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Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Net costs for Illinois nursing programs span a striking range from $8,837 at Millikin University to $17,324 at Quincy University, reflecting the state's mix of public universities and private colleges with varying financial aid policies. Governors State University graduates command the highest earnings at $81,491 annually, nearly $26,000 more than Quincy University graduates who earn $55,964. This earnings gap illustrates how program quality and alumni networks can significantly impact career outcomes in Illinois healthcare markets. The state's nursing workforce serves major medical centers like Northwestern Memorial and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, plus regional hospitals throughout downstate communities. Illinois MAP Grants provide additional financial support for low-income students, making public options like University of Illinois Chicago particularly accessible with a net cost of $12,313. Private institutions like Saint Xavier University offer competitive programs despite higher sticker prices, with generous aid bringing costs down to $12,093 for qualifying students.
33
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$64,918
Avg. Program Earnings
56.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
3 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
4 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
5 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
6 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
7 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
8 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
9 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
10 $14,867 $18,008 75.0% 33.3%
11 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
12 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
13 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
14 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
15 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
16 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
17 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
18 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
19 $18,470 $13,546 40.0%
20 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
21 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
22 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
23 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
24 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
25 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
26 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
27 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
28 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
29 $26,933 $20,604 50.0% 90.9%
30 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
31 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
32 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
33 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $26,000 earnings gap between nursing programs in Illinois?

Governors State University graduates earn $81,491 annually compared to $55,964 at Quincy University, reflecting differences in program focus and regional job markets. Programs near Chicago typically prepare students for higher-paying positions at major medical centers. Location also matters since Chicago-area hospitals often pay premium wages to compete for nursing talent. Network effects and clinical partnerships with leading hospitals can boost starting salaries for new graduates.

How do public and private nursing programs compare on affordability in Illinois?

Public programs average around $12,000 in net costs, while private colleges range from $8,837 at Millikin to $17,324 at Quincy University. However, generous financial aid at private schools can make them competitive with public options. Saint Xavier University costs just $12,093 net despite a $36,840 sticker price. Public universities like University of Illinois Chicago offer strong value at $12,313 with access to major clinical sites.

Is Methodist College worth considering despite its 33% acceptance rate?

Methodist College maintains highly selective admission with just 33% acceptance but delivers strong outcomes with a 75% graduation rate. The program costs $14,867 net, positioning it in the middle range for Illinois nursing schools. Graduates earn $57,619 annually, which aligns with other specialized nursing programs. The low acceptance rate suggests rigorous academics and potentially stronger clinical preparation.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Illinois nursing schools?

Higher graduation rates don't necessarily mean higher costs in Illinois nursing programs. Methodist College achieves 75% graduation rates at $14,867 net cost, while expensive Quincy University manages only 42.7% completion. Millikin University, the cheapest option at $8,837, maintains a solid 59.1% graduation rate. Program support services and student preparation appear more important than tuition levels for success.

Where do Illinois nursing graduates find the best job opportunities?

Chicago's major hospital systems like Northwestern Medicine and University of Chicago Medicine offer the highest-paying positions, reflected in $81,491 average earnings for Governors State graduates. Downstate regions provide steady employment at regional medical centers and community hospitals. Illinois nursing programs benefit from clinical partnerships with these employers. The state's aging population and healthcare expansion create strong demand across all regions.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.