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2027 Best Value Nursing Science Schools in Illinois

9 Colleges in the United States
$25,070 Avg Student Debt
$63,199 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Nursing Science Badge [Nursing Science](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/nursing-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong nursing science education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value nursing science schools.

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2027 Best Value Nursing Science Schools in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in nursing science, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Nursing Science Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Saint Xavier University the best value for a degree in nursing science in Illinois. Set in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,945. Typical student debt for nursing science graduates is $27,188. Nursing Science graduates of Saint Xavier University earn a median of $95,130 early in their careers. Set against $27,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in nursing science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the nursing science program here. Early-career nursing science graduates make about $87,290. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

3
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Governors State University earned it the #3 place for nursing science. Located in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,004. Typical student debt for nursing science graduates is $27,342. Early-career nursing science graduates make about $91,087. Set against $27,342 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place for nursing science. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the nursing science program here. Soon after graduation, nursing science degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $91,491. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.

5

Students looking for strong value in nursing science will find it at North Park University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Chicago, North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the nursing science program here. Nursing Science graduates of North Park University earn a median of $89,721 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

6

Illinois State University placed #6 among the best values for nursing science. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,075 to complete the nursing science program here. Soon after graduation, nursing science degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $90,432. That is a strong return on a $23,075 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.

7

Benedictine University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing science schools. Set in the suburb of Lisle, Benedictine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,648. Nursing Science graduates carry a median of $17,188 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing science degree recipients from Benedictine University generally make around $90,860. That is a strong return on a $17,188 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

8
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing science schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical student debt for nursing science graduates is $25,340. Early-career nursing science graduates make about $55,390. That is a strong return on a $25,340 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

9

Loyola University Chicago came in at #9 for value in nursing science this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the nursing science program here. Soon after graduation, nursing science degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $111,912. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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