10 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in Illinois 2025

<p>To earn licensure as a registered nurse (RN), students must complete either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Because associate degrees take less time, many students choose this pathway. </p> <p>However, RNs with associate degrees often choose to go back to school to complete their BSN. These RN to BSN programs help students refine their patient care, critical thinking, and decision-making skills &mdash; and they're often required for graduate nursing programs. </p> <p>While it can be tricky for working nurses to find the time or money to go back to school, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_rn_to_bsn.html">affordable RN to BSN programs online</a> can help. Keep reading to learn more about affordable RN to BSN online programs in Illinois. </p> <h2 id="section---MostAffordableOnlineRNToBSNProgramsInIllinois">Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs in Illinois</h2> <p>Multiple schools in Illinois offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_rn_to_bsn_illinois.html">online RN to BSN programs</a>. We've highlighted the cheapest RN to BSN programs online below. </p> <h3 id="section---1.EasternIllinoisUniversity">1. Eastern Illinois University</h3> <p>The online RN to BSN degree at Eastern Illinois University is designed to help RNs excel in their nursing careers. Full-time students can earn their degrees in just three semesters, and the program offers five start dates each year. </p> <p>EIU, located in Charleston, IL, is a public university. Its BSN degree program includes core nursing courses covering health assessment, professional nursing practice, public health, and more. </p> <p>This is one of the most affordable programs in the state, with total tuition, coming in at $8,902. Students may also qualify for free tuition through the EIU Promise. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $278.19 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> EIU accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid like the EIU Promise. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.SouthernIllinoisUniversityCarbondale">2. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale</h3> <p>Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public research university in Carbondale, IL. It offers an online RN to BSN program that also includes a minor in healthcare management. </p> <p>This degree takes three semesters of full-time study to complete. Nursing courses cover topics such as health assessment, nursing informatics, the U.S. healthcare system, and population health. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $321.50 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SIU accepts aid through FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.SouthernIllinoisUniversityEdwardsville">3. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville</h3> <p>At Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, registered nurses can earn their bachelor's degree through a flexible online learning format. Coursework explores pathophysiology, health assessment, nursing research, nursing leadership, and more. </p> <p>SIUE, a public university, is located in Edwardsville, IL. Its RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as three semesters, and many students choose to continue their higher education to earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at SIUE. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $328.50 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SIUE offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfIllinoisChicago">4. University of Illinois Chicago</h3> <p>The University of Illinois Chicago offers an online RN to BSN bridge program for working nurses looking for career advancement. UIC is a public research university in Chicago. </p> <p>BSN students take nursing courses on topics like professional nursing, community health, healthcare systems, and health promotion. Most nursing students can finish this program in a year of full-time study. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $330 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UIC offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.GovernorsStateUniversity">5. Governors State University</h3> <p>Governors State University is a public institution in University Park, IL. It offers a fully online RN to BSN that provides flexibility for working nurses. </p> <p>Full-time learners typically finish the program in three semesters. The BSN curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, public health, nursing informatics, and more. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $373 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> GSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.ColumbiaCollege">6. Columbia College</h3> <p>Registered nurses studying at Columbia College can earn their bachelor's degree completely online. The program helps students expand their knowledge of evidence-based practice, safety, technology integration, and healthcare systems. </p> <p>Columbia College, a private, nonprofit school, is based in Columbia, MO. However, it has multiple locations across the country, including in Elgin and Freeport, IL. The program takes three semesters to complete. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $375 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Columbia College offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.NorthernIllinoisUniversity">7. Northern Illinois University</h3> <p>Northern Illinois University offers a fully online RN to BSN program for those with an associate degree. NIU is a public research institution in DeKalb, IL. </p> <p>The program includes coursework on health assessment, evidence-based practice, public health, and nursing leadership. The program only requires 28 credit hours for those who have completed all general education and prerequisite courses, making it one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">quickest RN to BSN program online</a>. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $395.89 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> NIU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.BenedictineUniversity">8. Benedictine University</h3> <p>The RN to BSN program at Benedictine University can be completed online in as few as 12 months. The flexible, convenient program includes courses on healthcare policy, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and nursing research. </p> <p>Benedictine University, located in Lisle, IL, is a private Catholic school. While the program does require an in-person practicum, students can choose the site that works best for them. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $415 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Benedictine University accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---9.McKendreeUniversity">9. McKendree University</h3> <p>McKendree University is a private Methodist school in Lebanon, IL. It offers an online RN to BSN program to help registered nurses continue their higher education in a flexible format. </p> <p>Most students can finish in three semesters; the required practicums can be completed at the location of your choice. Students who graduated with an associate degree from a local community college may be eligible for a 10% discount on tuition. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $420 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> McKendree University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---10.OlivetNazareneUniversity">10. Olivet Nazarene University</h3> <p>Through Olivet Nazarene University, registered nurses can earn their BSN degree online in just 16 months. Courses are eight weeks long, and the program has two start dates each year. </p> <p>Olivet, a private Methodist university, is located in Bourbonnais, IL. The curriculum for its BSN program includes courses on transcultural nursing, nursing informatics, community health, and pathophysiology. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $420 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Olivet offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>To choose the nursing schools listed above, we focused on: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All institutions are regionally accredited, and all nursing programs are either ACEN or CCNE-accredited. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> We sifted through to find the least expensive options in Illinois. All are less than $450 per credit hour. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> In addition to accreditation, all programs come from either public or private nonprofit schools to ensure a high-quality education. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2> <p>The best way to start paying for your nursing degree is to fill out the FAFSA and choose one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_illinois.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a> for your degree. FAFSA determines what need-based federal and state aid you qualify for. </p> <p>Many schools also offer financial aid. Additionally, you can pursue aid through your employer or through private scholarship programs. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2> <p>Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online RN to BSN programs. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoOnlineRNToBSNProgramsCostInIllinois">How Much Do Online RN to BSN Programs Cost in Illinois?</h3> <p>All of the online RN to BSN programs listed above are less than $450 per credit, but some of the programs we didn't list have much higher tuition rates. Many of the programs above allow you to complete your baccalaureate program for less than $10,000. </p> <p>Your total cost will depend on the school you choose. It will also depend on how many transfer credits you have and whether you've completed all general education courses and prerequisites. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheCheapestRNToBSNOnlineProgram">What Is the Cheapest RN to BSN Online Program?</h3> <p>The least expensive RN to BSN program in Illinois comes from Eastern Illinois University. The total cost of the program is $8,902, not including items such as textbooks or supplies. Students may also qualify for free tuition through the EIU Promise. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToGetAnRNToBSNDegree">How Long Does It Take to Get an RN to BSN Degree?</h3> <p>Most online RN to BSN programs take 12 to 18 months of full-time study to complete. However, the length of the program will depend on whether you study full-time or part-time, as well as whether you have completed all your general education and prerequisite courses. </p> <p>Full-time programs allow you to finish faster but are more intensive. Part-time programs are slower but can be some of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs online</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatFinancialAidIsAvailableToNursingDegreeStudentsInIllinois">What Financial Aid is Available to Nursing Degree Students in Illinois?</h3> <p>Several financial aid options are available to nursing students in Illinois. For example, the federal Pell Grant is available to Illinois students and can cover a lot of your tuition costs. </p> <p>Illinois also offers multiple scholarship and grant programs. This includes the Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) Grant Program for students at public Illinois institutions. </p> <p>Additionally, each school offers its own aid programs, and private options are available as well. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineNursingPrograms">Explore Online Nursing Programs</h2> <p>Find the perfect online nursing program for your career by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual nursing schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.</p>