The Top Nursing Schools in Illinois
Credit: Mlenny / E+ / Getty ImagesIf you want a high-quality RN-to-MSN program, Illinois offers several programs to help meet your goals. Illinois is home to some of the best hospitals and health systems in the nation.
There are RN-to-MSN programs in Chicago as well as schools downstate, if you prefer smaller cities. Keep reading for the best RN-to-MSN programs in Illinois and how to apply and pay for this exciting new step in your career.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs in Illinois, making it easier to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Keep reading to learn more about the best RN-to-MSN programs in Illinois, or go straight to our list of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Illinois.
What Can You Do With an MSN?
If you want a higher salary, more professional autonomy, or to diagnose conditions and prescribe for patients, an MSN degree will prepare you to work as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse administrator, nurse educator, or clinical nurse specialist.
While Illinois is a restricted-practice state (NPs must work under a physician’s supervision or in collaboration with a physician), you may still enjoy more autonomy, and often a six-figure salary.
The standard pathway to an MSN is a BSN-to-MSN, but if you have an ADN degree and experience, there are RN-to-MSN programs in Chicago and downstate. With an RN-to-MSN program, you can earn an MSN in three years, without having to earn a BSN first.
Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Most earn their MSN to pursue careers as nurse practitioners, especially family nurse practitioners. Other NP options include adult-geriatric care, pediatric care, psychiatric-mental healthcare, or neonatal care. Adult and pediatric care offer acute and primary care options.
Salary
$99,540-$129,680, BLS
Job Outlook
52% (2020-2030), BLS
Nurse Consultant
Nurse consultants work in healthcare and in other settings that call for their nursing expertise, such as law, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and government.
Many nurse consultants work for law firms, serving as experts on best and standard nursing practice in cases of misconduct or medical errors. They may also work as expert witnesses during lawsuits.
Salary
$60,000-$100,000, Payscale
Job Outlook
32% (2020-2030), BLS
Research Nurse
Research nurses are experts in nursing and in research functions such as statistics, literature reviews, and writing for professional publications.
Research nurses focus on improving nursing or patient outcomes for academic employers, research companies, or for healthcare firms or publishers. Research nurses who work in academia also teach.
Salary
$63,000-$147,000, Payscale
Job Outlook
17% (2020-2030), BLS
What To Look For in an RN-to-MSN Program
When weighing your RN-to-MSN options in Illinois, consider program quality and reputation, costs (tuition and other fees and any incidental expenses), class size, and clinical placement logistics. There are also personal preferences, such as school size, culture, and private versus public.
Admission Requirements
You want a program that will challenge but not overwhelm you. Admission requirements indicate the program’s culture, your classmates’ backgrounds, and how demanding a school is.
Program Curriculum
Unlike undergraduate programs, MSN programs specialize from the start. If you know what kind of program you want, this narrows down your MSN Illinois choices.If you’re unsure, a school that offers multiple NP specialties will make switching easier.
Clinical Experience
Consider the logistics of clinical placement. If you are in an RN-to-MSN Chicago program, you will have more clinical placement options than in smaller cities with fewer provider types.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the most important indicator of program quality. This guide lists only accredited schools, so you can review these MSN Illinois options with confidence.
Program Length
Most programs take approximately three years. Some offer part-time options or other accommodations for working students. During longer programs, you may take fewer classes at a time.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
While the NCLEX-RN pass rate will not directly affect you, thos pass rates strongly indicate a school’s quality and reputation. For large RN-to-MSN Chicago programs or major schools, the pass rate is a better indicator than at a small school, where one or two students can skew the numbers.
School Graduation Rate
The graduation rate, especially combined with the board exam pass rate, tells you how successful students are. Again, smaller schools may have more inconsistent results, especially during COVID, when students might have paused studies.
Applying to an RN-to-MSN Program
After identifying the most promising RN-to-MSN programs in Illinois, start applying. Give yourself time and get a trusted mentor’s advice, especially if they are a recent graduate of the school.
Warn your references to expect contact from the school. It may also be helpful to have another person review your application before you submit it.
Admission Materials
Current and unencumbered RN license, undergraduate transcripts (schools may accept unofficial copies for the application and require an official copy later), two or three references, an application with an essay or personal statement, and a resume/CVGPA Requirement
Most RN-to-MSN programs in Illinois require a 3.0 GPA. If your GPA is borderline, talk to an admission counselor; an exceptional work history or other qualification may outweigh your GPA.Other Requirement
Almost all schools require at least one year of experience as an RN, especially for RN-to-MSN programs, which involve considerable on-the-job learning.
Why Is RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
During program accreditation, representatives from an accrediting organization review all factors of a program that affect quality, from the equipment in the laboratories to the background of the teachers, to the number of journals in the library. This website lists only accredited programs because:
- Accreditation measures the quality of a program.
- States do not license and boards do not accept applications from graduates of unaccredited programs.
- Unaccredited school credits almost never transfer to accredited programs.
- Employers rarely even consider graduates of unaccredited programs.
- Unaccredited programs are an unnecessary risk of your time and money.
Paying for RN-to-MSN Programs in Illinois
With an MSN, you are likely to earn considerably more than an RN. Even so, paying for nursing school is not cheap, even for in-state public options. Consider the tuition and fees, length, whether you can work while studying. Determine how many hours you can work, and whether you may have any expenses for attending clinicals or on-campus requirements.
Fortunately, you have several financial aid options. In addition to your school’s financial aid programs, you can look for scholarships and grants from government agencies, nonprofits and nursing associations, and corporations.
Because of the demand for NPs, there are several federal programs that will provide full scholarships or full loan forgiveness in exchange for working in an underserved area, in the military, or for the Indian Health Service after graduation.
Learn More About the Best RN-to-MSN Programs Schools in Illinois
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1871, Elmhurst University enrolls over 3,400 students in undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. The university's Department of Nursing and Public Health offers several nursing programs, including an on-campus MSN with full-time and part-time options. The 33-credit MSN features nurse administrator, nurse leader, and nurse educator specialties.
Students interested in undergraduate nursing degrees may pursue a pre-licensure BSN, an RN-to-BSN, and an online accelerated BSN. At the graduate level, the university offers on-campus and online master's entry in nursing practice degrees, along with a doctorate in nursing practice.
- Program: Master of Science in Nursing
- Campus: Elmhurst, Illinois
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $789 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA; valid RN license; three letters of recommendation; goal statement; resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 71% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $81,997 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$38,354
- Out-of-state$38,354
- In-State$32,000
- Out-of-state$32,000
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled3,421
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola University Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Known as "Chicago's Jesuit Catholic university," Loyola University Chicago offers 80 undergraduate majors and 140 graduate, professional, and graduate-level certificate programs.
Loyola's School of Nursing provides two hybrid pathways to complete an MSN in healthcare and administration: a BSN-to-MSN and an RN-to-MSN. Both options prepare graduates for best practices in budgeting, healthcare policy and regulations, and management. Students may also enroll in a traditional BSN, an RN-to-BSN, and an ABSN, along with two doctoral-level nursing programs.
- Program: Master of Science in Nursing
- Campus: Chicago, Illinois
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,150 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA; valid RN license; personal statement; resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 87% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,604 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$45,500
- Out-of-state$45,500
- In-State$18,594
- Out-of-state$18,594
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled16,893
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Methodist College
- Peoria, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Established in 1900, Methodist College provides undergraduate and graduate education in nursing and social work. The college, which does not have a religious affiliation, maintains a clinical partnership with Carle Health.
At the master's level, nursing students may enroll in a 35-credit generalist option or nurse educator option MSN. Individuals with bachelor's degrees in non-nursing fields may enter its MSN-prelicensure program. Undergraduate nursing degrees include a pre-licensure BSN, an accelerated and second-degree BSN, and an RN-to-BSN.
- Program: Master of Science in Nursing
- Campus: Peoria, Illinois
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $779 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA; valid RN license; two letters of reference
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 81% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,619 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$16,248
- Out-of-state$16,248
- In-State$14,850
- Out-of-state$14,850
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled595
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Millikin University
- Decatur, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Millikin University, located in the central Illinois city of Decatur, enrolls 1,800 students in over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Its MSN entry program, as one of the few accredited degrees of this kind in Illinois, suits individuals who already hold non-nursing bachelor's degrees. Other master's level options include MSN nurse practitioner and nurse educator tracks.
Nursing students with BSNs or MSNs can pursue doctor of nursing practice (DNP) completion degrees or a DNP with a family practitioner or nurse anesthesia specialty. Undergraduates may enroll in the traditional direct-entry BSN program.
- Program: Master of Science in Nursing
- Campus: Decatur, Illinois
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $800 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA; minimum 2.0 in undergraduate prerequisites; written statement resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: 26 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 67% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $197,436 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$38,800
- Out-of-state$38,800
- In-State$23,733
- Out-of-state$23,733
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled1,982
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Anthony College of Nursing
- Rockford, IL
- 4 year
- Campus
Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a Catholic institution that accepts students of all religious backgrounds.
The college offers several part-time graduate degrees for working RNs. The MSN features acute and primary care gerontology and family practitioner specialties, along with clinical nurse leader and nurse educator tracks. For nurses interested in advanced practice, research, or leadership positions, its doctor of nursing practice offers several concentrations.
Undergraduate nursing degrees include a traditional four-year BSN, an RN-to-BSN for registered nurses with ADNs, and a 21-month nursing diploma.
- Program: Master of Science in Nursing
- Campus: Rockford, Illinois
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,014 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree; official transcripts; minimum 2.8 GPA; valid RN license; goal statement; three letters of recommendation; resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 92% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,412 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$26,344
- Out-of-state$26,344
- In-State$18,252
- Out-of-state$18,252
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled291
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois RN-to-MSN Programs
Is RN to MSN worth it?
Whether pursuing an MSN is worth it to you is a personal decision. Those with MSNs earn more, and have more professional autonomy. In Illinois, an NP makes an average $120,470 and an RN makes an average $78,260 annually, according to the BLS.
How long does it take to bridge from RN to MSN?
Most RN-to-MSN bridge programs in Illinois take approximately three years, depending on how many classes you take at a time and how long the classes are. Most programs assume that students are working on at least a part-time basis.
What’s the highest paid type of nurse in Illinois?
The highest-paid nurses in Illinois are nurse anesthetists. The average annual nurse anesthetist salary is $250,280, more than twice the average NP salary of $120,470, and three times the average RN salary ($78,260), according to the BLS.
Can I get my MSN Right after my BSN?
Most schools require or strongly prefer at least one or two years of experience, but some let students go right from a BSN to an MSN program. Real-life work experience helps both you and the school decide the best MSN specialty for you.
