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For those who are searching for the best nursing schools in Chicago, Windy City offers an ideal place to study and develop. It has access to the best nursing schools in the country, as well as research centers. Selecting the right nursing school is a way to set yourself on the path to success in a highly competitive yet rewarding profession.

This guide will take you through the best Nursing schools in Chicago in 2025. We’ll look at key aspects like tuition, programs, and the latest NCLEX passing rates to give you the data you require. When you understand what makes each school unique and distinctive, you will be able to identify the ideal match to your educational and professional aspirations and prepare for the ultimate test, which is the NCLEX.

Chicago’s Premier Nursing Programs for 2025 (Top Nursing Schools in Chicago)

Chicago is where you can find a range of highly regarded private universities as well as well-known public institutions, all of which offer accredited and highly respected nursing programs. This list is based upon an exhaustive review of the quality, accreditation, student outcomes, and diversity of programs.

1. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

The UIC College of Nursing is recognized as one of the most prestigious nursing schools in the United States. This makes it a major center of nursing training in Illinois. Since it is a major public research university, it offers the best quality, affordable option for students in the state. UIC’s location allows students access to an extensive range of clinical sites throughout the city’s diverse communities.

• In-State Cost of tuition: Approximately $11,178 per year
• Outside-of-State Tuition: Approximately $26,200 per year
• Recent NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.9%
• Unique features: UIC offers an established BSN program that provides an exceptional guarantee of admission for students who are highly qualified for high school. 
• UIC has six campuses, which include Chicago, Peoria, and Urbana, offering a variety of options. Its extensive research programs make it a top choice for students who are interested in advanced studies, such as DNP and PhD programs.

2. Rush University

Rush University’s College of Nursing is directly ranked among the top 10 nursing schools in Chicago. The connection gives students the most immersive practical learning experience, where they collaborate with expert nurses from the beginning. Rush is well-known as a graduate school that is regularly considered among the top in the country.

•  The tuition varies significantly according to the program. Graduate-entry MSN programs cost around $90,000 across the entire program.
• Recent NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.8%
• Special Features: Rush is a specialist in graduate entry courses, for example, those offered by the Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP), which is designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree in any field that is not nursing. This program attracts students from all walks of life and prepares them for higher-level positions. The “teacher-practitioner” model ensures that faculty are actively practicing clinicians, bringing current, real-world experience into the classroom.

3. Loyola University Chicago

The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, located at Loyola University Chicago. It combines a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum and an emphasis on compassion and justice for all. 

Loyola insists on the holistic approach to education, which prepares nurses not just competent but also ethically minded. Students can benefit from clinical experiences in the top hospitals in the Chicago area.

• State-side and out-of-state, the tuition is about $50,270 a year.
• Recent NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.5%
• Unique features: Loyola offers several pathways to study.
• This includes: 
• As a matter of fact, the university recently received a donation of $4 million to fund scholarships for students with different backgrounds, demonstrating its dedication to equity and inclusion in nursing.

4. DePaul University

This is the biggest Catholic university in Chicago. It offers cutting-edge nursing programs via its School of Nursing. Although it does not provide the traditional four-year BSN, its unique approach lets students earn the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a quick timeframe. This is an excellent option for those who are aiming to pursue advanced practice positions.

• Out-of-State and In-State Cost of tuition: Around $43,665 annually
• Recent NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.7%
• Unique features: DePaul’s standout offering is its five-year, combined BS in Health Sciences and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The program is designed to prepare graduates for licensure as registered nurses as well as certification in a special field. DePaul also has an RN-to-MSN program. This program, allows nurses currently working to skip the requirement for a BSN and directly pursue an advanced degree.

5. Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University has a long-standing tradition of excellence in nursing education. It is the very first school of nursing located in Illinois. It has been named an Institute of Excellence by the National League for Nursing. Just so you know, This affirms the high standards it sets. It is located on Chicago’s South Side, and the university offers a welcoming, community-oriented setting.

• State-side and out-of-state Cost of tuition: About $35,680 annually
• Recent NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.6%
• Unique features: Saint Xavier offers a traditional BSN and an online RN-to-BSN track, as well as a second-degree BSN option. 
• The school provides a variety of nursing-related scholarships that help make a private education cheaper. Its dedication to service-learning helps students connect to local communities and enables them to tackle health disparities.

How to Choose the Top Nursing School in Chicago

With so many choices, choosing the right college is dependent on your professional and personal objectives. Be aware of the following elements in weighing your options:

• Programming Pathways: Would you require an old-fashioned four-year BSN. Or, an accelerated program to earn a second degree, or an online program that is flexible?
• Career Opportunities in Clinical Medicine: 
• Cost and Value: Check the Cost of attendance in total. Public universities such as UIC are an excellent value for residents. Private schools might offer significant financial aid.
• Accreditation: Make sure the school has been recognized. You can check through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (ACEN). This is vital to be able to obtain licensure and a future job.

From Nursing Student to Licensed RN

The achievement of a degree from a Top Nursing School in Chicago is an incredible achievement. However, one more vital step to take is passing the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX test is the key to your professional career. This ,means the preparation you put into it will determine your success.

Why would you give the most crucial test of your life to old textbooks and random questions? Your career needs better preparation. Testavia.com offers the most cutting-edge NCLEX preparation material.

Stop wasting time and begin to master. Sign-up today to create your own study plan that is personalized to you and take your test with complete confidence.