MSN Degrees Online in IL: Choosing a Top Program
The shortage of nursing professionals in advanced roles in Illinois is projected to be a long-term issue for the state. That’s why now is the best time ever to advance your registered nursing career, and there may be no better way to do so than through an online MSN program. This guide shows you how you can benefit from earning a nursing master’s degree from one of the many high-quality, fully accredited online MSN programs in Illinois today. Keep reading to get information on the different types of MSN programs, the typical tuition, and salary trends for nurse practitioners in the state.
Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
An Insight into Popular MSN Programs in Illinois
Online MSN programs in Illinois are extremely popular, with most nursing schools offering at least some of their content in a distance education format. In fact, many Illinois nursing schools now feature master’s programs with coursework completed 100% online. What’s more, it’s becoming increasingly common for that coursework to be delivered asynchronously, meaning students can log on and attend to their studies at any time suiting their own busy schedules. However, online MSN programs in Illinois may still include some campus-based components like class sessions, labs, or short-term residencies. And online MSN students will need to complete in-person clinical experiences with program-approved healthcare providers, typically in the school’s or student’s local area.
Below are profiles of three popular online MSN programs in Illinois. These profiles will give you a foundational understanding of what MSN programs offer in terms of cost, academics (subject matter, specialization options, etc.) and content delivery methods.
Illinois College
Illinois College, a private Protestant Christian-affiliated school located in Jacksonville, offers an Online MSN program with concentration options in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership/Administration. Earning the degree requires completion of 36 credit hours of core, interdisciplinary, and concentration coursework, along with a culminating student project. Didactic coursework is delivered 100% online an asynchronous format that allows students to access and attend to their studies at any time. Students additionally complete two practicum experiences within a program-approved healthcare agency or system as part of their culminating project. Scholarships that cover the cost of the first course and a laptop computer are available to the first 30 students admitted in a given term.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Fully-online with exception of practicum experiences
Cost: $750/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Current RN licensure from any U.S. state or territory
- BSN degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate course work
- Satisfactory completion of introductory baccalaureate-level courses in statistics, nursing research, and health assessment (or their equivalent) with a grade of “C” or better
- Basic computer skills
- Health and liability insurance
- Current CPR certification
- Evidence of Hepatitis, MMR, tetanus, and diphtheria immunizations
- Evidence of an annual TB skin test
- Criminal background check within 90 days prior to the first practicum experience
- TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency for students who speak English as a second language
Curriculum:
Core Courses (both concentrations)
- Nursing Philosophy/Theories
- Advanced Assessment, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Research in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Policy & Advocacy
Interdisciplinary Courses (both concentrations)
- Data Analysis & Statistics
- Leadership and Instructional Communication
Nursing Leadership/Administration Concentration
- Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Finance
- Organizational Behavior in Healthcare
- Leadership in Healthcare Systems: Advanced Roles in Nursing
Nursing Education Concentration
- Curriculum Development and Evaluation
- Innovative Teaching Strategies in Nursing
- Evaluation and Testing in Nursing Education
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Illinois State University
There are two BSN to MSN specialization options featuring online components available from the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. The Leadership and Management (MSN-NLM) specialization prepares students for leadership and health policy development roles in the full range of nursing management settings. The 34-credit MSN-NLM program is seven semesters and completed in 2½ years of part-time study. Coursework is delivered 100% online. The Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) specialization prepares students for advanced nursing practice with an emphasis on preventative and self-care measures, and the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health conditions. The MSN-FNP curriculum (44 credits) is offered with two year full-time and three year part-time options. Core courses are delivered fully online while support and clinical courses are taught on campus. Students in both specializations additionally complete in-person clinical experiences at program-approved practice sites.
Duration: 2-3 years
Mode: Fully-online coursework with in-person clinicals (Leadership and Management). Hybrid formatted coursework with in-person clinicals (MSN-FNP).
Cost: $422.57/credit (Indiana and bordering states); $877.72/credit (out-of-state and international)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current RN license. Illinois license needed for FNP program. RN license from any state is acceptable for Leadership and Management program
- BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework
- At least two professional or academic recommendations
- Current resume
- Two to three-page essay outlining educational and professional goals
- International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT or IELTS score of 6.5
Curriculum:
Leadership and Management
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Health Care
- Epidemiology
- Scientific Inquiry and Research
- Organizational Expericence (180 clinical hours)
- Finance
- Organizational Behavior
- Leadership Synthesis Experience (180 clinical hours)
- Informatics
- Health Policy
- Leadership in Healthcare Systems
- Changing Healthcare Systems: Quality
Family Nurse Practitioner
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Health Care
- Epidemiology
- Scientific Inquiry and Research
- Diagnostic Reasoning
- Pharmacotherapeutics
- Pathophysiology
- Health Policy
McKendree University
With a current per-credit tuition rate of $495, the Master of Science (MSN Online) program at McKendree University proves that affordability is not exclusive to MSN programs in Illinois offered by public colleges and universities. Concentrations are available in Nursing Education, Nursing Management/Administration, and Public Health. All didactic coursework is online and may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously. Students in both concentrations additionally complete a total of 150 in-person clinical hours through practicum experiences customized to best meet their individual career goals. Financial aid resources including scholarships and graduate tuition discounts are available to qualifying MSN students.
Duration: Two years (five semesters) full-time or four years (10 semesters) part-time
Mode: Fully online with the exception of in-person practicums
Cost: $495/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered valid RN license
- BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies
- Current resume or CV
- Three professional references
- Essay describing personal and professional goals
- Interview for applicants who meet initial qualifications
Curriculum:
Core Courses (all concentrations)
- Evidence-based Practice in Healthcare
- Health Policy and Legal Aspects in Healthcare
- Ethics, Social Justice, Diversity, and Health Equity
- Population Health and Epidemiology
Nursing Education Concentration
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Foundations of Nursing Education
- Educational Methods and Strategies
- Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education
- Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Nurse Educator Practicum and Scholarly Project
Nursing Management/Administration Concentration
- Foundations of Nursing Management
- Nursing Informatics
- Human Behavior in Organizations
- Management of Fiscal Systems
- Quality, Safety, and Performance in Organizations
Population Health Concentration
- Quality, Safety, and Performance in Organizations
- Impacting Population Health and Wellness Across the Continuum
- Foundations of Population Health
- Leadership in Population Health
- Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention to Promote Individual and Population Outcomes
- Advanced Population Health Practicum and Scholarly Project
Responding to FAQs About Online MSN Programs
If you have read to this point, you’ve probably had a number of questions answered about how online MSN programs in Illinois work. Yet other questions likely remain. To help in that regard, here are the answers to five of the most often asked questions about MSN programs and careers in Illinois.
What can I do with an MSN in Illinois?
MSN degrees are all about moving up the nursing career ladder into advanced practice, education, and leadership positions. Some of the most popular practice areas for graduates of Illinois MSN programs include:
- Nursing administration and leadership
- Nursing education
- Forensic nursing
- Nursing informatics
- Advanced nursing practice in specialized roles such as adult gerontology nurse practitioner (acute and primary), clinical nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and public health nurse.
Graduates of MSN programs in Illinois may also continue their studies to earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Nursing PhD to advance into top-tier administrative, advanced research, and post-secondary education positions.
What are the admissions requirements for MSN nursing programs in Illinois?
Requirements for admission into MSN programs in Illinois vary primarily by program type. Here’s a look at admission requirements similar to ones you’ll find for most Illinois online MSN programs:
- Traditional MSN and Accelerated MSN: RN licensure, BSN, and nursing practice experience (amount varies by program).
- RN to MSN: RN licensure, nursing associate degree or diploma, and nursing practice experience (amount varies by program). Some programs also require a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- Direct Entry MSN: Non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
Common application materials include a current résumé, letters of recommendation, personal statement/statement of purpose, criminal background check, drug screen, proof of required immunizations, physical exam, health insurance, and liability insurance.
How long does it take to earn an MSN in Illinois?
Program lengths for MSN programs in Illinois vary substantially based primarily on program type, specialization, and whether the student chooses full-time or part-time study. Here are some general time estimates for different types of MSN programs in Illinois:
- Traditional MSN: Two to four years.
- Accelerated MSN: One year to 18 months.
- RN to MSN: Two to four years.
- Direct-Entry: Two to five years.
It’s important to understand that these are broad estimates and that each MSN program has its own schedule. Be sure that you have a clear idea of the program length and time limits set by any program you’re considering before you enroll.
How much does an MSN program in Illinois cost?
The costs of MSN programs in Illinois vary substantially depending on several factors, the most common being program type, total number of required credits, whether the program is offered by a public or private college, and (regarding public school programs) whether a student is an Illinois or out-of-state resident. The tuition costs quoted in the program profiles above and listed just below offer a rough idea of the range of program costs you’ll encounter during your program search.
Bear in mind, however, that these are tuition rates only and do not include costs for such things as program and school fees, textbooks and course materials, insurance, immunizations, criminal background checks, drug screens, and other necessaries. They also do not consider any financial aid resources you receive that lower your total program price tag. (More on financial aid in the next FAQ.)
Lewis University
Total Credits: 36-49 (depending on concentration)
$830/credit
Rush University
Generalist Entry Master’s in Nursing for Non-Nurses: Clinical Nurse Leader
Total Credits: 74
$1,120/credit
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Educator
Total Credits: 36
$751/credit
Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my MSN program in Illinois?
Qualifying students in properly accredited online MSN programs in Illinois are eligible for a wide variety of financial aid opportunities including loans, scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and more. A great place to start your MSN funding search is at the financial aid offices of the nursing schools you’re considering. Other quality resources include:
- Health Resources & Services Administration: Funding
- Illinois Board of Higher Education: Nursing School Grant Program
- Illinois Nursing Workforce Center: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission: Nurse Education Scholarship Program
Varieties of MSN Programs in Illinois
There are a number of different types of online MSN programs in Illinois. To help you in understanding the unique benefits and requirements of each, here are descriptions of the five most common MSN program types, along with examples of online Illinois MSN programs that offer them.
Traditional MSN
Traditional MSN programs require both a previously earned BSN and a current RN license. Coursework (often available online in an asynchronous format) is combined with clinical rotations and other in-person components, like short-term campus residencies. You’ll likely be able to choose a concentration or specialization track as well. Traditional MSN programs typically require two years full-time to four years part-time to complete.
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct entry MSN programs provide students with no earlier nursing academic and practice experience a time-saving path to becoming RNs and taking on advanced practice and leadership positions. Admission requires a previously earned bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major. These programs typically take from around two years of full-time study to as much as five years of part-time study to complete.
Accelerated MSN
Not to be confused with direct-entry accelerated programs, accelerated MSN programs allow students to complete their degree requirements in less time – in some cases as little as one year. As you might expect, accelerated MSN programs are designed for highly-motivated students with the time and willingness to focus their energies on intensive full-time academic study.
RN to MSN Bridge
RN to MSN bridge programs are for current RNs with a nursing associate degree or diploma but without a BSN, although some programs may require both RN licensure and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. RN to MSN students typically have the same specialization options as traditional MSN students.
Dual Master’s
Dual master’s programs allow students to obtain an MSN degree along with another master’s in a single course of study. A small number of colleges in Illinois offer MSN/MBA programs that prepare graduates to excel in leadership positions, particularly in nursing administration and healthcare management.
Nurse Practitioner Salary & Career Projections in Illinois
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $94,530 | $126,260 | $168,030 |
| Illinois | $98,650 | $126,950 | $160,930 |
| Bloomington, IL | $99,060 | $125,610 | $151,400 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | $92,580 | $107,690 | $136,040 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $108,070 | $130,320 | $140,440 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $98,650 | $129,660 | $164,520 |
| Decatur, IL | $98,150 | $102,940 | $127,840 |
| Kankakee, IL | $92,800 | $124,360 | $145,430 |
| Peoria, IL | $101,940 | $121,840 | $160,050 |
| Rockford, IL | $102,590 | $130,350 | $140,130 |
| Springfield, IL | $97,980 | $127,190 | $142,940 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Illinois | 8,970 | 12,660 | 3,690 | 41.10% | 850 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online MSN Degrees in Illinois
We’ve surveyed the numerous online MSN programs currently offered by Illinois nursing schools and chosen what we believe to be the best of the bunch for our rankings below. Our selections were made by considering a number of program elements important to student success, including academic quality, specialization options, study convenience and flexibility, affordability, and access to helpful academic and career support services. Here’s who leads the pack today in online MSN programs in Illinois.
University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
Why We Selected University of St Francis:
- The University of St. Francis offers flexible online courses with built-in learning support.
- The program provides specialized career tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- It features a competitive curriculum with high certification pass rates through AANP and ANCC.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,464
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course85%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
Why We Selected Saint Xavier University:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in Executive Leadership and Clinical Leadership.
- Saint Xavier University's MSN program is recognized for excellence by the National League for Nursing.
- The program combines classroom theories with hands-on clinical experiences for comprehensive learning.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$15,000
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
St. John’s College-Department of Nursing
Springfield, Illinois
Why We Selected St. John’s College-Department of Nursing:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in nursing administration and leadership.
- Employer partnerships provide graduates with strong job placement opportunities.
- Faculty expertise in healthcare leadership enhances student learning and career readiness.
Program Details
- AccreditationCCNE
- Average In-State Tuition$16,488
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- Student/Faculty Ratio8/1
Methodist College
Peoria, Illinois
Why We Selected Methodist College:
- The program offers a unique bridge option for second-degree students to transition into graduate-level courses.
- The curriculum integrates both baccalaureate and master's education essentials, enhancing professional development.
- Students can transfer to a BSN program if needed, providing flexibility in academic progression.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$14,850
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course95%
- Student/Faculty Ratio8/1
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Why We Selected Olivet Nazarene University:
- Olivet Nazarene University's MSN program offers a 100% certification exam pass rate for graduates.
- The program provides hands-on teaching and clinical experiences with experienced faculty actively working in nursing.
- Students can complete the MSN program in as few as 15 months, offering accelerated career advancement opportunities.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,190
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course99%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Benedictine University
Lisle, Illinois
Why We Selected Benedictine University:
- The program offers flexible, self-paced learning for working professionals.
- Benedictine University provides specialized career tracks in public health and health policy.
- The MSN program includes hands-on practicum experiences in clinical settings.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$18,530
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course94%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Bradley University
Peoria, Illinois
Why We Selected Bradley University:
- The program offers flexible online learning with no campus residency requirements.
- The curriculum includes specialized courses in family practice and health informatics.
- Students can complete clinical hours locally, enhancing practical experience and convenience.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$17,100
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course83%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Lewis University
Romeoville, Illinois
Why We Selected Lewis University:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in advanced nursing roles, enhancing professional versatility.
- Lewis University's MSN program provides networking opportunities through diverse clinical placements and partnerships.
- The program features accelerated completion options, allowing students to finish their degrees efficiently.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$14,760
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
McKendree University
Lebanon, Illinois
Why We Selected McKendree University:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in nursing education, management, and population health.
- McKendree provides personalized support through small class sizes and one-on-one faculty interactions.
- The program includes a capstone project allowing students to implement real-world health improvements.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,756
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course71%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois
Why We Selected Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville:
- The program offers a fully online format with individualized practicum experiences.
- Corporate partnerships provide convenient tuition reimbursement options for employees.
- Faculty expertise includes nationally recognized scholars in nursing education.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,146
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course63%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
