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RN programs in Chicago, Illinois

23 RN programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

20 schools offer these RN programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, and every one is approved for workforce funding: 18 by Illinois and 5 by Indiana. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care and teach patients and their families about health conditions. To work as one, you graduate from an approved nursing program (a bachelor's or associate degree in nursing, or a hospital diploma) and pass a licensing exam for your state nursing license.1 In Chicago, 2 of the 23 programs take students without a high school diploma, and 9 are taught partly or fully online.

See the 23 programs

All 69 RN programs in Illinois, including online programs

How much do RN programs cost in Chicago?

Two-year degrees (17 programs)
$9,461 to $72,920all 4 with a price, usually 72 to 104 weeks long
Bachelor's degrees (5 programs)
$55,000the one with a price, usually 64 to 80 weeks long
Other RN programs (1 program)
Not reportedno usable price

What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it.

In the typical program

Finished the program
Not enough data
Working 6 months later
85%
Earned a year, estimated
about $56,900
Length
64 to 104 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Chicago may also offer RN programs. How these figures are made

Are there free RN programs in Chicago?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 23 RN programs in Chicago approved for WIOA funding

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Kind of program
How it's taught
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23 programs

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridEducation and courses

    Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

    College Of DuPage

    Glen Ellyn

    Education and courses

    College Of DuPage, Glen Ellyn · RN associate degree (ADN) · Hybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$43,700
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported

    10 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) at College Of DuPage
    More details about Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) at College Of DuPage
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    78%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,935
    Length
    120 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    621
    a year, estimated
    $43,700
    price
    Not reported
    trained with WIOA funding
    10

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personPrerequisite courses

    Nursing Associate in Applied Science (0239) MXC

    Malcolm X College

    Chicago

    Prerequisite courses

    Malcolm X College, Chicago · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$59,700
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Nursing Associate in Applied Science (0239) MXC at Malcolm X College
    More details about Nursing Associate in Applied Science (0239) MXC at Malcolm X College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    77%
    Earned in a quarter
    $14,917
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    486
    a year, estimated
    $59,700
    price
    Not reported

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridPrerequisite courses

    Nursing (RN) (AAS)-NU500

    Joliet Junior College

    Joliet

    Prerequisite courses

    Joliet Junior College, Joliet · RN associate degree (ADN) · Hybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$43,600
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported

    16 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Nursing (RN) (AAS)-NU500 at Joliet Junior College
    More details about Nursing (RN) (AAS)-NU500 at Joliet Junior College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    87%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,900
    Length
    104 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    345
    a year, estimated
    $43,600
    price
    Not reported
    trained with WIOA funding
    16

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Nursing - Associate Of Applied Science

    University Of Saint Francis

    Crown Point

    High school diploma or equivalent

    University Of Saint Francis, Crown Point · RN associate degree (ADN) · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$49,400
    Price if you pay yourself$72,920

    103 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Nursing - Associate Of Applied Science at University Of Saint Francis
    More details about Nursing - Associate Of Applied Science at University Of Saint Francis
    Finished
    63%
    Working at 6 months
    63%
    Earned in a quarter
    $12,342
    Length
    104 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,900
    Students counted
    306
    a year, estimated
    $49,400
    price
    $72,920
    trained with WIOA funding
    103

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    A.A.S. Nursing (RN) Degree

    Harper College

    Palatine

    Education and courses

    Harper College, Palatine · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$64,900
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, A.A.S. Nursing (RN) Degree at Harper College
    More details about A.A.S. Nursing (RN) Degree at Harper College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    84%
    Earned in a quarter
    $16,214
    Length
    72 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    270
    a year, estimated
    $64,900
    price
    Not reported

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Nursing AAS

    Elgin Comm. College District #509

    Elgin

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Elgin Comm. College District #509, Elgin · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$70,300
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported

    28 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Nursing AAS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
    More details about Nursing AAS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    $17,584
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    217
    a year, estimated
    $70,300
    price
    Not reported
    trained with WIOA funding
    28

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Nursing (AAS)

    Waubonsee Community College

    Sugar Grove

    Education and courses

    Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$63,700
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported

    12 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Nursing (AAS) at Waubonsee Community College
    More details about Nursing (AAS) at Waubonsee Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    90%
    Earned in a quarter
    $15,921
    Length
    104 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    215
    a year, estimated
    $63,700
    price
    Not reported
    trained with WIOA funding
    12

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Nursing AAS 21NC

    College of Lake County

    Grayslake

    Education and courses

    College of Lake County, Grayslake · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$61,500
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported

    7 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Nursing AAS 21NC at College of Lake County
    More details about Nursing AAS 21NC at College of Lake County
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    75%
    Earned in a quarter
    $15,385
    Length
    80 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    200
    a year, estimated
    $61,500
    price
    Not reported
    trained with WIOA funding
    7

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Nursing Traditional Track - Associate Of Science (asn)

    Ivy Tech Community College

    Crown Point

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ivy Tech Community College, Crown Point · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$69,100
    Price if you pay yourself$9,461

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Nursing Traditional Track - Associate Of Science (asn) at Ivy Tech Community College
    More details about Nursing Traditional Track - Associate Of Science (asn) at Ivy Tech Community College
    Finished
    99%
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    $17,268
    Length
    104 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,707
    Students counted
    198
    a year, estimated
    $69,100
    price
    $9,461
    trained with WIOA funding
    3

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridEducation and courses

    Nursing AAS

    Prairie State College

    Chicago Heights

    Education and courses

    Prairie State College, Chicago Heights · RN associate degree (ADN) · Hybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$40,000
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Nursing AAS at Prairie State College
    More details about Nursing AAS at Prairie State College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    81%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,988
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    166
    a year, estimated
    $40,000
    price
    Not reported

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Nursing - Associate Degree (RN)

    South Suburban College

    South Holland

    Education and courses

    South Suburban College, South Holland · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$32,400
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Nursing - Associate Degree (RN) at South Suburban College
    More details about Nursing - Associate Degree (RN) at South Suburban College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    $8,108
    Length
    120 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    68
    a year, estimated
    $32,400
    price
    Not reported

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Nursing Traditional Track - Associate Of Science (asn)

    Ivy Tech Community College

    Valparaiso

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ivy Tech Community College, Valparaiso · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$54,100
    Price if you pay yourself$9,461

    4 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Nursing Traditional Track - Associate Of Science (asn) at Ivy Tech Community College
    More details about Nursing Traditional Track - Associate Of Science (asn) at Ivy Tech Community College
    Finished
    29%
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    $13,528
    Length
    104 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,707
    Students counted
    52
    a year, estimated
    $54,100
    price
    $9,461
    trained with WIOA funding
    4

  • LPN to RN bridge (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed

    Nursing - Licensed Practical Nurse To Associate Of Applied Science

    University Of Saint Francis

    Crown Point

    No diploma needed

    University Of Saint Francis, Crown Point · LPN to RN bridge (associate degree) · Hybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$72,920
    Program website, Nursing - Licensed Practical Nurse To Associate Of Applied Science at University Of Saint Francis
    More details about Nursing - Licensed Practical Nurse To Associate Of Applied Science at University Of Saint Francis
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    104 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,000
    Students counted
    12
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $72,920

  • RN bachelor's degree (BSN)HybridNo diploma needed

    Bachelor Of Science In Nursing

    Purdue University Northwest

    Hammond

    No diploma needed

    Purdue University Northwest, Hammond · RN bachelor's degree (BSN) · Hybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$55,000
    Program website, Bachelor Of Science In Nursing at Purdue University Northwest
    More details about Bachelor Of Science In Nursing at Purdue University Northwest
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    208 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,335
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $55,000

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)

    Ambria College of Nursing

    Hoffman Estates

    Education and courses

    Ambria College of Nursing, Hoffman Estates · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) at Ambria College of Nursing
    More details about Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) at Ambria College of Nursing
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    90 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

  • RN bachelor's degree (BSN)HybridPrerequisite courses

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Governors State University

    University Park

    Prerequisite courses

    Governors State University, University Park · RN bachelor's degree (BSN) · Hybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Governors State University
    More details about Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Governors State University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

  • Accelerated RN bachelor's degree (for graduates)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated B.S.N.

    Olivet Nazarene University

    Oak Brook

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Olivet Nazarene University, Oak Brook · Accelerated RN bachelor's degree (for graduates) · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated B.S.N. at Olivet Nazarene University
    More details about Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated B.S.N. at Olivet Nazarene University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personPrerequisite courses

    Nursing (AAS)

    McHenry County College

    Crystal Lake

    Prerequisite courses

    McHenry County College, Crystal Lake · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Nursing (AAS) at McHenry County College
    More details about Nursing (AAS) at McHenry County College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    80 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

  • RN bachelor's degree (BSN)In personEducation and courses

    Nursing - Traditional (Bachelor of Science)

    University of St. Francis

    Joliet

    Education and courses

    University of St. Francis, Joliet · RN bachelor's degree (BSN) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Nursing - Traditional (Bachelor of Science) at University of St. Francis
    More details about Nursing - Traditional (Bachelor of Science) at University of St. Francis
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    80 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Nursing AAS Degree

    Oakton College

    Des Plaines

    Education and courses

    Oakton College, Des Plaines · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Nursing AAS Degree at Oakton College
    More details about Nursing AAS Degree at Oakton College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

  • RN bachelor's degree (BSN)HybridPrerequisite courses

    Nursing Bachelor of Science

    Northern Illinois University

    Dekalb

    Prerequisite courses

    Northern Illinois University, Dekalb · RN bachelor's degree (BSN) · Hybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Nursing Bachelor of Science at Northern Illinois University
    More details about Nursing Bachelor of Science at Northern Illinois University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    80 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Nursing-Associate in Applied Science

    Morton College

    Cicero

    Education and courses

    Morton College, Cicero · RN associate degree (ADN) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Nursing-Associate in Applied Science at Morton College
    More details about Nursing-Associate in Applied Science at Morton College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

  • RN refresher courseIn personPrerequisite courses

    RN Refresher

    Harper College

    Palatine

    Prerequisite courses

    Harper College, Palatine · RN refresher course · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, RN Refresher at Harper College
    More details about RN Refresher at Harper College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

How to pay for RN programs in Chicago

WIOA funding can pay for RN programs in Chicago

Every program on this page is approved for WIOA funding: public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It can pay for training for eligible adults, people who lost their job and young people.2People on public assistance, with a low income or lacking basic skills come first, and veterans have priority.3Your state or local area may limit how much WIOA pays and for how long. If a program costs more, a Pell Grant, a scholarship or severance pay can cover the rest.4

Ask at an American Job Center

Eligibility rules apply, and services vary from state to state. Your local American Job Center can tell you whether you qualify. The Department of Labor's page links to the center finder, or call 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627).5

Financial aid and grants for RN programs

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for RN programs

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Does WIOA pay for job training? Who qualifies and how to apply

Where the Chicago RN program numbers come from

Which Chicago RN programs are on this list?

These are the RN programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area that are approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Online programs are left out here; they are on the Illinois page. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what the area offers.

How Chicago RN program prices are reported

The price is tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported it. "Trained with WIOA funding" on a program counts the people whose training there WIOA paid toward through a training account in program year 2024; the file never gives counts under 3, so a program without the line may still take WIOA students. It does not say how much of the price WIOA covered. Prices under $100 are treated as not reported, because the file holds many blanks entered as $0. Check the current price with the school.

What the graduate results of these programs measure

The figures at the top of this page are the middle program among those that report results: half did better, half did worse. Results describe students who left each program in recent years: the share who finished, the share working in the second quarter after leaving, and the middle earnings of those working in that quarter. States report earnings for that one quarter because they take them from the wage reports employers file every three months. The yearly figure here is that quarter times four, rounded to the nearest $100: an estimate, and an early one, since it is measured about half a year after training. The quarter as reported is under "More details" on each program. Results are withheld for small programs, and they describe past students, so they are no guarantee.

Why do some RN programs say "Not reported"?

Where a school or the state left a field empty, or the Department of Labor withheld it, the page says "Not reported". Nothing here is estimated to fill a gap.

Why the kind of school is left off each program

The file also records whether a school is public, private or nonprofit, but those entries are wrong too often to print next to a school's name, so this page leaves them out.

How reliable are the Illinois figures?

The US Department of Labor's own results site lists Illinois among the states with "known data quality concerns".10 We leave out the share who finished for Illinois: only a few programs report it, and those at a typical 11%. We leave out prices for Illinois: the state files a code in place of each price, so no price can be shown.

Other training in Chicago

Sources for the facts about RN programs in Chicago

Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List
  10. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: search page, note on states with known data quality concerns