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Chicago State University vs University of Illinois Chicago

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

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Chicago State University
$10,294 vs $28,676
Easier to get into
University of Illinois Chicago
78.5% vs 40.5% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Chicago State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
University of Illinois Chicago
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationChicago, ILChicago, IL
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate92%
Acceptance rate40.5%78.5%BEST
Avg accepted GPA3.5
Min GPA
Entrance examHESI
Total tuition$10,294 in / $16,162 outBEST$28,676
In-state tuition$10,294BEST$17,268
Out-of-state tuition$16,162BEST$28,641
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationSCORECARD_BASELINECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Chicago State University is the more affordable option at roughly $10,294, compared to $28,676. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

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

Both are MSN 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 Chicago State 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.