2026 Best Value Nursing Science Schools in Illinois

1

Governors State University
University Park, IL

Our analysis ranked Governors State University the best value for a degree in nursing science in Illinois. 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. Students borrow a median of $27,342 to complete the nursing science program here. Early-career nursing science graduates make about $91,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Governors State University admits about 48% of applicants.

2

Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Xavier University earned it the #2 place for nursing science. Set in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,945 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for nursing science graduates is $27,188. Soon after graduation, nursing science degree recipients from Saint Xavier University generally make around $95,130. That is a strong return on a $27,188 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

A rank of #3 makes University Of Illinois At Chicago one of the best values for nursing science. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the nursing science program here. Early-career nursing science graduates make about $87,290. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

4

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Students looking for strong value in nursing science will find it at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #4. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.

5

North Park University
Chicago, IL

A rank of #5 makes North Park University one of the best values for nursing science. 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. Early-career nursing science graduates make about $89,721. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Park University admits about 68% of applicants.

6

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing science schools. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Nursing Science graduates carry a median of $23,075 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing science degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $49,660. That is a strong return on a $23,075 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.

7

Benedictine University
Lisle, IL

Benedictine University came in at #7 for value in nursing science this year. Located in the suburb of Lisle, Benedictine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,648. Nursing Science graduates carry a median of $17,188 in student loans. Nursing Science graduates of Benedictine University earn a median of $90,860 early in their careers. Set against $17,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Benedictine University admits about 95% of applicants.

8

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #8 for value in nursing science this year. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Typical student debt for nursing science graduates is $25,310. Early-career nursing science graduates make about $55,226. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

9

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing science schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Nursing Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Nursing Science graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $111,912 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.