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Eastern Illinois University vs University of Illinois Chicago

RN to BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Eastern Illinois University
$13,403 vs $72,000
Faster to complete
Eastern Illinois University
24 months vs 48 months
Easier to get into
Eastern Illinois University
67.8% vs 28.0% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Eastern Illinois University
RN to BSN
University of Illinois Chicago
RN to BSN
Program typeRN to BSNRN to BSN
Formatin personin person
LocationCharleston, ILJoliet, IL
Length24 monthsBEST48 months
NCLEX pass rate92%
Acceptance rate67.8%BEST28.0%
Avg accepted GPA3.5
Min GPA
Entrance examHESI
Total tuition$13,403 in / $15,879 outBEST$72,000
In-state tuition$13,403BEST$18,000
Out-of-state tuition$15,879BEST$36,000
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Eastern Illinois University or University of Illinois Chicago?

Eastern Illinois University is the more affordable option at roughly $13,403, compared to $72,000. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Eastern Illinois University and University of Illinois Chicago the same type of program?

Both are RN to BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Eastern Illinois University and University of Illinois Chicago?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.