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Illinois Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$88,046
National ComparisonIllinois offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 20.0% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyIllinois Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Illinois offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Illinois offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 20.0% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Illinois students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Nursing Schools in Illinois

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Illinois.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, IL In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 45%
Tuition
In‑state$3,822
Out‑of‑state$11,802
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 73

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Olney Central College

Olney, IL In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 61%
Tuition
In‑state$4,390
Out‑of‑state$12,340
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 39

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Illinois Central College

East Peoria, IL In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 35%
Tuition
In‑state$4,650
Out‑of‑state$11,700
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 81

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Highland Community College

Freeport, IL In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 48%
Tuition
In‑state$4,696
Out‑of‑state$7,120
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 49

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College

Rockford, IL In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 65%
Tuition
In‑state$16,699
Out‑of‑state$16,699
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 29

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Wabash Valley College

Mount Carmel, IL In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 58%
Tuition
In‑state$4,390
Out‑of‑state$12,340
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 27

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Frontier Community College

Fairfield, IL In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 55%
Tuition
In‑state$4,390
Out‑of‑state$12,340
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Triton College

River Grove, IL In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 32%
Tuition
In‑state$4,920
Out‑of‑state$14,880
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 68

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Illinois

Nursing professionals in Illinois experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Illinois.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Illinois)
Registered Nurse$86,410
Licensed Practical Nurse$66,030
Nurse AnesthetistN/A
Nurse Midwife$114,420
Nurse Practitioner$128,620
Nursing Assistant$44,750

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Illinois?

Choosing a program in Illinois can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Illinois offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Illinois Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Illinois accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Illinois, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in Illinois compare to other states?

Illinois offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 20.0% below the national trend. This makes Illinois a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Illinois?

The Illinois Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Illinois. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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