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Best Nursing Schools in Illinois (2026)

Illinois has 268 nursing programs across 72 cities. 142 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 89%. Below are the top-ranked programs based on NCLEX performance, tuition, and program type.

Search all Illinois programsAll states
268
Total programs
6
Program types
89%
Avg NCLEX rate
142
With NCLEX data

Top BSN Programs in Illinois by NCLEX Pass Rate

Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. Data sourced from state boards of nursing.

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Top ADN, ABSN, MSN & DNP Programs in Illinois by NCLEX Pass Rate

Non-BSN programs ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.

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Olivet Nazarene University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Bourbonnais, IL•$37,940

Nursing Programs in Illinois by Type

ADN
52 programs
Avg NCLEX: 89%
View ADN in Illinois→All states
BSN
43 programs
Avg NCLEX: 87%
View BSN in Illinois→All states
ABSN
13 programs
Avg NCLEX: 90%
View ABSN in Illinois→All states
RN to BSN
20 programs
Avg NCLEX: 89%
View RN to BSN in Illinois→All states
MSN
31 programs
Avg NCLEX: 83%
View MSN in Illinois→All states
DNP
45 programs
Avg NCLEX: 94%
View DNP in Illinois→All states

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Illinois

Sorted by lowest available tuition figure (total program or annual in-state).

Elgin Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$3,180 in / $9,516 out
Elgin Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$3,180 in / $9,516 out
Waubonsee Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$3,432 in / $12,330 out
Waubonsee Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$3,432 in / $12,330 out
Lewis and Clark Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$3,552 in / $12,552 out
Lewis and Clark Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$3,552 in / $12,552 out
Lincoln Land Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$3,672 in / $10,248 out
Lincoln Land Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$3,672 in / $10,248 out
Moraine Valley Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$3,822 in / $9,846 out
William Rainey Harper College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$3,822 in / $11,802 out

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in Illinois?

There are 268 nursing programs in Illinois, spanning 52 ADN, 43 BSN, 13 ABSN, 20 RN to BSN, 31 MSN, 45 DNP programs.

What is the average NCLEX pass rate in Illinois?

Based on 142 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in Illinois is 89%. The highest rate is 100% at CALC Institute of Technology.

What is the cheapest nursing school in Illinois?

The most affordable option is Elgin Community College (ADN) at $3,180 in / $9,516 out.

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