Nursing programs in Illinois produce graduates with median earnings of $74,172, significantly outpacing the national average for healthcare careers. Across 24 programs, earnings range from $63,005 to $97,713, demonstrating how program selection directly impacts career trajectories in nursing degree pathways.
Leading the list is Governors State University, achieving the highest program earnings at $97,713. Following closely are Mckendree University at $82,082 and Benedictine University at $81,995, with these top-performing BSN programs delivering exceptional graduate outcomes that justify their positioning in the rankings.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Park, IL | $97,713 Median Nursing Earnings | $8,982 | — | 19.6% | |
| #2 | Mckendree UniversityPrivate | Lebanon, IL | $82,082 Median Nursing Earnings | $23,363 | 63.9% | 59.5% |
| #3 | Benedictine UniversityPrivate | Lisle, IL | $81,995 Median Nursing Earnings | $19,282 | 77.2% | 50.9% |
| #4 | Chicago State UniversityPublic | Chicago, IL | $81,928 Median Nursing Earnings | $8,025 | 40.5% | 17.0% |
| #5 | Lewis UniversityPrivate | Romeoville, IL | $78,313 Median Nursing Earnings | $10,995 | 72.7% | 62.6% |
| #6 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | Chicago, IL | $77,492 Median Nursing Earnings | $28,666 | 81.4% | 76.9% |
| #7 | North Park UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $76,478 Median Nursing Earnings | $17,309 | 72.8% | 56.0% |
| #8 | Roosevelt UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $75,231 Median Nursing Earnings | $15,863 | 94.3% | 41.0% |
| #9 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | Elmhurst, IL | $75,182 Median Nursing Earnings | $14,641 | 75.7% | 65.2% |
| #10 | University Of St FrancisPrivate | Joliet, IL | $75,032 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,707 | 63.9% | 64.6% |
| #11 | Illinois Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Bloomington, IL | $74,921 Median Nursing Earnings | $21,011 | 45.2% | 82.5% |
| #12 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $74,864 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,181 | 85.8% | 59.0% |
| #13 | Olivet Nazarene UniversityPrivate | Bourbonnais, IL | $74,424 Median Nursing Earnings | $17,617 | 66.9% | 60.3% |
| #14 | Chicago, IL | $74,072 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,257 | 78.5% | 60.3% | |
| #15 | Normal, IL | $72,761 Median Nursing Earnings | $11,075 | 89.0% | 66.3% | |
| #16 | Trinity Christian CollegePrivate | Palos Heights, IL | $71,574 Median Nursing Earnings | $12,034 | 88.6% | 63.9% |
| #17 | Dekalb, IL | $71,507 Median Nursing Earnings | $9,047 | 70.5% | 49.6% | |
| #18 | Charleston, IL | $70,176 Median Nursing Earnings | $11,412 | 67.8% | 45.2% | |
| #19 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | Peoria, IL | $69,752 Median Nursing Earnings | $17,762 | 76.7% | 72.1% |
| #20 | Aurora UniversityPrivate | Aurora, IL | $69,679 Median Nursing Earnings | $13,980 | 85.1% | 58.3% |
