Nursing in Illinois

Illinois offers a large selection of nursing education programs, with 112 schools spread across 146 cities. This wide availability means you can often find a program close to home, whether you live near Chicago or in smaller communities across the state. However, geographic differences also affect job opportunities. Urban areas have many hospitals and healthcare centers such as Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Aurora Health. Rural parts of Illinois sometimes face nursing shortages, making those locations worth considering if you want less competition and potentially higher demand for new nurses.

Nursing students in Illinois should be aware that the state is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means after earning your license here, you cannot automatically work in other states without applying separately for licensure in each one. This can add time and cost if you plan to relocate or work across state borders.

NCLEX pass rates for both Practical Nurses (PN) and Registered Nurses (RN) in Illinois currently show some cause for concern. The state average is 85.2%, with pass rates ranging from 76.6% up to 88.4%. These rates are trending downward, partly due to the rise of some lower-quality programs, especially certain for-profit schools, which have struggled with graduate preparedness. This means it is important to choose a program with strong outcomes in mind.

Costs for nursing education vary across the state. LPN programs typically run from $6,000 to $15,000 at community colleges and technical schools. ADN programs usually cost between $8,000 and $20,000, depending on whether you attend a public or private institution. BSN programs can range widely from about $20,000 at public universities to over $50,000 at private schools. Community colleges often offer more affordable options, but some programs may have additional fees.

Salary and job prospects remain solid in Illinois, making nursing a worthwhile career investment. Registered Nurses earn an average salary near $87,650, but pay varies significantly by location and employer, from about $63,900 in lower-paying areas up to $105,140 in high-demand urban centers. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) earn on average $64,630. Advanced practice nurses enjoy higher wages, with Nurse Practitioners averaging $126,900 and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists earning over $281,240. The state employs close to 140,000 RNs, reflecting a steady demand driven by aging populations and expanding health services.

When choosing a program, consider the reputation, NCLEX pass rates, and tuition costs, especially if you hope to work in Illinois’s competitive healthcare job market. This page offers data on schools, exam results, and scholarships to support you in making a clear, informed decision.