Nursing Programs in Chicago, IL

Last Updated On Feb 19, 2026

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

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Chicago

Choosing the right nursing program is a critical decision for aspiring nurses. To assist students in Chicago, Registerednursing.org has compiled rankings of the best nursing schools based on NCLEX pass rates. This objective measure helps identify programs that effectively prepare graduates for licensure, ensuring a solid foundation for nursing careers. For more details on how these rankings are calculated, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Examining pass rate trends over recent years reveals fluctuations in performance. Insights: Average pass rates have varied, with a notable increase from 2022 to 2024, suggesting potential improvements in preparation or curriculum.

2024: Average pass rate 73.96% with 2,937 students
2023: Average pass rate 72.97% with 3,280 students
2022: Average pass rate 65.27% with 3,002 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Comparing program types shows differences in NCLEX success rates. Insights: BSN programs generally have higher pass rates than ADN programs, which may influence student choices for advanced nursing education.

BSN: Average pass rate 83.9% with 1,114 students
ADN: Average pass rate 66.96% with 1,735 students
MSN: Average pass rate 86% with 88 students

Top Performing Schools

Identifying top schools based on consistent high pass rates highlights excellence in nursing education. Insights: These institutions maintain strong performance, offering reliable options for students seeking quality programs in Chicago.

Ambria College of Nursing: Average pass rate 98.6% with 141 students over 3 years
Lewis University: Average pass rate 95.78% with 281 students over 3 years
Oakton College: Average pass rate 93.36% with 152 students over 3 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Analyzing pass rates by program size category provides insights into scalability and effectiveness. Insights: Medium-sized programs tend to have the highest average pass rates, while large programs show lower rates, possibly due to resource distribution.

Small (<50 students/year): Average pass rate 91.38% with 282 students
Medium (50-100 students/year): Average pass rate 93.44% with 405 students
Large (>100 students/year): Average pass rate 68.26% with 2,250 students

Consistently High Performing Schools

Schools with sustained high pass rates demonstrate reliability and quality in nursing education. Insights: These programs consistently exceed 90% pass rates, making them standout choices for students focused on licensure success.

Ambria College of Nursing: Average pass rate 98.6% with 141 students over 3 years
Lewis University: Average pass rate 95.78% with 281 students over 3 years
Oakton College: Average pass rate 93.36% with 152 students over 3 years
Trinity Christian College: Average pass rate 92.99% with 73 students over 3 years

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) program, ranked among Illinois' top ten, is a campus-based program requiring ACT or SAT scores for admission. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam with a 98% pass rate in 2023-2024, building on consistent high performance. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, ethical decision-making, and includes courses in anatomy, microbiology, and community health nursing. Students gain diverse clinical experience at over 50 affiliating agencies, supported by a Roman Catholic-affiliated, military-friendly environment. Accredited by CCNE, the program focuses on evidence-based practice and high-tech training, preparing graduates for various nursing roles without a specific concentration.

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.

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 (BSN) program integrates rigorous academics with a Christian perspective, preparing students for clinical nursing practice. The campus-based program emphasizes hands-on experience through diverse clinical opportunities and small class sizes, fostering care and compassion. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2023 and 2024, with 100% graduate employment. While entrance exam requirements like ACT or SAT are not specified, prospective students can apply online. This Interdenominational institution offers a supportive environment with a worldwide alumni network.

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

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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides comprehensive four-year training at its Lake Shore Campus, requiring ACT or SAT scores for admission. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice across medical-surgical, maternal-child, and community health nursing, with seven clinical rotations and simulation lab experiences. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and complete 123 credit hours. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX-RN performance, with recent pass rates of 87% (2022), 94% (2023), and 95% (2024), preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles through ethical, hands-on clinical training at Chicago healthcare facilities.

123 total credit hours
Seven comprehensive clinical rotations
Clinical Simulation Learning Lab
Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
Multiple transfer student options
96.36% NCLEX-RN pass rate
Campus-based traditional program
Multiple nursing practice areas
Evidence-based curriculum
Ethically focused professional training

Dominican University

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dominican University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in River Forest, IL provides comprehensive nursing education through high-tech simulation labs and hands-on clinical experiences. With a 97% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, the program effectively prepares students for diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum integrates liberal arts to enhance communication skills while maintaining a focus on compassionate care. Admission requires meeting specific criteria, including ACT or SAT entrance exams, with direct entry options available for qualified undergraduates. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and features experienced faculty and small class sizes for personalized attention.

High-tech simulation labs
97% NCLEX pass rate
Small class sizes
Hands-on clinical experiences
Liberal arts curriculum
Direct entry admission option
Accredited by CCNE
Experienced nursing faculty
Focus on compassionate care
Prepares for diverse healthcare settings

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 prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with a strong track record of success - the program's NCLEX pass rate improved from 83% in 2022 to 95% in 2024. This campus-based program requires a CNA certificate for admission and includes prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, covering core nursing concepts, patient care across various healthcare settings, and clinical decision-making skills essential for professional nursing practice.

Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
Covers core nursing concepts.
Includes hands-on clinical experience.
Requires CNA certificate for admission.
Blends theory with practical skills.
Focuses on patient care.
Teaches clinical decision-making.
Anatomy and physiology prerequisites.
Microbiology prerequisite.
Program application required.

Bachelor's - 3+1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

College of DuPage's 3+1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers registered nurses an efficient pathway to advance their education through a collaborative partnership with Benedictine University. This RN-to-BSN program requires a current RN license, a minimum 2.50 GPA, and completion of all courses with a 'C' grade or better. The final year features flexible hybrid and online formats ideal for working professionals, with the program emphasizing evidence-based practice, comprehensive health promotion, and professional development for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings.

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

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*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2024, National Center for Education Statistics.

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

If you're a registered nurse looking to advance your career, RN to BSN and MSN programs offer flexible paths to higher education. Many schools provide online or hybrid options that fit your schedule while you work. The table below lists schools with their locations, program highlights, and direct links to program pages. Explore these opportunities to find the right fit for your goals and move forward in nursing.

Jump to City:

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

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