. The median Nursing program debt is $23,521. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Saint Xavier University landed the #50 spot for value in Illinois this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Saint Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,945. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,735. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,656 ten years after entry. Set against $25,735 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Xavier University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Saint Xavier University
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 52 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 240 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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