5 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in Illinois 2025

If you're in Illinois and considering some of the easiest nursing schools to get into, you're in the right place. This state could always use more nurses, but the licensing and academic standards are quite high. Since the nursing field is competitive in places like Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, and Aurora, it's important to know which universities you can consider as safety schools when applying for nursing school.

Keep reading to discover some of the easiest schools to get accepted into in Illinois.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in Illinois?

Yes, nursing school is very competitive and requires prospective nurses to earn a high grade point average (GPA), especially in their pre-nursing coursework. We've made a rankings list of the easiest nursing schools to get into in this state below, but almost every institution requires you to complete tough courses, such as microbiology, chemistry, and pre-nursing seminars and labs. Fortunately, you can make the process easier by first completing an associate degree at a community college or by exploring some of the easiest nursing degrees in your area.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Illinois Nursing Schools?

Admissions requirements are different at each college of nursing, but you should expect to earn at least a 2.5 GPA (3.0 to be competitive), along with no lower than a ''C'' in all your pre-nursing courses. This is true across almost all universities offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Most programs expect you to finish your general education courses and nursing school prerequisites before applying for admissions into the upper-division BSN courses.

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in Illinois

Below are some of the easiest nursing programs to get into in Illinois. These have higher acceptance rates but still offer a high-quality education for aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals.

1. Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUE) offers qualified students the chance to pursue either a traditional BSN degree or an RN-to-BSN completion program. The latter is a great way for experienced nurses to finish the important BSN credential after satisfying all other RN requirements elsewhere. SIUE's accelerated degree program requires full-time enrollment, available through 100% online delivery.

• Estimated tuition cost: $328.50 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 98%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Chamberlain University-Illinois

Chamberlain University-Illinois offers a three-year BSN option, which does not require prerequisite courses for program admission. Chamberlain's nursing school also devotes several resources to helping new nurses pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Since this private college has higher tuition, prospective students should review the nursing college's scholarship and financial aid opportunities prior to enrollment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $705 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 93%
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. Illinois State University

Illinois State University offers a pre-licensure BSN program designed for recent high school graduates or experienced patient care nurses. The School of Nursing focuses primarily on academic performance and a written essay in its admissions process. If you get into the program, you can look forward to a variety of in-person coursework and training, followed by multiple laboratory and clinical experiences in various healthcare settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $402.19 per credit hour (in-state); $519.40 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 92%
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. University of Illinois - Chicago

The University of Illinois - Chicago offers multiple BSN programs, along with graduate programs such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The traditional BSN pathway is an on-campus degree, whereas its RN-to-BSN option is an online program.

The admissions process is more competitive at this university. Incoming freshmen must submit high SAT and ACT test scores and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.

• Estimated tuition cost: $330 per credit hour (in-state); $685 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago has multiple undergraduate degree options, an MSN program, and a DNP opportunity. You can also pursue certifications, such as the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), a valuable credential for higher job placement.

Loyola's accelerated BSN (ABSN) track allows students to finish their degrees within 16 months from one of the nation's top nursing programs with a 93.7% NCLEX pass rate among first-time test takers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,920.00 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 77%
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

Here's the ranking methodology we used to create this list of the easiest nursing schools in Illinois. This accounts for accreditation status, acceptance rates, and nursing program reputation.

• Accreditation: Each school holds a valid accreditation from nursing review boards, such as CCNE.
• Acceptance rates: These universities all accept the vast majority of applicants.
• Program reputation: This list includes nursing programs with strong reputations for on-campus teaching, online coursework, and experienced faculty.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

A good nursing degree program should prepare its graduates to pass the NCLEX exam on the first try. Whether you pursue a bachelor's degree or begin by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you will gain exposure to advanced nursing topics, lab practicals, training simulations, and hands-on clinical experience. Successful completion of these programs allows students to sit for the NCLEX exam and become registered nurses.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

This covers a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the nursing field and educational requirements. It addresses topics like coursework difficulty, prerequisite courses, and job outlook for nurses in Illinois.

Is Nursing School Hard?

Nursing school can be quite challenging, even for the most academically gifted people. That's why it's important to develop strong study habits in high school and prepare to take difficult courses in nursing, math, and the health sciences. A typical BSN program includes rigorous requirements for its on-campus courses, clinical rotations, and preparation for the NCLEX exam.

Read More: Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

Are Online Nursing Schools Easier Than Traditional Programs?

Some online programs are easier than traditional nursing degrees, but this is not universal at every Illinois college. Online coursework may at least seem easier because you can often finish those programs part-time or at a slower pace. Don't forget that even the easiest RN to BSN program online requires plenty of effort to complete.

Can I Get Into Nursing School With a Low TEAS Score?

Yes, you can enter nursing school without this test altogether. While some of the best nursing schools require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), it is neither mandatory for program admission at every college nor does the Illinois Board of Nursing require it for nursing licensure.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Illinois?

The fastest RN programs in Illinois take between 12 to 15 months to complete. These are usually the ASBN programs at universities such as Illinois State University or SIUE. Be aware that these accelerated degrees can be rigorous, and they often assume students have some education in nursing (e.g., prerequisites) before program admission.

What Is the Job Outlook for Nurses in Illinois?

The nursing career outlook is very strong for nurses in certain positions, such as pediatric care nurses, emergency room nurses, and nurse practitioners. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a 6% growth in nursing jobs and an annual median salary of $93,600.

What Is the Hardest Nursing Class?

The hardest subject in nursing varies depending on one's strengths or weaknesses. Some nursing students struggle more with college algebra and statistics, whereas others have a harder time with organic chemistry or intermediate biology courses. If you want to avoid taking certain difficult courses during your degree program, consider enrolling in self-paced nursing prerequisites online to get through harder classes at your own pace.

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

Check out the rest of Learn.org's library of information on nursing education, including bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, certificate programs, pre-licensure training, and more. Our resources can help you find the best institutions for every nursing credential.