Nursing Programs in Aurora, IL

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Aurora

Choosing the right nursing program is a critical decision for aspiring nurses. This guide to the Best Nursing Schools in Aurora helps students evaluate programs based on objective performance data. Registerednursing.org creates these rankings using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria to identify schools that best prepare graduates for licensure success. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates have shown improvement in recent years, with 2024 seeing the highest average rate.

• 2024: 76.32% average pass rate with 3,324 students
• 2023: 75.04% average pass rate with 3,637 students
• 2022: 67.51% average pass rate with 3,376 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

BSN programs consistently outperform ADN programs in pass rates, though both prepare significant numbers of graduates.

• BSN: 85.44% average pass rate with 1,296 students
• ADN: 69.79% average pass rate with 1,940 students
• MSN: 86.00% average pass rate with 88 students

Top Performing Schools

These schools maintain the highest average pass rates across multiple years of data.

• Ambria College of Nursing: 98.60% average pass rate with 141 students
• Lewis University: 95.78% average pass rate with 281 students
• Oakton College: 93.36% average pass rate with 152 students

Pass Rate by Program Size

Medium-sized programs achieve the highest pass rates, while large programs serve the most students.

• Small programs: 90.61% average pass rate with 216 students
• Medium programs: 93.97% average pass rate with 746 students
• Large programs: 69.44% average pass rate with 2,362 students

Consistently High Performing Schools

These schools maintain exceptional pass rates above 90% across multiple years.

• Ambria College of Nursing: 98.60% average pass rate with 141 students
• Lewis University: 95.78% average pass rate with 281 students
• Oakton College: 93.36% average pass rate with 152 students
• Trinity Christian College: 92.99% average pass rate with 73 students
• Joliet Junior College: 92.52% average pass rate with 294 students

#1

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL - Private 4-year - lewisu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lewis University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, ranked among Illinois' top ten, offers a comprehensive campus-based education that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. With a 98% pass rate in recent years, the program emphasizes holistic patient care, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice through courses in anatomy, microbiology, and community health nursing. Students gain diverse clinical experience at over 50 affiliate agencies, preparing them for roles in critical care, pediatrics, and other specialties. Admission requires a strong academic record with science and math prerequisites, but no ACT or SAT exam is specified as required. The program is CCNE-accredited and maintains a supportive learning community within a Roman Catholic institution.

• 98% NCLEX pass rate.
• Campus-based program.
• Diverse clinical experiences.
• Strong academic prerequisites.
• Holistic patient care focus.
• Ethical decision-making training.
• Anatomy and microbiology courses.
• Community health nursing included.
• Over 50 clinical sites.
• Supportive nursing community.

#2

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, IL - Private 4-year - trnty.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Trinity Christian College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Palos Heights, IL, prepares students for clinical nursing with a Christian perspective emphasizing care and compassion. This campus-based program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and has maintained a perfect 100% NCLEX pass rate for 2023-2024, with 22 and 19 students respectively passing. Accredited by CCNE, it offers diverse clinical opportunities, small class sizes, and boasts 100% graduate employment. The rigorous academics and hands-on experience are supported by a worldwide alumni network and Christian faculty.

• 100% NCLEX Pass Rate
• 100% Graduate Employment
• Diverse Clinical Opportunities
• Christian Faculty
• Hands-On Experience
• Worldwide Alumni Network
• Accredited by CCNE
• Small class sizes
• Rigorous academics
• Campus-based program

#3

Elgin Community College

Elgin, IL - Public 2-Year - elgin.edu

Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Elgin Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program provides comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates reaching 97% in 2023 and 2024. This ACEN-accredited program emphasizes patient-centered care while equipping students with practical skills for immediate entry into nursing careers. The curriculum includes clinical experiences that build competency in diverse healthcare settings. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, making it accessible to students at various educational stages. Graduates benefit from strong employment prospects and opportunities for further education in nursing.

• Accredited by ACEN.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Focus on patient-centered care.
• Opportunities for advanced education.
• Strong employment outlook.

#4

University of St Francis

Joliet, IL - Private 4-year - stfrancis.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing (BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of St. Francis offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students for diverse healthcare careers. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical experiences and simulation labs, supported by state-of-the-art technology. With small class sizes ensuring personalized attention, the curriculum focuses on critical thinking, cultural awareness, and experiential learning. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX preparation, with pass rates rising from 88% in 2022 to 98% in 2024. As a bachelor's-level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The Roman Catholic-affiliated institution is military-friendly and prepares graduates for various healthcare settings.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• State-of-the-art technology.
• Small class sizes.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Simulation labs available.
• Focus on critical thinking.
• Cultural awareness training.
• Experiential learning opportunities.
• Prepares for various healthcare settings.

#5

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, IL - Public 2-Year - jjc.edu

Associate - Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Joliet Junior College offers a hybrid Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences and state-of-the-art simulation labs. This program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with a 97% pass rate in 2023, and provides a cost-effective pathway to nursing careers with seamless transfer options to bachelor's programs. Admission is selective with applications accepted in May and October, requiring health checks and background screenings. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through clinical partnerships and has achieved a 93% employment rate post-graduation for RNs in Illinois.

• Hybrid program format
• 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Cost-effective nursing education
• Seamless transfer to bachelor's programs
• Selective admissions process
• Clinical experiences included
• Applications in May and October
• Health checks required
• Background screenings mandatory

*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Aurora, IL

Taking a plunge into a new career can feel scary and intimidating. Yet the field of nursing is easy to enter for those with and without a healthcare background. Aurora, IL, offers several entry-level LPN to RN, ADN, & BSN programs suitable for people in various circumstances. Because nursing is in demand and offers competitive wages, investing in nursing education is a choice that pays off sooner than you think.

LPN to RN Programs

Caring for patients daily is part and parcel of what being a nurse is all about. From providing essential comfort and care to tending to wounds and bandages, Licensed Practical Nurses help patients better cope with their illnesses. LPNs who want to advance their careers and do more for their patients can do so by obtaining their associate degree in nursing. Joliet Junior College, outside of Aurora, IL, offers a hands-on LPN to RN bridge program that lets dedicated LPNs complete their degree in about a year. Affordable and with small cohorts, the bridge program readies students to test for the RN license upon graduation.

ADN Programs

With only a two-year degree, registered nurses can earn a competitive wage and obtain job security that professionals with four-year degrees might envy. Waubonsee Community College, close to Aurora, Illinois, has an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing that prepares students for the theoretical and clinical world of nursing. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals as well as mental health, women’s health, and advanced concepts. Affordable and pragmatic, the program readies graduates to complete the NCLEX-RN exam.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Nurses with BSNs are leading the way in advancing the profession; they are at the forefront of evidence-based patient care and treatment. Top hospitals prefer to hire nurses with BSNs, which means they can earn a higher salary and work in selected units right from the start of their careers. Aurora University, headquartered right in the heart of Aurora, Illinois, offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing for students with the long-term commitment and dedication to become a career nurse.

Find out more about Illinois Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Aurora, IL

Going back to school to advance your career once meant having to take a leave of absence from work, a luxury many professionals could not afford. Today flexible and distance learning bridge programs have simplified the process of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or even a Master's of Science in Nursing. Such RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs in Aurora, IL can be completed at the pace, schedule, and timeframe of working nurses.

RN to BSN Programs

Accelerated formats and distance learning options enable working nurses to advance their careers without having to slow down in other areas of their lives. Elmhurst College near Aurora, Illinois offers nursing students an intensive RN to BSN program at a fast-moving 8-week pace. Students complete their courses at a one-class-a-week pace either by attending class on-campus or via a distance learning format. The bridge program requires the completion of 2 onsite clinicals that can be arranged with faculty.

Find out more about Illinois RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses who know they want to specialize in a nurse practitioner specialty or simply reach higher roles within their organizations may wish to go straight to an RN to MSN program to earn a master's degree. Lewis University near Aurora offers an RN to MSN program where students can choose between the following specialties: Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, or Nurse Practitioner.

Find out more about Illinois RN to MSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Aurora, IL

Nurses are relied on throughout the healthcare system to treat both acute and chronic illnesses as well as to make crucial decisions regarding a patient’s long term treatment plan. RNs with unencumbered licenses can become leaders and nursing administrators by earning their advanced degrees or certifications. Universities have developed flexible and partially online advanced nursing degrees to accommodate employed RNs. Graduates of such Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs in Aurora, Illinois can also command lucrative compensation and more readily move into healthcare or nursing administration positions.

MSN Programs

Nurses are entering executive roles at hospitals and are training, leading and educating junior-level nurses to perform their job duties at the highest levels. Clinical nurses who are ready to become educators or leaders can earn their Master of Science in Nursing online from Benedictine University outside of Aurora, IL. The Catholic university offers these MSN programs to nurses who are looking to become leaders in the field and transition away from providing individual patient care.

Find out more about Illinois Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Obtaining a second graduate degree in nursing can be costly and time-consuming. A post-grad certificate, however, can be a cost and time-effective way to enter a new specialty within the larger field of nursing. Lewis University outside Aurora, Illinois offers post-grad certs such as Nursing Education, Healthcare Systems Leadership and School Nurse to nurses with existing grad degrees. The certs are designed for busy professional nurses who are seeking a change in their career trajectory from clinical nursing to education or administration.

Learn more about Illinois Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

When nurses earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, the apex of the nursing profession, they become leaders both inside and outside the clinical setting. They may advise RNs on patient care treatment options as well as advise policymakers on healthcare delivery options. Located near Aurora, IL, the University of St. Francis, a Catholic institute of higher learning, offers a prestigious DNP to dedicated nurses. The program can be completed partially online and is designed to be convenient for working APRNs.

Learn more about Illinois DNP Programs.