Nursing Programs in Chicago, IL

Last Updated On Jul 28, 2026

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

3 Min Read

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Chicago

Rankings help students identify programs that best prepare graduates for successful careers. Registerednursing.org has created rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Chicago, using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion. This objective approach allows prospective nurses to compare program quality based on licensure exam outcomes. For our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates have steadily increased from 2022 to 2024, with average scores improving each year.

2024: 86.28% average pass rate (1,657 students)
2023: 83.28% average pass rate (1,690 students)
2022: 77.00% average pass rate (1,648 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

Annual graduate counts remained stable across the three-year span, with a slight increase in 2023.

2024: 1,657 graduates
2023: 1,690 graduates
2022: 1,648 graduates

Top Performing Schools

Three schools achieved average pass rates above 93% over the period analyzed.

Ambria College of Nursing: 98.60% average pass rate (141 students, 3 years of data)
Lewis University: 95.78% average pass rate (281 students, 3 years of data)
Oakton College: 93.36% average pass rate (152 students, 3 years of data)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Medium-sized programs had the highest average pass rate, while large programs lagged behind.

Small (<50 students/year): 91.38% average pass rate (282 students)
Medium (50-100): 93.44% average pass rate (405 students)
Large (>100): 81.81% average pass rate (970 students)

Biggest Improvements

Some schools demonstrated significant gains in pass rates between the earliest and latest reported years.

Triton College: 34 percentage point improvement (45% to 79%)
South Suburban College: 27 percentage point improvement (73% to 100%)
Morton College: 24 percentage point improvement (45% to 69%)

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 (BSN) is a CCNE-accredited, campus-based program that blends rigorous academics in anatomy, microbiology, and evidence-based practice with hands-on clinical rotations at 50 affiliated sites. Delivered through a supportive cohort model, the curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and careers in critical care, emergency, pediatric, medical/surgical, and behavioral health nursing. Recent NCLEX pass rates reached 98% in 2023 and 2024. Admission requires SAT/ACT or TEAS scores, and transfer students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA with prerequisite science courses. Students can engage professionally through Sigma Theta Tau and the Student Nurse Association at this Roman Catholic, military-friendly institution often ranked #2 in Illinois.

CCNE accredited
Entrance exam required
Exams: SAT, ACT, TEAS
98% licensure pass rate
Cohort-based structure
3.0 GPA minimum
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
#2 nursing program in Illinois
50 clinical affiliate sites

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 campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program integrates Christian faith with rigorous clinical training, preparing generalist nurses for diverse healthcare settings. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), it offers small classes, hands-on clinical placements, and faculty mentorship. Located in Palos Heights near Chicago, the program is military-friendly and interdenominational. Official NCLEX pass rates reached 100% in 2023 and 2024, with 84% in 2022. The college reports 100% graduate job placement. Admission requirements do not explicitly include ACT or SAT scores. U.S. News ranks the program nationally, and graduates join a global alumni network committed to compassionate service.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
100% licensure pass rate
100% job placement rate
Prepares for NCLEX
Diverse clinical opportunities
Christian faculty
Hands-on experience
Worldwide alumni network
U.S. News Best College – Nursing (BSN) Programs
Campus near Chicago

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - luc.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Loyola University Chicago's campus-based BSN is ranked No. 13 nationally by U.S. News and offers direct entry for freshmen. The four-year, 123-credit curriculum covers medical/surgical, maternal/child, community/mental health, and administration, with classes in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and ethics. Students complete seven clinical rotations at Chicago healthcare facilities, using a simulation lab and a Clinical Role Transition capstone. This Roman Catholic, military-friendly school emphasizes social justice and cura personalis. No concentration is specified. ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission; transfer students enjoy rolling admissions without prerequisite courses. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN, with pass rates rising from 87% (2022) to 94% (2023) to 95% (2024).

123 total credit hours
Rolling admissions
Starts fall
2.5 GPA minimum
Capstone required
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Financial aid available
Guaranteed direct-entry program
Clinical sites across Chicago
Clinical simulation learning lab

Dominican University

River Forest, IL - Private 4-year - dom.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dominican University, a Roman Catholic institution in River Forest, Illinois, offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The campus-based curriculum integrates liberal arts foundations with nursing science, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration, high-tech simulation labs, and clinical placements across hospitals, clinics, and community settings. NCLEX pass rates have improved markedly: 79% in 2022, 90% in 2023, and 97% in 2024, reflecting strong exam preparation. Small classes, direct entry admission, and experienced faculty provide personalized support. Graduates pursue careers in hospitals, schools, home care, research, or advanced study. The program fosters compassionate, culturally sensitive, problem-solving nurses ready to lead in healthcare. Military friendly.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
97% licensure pass rate
Prepares for NCLEX
High-tech simulation labs
Small class sizes
Interprofessional education focus
Clinical experiences at hospitals
Experienced faculty mentors
Liberal arts-based curriculum
Direct entry admission option

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL - Public 2-Year - cod.edu

Associate - Nursing, A.A.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at College of DuPage is a four-semester, 70-credit program that readies students for the NCLEX-RN and registry as a registered nurse. Coursework progresses from foundational sciences such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology to family health, complex care, and a clinical decision-making practicum. Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework, including anatomy, microbiology, math, and CNA training. The program emphasizes compassionate, competent care across hospitals, clinics, and community settings. COD's ADN cohort has consistently outperformed state averages on the NCLEX, with first-time pass rates climbing from 83% in 2022 to 92% in 2023 and an impressive 95% in 2024.

70 total credit hours
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Deliver nursing care in diverse settings
Eligible for RN licensure exam
Program application and admission required
Includes clinical decision making practicum
Four-semester program sequence
Pre-program: anatomy, microbiology, math, CNA
Pathophysiology and pharmacology included

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The 3+1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing at College of DuPage, in partnership with Benedictine University, offers registered nurses a streamlined path to a BSN. Students earn 86 credits at COD and 34 at BenU, completing the final year via hybrid or online courses. Admission requires an active RN license and a minimum 2.50 GPA; the program does not list an ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, health promotion, professional development, and leadership in diverse care settings. Classes are limited to a small cohort, and all courses require a grade of 'C' or better. This pathway allows RNs to upskill while working, with affordable tuition and strong support from COD's faculty. COD's ADN graduates, a primary pipeline for this BSN, achieved a 95% NCLEX first-time pass rate in 2024.

Collaborative program with Benedictine University
120 total credit hours
Hybrid and online final year
RN to BSN pathway
Minimum 2.50 GPA required
Current RN license needed
All courses require 'C' grade
Limited enrollment program
Affordable tuition rates

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Chicago, IL

In the Chicago area, there are some entry-level training programs for students who want to become registered nurses. These programs all prepare students to take the NCLEX RN licensing exam for their first jobs as RNs. Program options include LPN to RN bridge programs that help licensed practical nurses become RNs, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, and direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

LPN to RN Programs

Transitioning to an RN role is a popular career path for experienced LPNs, and some schools offer special LPN to RN bridge programs to help LPNs take the next step in their careers. Many of these programs provide course credit or proficiency credit for prior LPN coursework, which makes these bridge programs faster to complete than a traditional ADN or BSN program. The LPN to RN program at Ambria College of Nursing is one example of a Chicago area school that provides credit for prior coursework.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are offered at community colleges and vocational schools and provide a foundational education in nursing in around two years of study. Oakton Community College’s ADN program has coursework in nutrition, pharmacology, nursing care concepts, and pediatric nursing.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Another option for entry-level nursing programs for students new to nursing is traditional BSN programs. BSN programs are typically four-year bachelor’s programs that include liberal arts general education courses and nursing major courses. The BSN program at Robert Morris University in Chicago includes public education and career management coursework in addition to anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, healthcare research, and the fundamentals of nursing careers across the lifespan, community nursing, and leadership.

Find out more about Illinois Accelerated BSN Programs.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

A less common pathway to becoming a registered nurse is a direct-entry MSN program, which allows students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject to earn a master’s in nursing. These programs are a good fit for students who want to transition careers into nursing and would like to make an advanced degree. The direct-entry MSN program at DePaul University is a two-year accelerated program that prepares students for administrative, educational, or advocacy roles in nursing.

Find out more about Illinois Accelerated MSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Chicago, IL

Many ADN-educated nurses decide to go back to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in order to earn a higher salary and move into more senior nursing positions. The best option for these nurses is a special RN to BSN or RN to MSN bridge program that builds on their previous nursing coursework and experience to deliver a higher degree in less time.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN bridge programs help nurses with their associate’s degree earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Many of these programs are offered online, including the RN to BSN program at Chamberlain University, which can be completed in as little as three semesters of full-time study.

Find out more about Illinois RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Another option for ADN-educated nurses is an RN to MSN program that provides a master’s degree in nursing without a BSN as a pre-requisite. The curriculum in these programs includes bachelor's level coursework in addition to MSN courses. The RN to MSN program at DePaul University is open to ADN-educated nurses with their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject and includes only three bachelor's level nursing courses before allowing students to progress to masters-level work.

Find out more about Illinois RN to MSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

Looking to advance a nursing career? This list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs makes comparing options easy. The table below shows each school's location, including city and state, along with program highlights and direct links to official program pages. We have gathered top programs to help find the right fit. Explore the options and take the next step toward a higher degree.

Jump to City:

Addison, IL

Chamberlain University-Illinois

RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Option
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in 10 months
- $635 per credit hour
- 122 total credit hours
- 77 proficiency credits awarded
- 45 credit hours remaining
- 100% online coursework
- Direct care component included
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required

Chicago, IL

Chicago State University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- Starts spring/summer
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Current Illinois RN license required
- Prerequisite courses require grade C or higher
- Two separate applications required
- Competitive and restricted enrollment

Pacific College of Health and Science

RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN Completion Option)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- For licensed RNs only
- Does not lead to licensure
- Aligned with HN-BC exam
- Check state requirements

Saint Xavier University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Option
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TOEFL
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 70 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Courses 100 percent online
- Seven-week course blocks

Lisle, IL

Benedictine University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- No entrance exam required
- $14,110 total program tuition
- $415 per credit
- 14-Month program
- 34 total credit hours
- 10 total courses
- Apply by 2026-06-15

River Forest, IL

Dominican University

RN to BSN - RN-BSN Degree Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in as little as 12 months
- Full-time and part-time options
- 100% online with optional visits
- Earn degree in as few as 12 months
- Relationship-centered nursing education
- Qualifies for advanced practice nurse
- Faculty with years of experience
- Liberal arts build leadership skills