7 ASN to BSN Programs Online in Illinois 2025

<p>Registered nurses (RNs) have great career options to choose from; however, some require a bachelor's degree. Fortunately, Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are available in Illinois to help nurses prepare for advanced professional nursing positions. </p> <p>If you want to pursue a new nursing career, you can find ASN to BSN programs online in Illinois with flexible schedules and accelerated completion options. Keep reading to discover some of the state's best <a href="https://learn.org/articles/asn_to_bsn_programs.html">ASN to BSN programs online</a>. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsAnASNToBSNProgram">What Is an ASN to BSN Program?</h2> <p>An ASN to BSN is a degree option for the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_to_Be_a_Certified_Registered_Nurse.html">certified registered nurse</a> who has an associate degree in the field and wants to further their education. In these programs, students learn advanced nursing concepts and gain clinical experience while spending less time in the classroom than in traditional BSN programs. </p> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">Educational requirements for nurses</a> earning an ASN to BSN (also referred to as Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to BSN or RN to BSN programs) include completing nursing courses covering evidence-based practice, patient care, and population health. Students in ADN to BSN programs also participate in clinical experiences for hands-on learning. </p> <h2 id="section---AccreditedHybridAndOnlineASNToBSNProgramsInIllinois">Accredited Hybrid and Online ASN to BSN Programs in Illinois</h2> <p>RNs ready to secure new nursing roles can gain a quality education in an ASN to BSN program. Explore the schools below to find accredited options in Illinois. </p> <h3 id="section---1.EasternIllinoisUniversity">1. Eastern Illinois University</h3> <p>The Gail &amp; Richard Lumpkin School of Nursing at Eastern Illinois University is home to a 100% online RN to BSN program for students who have completed or are working toward their RN licensure. This speedy program offers accelerated coursework and five annual start dates to help learners graduate in three semesters. </p> <p>Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program teaches evidence-based and holistic nursing practice. Low tuition and financial aid make this program an attractive choice for prospective students. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $278 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $278 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> BSN students can make learning more affordable with scholarships, grants, work-study jobs, and loans. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.SouthernIllinoisUniversityEdwardsville">2. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville</h3> <p>At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, nurses can pursue a 100% online accelerated RN to BSN degree that many complete in three semesters. Courses explore nursing leadership, care of populations, health assessments, and more. </p> <p>To gain admission, applicants must provide evidence of a current unencumbered RN license and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. The CCNE-accredited program's bridge process grants as many as 43 proficiency credits for advanced standing from work experience and previously completed community college or university nursing coursework. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $328.50 per credit hour </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $328.50 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Institutional and merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, student employment, and loans help enrollees save. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfIllinoisChicago">3. University of Illinois Chicago</h3> <p>The RN to BSN at the University of Illinois Chicago is a 30-credit, 100% online program for nurses looking to advance their careers in as little as 12 months. To earn this CCNE-accredited degree, learners must complete core nursing and general education courses. Proficiency credits may be granted for prior nursing education. </p> <p>UIC Chicago allows enrollees to start this program before receiving RN licensure if they provide proof that they passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) by the end of the first semester. Graduates are prepared to work in informatics, public health nursing, and research. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $330 per credit hour </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $330 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UIC Chicago students can make learning more affordable with federal, state, external, and institutional aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.NorthernIllinoisUniversity">4. Northern Illinois University</h3> <p>RNs looking to advance their healthcare careers can accomplish their goal by enrolling in Northern Illinois University's RN-BS program. Enrollees take 100% online, asynchronous courses in eight-week sessions, studying nursing ethics, population-focused nursing, and more at their own pace. </p> <p>To complete this 120-credit, CCNE-accredited program, students must take 28 credits in coursework at NIU. The remaining credits (including 33 credits that can be transferred from previous nursing education to the baccalaureate degree) can be completed at a community college. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $395.89 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $395.89 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> At NIU, learners can increase affordability with help from scholarships, grants, employer tuition assistance, and student loans. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.St.JohnSCollegeOfNursing">5. St. John's College of Nursing</h3> <p>St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield offers a fully online RN-BSN program that teaches evidence-based practice methods and helps to increase students' clinical reasoning skills. Nursing courses are convenient and flexible, enabling learners to work while studying. </p> <p>Enrollment in this program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), requires a nursing diploma, ADN, or ASN, as well as an unencumbered RN license. Students commonly earn their degree in five semesters or 10 months. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $417 per credit hour </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $417 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Tuition reimbursement, discounts, scholarships, and loans reduce the cost of earning this degree. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.DominicanUniversity">6. Dominican University</h3> <p>Dominican University's RN-BSN is a 100% online program offering opportunities to sit in on-campus classes for one-on-one instruction. Learners also have the option to enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. </p> <p>Nursing faculty prepare students for nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, and other healthcare roles through coursework that enhances their effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Enrollment in this CCNE-accredited program requires a diploma, an ASN, or an ADN, and current RN licensure. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $550 per credit hour </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $550 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> The Illinois MAP grant and federal aid (grants, loans, etc.) can help nursing students save. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.MethodistCollege">7. Methodist College</h3> <p>The RN to BSN at Methodist College is a CCNE-accredited completion program for licensed RNs who secured their nursing education through an accredited diploma or associate degree program. Transfer students can bring in up to 90 credits to meet some nursing and general education requirements. </p> <p>The program curriculum focuses on nursing foundations, population and community health, evidence-based practice, and professional leadership. All work (except practicums) is completed online at each enrollee's convenience. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $677 per credit hour </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $677 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Student employment, scholarships, grants, and loans can help fund this nursing degree. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>Our team thoroughly vetted the colleges and universities in this ranking list to verify that they all meet the following criteria for delivering a high-quality educational experience: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools are accredited by the HLC, a nationally recognized organization. </li><li><b>Program quality:</b> These colleges have received accreditation from the CCNE or the ACEN and have state board of nursing approval in Illinois. </li><li><b>Student outcomes:</b> Learners at these schools develop the knowledge and skills to qualify for advanced clinical roles, leadership positions, and graduate programs. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Each institution offers affordable tuition or provides financial aid to reduce costs. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutOnlineASNToBSNProgramsInIllinois">FAQs About Online ASN to BSN Programs in Illinois</h2> <p>Are you ready to take your nursing career to new heights? Review the following FAQs to learn more about ASN to BSN programs and how they can prepare you for the next step. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToGoFromAnASNToBSNInIllinois">How Long Does It Take To Go from an ASN to BSN in Illinois?</h3> <p>The time needed to go from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree in nursing depends on factors like the school and program you choose, your enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), and how many credits you transfer. Many institutions help students graduate in one or two years, while some offer accelerated coursework, enabling enrollees to finish in less than 12 months. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirementsForASNToBSNProgramsInIllinois">What Are the Admission Requirements for ASN to BSN Programs in Illinois?</h3> <p>While the requirements to gain admission to ASN to BSN programs vary by nursing school, colleges commonly seek students who possess an RN license or are in the later stages of obtaining licensure. Other admission requirements might include possessing an ADN, ASN, or nursing diploma, having a minimum GPA, and completing prerequisite courses. </p> <h3 id="section---WhyShouldIConsiderAnOnlineASNToBSNDegree">Why Should I Consider an Online ASN to BSN Degree?</h3> <p>An online ASN to BSN degree program is a great choice for licensed RNs who already possess an associate degree or diploma and want to earn a bachelor's degree to advance their careers. Designed for working nurses, these flexible programs offer nursing courses completely online and often allow students to finish clinicals in the workplace. After graduating, RNs are ready for roles in nurse education, research, management, and beyond. </p> <h3 id="section---ShouldIGetMyMSNRightAfterMyBSN">Should I Get My MSN Right After My BSN?</h3> <p>Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) after completing your BSN isn't required. However, some nurses consider this option if they want to take on more responsibility in their current roles or switch careers, both of which often result in higher pay. </p> <p>An MSN qualifies students for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certification. It also prepares students for roles as family nurse practitioners (FNPs) or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). RNs with this degree can also pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreNursingBachelorSDegrees">Explore Nursing Bachelor's Degrees</h2> <p>Take the next step toward a rewarding nursing career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn ways they can help you reach your goals.</p>