Compare costs, completion times, and formats across every Illinois RN-to-BSN option to find your best fit.
Which Illinois RN to BSN program satisfies Magnet hospital requirements without putting your earnings on hold? Systems like Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Health, and Rush now expect BSN-prepared nurses at the bedside, and that expectation is reshaping enrollment patterns across the state.
Sixteen ranked programs, from fully online public-university pathways to tight-knit hybrid models at private colleges, give working ADN nurses genuine flexibility. Most accept 60 or more transfer credits, trimming the timeline to 12 to 24 months for full-time students.
What tilts the decision is seldom the sticker price alone; it is how aggressively a program awards credit for prior learning and whether your employer’s tuition reimbursement covers the net cost.
This 2026 ranking of the best RN to BSN programs in Illinois puts affordability at the forefront, using net price after financial aid as a key factor. The ten programs listed below offer working nurses flexible online, hybrid, and campus-based formats to advance their education without overwhelming debt. Each entry includes net cost, institution-wide graduation rates, and program highlights to help you compare options.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | RNs wanting a healthcare management minor | |
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale’s online RN to BSN costs $13,297 after financial aid (net price) and boasts a 62% institution-wide graduation rate. Designed for associate-degree RNs, the program includes a minor in healthcare management and can be completed in as few as 12 months. CCNE accreditation, regional clinical partnerships, and a fully online format make it a flexible, career-advancing option.
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| #2 | Governors State University | University Park, IL | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | Advocacy-focused nurses for underserved communities | |
Governors State University provides an online RN to BSN with a net price of $12,329 and an institution-wide graduation rate of 22%. The ACEN-accredited curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and advocacy for underserved populations. Working RNs benefit from affordable, accessible pathways to expanded roles and graduate study.
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| #3 | Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, IL | $14,000 – $16,000/yr | Cost-conscious RNs preferring 100% online coursework | |
Eastern Illinois University’s online RN to BSN costs $12,786 after aid (net price) and has a 47% institution-wide graduation rate. The CCNE-accredited program can be finished in three semesters with 100% online coursework, five annual start dates, and a low total tuition. An interdisciplinary approach and supportive faculty prepare nurses for leadership and evidence-based care.
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| #4 | Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Northern Illinois University’s online RN to BSN has a net price of $13,391 and a 49% institution-wide graduation rate. CCNE-accredited, the program lets you transfer up to 33 nursing credits and complete at least 12 at NIU, with dedicated advisors and an online student success specialist. It prepares nurses for roles in management, public health, and clinical settings.
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| #5 | Chicago State University | Chicago, IL | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Chicago State University offers a campus-based RN to BSN with a net price of $12,335 and a 16% institution-wide graduation rate. This competitive program requires a current Illinois RN license and a 2.8 GPA, and includes 29 credit hours of upper-division nursing courses. Graduates are prepared for leadership, community health, and professional development roles.
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| #6 | Dominican University | River Forest, IL | $12,000/yr | ||
Dominican University’s online RN-BSN costs $11,745 after aid (net price) with a 55% institution-wide graduation rate. The 12-month program blends liberal arts with nursing, emphasizing leadership, critical thinking, and ethical practice. Optional campus visits complement the 100% online coursework, and graduates qualify for advanced practice and educator roles.
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| #7 | Blessing Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Quincy, IL | |||
Blessing Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences provides an online RN to BSN with no published net price and a median graduate debt of $13,000. The 8-week session format and multiple start dates accommodate working RNs. Applicants need an associate degree or diploma and an unencumbered RN license.
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| #8 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | $17,000/yr | ||
Lewis University’s hybrid RN to BSN has a net price of $17,028 and a 67% institution-wide graduation rate. The program offers synchronous online or blended classes, grants up to 12 hours of nursing credit for experience, and emphasizes holistic care and leadership. Ranked among top RN to BSN programs in Illinois by RegisteredNursing.org, it suits working RNs seeking a supportive, accredited path.
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| #9 | Benedictine University | Lisle, IL | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | ||
Benedictine University’s online RN to BSN costs $22,313 after aid (net price) with a 50% institution-wide graduation rate. The CCNE-accredited program uses asynchronous 8-week courses, lets you transfer up to 90 credits, and includes 70 clinical hours. Graduates are prepared for nursing management or MSN pathways with personalized support from instructor-mentors.
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| #10 | McKendree University | Lebanon, IL | $25,000/yr (net price) | ||
McKendree University’s online RN to BSN has a net price of $24,717 and a 53% institution-wide graduation rate. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes community health and leadership, includes two local practicum experiences, and can be completed in three semesters. Graduates work in hospitals, home health, and hospice, with pathways to MSN and DNP degrees.
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This table compares key metrics across the 12 ranked RN to BSN programs in Illinois. Net Price is the institution-wide average cost after grants and scholarships, not a per-student guarantee. One-year median earnings are not reported for these programs, so we show 10-year median earnings as a longer-term outcome measure. Among the listed schools, Dominican University offers the lowest net price at $11,745, while Chamberlain University-Illinois reports the highest 10-year median earnings at $92,405.
| School | In-State Tuition | Net Price | Program Format | Graduation Rate | 10-Year Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominican University | $38,828 | $11,745 | Online | 55.3% | $60,327 |
| Governors State University | $12,004 | $12,329 | Online | 22.1% | $58,169 |
| Chicago State University | $12,757 | $12,335 | Campus | 15.5% | $42,778 |
| Eastern Illinois University | $13,377 | $12,786 | Online | 47.4% | $51,989 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $13,334 | $13,297 | Online | 62.4% | $53,390 |
| Northern Illinois University | $13,060 | $13,391 | Online | 48.7% | $57,808 |
| Lewis University | $39,200 | $17,028 | Hybrid | 66.6% | $66,099 |
| Olivet Nazarene University | $38,900 | $20,729 | Online | 60.8% | $53,213 |
| Benedictine University | $32,648 | $22,313 | Online | 50.3% | $63,446 |
| McKendree University | $34,740 | $24,717 | Online | 53.3% | $58,572 |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | $21,536 | $31,837 | Online | 41.7% | $92,405 |
| Methodist College | $18,008 | $41,787 | Online | 20.0% | $69,800 |
The time it takes to earn a BSN after your ADN in Illinois depends largely on whether you enroll full-time or part-time, but most nurses finish within 12 to 24 months. Programs across the state, from Chicago to Peoria, including some of the best nursing schools in Illinois, offer flexible schedules to accommodate working RNs.
Full-time students often complete a 30-35 credit nursing curriculum in 2-3 semesters, roughly 12-18 months. The University of Illinois Chicago's RN to BSN, for instance, is built for completion in three full-time semesters. Lewis University's full-time plan can be finished in as few as 16 months. Part-time study stretches the timeline to 2-4 years; Chamberlain University's self-paced online option typically takes part-time learners 2-3 years.
Several Illinois schools advertise 12-month completion for driven students. Olivet Nazarene University's intensive full-time schedule makes this possible, as does Bradley University's accelerated online track. These fast paths demand a heavier course load per term and usually assume most general education credits are already transferred in.
Programs generally require 25-35 credits of upper-level nursing courses, but total credits can be lower if you enter with an ADN block transfer covering 64-70 credits. The exact number hinges on prior coursework and any remaining general education requirements. Since transfer evaluations vary by school, contacting the admissions office directly yields the most accurate personal timeline.
Illinois RN to BSN programs are predominantly delivered online, with a small number of hybrid and on-campus options available. The right format depends on your schedule, budgeting priorities, and how you prefer to complete clinical hours and build professional connections.
| Online | Hybrid | On-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility and Scheduling | Asynchronous coursework allows you to study anywhere, anytime. Programs like UIC and Olivet Nazarene use 8-week terms with multiple start dates, making it easy to pace around work shifts. | Combines online classes with occasional on-site sessions. Lewis University, for instance, holds synchronous online meetings but may require campus visits for orientations or intensives. |
| Clinical and Practicum Requirements | Most online programs in Illinois still require 30 to 100 hours of community health or leadership practicum completed at a site near you. For example, Benedictine University mandates 70 hours, and Olivet Nazarene requires 60. UIC is a notable exception with zero required practicum hours. | Practicum hours are typically completed in your local community, similar to online programs. Any in-person components are usually limited to skill labs or simulations on campus. |
| Networking and Peer Interaction | Virtual discussion boards, group projects, and video conferencing foster connection, but spontaneous networking is limited. Many programs assign dedicated advisors to support relationship building. | Offers a blend of online collaboration and periodic in-person interaction, which can strengthen cohort bonds. Lewis University emphasizes synchronous online classes that mimic real-time discussion. |
| Cost Considerations | Often the most affordable, with public universities like Governors State and Eastern Illinois keeping tuition below $14,000 per year. Save on commuting and parking, and many schools charge a flat online rate regardless of residency. | Costs may be similar to online tuition but with added travel expenses. Private hybrid programs like Lewis University list higher sticker prices, though financial aid can reduce the net cost significantly. |
Northern Illinois University accepts up to 66 general education credits and 33 nursing credits from an associate degree, leaving just 21 credits to complete the BSN. That pattern is typical across Illinois: most RN to BSN programs transfer 60 to 90 credits from an ADN or diploma, then require 30 to 40 credits of upper-division nursing coursework. How those credits are applied, and what else is needed for admission, varies by institution.
Illinois RN to BSN programs are built on a completion model. You enter with a valid, unencumbered Illinois nursing license and a prior nursing education, and the school grants credit for that background. The University of Illinois Chicago, for example, transfers 33 proficiency credits in nursing plus up to 57 general education credits, covering 90 of the 120 total credits required. The remaining 30 credits are core BSN courses.
Some programs evaluate transfer credits course by course against their own general education requirements, while others award a block of credit for the entire ADN. Illinois State University requires completion of at least 55 credits at the lower division and lists specific prerequisite courses, PSY 110, PSY 213, BSC 160, and more, that must be finished with a C or higher before enrollment.
Beyond the RN license, every Illinois RN to BSN program sets a minimum GPA. At Olivet Nazarene University, the threshold is 2.75, while Illinois State University requires only a 2.0. The University of Illinois Chicago and Northern Illinois University do not specify a GPA floor in their published materials, but a competitive application often sits at 3.0 or higher. Some schools require prerequisite courses in psychology, biology, or statistics; others have none, as at UIC.
For a seamless transition, start by checking how the program evaluates credits. If you're targeting the keyword `rn to bsn credit transfer illinois` in your search, look for schools that publish clear transfer guides. Illinois State University specifies exactly which courses must be completed beforehand, while Northern Illinois University lets you fill general education gaps with online coursework. Contact an advisor early to avoid surprises.
For Illinois RNs, the math on a BSN is compelling: even at the high end of the cost spectrum, median earnings a decade later reach well into the $90,000s. But the best value often comes from lesser-known schools. Blessing Rieman College combines one of the lowest median debt figures with a median salary that rivals many pricier programs.
A full-time RN at Advocate Health or Northwestern Medicine can access up to $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement, a benefit that, in many Illinois RN to BSN programs, covers the entire annual net cost. Understanding how published tuition differs from what students actually pay, and where employer support fits in, makes the difference between sticker shock and an affordable path forward.
The listed tuition figure rarely tells the full story. Net price, the amount students pay after subtracting grants and scholarships, but before loans, paints a clearer picture. At Dominican University, for example, the published in-state tuition for a bachelor's program is $38,978, yet the average net price after aid sits at $11,745. Governors State University lists tuition at $12,004, with a net price of $12,329. Across Illinois RN to BSN programs, the net price is often thousands below the headline number, and at several public universities it runs below $13,000 per year.
Several fees don't appear in the per-credit rate but can add up each term: - Technology fees: Online programs may charge a per-course or per-semester technology fee. - Clinical placement and lab fees: Some programs require a separate fee for arranging practicum experiences. - Background checks and drug screenings: Required before clinical rotations, and renewal may be needed. - Textbooks and e-resource codes: Digital access codes for homework platforms are common, and used book options are limited. - Graduation fees: A final fee often applies to diploma processing and credentials.
Many major Illinois hospital systems offer tuition reimbursement directly aligned with RN to BSN enrollment. Advocate Health, Northwestern Medicine, OSF HealthCare, University of Chicago Medicine, Loyola Medicine, and Carle Health all provide education benefits for nursing staff. In 2026, the standard annual cap is $5,250, with eligibility usually requiring 90 days to one year of service, a minimum FTE of 0.5, 0.6, and a grade of C or better in each course. Pre-approval is mandatory, and coursework must be job-related.1 After completing the program, nurses often owe a work commitment of one to three years.2 Because the reimbursement offsets tuition directly, a nurse using this benefit at a low-net-price public program can graduate with little or no tuition debt.
The share of students receiving federal Pell Grants at a school signals how accessible need-based aid is. At Chicago State University, 86% of students receive a Pell Grant, and the net price is $12,335. At Governors State University, 79% of students receive a Pell Grant, with a net price of $12,329. These high Pell percentages often correlate with robust institutional aid packaging, keeping out-of-pocket costs predictable.
When net price is the measure, several programs stand out. Dominican University leads with a net price of $11,745, followed closely by Governors State University at $12,329 and Chicago State University at $12,335. Eastern Illinois University rounds out the group at $12,786. All four deliver a BSN for well under the annual employer reimbursement cap, meaning that a nurse with tuition benefits can often complete the degree without assuming new loans. For those paying out of pocket, these net-price figures represent some of the most affordable RN to BSN pathways in the state.
Illinois nursing programs collectively posted an 87% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Some schools consistently outperform this average, though official lists of top performers are released periodically.
Investing in a BSN from an Illinois RN to BSN program can directly translate into higher earnings and broader career opportunities.
While an ADN can get you started on the nursing floor, data consistently show that BSN-prepared nurses out-earn their ADN colleagues over time. Nationally, registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $93,600 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, nurses with a bachelor’s degree often command higher starting salaries and faster wage progression. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that hospitals seeking Magnet status or operating in competitive markets often set BSN as a baseline for hiring, which pushes compensation upward.
Where you work in Illinois makes a notable difference. The BLS provides metro-area breakdowns for registered nurse wages. For the most accurate and up-to-date numbers, visit the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics page and look for Illinois under SOC code 29-1141. Generally, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area offers some of the highest RN wages in the state, while Springfield, Peoria, and Champaign-Urbana provide competitive salaries tied to their local healthcare demand. This geographic variation means your earning power can increase simply by choosing to work in a higher-wage metro after earning your BSN.
Illinois is home to a large number of Magnet-designated hospitals, an accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center that signals nursing excellence. Many of these facilities, including prominent Chicago academic medical centers, now require or strongly prefer a BSN for new RN hires. Checking the career pages of Magnet hospitals in your target city can give you a clear picture of baseline educational requirements. Having a BSN not only opens doors at these prestigious employers but also positions you for leadership roles, specialty certifications, and unit-based advancement.
Before you commit to a specific RN to BSN program, review the career outcomes data that many schools publish online. Employment rates for new BSN graduates in Illinois often exceed 90%, and some programs report that 100% of their graduates secure nursing positions within six months of finishing. Average starting salaries are sometimes listed as well, giving you a benchmark for negotiating your first BSN-level job. Visit the nursing school’s career services or outcomes page to see detailed statistics for the most recent graduating class.
Choosing an RN to BSN program raises practical questions about cost, time, and flexibility. Below are clear, data-backed answers to the questions Illinois nurses ask most often, using current program details.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, Illinois offers additional RN to BSN options across the state. Below is a directory of other accredited programs to explore.
