10 Best Online Accelerated Nursing Programs in Illinois

Read on to discover the best accelerated RN–to–BSN online programs in Illinois and find the best path to jump–start your career today.

1. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain's RN–to–BSN program is designed for working nurses and features 100% online coursework.

If you study full–time, you can earn your BSN in just one year with accelerated, eight–week classes.

Chamberlain also offers a part–time option for RNs who prefer a slower pace or want to maximize their employer tuition reimbursements.

Tuition on average is less than $14,000 for the full RN–to–BSN program, with more than 90% of Chamberlain students receiving financial aid.

2. Eastern Illinois University (EIU)

EIU's RN–to–BSN program consists of accelerated, 100% online coursework designed to be completed in as little as 14 months.

The program is focused on the individual student to create a curriculum that builds on your experience while expanding your knowledge.

With five different start dates per year, you can jump into the program when it best fits your busy working schedule.

Eastern Illinois University estimates you'll pay only $8,685 in tuition for the entire RN–to–BSN program, making it one of the most affordable in the state.

3. Illinois College (IC)

Illinois College offers an accelerated RN–to–BSN program through which a practicing RN can earn their BSN in as little as 12 months. The program can also be spread out over 24 months if you'd prefer to attend part–time and devote more time to work or family.

Courses are eight weeks long, which enables you to take twice as many classes in one semester.

With tuition of $375 per credit hour, IC's program is a little more expensive than others in the state. However, aid is available.

4. Illinois State University

At Illinois State University, courses in the online RN–to–BSN program are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus.

The program can be completed in one year of full–time study — two years if you're taking classes part–time.

Tuition for the entire program is estimated at around $15,000. In addition to federal aid, state and institutional scholarships may be available.

5. Northern Illinois University (NIU)

If you've graduated from an associate's or diploma nursing program within the past five years, get your BSN from NIU in a year!

NIU's RN–to–BSN program is designed for practicing nurses like you and is 100% online %mdash; complete your coursework on your schedule.

The school assigns a dedicated advisor who works with you from day one to ensure you're getting the most out of the program.

NIU's tuition ranges from $466.80 to $516.80 per credit hour. In addition to federal aid, scholarships are available for qualifying students.

6. Olivet Nazarene University (ONU)

Olivet Nazarene's online RN–to–BSN has been ranked #1 in the state of Illinois for providing quality nursing education to practicing RNs.

The school also offers the opportunity to earn both a BSN and an MSN as a continuing program.

Olivet Nazarene's RN–to–BSN program requires 30 credit hours of nursing education and 60 practicum hours.

Tuition runs about $1,000 per credit hour, with individualized aid packages and payment plans available to fit your budget.

7. St. John's College of Nursing

The RN–to–BSN program at St. John's is open to practicing RNs who've earned an associate's degree or diploma in nursing.

The program is designed for nurses working full–time, so you'll take only one class per eight–week session for five semesters to earn your degree.

St. John's sets tuition at a flat rate for each entering cohort. Your tuition remains the same for the entirety of your program.

For 2022–2023, tuition was $795 per credit hour for 14 hours or less, with a maximum rate of $11,925 for 15 hours or more in a semester.

8. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)

Southern Illinois University's RN–to–BSN program is offered in a flexible, 100% online format designed to accommodate practicing nurses.

The program has been recognized as one of the top 25 most affordable online nursing degree programs in the nation.

The accelerated program includes eight–week courses so that you can graduate in 12 months (three semesters of study).

Tuition starts at $310.20 per credit hour, with an estimated total cost of $9,209.20 for the RN–to–BSN program.

9. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

At the University of Illinois in Chicago, nurses get the best of both worlds with the flexibility of online study and the engagement of an on–campus program.

Courses enhance your critical thinking skills to change the way you approach your nursing practice.

Tuition starts at $475 per credit hour, with a locked–in tuition rate for continuously enrolled students.

10. Western Illinois University (WIU)

Apart from the clinical practice requirement, Western Illinois University's RN–to–BSN program is entirely online.

The school recommends that you complete any general education coursework before starting the nursing coursework.

WIU's RN–to–BSN program consists of 36 hours of online coursework done part–time over the course of two years.

Tuition for the RN–to–BSN program starts at $326.70 per credit hour. Federal aid and scholarships are available to qualifying students.