Whether you hold a BSN or MSN degree, you should consider getting a DNP, which is a terminal degree in nursing. After all, by the year 2025, the DNP will be the entry-level degree required for nurse practitioners.
Getting a DNP degree is also a way for you to improve your financial status. According to Ziprecruiter, DNP holders in Illinois earn as much as $187,343 a year.
Whatever motivation you have for getting your DNP, the programs below should give you a bird’s eye view of what you need to accomplish in order to achieve your aspirations.
DNP Programs in Illinois
DNP programs in Illinois provide nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to further their careers. Whether you’re looking to become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or educational/leadership expert, here are several program options that will work for you:
Illinois BSN to DNP Programs
Nurses with a BSN degree may obtain their DNP via hybrid or on-campus learning at any of these eight universities:
Illinois State University
- Normal, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 78
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $10,278 per year plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $18,470 per year plus other fees
Program Overview:
Illinois State University’s DNP-FNP mixes online coursework with on-campus sessions across 78 credit hours and 1,020 clinical hours. The curriculum sequences students into the certification exam midway through the program. Part-time students typically finish in 4 to 5 years.
Loyola University Chicago
- Chicago, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 63-72
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $72,450 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Loyola’s BSN-to-DNP welcomes nurses pursuing FNP, WHNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP roles, adult-gerontology clinical specialist training, or systems leadership and substance-use concentrations. The program requires at least 2,000 clinical hours and leverages Loyola’s Chicago-area academic medical center network.
Millikin University
- Decatur, Illinois
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Modality: On-campus, hybrid, or online
Credit Hours: 70
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $77,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Millikin’s BSN-to-DNP opens each January for full-time or part-time enrollment. Tracks include FNP, Nursing Leadership, and Nurse Anesthesia. Applicants need a BSN, GPA minimums, and matching clinical prerequisites for the specialty track they select. Central IL location fits downstate applicants.
Northern Illinois University
- DeKalb County, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 64-73
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $47,984 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NIU’s BSN-to-DNP pairs online coursework with in-person health assessment labs, skills courses, internships, and practicums, plus one on-campus day per semester. Full-time or part-time pacing fits working RNs in northern IL who can commute periodically to DeKalb.
Rush University
- Chicago, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 70-80
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $94,080 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Rush runs one of the most comprehensive BSN-to-DNP catalogs in the state, with specialization options across AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, NNP, PMHNP, and PNP (both Acute and Primary Care), plus Nurse Anesthesia, neonatal/peds clinical specialist tracks. Clinical placements draw from Rush University Medical Center’s Chicago network.
St. Anthony College of Nursing
- Rockford, Illinois
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Modality: On-campus, hybrid, or online
Credit Hours: 74
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $75,036 plus other fees
Program Overview:
St. Anthony College of Nursing’s BSN-to-DNP is a part-time option for Peoria-area nurses with four specialty tracks: AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and Clinical Leadership. Clinical hour requirements vary by track. The program sits adjacent to OSF HealthCare’s clinical network in central IL.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
- Edwardsville, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 66-80 credits
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $44,616 plus other fees
Program Overview:
SIU-Edwardsville’s flexible BSN-to-DNP offers FNP, PMHNP, and Nurse Anesthesia specialties. The NP tracks use a hybrid format (online with periodic on-campus sessions), while CRNA training is primarily campus-based given the specialty’s hands-on anesthesia skill requirements. Fits nurses in the St. Louis metro East and southern IL.
University of Illinois-Chicago
- Chicago, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 75-90 credits
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: starting at $71,680 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: starting at $136,080 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UIC’s BSN-to-DNP is the flagship Illinois public-university option, with 12 tracks spanning systems and advanced practice specialties including CRNA (full-time only). Completion runs 2 to 6 years depending on track and pace. UIC’s clinical network spans the University of Illinois Hospital and affiliated Chicago sites.
Illinois MSN to DNP Programs
Here are five hybrid and/or on-campus universities in Illinois that offer an MSN-DNP program:
Loyola University Chicago
- Chicago, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 30 upwards
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $34,500 plus other fees
Program Overview:
For MSN-prepared nurses, Loyola’s DNP in Systems Leadership can be completed in about two years. The track fits non-NP master’s graduates who want doctoral-level leadership preparation without adding a new clinical specialty.
Millikin University
- Decatur, Illinois
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Modality: On-campus, hybrid, or online
Credit Hours: 50-54
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $55,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Millikin’s MSN-to-DNP opens each January with 50-54 credit hours and 800+ clinical hours. Full-time or part-time pacing accommodates working central-IL APRNs continuing toward the doctorate from a prior Millikin MSN or equivalent.
Northern Illinois University
- DeKalb County, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 33-51
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $24,741.75 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NIU’s MSN-to-DNP specializes in either Educational Leadership or Healthcare Leadership, completable on a flexible schedule. The program targets MSN-prepared nurses in northern IL seeking the terminal degree in a leadership-focused curriculum.
Rush University
- Chicago, Illinois
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 31 minimum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $41,664 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Rush’s MSN-entry DNP paths open to nurses aiming for NP certification, CNS roles, or Transformational Leadership. Admission includes a gap analysis to tailor each student’s plan of study, which means credit load varies based on prior graduate coursework.
St. Anthony College of Nursing
- Rockford, Illinois
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Modality: On-campus, hybrid, or online
Credit Hours: N/A
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,104 per credit
Program Overview:
St. Anthony College of Nursing also admits MSN-prepared nurses into its DNP with tracks in AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and Leadership in Macro/Micro Healthcare Systems. MSN applicants must meet a 3.0 GPA threshold to qualify.
Online DNP Programs in Illinois
The online DNP programs below provide nurses with the skills and knowledge they need with no to minimal campus visits.
Illinois Online BSN to DNP Programs
BSN-educated nurses who wish to obtain a DNP on an online basis may do so through any of these four universities:
Bradley University
- Peoria, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 68-74
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $74,120 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Bradley’s online DNP serves BSN-prepared nurses across four specialties: AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and PMHNP. Programs span 3.3 to 3.7 years depending on track. Small cohort sizes of 6 to 25 students give Bradley a tighter mentoring model than most large public programs.
DePaul University
- Chicago, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 52-64
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $18,720 per year
Program Overview:
DePaul’s online BSN-to-DNP offers AGNP, FNP, and Nurse Anesthesia specialization. Graduation requires 10 core courses, track-specific coursework, and a DNP project. Credit-hour load varies by specialty. Chicago location fits applicants seeking an urban private-university option with online flexibility.
Lewis University
- Romeoville, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online with annual DNP immersion and Health Assessment lab experiences at the Oak Brook campus
Credit Hours: 70-75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $58,100
Program Overview:
Lewis University’s online DNP serves BSN-prepared nurses targeting AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, or PMHNP certification. The program finishes in about 4.5 years, with an option to exit at the MSN milestone if doctoral commitment changes mid-program.
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- North Chicago, Illinois
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with annual, two to four on-campus immersion events
Credit Hours: 104-137 quarter credits
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $110,148 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Rosalind Franklin’s DNP admits BSN-prepared nurses for Nurse Anesthesia (36 months full-time) or PMHNP (36 months full-time, with part-time options). The university’s North Chicago health-sciences focus positions it strongly for anesthesia and psychiatric specialty preparation.
Illinois Online MSN to DNP Programs
MSN-degree holders and/or APRNs can acquire their terminal degree online through any of these seven schools:
Bradley University
- Peoria, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36-49
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $39,240 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Bradley’s online MSN-to-DNP Leadership track admits MSN-prepared nurses from NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE programs who want administrative preparation. The program runs 9 semesters with no residency requirement, which fits working APRNs staying in their current clinical roles through the doctorate.
Chamberlain University
- Downers Grove, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 32-40
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $26,560 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Chamberlain’s online DNP admits MSN-prepared nurses with a 3.0 GPA minimum. Tracks include Healthcare Systems Leadership, Educational Leadership, and Advanced Practice Leadership. Chamberlain’s national scale and online infrastructure mean no campus attendance is required.
DePaul University
- Chicago, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 51-64
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $18,720 per year
Program Overview:
DePaul’s online MSN-to-DNP runs four enrollment terms per year with asynchronous delivery, letting MSN-prepared nurses fit coursework around full-time work. The leadership-and-research curriculum completes in as few as two years full-time.
Lewis University
- Romeoville, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online with annual DNP immersion and Health Assessment lab experiences at the Oak Brook campus
Credit Hours: 40-49
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $33,200 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Lewis University’s online MSN-to-DNP admits APRNs across four advanced practice specialties plus Nursing Education or Healthcare Systems Leadership concentrations. The program is designed for practicing APRNs staying in clinical roles while completing the doctorate.
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- North Chicago, Illinois
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with annual, two to four on-campus immersion events
Credit Hours: 104-137 quarter credits
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: starting at $110,148 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Rosalind Franklin’s MSN-to-DNP PMHNP track admits APRNs with direct or indirect mental health nursing experience. RFUMS coordinates clinical rotations through its extensive North Chicago network, removing the preceptor-sourcing burden that falls on students at many other programs.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
- Edwardsville, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online with immersion experiences in August each year
Credit Hours: 33–36 credits
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $20,280 plus other fees
Program Overview:
SIU-Edwardsville’s post-master’s DNP admits MSN-degree holders and practicing APRNs. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning and culminates in a leadership-focused capstone. Fits APRNs in the St. Louis metro East seeking the terminal degree without relocating.
University of Illinois-Chicago
- Chicago, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 60+ credits
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: starting at $61,440 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: starting at $90,720 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UIC’s fully-online post-master’s DNP admits APRNs with a Master’s in Nursing. CRNAs retain their nurse anesthesia specialty; other APRNs may select an additional specialty. On the online format plus UIC’s strong Chicago clinical network, this is one of the flagship public-university post-MSN options in the state.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Illinois
Systems- and leadership-focused DNPs typically finish fastest in IL because they don’t require new clinical specialty training. UIC’s systems-focused BSN-to-DNP tracks can finish in two years full-time. Loyola’s MSN-to-DNP in Systems Leadership also finishes in about two years. For APRN-track doctorates, most IL programs run 3 to 4.5 years depending on full-time or part-time pacing.
Best DNP Programs in Illinois
What counts as best depends on what you’re optimizing for. By US News ranking, Rush University led IL DNP programs at #6 nationally in the most recent cycle, with UIC at #14 — those two are the Chicago academic medical center anchors. Loyola University Chicago, Millikin University, and Saint Anthony College of Nursing round out the ranked tier. For breadth of specialty tracks, Rush and UIC lead with 8-12 NP specialties each. For small-cohort attention, Bradley and Saint Anthony’s smaller class sizes stand out.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Illinois
By published per-credit and per-year tuition, the most affordable IL DNP options split by entry credential. The cheapest BSN-to-DNP is at Illinois State University: $10,278 per year for IL residents, $18,470 for non-residents. For MSN-prepared nurses, SIU-Edwardsville’s online post-master’s DNP is the lowest at around $20,280. Non-residents in particular should compare total program cost across options — fee structures and clinical-placement costs vary widely.
Illinois Direct Entry RN to DNP Programs
No direct-entry RN-to-DNP program exists in Illinois at present. ADN-prepared RNs pursuing the doctorate have two sequential paths. Bradley University runs an RN-to-MSN bridge that leads into their MSN-to-DNP. Alternately, an RN-to-BSN completion program plus a BSN-to-DNP offers a more common sequence. Either route typically takes 5 to 7 years total from ADN to DNP depending on pacing and prior clinical experience.