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.
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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:
Utilizing a mix of online and on-campus coursework, ISU’s DNP-FNP program covers a total of 78 credit hours and 1,020 clinical hours. The curriculum is designed to allow students to sit in for the certification exam midway through the program. Part-time students may complete the course in 4–5 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 DNP program is open to BSN-educated nurses who wish to become NPs (FNP, WHNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP), AG clinical specialists, or experts in systems leadership or substance use/addiction. A minimum of 2,000 clinical hours must be completed before an NP or CNS student’s first rotation. The intensive program may be completed in 4–5 years.
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:
Starting every January, Millikin’s BSN-DNP program is open to nurses who wish to study at a full-time or part-time pace. To get into the FNP, Nursing Leadership, or Nurse Anesthesia track, the applicant must have a BSN degree, a GPA of at least 3.0, and nursing experience.
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-DNP program combines online coursework with in-person experiences for health assessment, skill courses, internships, and practicums. Nurses are also required to attend one on-campus day each semester. Part-time or full-time students may choose to specialize in either FNP, Educational Leadership, or Healthcare Leadership.
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 University offers a variety of DNP tracks for BSN-degree holders. Qualified applicants may choose to specialize in AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, NNP, PMHNP, or PNP (Acute and Primary Care). Tracks in Nurse Anesthesia, CNS (Neonatal and Pediatric Acute Care), and Transformative Leadership (Population Health and Systems) are also offered.
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:
SACN’s DNP program is open to BSN-educated nurses who are looking for a part-time option. Qualified applicants may choose from four available specialties, namely AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and Clinical Leadership. Depending on the track, the program may be completed in 4-6 years. The GPA requirement for applicants is slightly lower compared to other schools (2.8 out of 4.0).
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 flexible DNP program is open to qualified BSN-educated nurses who wish to become FNPs, PMHNPs, or Nurse Anesthetists. The NP tracks are offered in a hybrid format (online with a mix of on-campus experiences), while the CRNA program is a full-time degree that spans 36 months.
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:
Available on a part-time or full-time basis, UIC’s BSN-DNP program may be completed in 2-6 years (depending on the specialization). There are 12 tracks that focus on systems and advanced practice (including CRNA, which is only available as a post-BSN program). Intake is open every fall.
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:
MSN students who graduated from an accredited program can specialize in Loyola’s DNP in Systems Leadership, which can be completed in about two years. Those who are not NPs or clinical specialists but hold an accredited Master’s degree may also apply for the other NP or CNS tracks offered by the university.
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:
Similar to the BSN-DNP program, the application period for Millikin’s MSN-DNP program starts every January. The program, which consists of 50-54 credit hours and 800+ clinical hours, may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. On top of the requirements mentioned above, applicants must complete the required MSN core courses, Health Policy course, and graduate-level statistics course in order to be admitted.
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:
MSN-educated nurses who wish to advance their careers may do so through NIU’s MSN-DNP program. Successful applicants may choose to specialize in either Educational Leadership or Healthcare Leadership. The flexible program, which combines online coursework and hybrid experiences, may be completed part-time or full-time.
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 University’s DNP program is also open to MSN degree holders who wish to become nurse practitioners, CNS, or experts in Transformational Leadership. Applicants are subject to a gap analysis in order to tailor a study program that suits the student’s level of graduate education.
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:
SACN’s DNP program is also open to MSN degree holders. Tracks offered include AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and Leadership in Macro/Micro Healthcare systems. Compared to the BSN entry option, MSN degree holders must have a GPA of 3.0 to qualify. The program usually takes about three years to complete.
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 offers four tracks, namely AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and PMHNP, for BSN degree holders. Depending on the program, students may obtain their degree in 3.3 to 3.7 years. With Bradley’s small class sizes (ranging from 6-25 students), nurses can get the personalized support they need to complete their degree.
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 DNP program is open to BSN degree holders who wish to specialize in either AGNP, FNP, or Nurse Anesthesia. To graduate, students need to finish 10 core courses, alongside the track requirements and a DNP project. Financial aid and scholarships are offered to qualified applicants.
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 is designed for BSN-educated nurses who wish to become AGACNPs, AGPCNPs, FNPs, or PMHNPs. The program may be completed in 4.5 years. There is also an option to just finish the MSN part of the 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:
RFUMS’s DNP program is open to BSN degree holders who wish to become Nurse Anesthetists or PMHNPs. The CRNA program is a full-time course that spans 36 months, while the PMHNP program may be completed on a full-time (36 months) or part-time (48 months) basis.
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:
For nurses with an NLNAC-, ACEN- or CCNE-accredited MSN degree, Bradley offers a Leadership track for those who wish to master the administrative side of nursing care. There is no residency requirement; students may finish the 9 semesters and 1,000 clinical hours required in as short as three years.
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:
Nurses with a 3.0 GPA on their MSN degree are qualified to apply for Chamberlain’s DNP program. Students may choose from three tracks, namely Healthcare Systems Leadership, Educational Leadership, and Advanced Practice Leadership. With a class size average of only 13 students, each nurse is assured of personalized learning support from the school.
DePaul University
- Chicago, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 51-64
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $18,720 per year
Program Overview:
MSN-prepared nurses can get the leadership and research skills they need through DePaul’s online DNP program. The flexible program has four enrollment terms and an asynchronous feature, which allows students to complete the coursework at their own pace.
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 DNP is also offered to MSN-degree holders who wish to specialize in any of the four APN tracks available, as well as Nursing Education or Healthcare Systems Leadership. The program is designed for APNs who would like to pursue a terminal degree on a part-time or full-time basis.
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:
RFUMS also offers an MSN-DNP program for aspiring PMHNPs, whether they have direct or indirect experience in mental health nursing. The university is in charge of coordinating all its students’ clinical rotations via its extensive network of healthcare partners. It also offers a clinical residency program that may be completed through its community partners.
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:
Open to MSN-degree holders and/or APRNs, SIUE’s post-masters DNP is designed to provide its students with the experiential learning they need to become skillful leaders in their respective organizations. The program culminates in a doctoral project, which should reflect the student’s learning experience.
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 DNP is open to APRNs with a Master’s degree in Nursing. Qualified applicants may choose to specialize in another field, while CRNAs may only select the nurse anesthesia (no new specialty) option. On top of the required courses, post-master DNP students will need to complete 1,000 clinical hours.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Illinois
Systems-focused DNPs usually take the quickest time to finish. The University of Illinois-Chicago systems-focused BSN-DNP tracks may be completed in two years’ time. The same goes for Loyola University-Chicago’s MSN-DNP in Systems Leadership, which may be finished in two years.
Best DNP Programs in Illinois
Ranked sixth in the country, Rush University topped the 2024 US News & World Report’s Best DNP Program in Illinois list. Coming in next is the University of Illinois-Chicago, which is ranked 14th in the US.
Other Illinois schools that entered the list are:
- Loyola University Chicago — rank 90
- Millikin University — rank 135
- Saint Anthony College of Nursing — rank 141-156
Cheapest DNP Programs in Illinois
The cheapest BSN-DNP program is offered by Illinois State University. The tuition fee for residents is $10,278 per year plus other fees, while for non-residents, it costs $18,470 per year plus other fees.
For MSN degree holders, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville’s online DNP is the most affordable program. It costs $20,280 plus other fees.
Illinois Direct Entry RN to DNP Programs
There are no RN-DNP programs in Illinois. However, nurses with an ADN can still become a DNP by taking the RN-MSN option (as offered by Bradley University) before continuing with an MSN-DNP degree. Another option is to take an RN-BSN program followed by a BSN-DNP degree.