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.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Rockford UniversityPrivate | Rockford, IL | $68,865 Median Nursing Earnings | $21,950 | 57.2% | 38.3% |
| #22 | Macomb, IL | $67,859 Median Nursing Earnings | $6,968 | 75.0% | 44.8% | |
| #23 | Edwardsville, IL | $67,825 Median Nursing Earnings | $7,459 | 97.2% | 55.0% | |
| #24 | Millikin UniversityPrivate | Decatur, IL | $66,854 Median Nursing Earnings | $2,842 | 54.0% | 59.1% |
| #25 | Quincy UniversityPrivate | Quincy, IL | $65,952 Median Nursing Earnings | $11,549 | 49.9% | 42.7% |
| #26 | Dominican UniversityPrivate | River Forest, IL | $63,005 Median Nursing Earnings | $10,934 | 79.8% | 62.4% |
