Choosing where to study nursing is one of those decisions that shapes the next several decades of your life, and if you’re looking at the best universities in Illinois for nursing, you’re already off to a smart start. Illinois is home to some of the strongest hospital systems in the Midwest, which means nursing students here get access to real clinical training long before graduation day arrives.
In this guide, you’ll discover which Illinois universities consistently produce nurses who pass the NCLEX on their first try, which schools offer the best value for your tuition dollars, and what kind of salary you can realistically expect once you’re working. Whether you’re chasing a BSN straight out of high school or coming back for an MSN to boost your career, this breakdown will help you avoid picking the wrong program and instead lock in a school that actually sets you up for success.
1. Why Illinois Is a Smart Place to Study Nursing
Before jumping into specific schools, it helps to understand why Illinois keeps showing up on nursing school shortlists year after year.
A Massive, Diverse Healthcare Market
Chicago alone hosts some of the busiest academic medical centers in the country, giving nursing students access to clinical rotations across trauma care, pediatrics, oncology, and more. That variety matters because the more diverse your clinical exposure, the more confident and job-ready you’ll be after graduation.
Strong NCLEX Pass Rates Across Top Schools
Several Illinois nursing schools, including the University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and Rush University, consistently post high first-attempt NCLEX pass rates. A high pass rate is one of the clearest signals that a program is actually preparing students well, not just collecting tuition checks.
Solid Long-Term Salary Potential
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, the average registered nurse salary in Illinois sits at roughly $94,000 per year, with nurses in the Chicago metro area earning close to $98,000 on average. Entry-level nurses typically start closer to $69,000, while experienced specialists can climb past $118,000, so the earning trajectory in this field is genuinely strong.
2. Top Universities in Illinois for Nursing in 2026
Here’s where things get practical. Below are the schools that consistently rank among the best for nursing education in Illinois this year.
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
UIC is one of the largest and most respected public nursing programs in the state, and it’s a favorite among Illinois residents because in-state tuition makes it far more affordable than most private alternatives. The BSN program blends online coursework with hands-on clinical training, and UIC doesn’t require ACT or SAT scores for admission, which opens the door for a wider range of applicants. With six campuses spread across Chicago, Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana, students can often find a location close to home.
Rush University
Rush is a smaller, private university, but don’t let the size fool you. It’s directly connected to Rush University Medical Center, one of the top-ranked hospitals in the region, giving nursing students unusually deep clinical access. Rush offers a strong mix of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral nursing degrees, and it’s consistently named among the schools with the highest NCLEX pass rates in Illinois.
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola’s nursing program has built a reputation for producing graduates who are genuinely ready for the realities of bedside care, not just the theory behind it. The school offers dozens of nursing degree pathways, from traditional BSN tracks to advanced practice and doctoral options, and its Chicago location means students train inside some of the busiest hospital networks in the Midwest.
Illinois State University
For students who want a strong public school option outside of Chicago, Illinois State University offers a well-regarded nursing program with a notably high acceptance rate, making it a more accessible entry point for students who might not have a picture-perfect transcript. It’s a solid choice for students who want a large campus community alongside serious clinical training.
Saint Xavier University
Saint Xavier is a Chicago-based Catholic university that has earned the Center of Excellence in Nursing Education distinction from the National League for Nursing every year since 2007. That’s not a small feat, and it reflects a genuine, sustained commitment to nursing education quality rather than a one-time award. Students can choose from a traditional BSN, an online RN-to-BSN track, or a second-degree BSN, and scholarships are available to help offset the cost.
DePaul University
DePaul offers nursing education inside a university known for genuine faculty expertise and small, engaged classes. With over 300 undergraduate programs on campus, nursing students also get the flexibility to explore minors or double majors alongside their core coursework, which can be a real advantage if your career interests span beyond bedside care.
Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan is a smaller private university based in Bloomington, and it consistently posts strong graduation rates for its nursing students. The tighter class sizes here mean more direct faculty attention, which some students find essential when mastering complex clinical skills.
3. How to Choose the Right Nursing School for You
With so many strong options, narrowing your choice comes down to a few practical questions.
Public vs. Private: What Fits Your Budget?
Public schools like UIC and Illinois State typically offer significantly lower tuition for Illinois residents compared to private universities like Loyola or Rush. If cost is a major factor, always compare in-state tuition rates before falling in love with a private school’s brand name.
Check the NCLEX Pass Rate Before You Enroll
A school’s NCLEX pass rate tells you far more than its overall reputation does. Look up each program’s most recent pass rate directly through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the school’s official nursing page before making a final decision.
Think About Degree Level and Career Goals
If you’re aiming for advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner, prioritize schools with strong MSN and DNP programs, such as Rush or UIC. If your goal is simply to become a working RN as quickly as possible, a strong BSN-focused program like Saint Xavier or Illinois State may be the faster, more efficient path.
Final Thoughts
Nursing school is a serious investment of both time and money, and the school you choose really does shape the kind of nurse you become. Illinois genuinely offers something for almost every type of student, from UIC’s affordable, multi-campus flexibility to Rush’s deep hospital connections and Saint Xavier’s decades-long track record of nursing excellence.
Don’t just chase the biggest name on the list. Match the school to your budget, your preferred class size, and your long-term career goals, whether that’s working bedside as an RN or eventually becoming a nurse practitioner. The right fit will make the difference between barely surviving nursing school and genuinely thriving in it.
FAQ
Q:1 What is the best university in Illinois for nursing? A: The University of Illinois Chicago, Rush University, and Loyola University Chicago are consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in Illinois, thanks to strong NCLEX pass rates and extensive clinical training opportunities.
Q:2 How much does a nursing degree cost in Illinois? A: Costs vary widely. Public universities like UIC and Illinois State offer significantly lower in-state tuition than private schools like Loyola or Rush, so it’s worth comparing several schools before deciding.
Q:3 How much do registered nurses earn in Illinois? A: According to Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, the average RN salary in Illinois is around $94,000 per year, with Chicago-area nurses earning closer to $98,000 on average.
Q:4 Do I need an ACT or SAT score to apply for nursing programs in Illinois? A: Not always. Some programs, including UIC’s BSN track, don’t require ACT or SAT scores and instead evaluate applicants based on their broader academic background.
Q:5 Is it better to get a BSN or an ADN first in Illinois? A: Most Illinois hospitals increasingly prefer or require a BSN, and there’s a growing push to help ADN and diploma holders complete their BSN. Starting with a BSN track can save you time and make you more competitive in the job market later.
Q:6 How long does it take to become a registered nurse in Illinois? A: A traditional BSN program typically takes about four years, though accelerated and second-degree BSN options can shorten that timeline for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Conclusion
Illinois offers some of the most respected nursing programs in the Midwest, giving students real options whether they’re chasing affordability, prestige, or hands-on clinical experience in a major hospital system. From UIC’s accessible, multi-campus structure to Rush’s elite hospital ties and Saint Xavier’s award-winning nursing education, there’s a strong match here for nearly every kind of student.
Take the time to compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and program structure before committing, and don’t be afraid to reach out to current students or academic advisors with your questions. The right nursing school won’t just teach you the material, it’ll set you up to walk into your first job with real confidence.