Online ADN/ASN Programs in Illinois: Comparing Top Schools
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an LPN ready to move up the ladder, earning your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam and launch an exciting new career in healthcare. This guide introduces some of the top online ADN programs in Illinois and provides insight into program features, costs, certification steps, and more.
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Popular Online ADN Programs in Illinois
Online Associate Degree in Nursing programs offer a convenient path to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Coursework is often delivered fully or mostly online, with clinicals taking place in person. But how do you find the right program for you if you live in Illinois?
There are several factors to consider when choosing an online ADN program in Illinois:
- Proper accreditation
- NCLEX pass rates
- Clinical placement opportunities
- Strong student support services
- High job placement rates
To help you take the next step, we’ve spotlighted three popular online ADN programs in Illinois available today.
John A. Logan College
Some online ADN programs in Illinois are LPN to ADN programs, which are designed to prepare current licensed practical nurses for advancement into registered nurse roles. One such program is this Nursing (ADN) Hybrid Online: Full-Time Program offered by John A. Logan College.
The course of study builds on the student’s practical nursing education, focusing on advanced study in subjects such as:
- Communications
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Critical nursing skills and processes
The curriculum aligns with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act and fosters lifelong learning and professional development.
This hybrid-formatted, four-semester, full-time program combines online course content with weekly campus-based lab sessions and hands-on clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, enabling licensure as registered nurses in Illinois and throughout the United States.
Duration: 4 semesters (67 credit hours)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $160.00/credit hour (in-district)
Admissions Requirements:
- Must have an active Illinois LPN license
- Completion of an approved practical nursing program
- Passing score on the TEAS pre-entrance exam
Curriculum:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR Recertification
- ADN Orientation
- Microbiology
- General, Organic and Biochemistry
- Intro to Conceptual Framework
- Respiratory Nursing Interventions
- Metabolic/Endocrine Nursing Interventions
- Psychiatric Nursing Interventions
- Obstetrical Nursing Interventions
- Ortho/Derm Nursing Interventions
- Neuro/Sensory Nursing Interventions
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Nursing Interventions
- GI/GU Nursing Interventions
- Pediatric Nursing Interventions
- Nursing Leadership Today & Tomorrow
Parkland College
Parkland College’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and a successful career as a registered nurse. The program balances online (some general education coursework and one fully-online and one partially-online nursing course) and campus-based classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and clinical practicums at local healthcare facilities.
Parkland’s ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), full-time
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $268/credit hour, nursing courses; $186/credit hour, non-nursing courses (in-district residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Selective admissions score of 2.75 or higher
Curriculum:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Nursing Health Assessment
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Introduction to Medication Principles for Nurses
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Leadership in Nursing
- Population Health Nursing
- Additional general education coursework
Full curriculum can be accessed from program webpage.
Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University is a private, for-profit college that offers its online ADN/RN program at 16 campuses across five states, including four campuses in Illinois. The 102-credit hybrid program blends campus-based and online learning with in-person clinical rotations and can be completed just 21 months.
With no prerequisite coursework and four start dates throughout the year, Rasmussen offers significant study convenience and flexibility to students. The school also prioritizes affordability, accepting FAFSA and partnering with various employers to offer reduced program fees to their employees.
Duration: 21 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $54,551 (total est. tuition and fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- No prerequisite coursework for admission into the program
- High school verification documentation may be required
- Must pass the TEAS exam
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Nursing
- Pathophysiology
- Physical Assessment
- Nursing Care of the Older Adult
- Professional Nursing Skills
- Multidimensional Care
- Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Leadership and Professional Identity
- ADN Capstone
- Additional general education coursework
Full-curriculum information can be accessed from the program webpage.
FAQs About Online ADN Programs in Illinois
As you explore your online ADN program options, you’re bound to come up with several questions of your own. To help get you out in that regard, here are the answers to five of the most commonly-asked questions by prospective Illinois online ADN students.
How long do Illinois ADN programs take to complete?
The lengths of online ADN programs in Illinois vary from school to school, with most completed in around two years of full-time study.
Factors that can impact program length include the student’s chosen study pace (full-time or part-time) and the number of previously-earned credits that can be transferred into the ADN program. For example, students with credits earned in a previously-completed LVN program may be able to substantially shorten their total ADN completion time.
How much do online associate nursing programs cost in Illinois?
The costs of Illinois-based online ADN programs also vary from school to school. There are several factors that can impact costs, the two biggest being:
- Whether the school offering the program is public or private. Private schools often charge significantly higher tuition rates.
- For public schools, whether a student is an in-district, in-state, or out-of-state resident. Higher tuition rates are often charged to out-of-district students.
Keep in mind that many students will be able to lower their total education price tags by obtaining funding help through any of a number of financial aid resources. More on that below.
Are there any certification and licensure requirements in IL?
As in all states, practice as a registered nurse in Illinois requires obtaining a state-issued RN license. Major requirements for licensure include:
- Graduation from a State-approved nursing program (like any of the ADN programs discussed in this guide.)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Completion of a fingerprint-based background check
- Paying all required license fees
Details on licensure requirements can be found on this IDFPR Board of Nursing website.
Illinois is also one of several states that requires nurses to earn continuing education (CE) credits to renew their RN licenses. License renewal and continuing education requirements information can be found here.
Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in Illinois?
Absolutely, if you qualify. Financial aid for online nursing programs is available in a number of forms, the most common including:
- Scholarships and grants
- Work-study programs
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Student loans
- Tuition discounts
- Tuition installment and deferment options
- Student loans
The best place to start your search for help in funding your ADN education is with the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering. They’ll be able to fill you in on all of the most recent internal and external resources available.
Are there any resources to support ADN students in Illinois?
Applying to, completing, and finding work after nursing school can be challenging. Fortunately, there are tons of resources out there providing support to Illinois nursing professionals and students, including:
- American Nurses Association Illinois (ANA) – State affiliate of the American Nurses Association, the ANA Illinois is the preeminent organization of registered nurses working in the state. The group hosts quarterly meetings along with numerous other events throughout the year, as well as offers educational resources and awards for nurses and nursing students.
- IDFPR Registered Nurse New Applicant Checklist – The IDFPR provides this helpful checklist for obtaining state RN licensure that includes application instructions and information on qualifications, fee structures, getting fingerprints for their required background check, and more.
- INWC Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants – This Illinois Nursing Workforce Center website offers detailed information and application links for a range of financial aid resources for student nurses, including several Illinois-specific grants and scholarships.
- Illinois Nurses Foundation Scholarships – One of the primary goals of the Illinois Nurses Foundation is to award scholarships to new and returning nursing students. Links and details on how to apply are listed on the website.
- Student Nurses Association of Illinois (SNAI) – Operated by and for student nurses, the SNAI offers a variety of resources in support of Illinois nursing students, including education and networking events, and access to Imprint, the National Student Nurses’ Association’s bi-monthly magazine.
ADN Nurses in Illinois: Salary & Career Prospects
Registered Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $69,170 | $95,990 | $118,190 |
| Bloomington, IL | $62,980 | $79,970 | $107,260 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $62,620 | $82,640 | $104,830 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $76,510 | $90,230 | $121,750 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $77,410 | $100,490 | $119,260 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $63,650 | $77,150 | $98,610 |
| Decatur, IL | $71,910 | $87,170 | $104,930 |
| Kankakee, IL | $66,020 | $86,220 | $108,720 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $65,200 | $79,920 | $101,280 |
| Peoria, IL | $68,980 | $81,010 | $100,330 |
| Rockford, IL | $66,320 | $80,930 | $112,790 |
| Springfield, IL | $69,170 | $84,220 | $107,140 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $63,440 | $83,180 | $104,460 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 13 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Ranking the Top Online ADN Programs in Illinois
John Wood Community College
Program Details
- Location: Quincy, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 70%Students W/ Aid
- $5,073Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected John Wood Community College
- The PATH grant can fully cover ADN tuition and basic living costs for eligible students.
- Institutional and dedicated nursing scholarships can significantly reduce in-district tuition and universally assessed fees.
- A formal partnership with Blessing-Rieman College provides seamless ADN completion and streamlined transfer into an RN‑BSN program.
Program Details
- Location: Quincy, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 70%Students W/ Aid
- $5,073Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Spoon River College
Program Details
- Location: Canton, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 56%Students W/ Aid
- $5,462Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Spoon River College
- The ADN pathway can be completed in two years, letting students become eligible for the NCLEX-RN quickly.
- SRC offers a no-application-fee option for ADN admission, reducing upfront costs for applicants.
- Students may qualify for scholarship support and even guaranteed employment through Graham Health System partnerships.
Program Details
- Location: Canton, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 56%Students W/ Aid
- $5,462Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Lincoln Land Community College
Program Details
- Location: Springfield, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 54%Students W/ Aid
- $7,715Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lincoln Land Community College
- The ADN program offers a dedicated LPN-to-ADN transition option, enabling licensed practical nurses to enter directly into the second year and accelerate completion.
- ADN students benefit from innovative, student-centered education that blends rigorous academics with extensive hands-on clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings.
- The program emphasizes critical thinking development and clinical judgment, giving graduates confidence and professionalism that local employers specifically seek and value.
Program Details
- Location: Springfield, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 54%Students W/ Aid
- $7,715Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Moraine Valley Community College
Program Details
- Location: Palos Hills, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 51%Students W/ Aid
- $6,762Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Moraine Valley Community College
- Accredited ADN program approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing and ACEN, signaling strong educational quality.
- Structured learning through integrated concepts, lab arts, and extensive clinical practice, enhancing real-world readiness.
- Optional dual-enrollment pathway with the University of St. Francis allows simultaneous ADN and BSN progress, saving time and tuition.
Program Details
- Location: Palos Hills, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 51%Students W/ Aid
- $6,762Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Heartland Community College
Program Details
- Location: Normal, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 58%Students W/ Aid
- $3,836Avg. Aid Amount
- 18/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Heartland Community College
- Heartland offers one-year Practical Nursing and two-year ADN sequence options, giving students flexible completion paths.
- The Medical Assistant to ADN pathway reserves seats for Heartland Medical Assistant graduates, creating a direct internal route.
- The ADN program is ACEN-accredited, which strengthens its credibility and appeal for licensure-focused students.
Program Details
- Location: Normal, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 58%Students W/ Aid
- $3,836Avg. Aid Amount
- 18/1Student/Faculty Ratio
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College
Program Details
- Location: Chicago, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 46%Students W/ Aid
- $5,282Avg. Aid Amount
- 26/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College
- ADN students can complete a dual-enrollment RN-to-BSN pathway with UIC, accelerating affordable bachelor’s completion.
- The ADN program offers a cost-effective route to RN licensure, with grants and scholarships that reduce overall tuition burden.
- Students train in hands-on labs, simulation, and diverse clinical sites across Chicago and suburbs, strengthening real-world readiness.
Program Details
- Location: Chicago, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 46%Students W/ Aid
- $5,282Avg. Aid Amount
- 26/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Kankakee Community College
Program Details
- Location: Kankakee, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 46%Students W/ Aid
- $6,242Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kankakee Community College
- ACEN-accredited program with strong NCLEX-RN outcomes and eligibility for Illinois RN licensure.
- Extensive, varied clinical experiences across multiple healthcare settings, enhancing real-world skills and employer readiness.
- Robust scholarship opportunities through the KCC Foundation, significantly reducing total cost of nursing education.
Program Details
- Location: Kankakee, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 46%Students W/ Aid
- $6,242Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Oakton College
Program Details
- Location: Des Plaines, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 32%Students W/ Aid
- $4,493Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Oakton College
- Oakton’s Nursing – ADN program offers low regional tuition, extensive financial aid, and scholarships, with 99% graduating debt-free.
- Students train in a state-of-the-art nursing simulation hospital and benefit from diverse, community-based clinical experiences.
- The program is ranked among the 10 best registered nursing schools in Illinois, recognized for NCLEX success and affordability.
Program Details
- Location: Des Plaines, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 32%Students W/ Aid
- $4,493Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
College of Lake County
Program Details
- Location: Grayslake, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 35%Students W/ Aid
- $4,688Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected College of Lake County
- The program offers a structured pathway from ADN at CLC into a top-ranked online RN-to-BSN program at UIC, allowing students to start bachelor’s coursework while completing their associate degree.
- Graduates become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as registered nurses in any U.S. state, supporting direct entry into professional practice across diverse healthcare settings.
- The ACEN-accredited nursing program combines experienced instruction with local hospital and healthcare agency clinical placements, providing job-ready skills and strong professional networking opportunities in the region.
Program Details
- Location: Grayslake, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 35%Students W/ Aid
- $4,688Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Kaskaskia College
Program Details
- Location: Centralia, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 41%Students W/ Aid
- $6,474Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kaskaskia College
- Clinical rotations start in the first semester, giving early hands-on experience in varied healthcare settings.
- LPN‑to‑RN bridge pathway allows current LPNs to complete the ADN in as little as one year.
- The ACEN‑accredited program boasts a mid‑90s NCLEX‑RN pass rate and near‑100% job placement outcomes.
Program Details
- Location: Centralia, IL
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 41%Students W/ Aid
- $6,474Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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