Top Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Illinois | 2026

If you're considering a career change into nursing, Illinois offers several top-ranked Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs designed to fast-track your transition. These programs are tailored for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and are seeking a swift pathway to become registered nurses.

Online & On-Campus ABSN Programs in Illinois

Illinois' Top Accelerated BSN Program Highlights

Building on the details shared in the first section, this additional section highlights program features, admission requirements, and other key information to guide your decision-making. Explore what makes these ABSN programs in the Prairie State stand out as you prepare for your nursing career.

Check the section above for information on tuition, accreditation, program formats, ranking criteria, and more.

1. St. John's College of Nursing

St. John's College offers one of the top Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs in the state, designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree who are ready to pursue a career in nursing. This intensive, four-semester program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam while equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the nursing field and make a lasting impact.

• ABSN Credit Hours: 56
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95% (2024)

ABSN Admission Requirements:

• Completion of a TEAS ATI exam with a proficient or higher score
• A minimum of 30 semester hours of transferable college credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.75
• A minimum grade of "C" in all prerequisite courses within the last five years
• No lower division nursing courses can be repeated more than one time
• Two professional letters of reference
• Personal essay
• Good academic standing from last school
• Any applicants with English as a second language are required to take the TOEFL. 

Application Deadlines: 

• Fall Admission: November 1 - March 1
• Spring Admission: May 1 - September 1

Financial Aid: St. John's College of Nursing offers a fixed tuition rate, set each Spring and locked for the duration of the student's program, plus one additional year. Financial aid options include the Federal Work-Study program, on-campus student worker positions such as college and library clerks, as well as scholarships for students who demonstrate financial need, academic integrity, and a commitment to the college's values.

2. Illinois State University

The Mennonite College of Nursing at ISU offers a highly competitive ABSN program that combines rigorous coursework with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art nursing training equipment. Designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree, this full-time, in-person program prepares students to become skilled nurses in just 15 months.

• ABSN Credit Hours: 65
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96% (2024)

ABSN Admission Requirements:

• Non-nursing bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Prerequisite Courses: Chemistry, Statistics, Psychology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition + 
• Health and safety compliance requirements
• 500-word personal essay 

Application Deadlines: 

Application for the ABSN program is annually from August 1-October 1. 

• Fall Admission: August 1 - April 1 (August 1 - May 1 for Transfer Student)
• Spring Admission: April 1 - November 1

Financial Aid: Mennonite College of Nursing offers over 100 private scholarships with one application. FAFSA is optional but limits eligibility for need-based awards. Scholarships are split between fall and Spring semesters, and endowed scholarships are available.

3. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago's Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing offers a highly ranked ABSN program, recognized as one of the most rigorous in the state. Designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree looking to transition into nursing, this 16-month program combines online coursework with in-person learning options. In-person classes take place at the Loyola Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, featuring advanced simulation and virtual reality facilities. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at top healthcare institutions in Chicago.

• ABSN Clinical Hours: 120 
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95% (2024)

ABSN Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from regionally accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Completion of all prerequisite courses 
• Two letters of recommendation

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Admission: July 1
• Spring Admission: November 15

4. Lewis University

Lewis University's ABSN program offers two distinct pathways to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Career Transition path is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and wish to transition into a nursing career. The Degree Completion program, on the other hand, is for students who have completed their general education and nursing prerequisite courses, allowing them to fast-track their nursing degree without starting from scratch.

The program can be completed in just 5 semesters of full-time study or extended to 7-8 semesters with part-time options. Courses are offered in accelerated 8-week formats, both on-campus and hybrid, with daytime, evening, and weekend options available to accommodate working professionals.

• ABSN Credit Hours: 64
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98% (2024)

ABSN Admission Requirements:

• Non-nursing bachelor's degree
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• Complete science and nursing prerequisite courses
• Successfully take and pass the TEAS exam or meet a minimum ACT of 22 or SAT of 1100

Application Deadlines: 

• Fall Admission: May 1
• Spring Admission: January 1

5. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University's ABSN program at its Illinois campuses in Aurora/Naperville, Mokena/Tinley Park, Rockford, and Romeoville/Joliet offers a rigorous 12-18 month pathway. Students develop essential skills in patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and leadership through on-campus simulations and diverse clinical experiences. The program focuses on QSEN, NLN, and Baccalaureate Essentials competencies, preparing students to make a meaningful impact in nursing.

• ABSN Credit Hours: 43
• Rasmussen's Romeoville/Joliet Associate's program had a 57.50% NCLEX pass rate, but recent Illinois BSN data is unavailable. NOTE: Rasmussen is reporting a 90.7% NCLEX-RN pass rate in Minnesota and 94.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate in Florida.

ABSN Program Admission Requirements: 

• Non-nursing bachelors degree
• Cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher
• Passing ATI TEAS Exam score per Rasmussen's criteria (contact admissions for details)

Application Deadlines:

• Apply online anytime with rolling admissions and start dates.

Financial Aid: Rasmussen University offers various ways to make its ABSN program more affordable, including scholarships, grants, military discounts, corporate alliances, and transfer credit options. Admissions advisors are available to help students explore these opportunities and customize a financial plan.

6. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville

SIU-Edwardsville's Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate BSN program is one of the top-ranked in the state. Designed to be completed in just 3 semesters and 1 Summer session, this fast-paced program equips students with the skills to drive change and promote health equity in their nursing careers.

• ABSN Credit Hours: 65
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94% (2024)

ABSN Admission Requirements:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Prerequisite courses: General education, Biology, Statistics, Philosophy, Chemistry, Psychology +

Application Deadlines: 

• Fall Admission: May 1
• Spring Admission: December  1
• Summer Admission: April 1

7. Bradley University

Bradley University's ABSN program focuses on exposing students as soon as possible to as wide a range of healthcare scenarios. This means that clinical experiences start immediately. Over the course of the program these clinical experiences cover all kinds of locations and specializations, providing a truly comprehensive educational experience. This program is designed to be finished in 15 months total.  

• ABSN Credit Hours: 59
• ABSN NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
• ABSN Graduate Employment: 100% within 6 months

ABSN Admission Requirements:

• Non-nursing bachelor's degree 
• Prerequisite Courses: Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Statistics, +
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Admission: February 1 (You can apply as early as November 1.)

Financial Aid:  Information on financial aid is available through contacting Bradley University

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the current ABSN salary for ABSN graduates in Illinois?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 data, graduates in Illinois earn can expect...

• Mean Hourly Wage: $43.81
• Mean Annual Wage: $91,130.00

RNs in the bottom 10% of the pay scale earn around $64,980 while RNs in the top 10% of the pay scale earn around $112,320 annually.

Why selecting an accredited ABSN program in Illinois important?

Choosing an accredited ABSN program in Illinois is crucial for several reasons:

• Ensures Quality Education: Accreditation signifies that the program meets established standards of quality in nursing education, ensuring you receive a robust and comprehensive education that prepares you for the nursing profession.
• Eligibility for Licensure: Graduating from an accredited ABSN program is often a requirement to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is necessary to obtain your nursing license and practice as a registered nurse.
• Transferability of Credits: If you decide to further your education, credits from an accredited program are more likely to be accepted by other institutions, making it easier to pursue advanced degrees in nursing.
• Employment Opportunities: Employers often prefer or require nurses to have graduated from accredited programs, as it assures them that the candidate has received a quality education and is well-prepared for the demands of the job.
• Access to Financial Aid: Many forms of federal and state financial aid, as well as scholarships, are only available to students enrolled in accredited programs, making it easier to finance your education.

Accrediting bodies include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

What Is an ABSN Program?

An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program delivers a fast-paced, intensive curriculum that condenses the core content of a traditional BSN into a shorter timeframe. Designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, ABSN programs build on existing academic foundations in science and the humanities to prepare students for RN licensure and entry-level practice.

Can ABSN Programs in Illinois Be Taken Entirely Online?

No, ABSN programs in Illinois cannot be completed entirely online. While some didactic coursework may be offered in a hybrid or online format, all programs require in-person lab work and clinical rotations. These hands-on components are critical for developing clinical competency and meeting licensure requirements.

What are the top-ranked ABSN programs in Illinois?

Some of the top Accelerated BSN programs in Illinois include those at St. John's College of Nursing, Illinois State University, Loyola University Chicago, and Lewis University. These schools rank highly based on NCLEX-RN pass rates, clinical experience, and student outcomes.

How long do ABSN programs in Illinois take to complete?

Most Illinois ABSN programs are designed to be completed in 12 to 18 months. Programs like those at Bradley University and SIU Edwardsville are structured for completion in about 15 months, while others may vary slightly based on course load and clinical scheduling.

What entrance exams are required for Illinois ABSN programs?

Only some Illinois ABSN programs require applicants to take the ATI TEAS or HESI entrance exam. Passing scores vary by school, so it's important to check specific program requirements.

Are there any affordable ABSN programs in Illinois?

Illinois State University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offer some of the lowest estimated tuition rates for ABSN programs in the state—$30,030 and $28,380.