Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Illinois | 2025

Explore the top Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs in Illinois, including curriculum details, admission requirements, salary expectations, and tips for choosing the right program.

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Illinois healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with nurses playing a crucial role in driving change. As patient care models and complexities shift, the demand for advanced and specialized nursing skills continues to grow. To stay ahead of these changes and make a significant impact in your community, consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This guide will provide insights into the prospects of earning an MSN in Illinois and highlight the top programs available in the state.

Best MSN Programs in Illinois - Online & On-Campus

The selection of the following nursing schools relies on a comprehensive methodology that includes direct input from our readers, extensive data analysis, and continuous updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our team of Data Analysts dedicates over 100 hours weekly to refine our database, incorporating critical criteria like reader surveys, graduation rates, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more elements valued by our community.

*Tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more. Our rankings are based on the latest college data from the U.S. Department of Education complemented by additional insights from our analysts.

  1. #1 St. John's College, Department of Nursing

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    St. John's College, Department of Nursing is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 729 E. Carpenter St, Springfield, Illinois 62702, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools
    • 92% Graduation Rate
    • 82 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 12 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 28 Average Age
    • 7% Men
    • 93% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 93% White
    • 1% Hispanic
    • 5% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  2. #2 Midwestern University, Downers Grove

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Midwestern University, Downers Grove is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of online programs—including MSN, DNP, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 19555 N 59th Ave, Downers Grove, Illinois 85308, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Medical Schools & Centers
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • 89% Graduation Rate
    • 2,758 Graduate Students Enrolled

    Student Demographics

    • 35% Men
    • 65% Women
    • 2% Veterans
    • 83% White
    • 10% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  3. #3 DePaul University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    DePaul University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, Entry Level Masters, RN to MSN, DNP, DNAP, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60604, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • 70% Graduation Rate
    • 13,968 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 6,783 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 45% Men
    • 55% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 72% White
    • 14% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 5% Asian

  4. #4 University of Illinois, Chicago

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    University of Illinois, Chicago is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Masters, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNL, CNM, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • 70% Graduation Rate
    • 21,567 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 11,940 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 47% Men
    • 53% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 69% White
    • 18% Hispanic
    • 14% Black
    • 6% Asian

  5. #5 University of St Francis

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    University of St Francis is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, DNP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 500 N Wilcox St, Joliet, Illinois 60435, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • 67% Graduation Rate
    • 1,390 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,883 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 23 Average Age
    • 33% Men
    • 67% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 82% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 10% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  6. #6 Illinois College

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Illinois College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 1101 West College Ave, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus
    • 67% Graduation Rate
    • 1,011 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 19 Average Age
    • 47% Men
    • 53% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 92% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 5% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  7. #7 Illinois State University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Illinois State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, MSN to PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • 72% Graduation Rate
    • 18,019 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,628 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 44% Men
    • 56% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 6% Hispanic
    • 8% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  8. #8 Northern Illinois University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Northern Illinois University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of online programs—including BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, Illinois 60115, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • 59% Graduation Rate
    • 11,408 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 4,220 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 47% Men
    • 53% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 78% White
    • 10% Hispanic
    • 12% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  9. #9 Rush University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Rush University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MSN, Entry Level Masters, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNL, CRNA, CNS, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Medical Schools & Centers
    • 79% Graduation Rate
    • 115 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,755 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 27 Average Age
    • 22% Men
    • 78% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 76% White
    • 13% Hispanic
    • 9% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  10. #10 Saint Anthony College of Nursing

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, BSN to DNP, CNL, CNS, DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, NP, Other, Post Grad Certificate, Post Grad Certificate, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools
    • 88% Graduation Rate
    • 181 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 61 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 27 Average Age
    • 10% Men
    • 90% Women
    • 6% Veterans
    • 88% White
    • 6% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  11. #11 Lewis University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Lewis University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, DNP, MSN, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • One University Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois 60446, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 69% Graduation Rate
    • 3,650 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,580 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 52% Men
    • 48% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 78% White
    • 11% Hispanic
    • 12% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  12. #12 Loyola University Chicago

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Loyola University Chicago is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNS, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • 73% Graduation Rate
    • 11,626 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 5,196 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 31% Men
    • 69% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 76% White
    • 12% Hispanic
    • 10% Black
    • 5% Asian

  13. #13 Rasmussen University, Minnesota

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Rasmussen University, Minnesota is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including LPN/LVN, ADN/ASN, BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 5555 96th Avenue N, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55443, US
    • 1-888-559-6763

    School Overview

    • Located in and Florida, and Illinois, and Kansas, and Minnesota, and West Virginia, Wisconsin
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • 44% Graduation Rate
    • 2,635 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 409 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 30 Average Age
    • 17% Men
    • 83% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 91% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  14. #14 Bradley University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Bradley University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, Entry Level BSN, LPN to BSN, LPN/LVN, MSN, MSN to DNP, NP, Other, Post Grad Certificate, Post Grad Certificate, RN to BSN, and RN to MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • 78% Graduation Rate
    • 4,133 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,409 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 49% Men
    • 51% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 86% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 8% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  15. #15 Chamberlain University, Illinois

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Chamberlain University, Illinois is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • 75% Graduation Rate
    • 11,535 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 15,026 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 33 Average Age
    • 11% Men
    • 89% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 80% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 14% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  16. #16 Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including Accelerated BSN, BSN, CRNA, DNP, Entry Level BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, NP, Other, Post Grad Certificate, Post Grad Certificate, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Illinois
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 98% Acceptance Rate
    • 55% Graduation Rate
    • 9,283 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,198 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 43% Men
    • 57% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 86% White
    • 2% Hispanic
    • 10% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated
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What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program?

An MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree program designed for nursing professionals or individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to advance their careers in the nursing profession. MSN degrees provide nurses with advanced education and training in theory, research, evidence-based clinical practice, leadership, and management in the healthcare setting.

After completing an MSN, RNs can pursue clinical nursing roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Alternatively, post-MSN graduates can opt for non-clinical roles in nursing education, healthcare administration, informatics, or research.

MSN Program Pathways

MSN pathways include:

Where Do MSN-Prepared Nurses Work?

MSN degree holders work in most healthcare settings depending on their specialty and interests. Some of the most common include:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient Care Centers
  • Physicians Office
  • Nursing Schools
  • Home Health Care Services
  • Public Health and Community Clinics
  • Research Institutions

Can MSN Programs Be Taken Entirely Online?

Many MSN programs can be taken online. However, it's important to note that some online programs may have in-person requirements such as exams, hands-on training, and more, so students should check the specific requirements of a program to ensure it fits their needs.

Certain specializations, such as NP, typically require a certain number of clinical hours which need to be completed in person, under the supervision of licensed professionals. Some programs may also arrange clinical placements for their students.

Before selecting a program, it's important to research to ensure that it fits your needs, whether entirely online, hybrid, or in-person.

MSN Program Admission Requirements

Typical MSN admission requirements include:

  • Active RN License in good standing
  • Transcripts from accredited ADN or BSN programs
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • 1-3 Letters of recommendation
  • Responses to essay questions or equivalent writing projects
  • RN experience of 3 to 5 years
  • Graduation Record Examinations 
  • Interview to enter the program

MSN RN Salary Expectations in Illinois

MSN graduates can expect varying salaries depending on their specialization. To give you a clearer picture, we've compared salaries of the top MSN RN roles in Illinois with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.

Nurse Practitioner

Illinois NP compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $61.01
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $126,900

Compared to the national nurse practitioner salary (BLS):

  • Low: $94,530 or $45.45 per hour
  • Mean: $128,490 or $61.78 per hour
  • High: $168.030 or $80.79 per hour

Top NP salaries by state: 

  • California: $161,540
  • Nevada: $148,670
  • Washington: $145,400
  • New Jersey: $145,030
  • Oregon: $144,950

Nurse Midwife

Illinois nurse midwife compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $59.53
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $123,820

Compared to the national nurse midwife salary (BLS):

  • Low: $87,320 or $41.98 per hour
  • Mean: $131,570. or $63.26 per hour
  • High: $177,530 or $85.35 per hour

Top nurse midwife pay by state: 

  • California: $183,740
  • Hawaii: $161,820
  • Massachusetts: $154,080
  • Maine: $140,440
  • Oregon: $139,490

Nurse Administrator

Illinois nurse administrator compensation: 

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $63.45
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $131,980

Compared to the national nurse administrator salary (BLS):

  • Low: $67,900 or $32.65 per hour
  • Mean: $134,440 or $64,64 per hour
  • High: $216,750 or $104.21 per hour

Top nurse administrator salaries by state:

  • New York: $179,160
  • District of Columbia: $170,710
  • Delaware: $164,190
  • New Jersey: $162,430
  • Massachusetts: $158,540

Nurse Educator

Illinois nurse educator compensation:

  • Mean Annual Wage:: $81,720

Compared to the national nurse educator salary (BLS): 

  • Low: $49,120
  • Mean: $86,530
  • High: $130,320

Top nurse educator pay by state: 

  • District of Columbia: $111,130
  • Oregon: $109,110
  • New York: $102,980
  • New Jersey: $101,540
  • Nevada: $99,320

When evaluating salary expectations, it's crucial to consider factors like experience, MSN specialty, location, cost of living, and pay variances across different healthcare systems. For more detailed insights on nursing salaries by location and specialty, explore our Nursing Salary Guide or our report on Nursing Salaries in Illinois.

Tips to Choose an MSN Program

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of the education, while others may place greater emphasis on certification pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.

Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:

  1. Cost
  2. High Pass Rate
  3. Location
  4. Academic Reputation
  5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
  6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
  7. Flexibility of Schedule
  8. Curriculum
  9. Campus and Surroundings
  10. Nursing Clinicals Location
  11. Availability of Online Course

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.

MSN Programs Near Me

Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: What's the highest-paying job you can do with an MSN in Illinois?

MSN graduates have many job opportunities, with the highest-paying role often being a Nurse Practitioner (NP). However, according to BLS data, the highest-paying MSN RN position in Illinois is currently in Nurse Management or Administration. However, salaries for both NP and administrative roles can exceed the estimated averages depending on specialty and experience

Q: Is an MSN worth it in Illinois?

Deciding whether or not an MSN is worth it will vary depending on the goals of each individual. Many MSNs find their careers as NPs and APRNs personally fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Q: Is it better to have an MSN or DNP?

Whether an MSN or DNP best suits you depends on your career goals and interests. Some key things to consider are whether you prefer to work in direct patient care and become an APRN or are interested in more leadership-focused roles, influencing policy, implementing evidence-based practice at the system level, or considering a career in academia. If you're interested in a career as an APRN, an MSN may be sufficient for you. If you're interested in more leadership-focused roles, a DNP may be preferable.

Q: Can I become a Nurse Anesthetist with an MSN?

CRNAs are APRNs who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, requiring a high level of expertise. Therefore, an MSN is not sufficient for this career. As of January 1, 2022, all CRNA programs require enrollment in a doctoral program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). By 2025, a doctoral degree will be mandatory for entry into the field.

Edited by Erin Lee

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Erin Lee

About Erin Lee, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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