Online BSN Programs in IL: Browsing Top Schools
If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn your BSN in Illinois, hybrid online programs offer a convenient solution. Hybrid programs combine virtual coursework with in-person clinical rotations, allowing you to balance your studies with work and personal commitments. This EduMed student guide covers information that will help you in your search, including program details, the top online BSN programs in Illinois, salary expectations, and job prospects. Get started in making an informed decision by reading on.
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Inside Popular BSN Programs in Illinois
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online is one of the best ways to become a registered nurse (RN) and build a successful career in hospitals, clinics, specialty care, and community health settings. While an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) qualifies you for an RN license, more employers now prefer a BSN. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nearly two-thirds of healthcare employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses, and about one-third of hospitals now require a BSN for employment.
For students who need flexibility, online BSN programs in Illinois provide a structured yet adaptable learning experience. While no BSN program is fully online due to clinical requirements, many follow a hybrid format. The first two years cover general education and pre-nursing coursework, which can be completed online. The final two years focus on core nursing subjects, such as medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and leadership in nursing, along with in-person clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities. This blended approach helps students gain hands-on experience while preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam, required for licensure.
With Illinois hospitals increasingly requiring a BSN, earning this degree expands career opportunities, offers higher salary potential, and provides long-term job stability. Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or looking for a flexible learning option, an online BSN program in Illinois can be the perfect step toward a rewarding nursing career. Continue down below to see some reputable program options to choose from.
Chamberlain University- Illinois
Chamberlain University’s online BSN Program provides a structured yet flexible path for students looking to become registered nurses. With an AI-powered learning platform, you can progress through coursework at your own pace while staying on track with structured deadlines, making it a practical option for those balancing education with other commitments.
One of the key features of Chamberlain’s BSN program is its individualized approach to learning. Unlike traditional programs, experienced nurse educators design personalized learning plans based on each student’s strengths and areas for improvement. To prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam, students also engage in virtual patient simulations, which help develop clinical judgment and decision-making skills. Additionally, students receive guidance from nurse educators and career coaches.
For students in Illinois, the program offers clinical rotations at Chamberlain’s campuses in Addison, Chicago, and Tinley Park, providing access to a variety of healthcare settings. Those who need more flexibility can also opt for the Evening/Weekend BSN option at the Addison campus.
Duration: Three years
Mode: Online with in-person clinicals
Cost: $101,950
Admissions Requirements:
- A completed HESI A2 entrance exam
- A high school diploma or equivalent from a Chamberlain recognized High School or an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education
Core Curriculum:
- Basic Nursing Skills (in-person lab)
- Health Assessment
- Adult Health I, II, and III + Clinicals
- Intrapersonal Leadership and Professional Growth
- Intermediate Nursing Skills (in-person lab)
- Women’s and Children’s Nursing + Clinical
- Scholarship in Nursing Practice
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing + Clinical
- Community Health and Population-Focused Nursing + Clinical
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Organizational Systems and Healthcare Transformation
- Advanced Nursing Skills (virtual lab)
- Professional Nursing Role Transition + Clinical
- Issues in Nursing Practice
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Herzing University
Herzing University’s online BSN Program is designed for those who are new to nursing and want a structured, fast-track path to becoming an RN.
As part of your training, you’ll complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities, along with three intensive training sessions at a Herzing campus or partner site. While clinical placements in Illinois aren’t guaranteed, Herzing’s placement team will work with you to secure a clinical site near your location, making placements in Illinois a possibility.
Beyond coursework and clinicals, you’ll have access to comprehensive student support services to help you succeed in your studies and prepare for your career. The program is accredited by the CCNE and HLC. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to earn dual credits toward Herzing’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, making it easier to continue your education and expand your career opportunities after earning your BSN. You can find information on other MSN programs in Illinois at EduMed.
Duration: Three years (Full-time)
Mode: Online with in-person clinicals
Cost: $90,600
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher
- Minimum score of 66 or higher on the most current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) within three years of anticipated enrollment
Core Curriculum:
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Fundamental Concepts
- Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II, and III
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Family Nursing
- Advanced Leadership and Management
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
- Nursing Informatics
- Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing
- BSN Practicum
- Review of Integrated Nursing Concepts
Your Questions, Answered: FAQs for Illinois BSN Students
If you’re considering an online BSN program in Illinois and still have questions, you’re not alone. Many aspiring nurses wonder about program formats, financial aid, clinical training, and career opportunities. This section provides clear answers to help you navigate your options and feel confident about starting your nursing journey, so read on to find the details you need.
What are the different types of BSN programs?
BSN programs come in several formats to accommodate different educational backgrounds and career goals. Traditional BSN programs are four-year degrees designed for students without prior nursing experience. Direct-entry BSN programs allow you to secure a nursing school spot as a freshman, provided you meet GPA and coursework requirements. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program lets you transition into nursing in as little as 12-18 months. For licensed nurses looking to advance their careers, LPN to BSN bridge programs and RN to BSN pathways offer faster, more flexible options, allowing you to work while earning your degree.
How can I afford a BSN program?
Financial aid can help make a BSN program more affordable and accessible, so start by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for federal and state grants, work-study programs, and low-interest student loans. Many schools offer institutional scholarships and financial aid packages specifically for nursing students. Programs like the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses in exchange for a service commitment in an underserved area.
How do online BSN programs prepare students for clinical rotations?
Online BSN programs ensure you gain hands-on experience through in-person clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities. Most schools have clinical placement coordinators who assist in matching students with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers in their area.
While coursework is completed online, clinical rotations allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, work under experienced nursing professionals, and develop essential patient care skills. Some programs also include virtual simulations before in-person rotations, helping you build clinical decision-making skills in a controlled environment before interacting with real patients.
How do online and on-campus BSN programs compare?
Both online and on-campus BSN programs lead to the same degree and nursing license, but they differ in learning format and flexibility. Online BSN programs offer greater flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework remotely and at your own pace. Transitioning to online learning can be ideal for students with full-time jobs or family commitments. However, clinical rotations must still be completed in person at an assigned healthcare facility.
On the other hand, on-campus BSN programs provide face-to-face interactions with instructors and peers, as well as immediate access to labs and campus resources. The best choice depends on your learning style, schedule, and personal preferences.
How can I choose the right BSN program?
Choosing the right BSN program involves several key factors:
- Accreditation – Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure quality education and licensure eligibility.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates – A high pass rate indicates strong exam preparation.
- Clinical Placements – Access to local hospital partnerships is essential for real-world nursing experience.
- Tuition & Financial Aid – Research affordable programs, scholarships, and loans to manage costs.
Illinois BSN Nurse Salaries
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $66,030 | $93,600 | $135,320 |
| Illinois | $64,930 | $86,410 | $112,320 |
| Bloomington, IL | $60,490 | $80,060 | $103,590 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $65,460 | $81,960 | $100,580 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $72,070 | $96,480 | $118,080 |
| Decatur, IL | $65,980 | $84,120 | $101,260 |
| Kankakee, IL | $62,690 | $83,110 | $104,910 |
| Peoria, IL | $65,550 | $84,690 | $103,440 |
| Rockford, IL | $60,010 | $81,560 | $105,530 |
| Springfield, IL | $66,690 | $81,680 | $107,030 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Illinois | 138,050 | 142,310 | 4,260 | 3.10% | 7,960 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online BSN Programs: Illinois Edition
Determining the best program for your needs has been made easier thanks to our ranked list of the top options for Illinois students like you. Here, we’ve combined self-reported data from schools and analyzed factors such as accreditation, online components, and student support resources to select the best of the best. For a further look into our ranking methodology, click on “About the Rankings”. Find out which schools made the top of our list below.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $20,288 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Roosevelt University
- Roosevelt University’s Accelerated BSN program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in just three years, enabling a faster transition to nursing careers while providing the same depth of clinical experience as other programs in Chicago.
- The program admits a small cohort of about 30 students each year, fostering close-knit peer relationships and a supportive learning community, which enhances teamwork and professional development.
- Students gain extensive clinical exposure through rotations in Chicago's culturally diverse healthcare settings, including large teaching hospitals and community health centers, ensuring strong preparation for real-world nursing challenges and the NCLEX exam.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $20,288 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $23,231 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of St Francis
- The BSN Second Degree Nursing Track at Saint Francis University offers a 100% first-time pass rate for the NCLEX, ensuring strong licensure exam success.
- Students benefit from small clinical groups with a 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio, allowing personalized, hands-on experiential learning in state-of-the-art simulation suites.
- The university provides a Concurrent BSN Completion program enabling community college students dual enrollment to earn ADN and BSN simultaneously, thus accelerating career progression while reducing costs.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $23,231 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $20,333 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Dominican University
- The BSN program offers a comprehensive clinical experience with over 1,000 clinical and lab hours across diverse affiliated healthcare agencies, enriching practical skills and professional readiness.
- Students benefit from faculty members with substantial nursing expertise who provide personalized instruction and support throughout the intensive six-semester program.
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and obtain a California Public Health Nursing Certificate, ensuring licensure and enhanced career opportunities immediately after program completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $20,333 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,475 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Illinois State University
- Illinois State University's BSN program offers an Accelerated BSN option that enables students to earn a second bachelor's degree in nursing in just 15 months, providing a fast track to a nursing career.
- The program features hands-on clinical experience using state-of-the-art simulation laboratories with high-fidelity manikins and virtual reality to prepare students for diverse patient care scenarios.
- Mennonite College of Nursing’s Springfield location provides transfer students with clinical placements linked to Memorial Health's hospital network, including paid student employment, internships, and strong job placement opportunities post-graduation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,475 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $21,264 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Xavier University
- Saint Xavier University’s BSN program features small class sizes enabling close interaction with experienced faculty passionate about teaching and student success.
- It offers an accelerated 15-month BSN track for students with a prior bachelor’s degree, allowing rapid entry into nursing practice without breaks.
- Students can complement their nursing degree with a Gerontology minor, gaining interdisciplinary knowledge about older adults, enhancing career opportunities in aging-related healthcare.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $21,264 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,398 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Illinois Chicago
- The UIC RN to BSN program is 100% online, providing extreme flexibility while maintaining high student engagement and personalized attention.
- Students can complete the RN to BSN degree in as few as 12 months, allowing for accelerated advancement in their nursing careers.
- The program is nationally acclaimed, ranked #3 among RN to BSN programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its high-quality faculty and curriculum.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,398 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $16,568 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Benedictine University
- Benedictine University's RN to BSN program offers 100% online coursework with flexible, self-selected clinical experiences, allowing students to continue working while earning their degree in as little as 14 months.
- The program features experienced, understanding instructor-mentors who create inclusive online communities, supporting working nurses' professional development with real-world, evidence-based coursework.
- Graduates benefit from a strong alumni network of over 31,000 active members and a 100% post-graduation employment rate, enhancing job placement opportunities and career advancement.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $16,568 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $21,553 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lewis University
- Lewis University’s RN to BSN program offers up to 12 credit hours for prior nursing experience, accelerating degree completion for working RNs.
- Courses are delivered in a flexible online/blended format, accommodating the schedules of licensed Illinois RNs balancing work and study.
- The program provides distinct pathways tailored for RNs with associate degrees or diplomas, supporting diverse educational backgrounds and career goals.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $21,553 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $23,492 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Elmhurst University
- Elmhurst University's Accelerated BSN program offers a unique 16-month fully online curriculum with two immersive on-campus residencies featuring access to a state-of-the-art Simulation Center for realistic clinical skill development.
- The program supports second-career professionals with clinical rotations near their homes in seven states, combining local hands-on experience with expert faculty guidance and dedicated student advisors from application through graduation.
- Elmhurst's ABSN graduates achieve a strong 86% NCLEX-RN pass rate (2023), reflecting the program's rigorous academic standards and comprehensive preparation, enhanced by university accreditation and regional ranking recognition.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $23,492 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, ILProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,745 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southern Illinois University
- The SIUE BSN program offers accelerated graduate options that replace six undergraduate credits with graduate courses, reducing time and costs for advanced degrees.
- The RN to BS accelerated option grants up to 40 proficiency credits based on prior nursing licenses and experience, enabling program completion in as little as one year fully online.
- SIUE nursing students benefit from high first-time NCLEX pass rates, exceeding 90%, reflecting strong program preparation and clinical placement success.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,745 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/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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