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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Registered Nursing Schools in Illinois

73 Colleges in the United States
16,331 Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
$72,536 Avg Early-Career Salary

Registered Nursing programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their registered nursing programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 81 schools to find the best for registered nursing students.

What’s on this page:

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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Accelerated BSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 1
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to RN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 1
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to BSN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 1
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
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DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Paramedic to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 1
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DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN" with relevance 1
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DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Dual MSN/MBA (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nursing Education (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leader (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Leadership (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
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Best Schools for Registered Nursing in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall registered nursing education in Illinois.

Top Schools in Registered Nursing

1

Loyola University Chicago tops our 2026 ranking of the best registered nursing schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. There were roughly 322 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Loyola University Chicago in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $111,912 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in registered nursing from Loyola University Chicago

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Illinois At Chicago one of the top schools for registered nursing. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Illinois At Chicago awarded about 367 registered nursing degrees in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $87,290 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. See the full registered nursing program report for University Of Illinois At Chicago

3

Students looking for a strong registered nursing program will find one at Illinois State University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. About 253 registered nursing degrees were awarded at Illinois State University in the most recent year. Registered Nursing graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $90,432 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,075. Get the full registered nursing details for Illinois State University

4

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best registered nursing schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Edwardsville. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates 55% of students within six years. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville awarded about 331 registered nursing degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their registered nursing degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn around $118,455 in the first couple years of their career. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates carry a median of $23,043 in student loans. Read more about the registered nursing program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

5

Benedictine University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in registered nursing, ranking #5. Benedictine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lisle. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 33 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Benedictine University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their registered nursing degree from Benedictine University earn around $90,860 in the first couple years of their career. Benedictine University graduates carry a median of $17,188 in student loans. Get the full registered nursing details for Benedictine University

6

College Of Lake County came in at #6 for registered nursing this year. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. There were roughly 71 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at College Of Lake County in the most recent data year. Graduates of the registered nursing program make about $72,472 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $12,005 to complete this degree. See the full registered nursing program report for College Of Lake County

7
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best registered nursing schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Romeoville. About 67% of students finish within six years. About 81 registered nursing degrees were awarded at Lewis University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Lewis University generally make around $90,066. Lewis University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full registered nursing program report for Lewis University

8

University Of St Francis earned the #8 position for registered nursing this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Joliet. University Of St Francis graduates 67% of students within six years. There were roughly 129 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at University Of St Francis in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of St Francis earn a median of $94,166 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $30,700 to complete this degree. Read more about the registered nursing program at University Of St Francis

9

Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois landed the #9 spot for registered nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Addison, Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois is a very large private for-profit university. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois graduates 42% of students within six years. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois awarded about 9,802 registered nursing degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their registered nursing degree from Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois earn around $109,135 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $39,146. Read more about the registered nursing program at Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois

10
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College placed #10 among the best registered nursing schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Palatine. About 80 registered nursing degrees were awarded at Harper College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $70,929. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete this degree. Get the full registered nursing details for Harper College

11

City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College earned the #11 position for registered nursing this year. This large public university is located in the city of Chicago. There were roughly 178 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College earn a median of $70,086 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,660. Read more about the registered nursing program at City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College

12

Joliet Junior College earned the #12 position for registered nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. There were roughly 112 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Joliet Junior College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their registered nursing degree from Joliet Junior College earn around $71,988 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $18,617 to complete this degree. See the full registered nursing program report for Joliet Junior College

13

Northern Illinois University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best registered nursing schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Dekalb. Northern Illinois University graduates 49% of students within six years. About 124 registered nursing degrees were awarded at Northern Illinois University in the most recent year. Graduates of the registered nursing program make about $91,491 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $31,000. See the full registered nursing program report for Northern Illinois University

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Elmhurst College crest
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL

Elmhurst College placed #14 among the best registered nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Elmhurst, Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Elmhurst College awarded about 219 registered nursing degrees in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of Elmhurst College earn a median of $79,656 early in their careers. Elmhurst College graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read more about the registered nursing program at Elmhurst College

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Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #15 spot for registered nursing this year. Located in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public university. About 60% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 45 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $46,566 early in their careers. Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates carry a median of $23,730 in student loans. Read more about the registered nursing program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

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Aurora University crest
Aurora University
Aurora, IL

Aurora University landed the #16 spot for registered nursing this year. Set in the suburb of Aurora, Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. Aurora University awarded about 192 registered nursing degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the registered nursing program make about $72,520 in their early career. Aurora University graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in registered nursing from Aurora University

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Bradley University earned the #17 position for registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. Bradley University awarded about 91 registered nursing degrees in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of Bradley University earn a median of $95,389 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the registered nursing program at Bradley University

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Lake Land College crest
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL

Lake Land College came in at #18 for registered nursing this year. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. About 78 registered nursing degrees were awarded at Lake Land College in the most recent year. Students who receive their registered nursing degree from Lake Land College earn around $63,651 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $8,950. See the full registered nursing program report for Lake Land College

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Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #19 for registered nursing this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 155 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Depaul University in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $140,906 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,310. Get the full registered nursing details for Depaul University

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Oakton Community College crest
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL

Oakton Community College earned the #20 position for registered nursing this year. This large public university is located in the city of Des Plaines. Oakton Community College awarded about 45 registered nursing degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the registered nursing program make about $69,434 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,000. Get the full registered nursing details for Oakton Community College

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Illinois College crest
Illinois College
Jacksonville, IL

Illinois College earned the #21 position for registered nursing this year. Illinois College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Jacksonville. About 64% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 20 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Illinois College in the most recent data year. Registered Nursing graduates of Illinois College earn a median of $41,184 early in their careers. Illinois College graduates carry a median of $26,922 in student loans. More information about a degree in registered nursing from Illinois College

22

Saint Xavier University came in at #22 for registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Saint Xavier University graduates 57% of students within six years. There were roughly 126 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Saint Xavier University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Saint Xavier University generally make around $95,130. Typical student debt for the program is $27,188. Get the full registered nursing details for Saint Xavier University

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Olivet Nazarene University came in at #23 for registered nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 69 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Olivet Nazarene University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the registered nursing program make about $85,022 in their early career. Olivet Nazarene University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the registered nursing program at Olivet Nazarene University

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Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing earned the #24 position for registered nursing this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Peoria. There were roughly 139 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing generally make around $91,413. Typical student debt for the program is $18,500. See the full registered nursing program report for Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing

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Illinois Wesleyan University placed #25 among the best registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 37 registered nursing degrees were awarded at Illinois Wesleyan University in the most recent year. Registered Nursing graduates of Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of $75,629 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full registered nursing details for Illinois Wesleyan University

Rest of the Top 50 Registered Nursing Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong registered nursing education:

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College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL
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Parkland College crest
Parkland College
Champaign, IL
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Mchenry County College crest
Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL
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Rock Valley College crest
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL
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Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL
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Illinois Central College crest
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL

Honorable Mentions

A few more registered nursing schools worth a look:

ADBLOCK #173
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ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 81 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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