Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program options for BSN degrees in and around Romeoville.
Romeoville sits 30 miles southwest of Chicago's Loop, putting nursing students a short commute from major teaching hospitals like Loyola University Medical Center and Advocate Christ Medical Center. Programs accessible locally include traditional four-year, accelerated second-degree, and RN-to-BSN tracks at schools such as Lewis University and Rasmussen University, two of the top nursing programs in Illinois. While costs vary sharply (net price after aid ranges from under $15,000 to over $25,000 per year), a program's NCLEX performance and clinical placement partnerships weigh more heavily on a new graduate's earnings trajectory.
The following ranking highlights accredited nursing programs within 65 miles of Romeoville, balancing quality, affordability, and graduate outcomes. Schools are evaluated based on publicly available data and program-specific features to help you find the best fit for your nursing career.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | $16,000/yr | Local students wanting strong clinical networks | |
Lewis University is the only four-year BSN program located right in Romeoville, offering a CCNE-accredited nursing degree with a 98% NCLEX pass rate. As a private Catholic university, it provides a strong clinical network with over 50 affiliate sites concentrated in the southwest Chicago suburbs, and a net price around $17,000. Its cohort-based model and mission-driven community health focus make it especially convenient for local commuters.
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| #2 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | Illinois residents seeking in-state tuition value | |
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a top-ranked public research university whose College of Nursing offers multiple BSN pathways, including a traditional BSN and an online RN-to-BSN option. It provides in-state tuition for Illinois residents, bringing the effective net price to around $11,000, and operates six campuses statewide with extensive clinical partnerships throughout Chicagoland. Graduates benefit from strong earnings potential and a reputation for preparing nurses for diverse healthcare settings.
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| #3 | Chamberlain University-Illinois | Addison, IL | $15,000/yr | Working adults seeking flexible class schedules | |
Chamberlain University's Addison campus, about 20 miles from Romeoville, offers a flexible BSN program with day, evening, and weekend classes, requiring no nursing prerequisites. This private institution carries a net price around $31,800 and boasts a 91% NCLEX pass rate, with a strong emphasis on simulation training and local clinical placements. Its year-round enrollment and multiple start dates accommodate working adults and career changers.
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| #4 | Illinois Valley Community College | Oglesby, IL | |||
Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby offers an affordable Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program that lets students become LPNs after the first year and continue to the RN. With a net price under $2,300 and strong NCLEX pass rates, it provides a budget-friendly entry into nursing, though the campus is over 75 miles from Romeoville.
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| #5 | Elgin Community College | Elgin, IL | |||
Elgin Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, located about 40 miles northwest of Romeoville, has over 50 years of nursing education tradition. Its ACEN-accredited program emphasizes hands-on learning, a supportive advising team, and seamless transfer pathways to RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN programs, all at a net price around $6,000.
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| #6 | Kishwaukee College | Malta, IL | |||
Kishwaukee College in Malta, roughly 55 miles from Romeoville, provides a nursing program that follows QSEN competencies and uses high-fidelity simulation. With a net price of about $4,600, it reports a 95% job placement rate within six months of graduation and maintains an RN-to-BSN partnership with Northern Illinois University.
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| #7 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst, IL | $34,000/yr | ||
Elmhurst University, a private institution about 20 miles northeast of Romeoville, offers a BSN prelicensure option and a direct-entry MSN. Its BSN requires two years of foundation coursework before entering the nursing sequence, and the university's overall graduation rate is 70%. The net price is around $24,200, and the MSN pathway provides an accelerated route for non-nurses.
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| #8 | Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills, IL | |||
Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills (about 25 miles from Romeoville) offers an affordable ADN program with cutting-edge simulation technology, including virtual reality. The ACEN-accredited curriculum has a net price under $2,900, a 90% job placement rate, and a dual enrollment BSN pathway with University of St. Francis.
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| #9 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | ~$23,000/yr (est.) | ||
DePaul University in Chicago provides a BSN with a 97% NCLEX pass rate and a direct-entry MSN for career changers. Its nursing programs emphasize small classes, simulation labs, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The net price is about $30,900 for undergraduates, and both pathways leverage the university's extensive Chicago-area clinical partnerships.
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| #10 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | $22,000/yr | ||
Loyola University Chicago, located on the city's north side, offers a nationally ranked BSN with a 96% NCLEX pass rate and guaranteed direct-entry. This private Jesuit institution integrates holistic care and social justice, with a net price around $36,100. Its seven clinical rotations and Clinical Role Transition capstone provide strong preparation for licensure.
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Nursing tuition across the Romeoville area varies widely, but the sticker price tells only part of the story. Financial aid significantly reduces the actual out‑of‑pocket cost at each school. Below compares in‑state sticker tuition and the average net price after grants and scholarships for six regional programs. (Tuition data for Rasmussen University Romeoville is not currently available in this dataset.) Note that net price figures are institution‑wide averages; actual nursing program costs may differ.
Two popular pathways near Romeoville, the traditional BSN at Lewis University and the career-focused program at Rasmussen University, attract different types of students. But one metric cuts across learning styles and class formats: first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. These numbers offer an objective, no-spin look at how well a school prepares you for the licensure exam.
State and national benchmarks provide a useful yardstick. In 2025, the national first-time pass rate for RN candidates was 87% (192,911 test-takers), while Illinois as a whole posted an 85% pass rate across 6,351 test-takers. Numbers below these thresholds can signal gaps in curriculum, faculty support, or clinical preparation.
A program with passing rates that consistently beat state and national averages suggests strong alignment between coursework and the exam. More importantly, it gives you confidence that the time and money you invest will lead to a license. A school that struggles with pass rates may be teaching outdated material or providing insufficient test-prep resources.
Single-year pass rates can fluctuate, so it pays to look at trends. A program with a steep decline over two or three years may be facing accreditation issues or faculty turnover. Steady or improving rates, on the other hand, signal a stable, well-managed program. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation publishes an annual RN program pass-rate report that allows you to compare schools over several years.
Both Lewis University and Rasmussen University disclose their pass rates in that public report. While we do not reproduce individual year-by-year figures here, you can view the latest data by downloading the state's 2025 RN Program Pass-Rate Report. Pay special attention to the number of test-takers: a small cohort can produce a misleadingly high (or low) percentage, so aim for programs that maintain strong pass rates with a meaningful sample size. If you are weighing both schools, request their multi-year pass rates directly or review the state report to see if either program has shown consistent improvement or a concerning dip.
How long will it take to earn your BSN in Romeoville?
The answer depends on your starting point and the program you choose. Most students follow one of three distinct timelines.
A traditional pre-licensure BSN at Lewis University takes 48 months (four years) and requires 120 to 128 semester credits. You will complete general education requirements alongside nursing courses, with clinical experiences starting early. This path suits first-time college students or anyone entering nursing without a prior degree.
Lewis University does offer an accelerated BSN option, but it is designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The BAC to BSN program lasts 24 months and covers 60 to 70 nursing credits. Before enrolling, you must have completed science prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology. It follows a full-time, intensive format for career changers. While longer than some 12-month programs, it still compresses the nursing curriculum significantly.
Registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma can complete their BSN through Lewis University's online RN-to-BSN program in as few as 12 months. The curriculum includes 30 to 35 upper-division credits and is delivered online or in a blended format, accommodating working nurses. Many students continue working while enrolled.
Additional bridge pathways, such as LPN-to-BSN and ADN-to-BSN, may be available at other Romeoville-area schools. These pathways generally build on existing nursing credentials and can shorten the overall timeline. Because program offerings change, contact admissions offices directly to confirm current options and timelines. Choosing the right path means weighing your current qualifications against how quickly you want to enter the workforce. Each pathway's credit load and schedule intensity vary, so align your choice with your prior education and career goals.
A shorter commute to clinical rotations frees up study time, but a formal hospital partnership can fast-track your job offer after graduation.
Romeoville-area nursing students, including those at Lewis University and Rasmussen University, complete clinical rotations at several major healthcare systems throughout the southwest Chicago suburbs. Common rotation sites include Advocate Aurora facilities, AMITA/Ascension hospitals, Edward-Elmhurst locations, and Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Lewis University lists its clinical sites online, though the list is not grouped by system and is updated periodically, so students should consult their advisor for current placements. Rasmussen University also coordinates placements with regional partners, ensuring students gain exposure to diverse patient populations and care settings.
Lewis University holds a formal clinical partnership with Silver Cross Hospital. This agreement goes beyond basic rotations: students who commit to a four-year career at Silver Cross and participate in the Student Nurse Assistant program may receive tuition benefits and structured educational collaboration. To qualify, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and meet other program requirements. Such partnerships not only provide guaranteed clinical slots but also build a direct hiring pipeline, making them especially valuable for students who want a clear employment path right after graduation.
Nursing salaries can vary widely by location and experience. While specific wage data for new graduates in the Romeoville area is limited, available figures for the broader Chicago metropolitan region and nationwide provide a useful benchmark.
Here are answers to common questions about pursuing a nursing degree in the Romeoville area. Whether you're comparing costs, checking NCLEX outcomes, or exploring online options, this FAQ covers key details.
Selecting a nursing program in Romeoville comes down to a few essentials: actual cost after financial aid, first-time NCLEX pass rates, and how well the format fits your life. Lewis University’s traditional BSN and Rasmussen University’s accelerated option serve different timelines and learning styles, so compare their recent exam performance and clinical placements carefully. Strong local hospital ties, such as rotations at Edward Hospital or AMITA Health sites, can smooth the transition from student to employed nurse.
To make a confident decision, reach out to your top one or two programs for current tuition details and admission guidance. A little research now pays off throughout your nursing career.
