Online MSN Programs in Illinois: Reviewing Top Schools
Like many states, Illinois faces a nursing shortage, especially in advanced practice roles. A great way to capitalize on this shortage and grow your career is with a master’s in nursing (MSN). This EduMed guide shows you how online MSN programs work, the different types available in Illinois, how much they cost, and what to expect after graduation. Make your move toward an online MSN with us.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Healthcare Education Nursing Advanced Nursing Editorial Senior Care Dementia Care
Nursing Nursing Ed.Inside 3 Popular MSN Programs in Illinois
Many nursing schools in Illinois now feature master’s programs with coursework that can be completed 100% online. What’s more, others deliver much of their coursework asynchronously, meaning you can log on whenever it fits your schedule.
However, online MSN programs in Illinois may still require some on-campus elements, such as labs or short-term residencies. And online MSN students need to complete in-person clinical experiences with program-approved healthcare providers, typically in the school’s or student’s local area.
Below are profiles of three popular online MSN programs in Illinois. Get an inside look at how they work, how much they cost, and what you’ll learn if you apply and enroll.
Illinois College
Illinois College, a private Protestant Christian-affiliated school located in Jacksonville, offers an Online MSN program with concentration options in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership/Administration.
Features:
- Earning the degree requires completion of 36 credit hours of core, interdisciplinary, and concentration coursework, along with a culminating student project.
- Didactic (lecture) coursework is delivered 100% online an asynchronous format that allows students to access and attend to their studies at any time.
- Students additionally complete two practicum experiences within a program-approved healthcare agency or system as part of their culminating project.
- Scholarships that cover the cost of the first course and a laptop computer are available to the first 30 students admitted in a given term.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Fully-online with exception of practicum experiences
Cost: $750/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Current RN licensure from any U.S. state or territory
- BSN degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate course work
- Satisfactory completion of introductory baccalaureate-level courses in statistics, nursing research, and health assessment (or their equivalent) with a grade of “C” or better
- Basic computer skills
- Health and liability insurance
- Current CPR certification
- Evidence of Hepatitis, MMR, tetanus, and diphtheria immunizations
- Evidence of an annual TB skin test
- Criminal background check within 90 days prior to the first practicum experience
- TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency for students who speak English as a second language
Curriculum:
Core Courses (both concentrations)
- Nursing Philosophy/Theories
- Advanced Assessment, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Research in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Policy & Advocacy
Interdisciplinary Courses (both concentrations)
- Data Analysis & Statistics
- Leadership and Instructional Communication
Nursing Leadership/Administration Concentration
- Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Finance
- Organizational Behavior in Healthcare
- Leadership in Healthcare Systems: Advanced Roles in Nursing
Nursing Education Concentration
- Curriculum Development and Evaluation
- Innovative Teaching Strategies in Nursing
- Evaluation and Testing in Nursing Education
Programs that might interest you:
Illinois State University
There are two BSN to MSN specialization options featuring online components available from the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. Two programs include the Leadership and Management (MSN-NLM) specialization and the Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP).
Leadership and Management:
- MSN-NLM prepares students for leadership and health policy development roles in the full range of nursing management settings.
- Students complete seven semesters (34 credits) in 2½ years of part-time study.
- Coursework is delivered 100% online.
Family Nurse Practitioner:
- MSN-FNP prepares students for advanced nursing practice with an emphasis on preventative and self-care measures, and the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health conditions.
- Curriculum (44 credits) is offered with two year full-time and three year part-time options.
- Core courses are delivered fully online while support and clinical courses are taught on campus.
Students in both specializations additionally complete in-person clinical experiences at program-approved practice sites.
Duration: 2-3 years
Mode: Fully-online coursework with in-person clinicals (Leadership and Management). Hybrid formatted coursework with in-person clinicals (MSN-FNP).
Cost: $422.57/credit (Indiana and bordering states); $877.72/credit (out-of-state and international)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current RN license. Illinois license needed for FNP program. RN license from any state is acceptable for Leadership and Management program
- BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework
- At least two professional or academic recommendations
- Current resume
- Two to three-page essay outlining educational and professional goals
- International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT or IELTS score of 6.5
Curriculum:
Leadership and Management
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Health Care
- Epidemiology
- Scientific Inquiry and Research
- Organizational Expericence (180 clinical hours)
- Finance
- Organizational Behavior
- Leadership Synthesis Experience (180 clinical hours)
- Informatics
- Health Policy
- Leadership in Healthcare Systems
- Changing Healthcare Systems: Quality
Family Nurse Practitioner
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Health Care
- Epidemiology
- Scientific Inquiry and Research
- Diagnostic Reasoning
- Pharmacotherapeutics
- Pathophysiology
- Health Policy
McKendree University
With a current per-credit tuition rate of $495, the Master of Science (MSN Online) program at McKendree University proves that affordability is not exclusive to MSN programs in Illinois offered by public colleges and universities.
Concentrations:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Management/Administration
- Public Health
Features:
- All didactic coursework is online and may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously.
- Students in both concentrations additionally complete a total of 150 in-person clinical hours through practicum experiences customized to best meet their individual career goals.
- Financial aid resources including scholarships and graduate tuition discounts are available to qualifying MSN students.
Duration: Two years (five semesters) full-time or four years (10 semesters) part-time
Mode: Fully online with the exception of in-person practicums
Cost: $495/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered valid RN license
- BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies
- Current resume or CV
- Three professional references
- Essay describing personal and professional goals
- Interview for applicants who meet initial qualifications
Curriculum:
Core Courses (all concentrations)
- Evidence-based Practice in Healthcare
- Health Policy and Legal Aspects in Healthcare
- Ethics, Social Justice, Diversity, and Health Equity
- Population Health and Epidemiology
Nursing Education Concentration
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Foundations of Nursing Education
- Educational Methods and Strategies
- Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education
- Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Nurse Educator Practicum and Scholarly Project
Nursing Management/Administration Concentration
- Foundations of Nursing Management
- Nursing Informatics
- Human Behavior in Organizations
- Management of Fiscal Systems
- Quality, Safety, and Performance in Organizations
Population Health Concentration
- Quality, Safety, and Performance in Organizations
- Impacting Population Health and Wellness Across the Continuum
- Foundations of Population Health
- Leadership in Population Health
- Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention to Promote Individual and Population Outcomes
- Advanced Population Health Practicum and Scholarly Project
FAQs About Illinois Online MSN Programs
If you have read to this point, you’ve probably had a number of questions answered about how online MSN programs in Illinois work. Yet other questions likely remain. To help in that regard, here are the answers to five of the most often asked questions about MSN programs and careers in Illinois.
What can I do with an MSN in Illinois?
The most popular roles for graduates of Illinois MSN programs fall under the categories of clinical, education, and leadership, and may include:
Advanced nursing practice is another option after graduation and includes positions as:
- Adult gerontology nurse practitioners (acute and primary)
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Family nurse practitioners
- Pediatric nurse practitioners
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners
- Nurse midwives
Graduates of MSN programs in Illinois may also continue their studies to earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Nursing PhD to advance into top-tier administrative, advanced research, and post-secondary education positions.
Expert Insight
Just because a nurse has a master’s degree in nursing doesn’t mean they are automatically considered an “advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).” APRNs are the only type of nurse that can diagnose, treat, and prescribe. This distinction is why they are required to hold an additional license/certification aside from a standard RN license.
What are the admissions requirements for MSN nursing programs in Illinois?
Requirements for admission into MSN programs in Illinois vary primarily by program type. Here’s a look at admission requirements similar to ones you’ll find for most Illinois online MSN programs:
- Traditional MSN and Accelerated MSN: RN licensure, BSN, and nursing practice experience (amount varies by program).
- RN to MSN: RN licensure, nursing associate degree or diploma, and nursing practice experience (amount varies by program). Some programs also require a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- Direct Entry MSN: Non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
Common application materials include a current résumé, letters of recommendation, personal statement/statement of purpose, criminal background check, drug screen, proof of required immunizations, physical exam, health insurance, and liability insurance.
How long does it take to earn an MSN in Illinois?
Program lengths for MSN programs in Illinois vary substantially based primarily on program type, specialization, and whether the student chooses full-time or part-time study. Here are some general time estimates for different types of MSN programs in Illinois:
- Traditional MSN: Two to four years.
- Accelerated MSN: One year to 18 months.
- RN to MSN: Two to four years.
- Direct-Entry: Two to five years.
It’s important to understand that these are broad estimates and that each MSN program has its own schedule. Be sure that you have a clear idea of the program length and time limits set by any program you’re considering before you enroll.
How much does an MSN program in Illinois cost?
The costs of MSN programs in Illinois vary substantially depending on several factors, including:
- Program type
- Total number of required credits
- Whether the program is offered by a public or private college
- Whether a student is an Illinois or out-of-state resident (for public school programs)
The tuition costs quoted in the program profiles above and listed just below offer a rough idea of the range of program costs you’ll encounter during your program search.
Bear in mind, however, that these are tuition rates only and do not include costs for such things as program and school fees, textbooks and course materials, insurance, immunizations, criminal background checks, drug screens, and other necessaries.
They also do not consider any financial aid resources you receive that lower your total program price tag. (More on financial aid in the next FAQ.)
Lewis University
Total Credits: 36-49 (depending on concentration)
$830/credit
Rush University
Generalist Entry Master’s in Nursing for Non-Nurses: Clinical Nurse Leader
Total Credits: 74
$1,120/credit
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Educator
Total Credits: 36
$751/credit
Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my MSN program in Illinois?
Qualifying students in properly accredited online MSN programs in Illinois are eligible for a wide variety of financial aid opportunities including:
- Student loans
- Scholarships and grants
- Assistantships and fellowships
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
A great place to start your MSN funding search is at the financial aid offices of the nursing schools you’re considering. Other quality resources include:
- Health Resources & Services Administration: Funding
- Illinois Board of Higher Education: Nursing School Grant Program
- Illinois Nursing Workforce Center: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission: Nurse Education Scholarship Program
Types of MSN Programs in Illinois
There are a number of different types of online MSN programs in Illinois. To help you in understanding the unique benefits and requirements of each, here are descriptions of the five most common MSN program types, along with examples of online Illinois MSN programs that offer them.
Traditional MSN
Traditional MSN programs require both a previously earned BSN and a current RN license.
Coursework (often available online in an asynchronous format) is combined with clinical rotations and other in-person components, like short-term campus residencies.
You’ll likely be able to choose a concentration or specialization track as well. Traditional MSN programs typically require two years full-time to four years part-time to complete.
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct entry MSN programs provide students with no earlier nursing academic and practice experience a time-saving path to becoming RNs and taking on advanced practice and leadership positions.
Admission requires a previously earned bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major. These programs typically take from around two years of full-time study to as much as five years of part-time study to complete.
Accelerated MSN
Not to be confused with direct-entry accelerated programs, accelerated MSN programs allow students to complete their degree requirements in less time – in some cases as little as one year.
As you might expect, accelerated MSN programs are designed for highly-motivated students with the time and willingness to focus their energies on intensive full-time academic study.
RN to MSN Bridge
RN to MSN bridge programs are for current RNs with an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma but without a BSN. Some programs, however, may require both RN licensure and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
RN to MSN students typically have the same specialization options as traditional MSN students.
Dual Master’s
Dual master’s programs allow students to obtain an MSN degree along with another master’s in a single course of study.
A small number of colleges in Illinois offer MSN/MBA programs that prepare graduates to excel in leadership positions, particularly in nursing administration and healthcare management.
MSN Salary & Career Projections in Illinois
Nurse Practitioners
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $102,440 | $130,680 | $161,470 |
| Bloomington, IL | $97,730 | $139,190 | $153,240 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $97,350 | $130,000 | $149,020 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $104,700 | $137,100 | $160,070 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $106,260 | $131,740 | $164,750 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $102,950 | $130,400 | $167,030 |
| Decatur, IL | $105,450 | $110,820 | $141,070 |
| Kankakee, IL | $96,500 | $128,320 | $154,290 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $99,790 | $124,200 | $151,380 |
| Peoria, IL | $99,590 | $128,920 | $157,670 |
| Rockford, IL | $98,420 | $127,720 | $149,490 |
| Springfield, IL | $105,870 | $130,200 | $139,970 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $108,340 | $131,580 | $164,280 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 13 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
