Nursing professionals in Illinois looking to advance their careers can benefit significantly from pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The healthcare industry in Illinois is growing at a rapid pace, providing numerous opportunities for nurses with advanced degrees. However, with multiple MSN programs available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
But don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we'll investigate the top ten best MSN programs in Illinois. We'll provide you with crucial information about specialized tracks, accreditation, and tuition costs to assist you in making an informed decision and achieving your nursing career goals.
Bradley University
Bradley University's MSN program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience, with a focus on preparing students for leadership roles in the nursing profession. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
School Details:
Campus:
Peoria, IL
Founded:
1897
Retention Rate:
86%
Admission Rate:
68%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
12:1
Students Enrolled:
5,600
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT score
Tuition:
$15,240 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
DePaul University
DePaul University's MSN program offers a unique curriculum that integrates nursing theory, research, and practice to develop advanced nursing competencies in patient-centered care, healthcare quality, and safety. The program's emphasis on innovation and interprofessional collaboration prepares graduates for leadership positions in the healthcare industry.
School Details:
Campus:
Chicago, IL
Founded:
1898
Retention Rate:
85%
Admission Rate:
72%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
15:1
Students Enrolled:
22,064
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
Tuition:
$1,197 per credit hour
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago's MSN program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver evidence-based nursing care and become leaders in the healthcare industry. The program's strong commitment to social justice and ethical principles ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address healthcare disparities and advocate for their patients.
School Details:
Campus:
Chicago, IL
Founded:
1870
Retention Rate:
88%
Admission Rate:
68%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
14:1
Students Enrolled:
17,016
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
Tuition:
$1,270 per credit hour
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Illinois State University
Illinois State University's MSN program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practice to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the healthcare industry. The program's strong focus on clinical experiences and hands-on learning opportunities ensures that graduates are well-prepared to deliver high-quality nursing care.
School Details:
Campus:
Normal, IL
Founded:
1857
Retention Rate:
84%
Admission Rate:
89%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
20:1
Students Enrolled:
20,878
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
Tuition (in-state):
$390 per credit hour
Tuition (out-state):
$1,093 per credit hour
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Lewis University
Lewis University's MSN program prepares graduates for leadership roles in the nursing profession by providing a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge, research, and practical skills. The program's focus on cultural competence and patient-centered care ensures that graduates are able to deliver high-quality nursing care to diverse patient populations.
School Details:
Campus:
Romeoville, IL
Founded:
1932
Retention Rate:
80%
Admission Rate:
76%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
12:1
Students Enrolled:
6,701
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
Tuition:
$925 per credit hour
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
University of St. Francis
The MSN program at the University of St. Francis emphasizes the integration of nursing theory, research, and practice to develop advanced nursing competencies. The program's focus on social justice and ethical principles ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address healthcare disparities and advocate for their patients.
School Details:
Campus:
Joliet, IL
Founded:
1920
Retention Rate:
79%
Admission Rate:
54%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
11:1
Students Enrolled:
3,853
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
Tuition:
$1,090 per credit hour
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
University of Illinois at Chicago
The MSN program at the University of Illinois at Chicago is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in the nursing profession. The program's focus on evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and cultural competence prepares graduates to deliver high-quality nursing care to diverse patient populations.
School Details:
Campus:
Chicago, IL
Founded:
1858
Retention Rate:
84%
Admission Rate:
76%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
18:1
Students Enrolled:
33,518
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
Tuition (in-state):
$8,306 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$19,160 per year
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Olivet Nazarene University
The MSN program at Olivet Nazarene University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of nursing theory, research, and practice. The program's emphasis on spiritual and ethical principles prepares graduates to provide compassionate and holistic nursing care to their patients.
School Details:
Campus:
Bourbonnais, IL
Founded:
1907
Retention Rate:
78%
Admission Rate:
59%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
16:1
Students Enrolled:
4,978
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
Tuition:
$745 per credit hour
Program Length:
2-3 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Leadership
Millikin University
Millikin University's MSN program is unique in its emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement. The program's clinical experiences are tailored to meet the needs of diverse patient populations, preparing graduates to deliver culturally competent nursing care in a variety of settings.
School Details:
Campus:
Decatur, IL
Founded:
1901
Retention Rate:
80%
Admission Rate:
62%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
12:1
Students Enrolled:
2,200
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
Tuition:
$890 per credit hour
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst College's MSN program is designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings. The program's focus on leadership development, evidence-based practice, and healthcare innovation equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to effect change in the nursing profession.
School Details:
Campus:
Elmhurst, IL
Founded:
1871
Retention Rate:
79%
Admission Rate:
61%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
13:1
Students Enrolled:
2,891
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience
