Best Online Nursing Programs in Illinois (2026)

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Illinois Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$125,883
Salary OutlookIllinois offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyIllinois Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Illinois offers a flexible path into nursing careers. Illinois offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Illinois students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


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

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Ambria College of Nursing

Hoffman Estates, IL BOC Score 90.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 61%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $67,290
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL BOC Score 74.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 70%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,926
Avg net price $13,006/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 76%
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Bradley University

Peoria, IL BOC Score 74.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 77%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $66,852
Avg net price $22,719/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 84%
  • Programs offered: 52

Source:IPEDSCollege 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$95,990
Licensed Practical Nurse$75,000
Nurse Anesthetist$286,830
Nurse Midwife$120,840
Nurse Practitioner$130,680
Nursing Assistant$45,960

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 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?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Nursing pay in Illinois compare to other states?

Illinois offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. 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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