by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual reviewed 40 schools in Illinois to determine which ones were the best for associate degree seekers in the field of nursing. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 3,063 associate degrees in nursing during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
The nursing associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality nursing program can vary widely even among the top schools. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:
The overall quality of a associate degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving their associate degree from the school. After all, your associate degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for nursing students working on their associate degree.
Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Illinois ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.
Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in nursing.
Rasmussen University - Illinois is one of the best schools in the country for getting an associate degree in nursing. Rasmussen University - Illinois is a small private for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Rockford.
Students who graduate with their associate from the nursing program state that they receive average early career earnings of $68,119.
More information about a associate in nursing from Rasmussen University - Illinois
College of Lake County is one of the best schools in the United States for getting an associate degree in nursing. College of Lake County is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Grayslake.
Associate recipients from the nursing program at College of Lake County earn $6,126 more than the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.
More information about a associate in nursing from College of Lake County
Lincoln Land Community College is one of the best schools in the country for getting an associate degree in nursing. Located in the rural area of Springfield, LLCC is a public college with a medium-sized student population.
Students who graduate with their associate from the nursing program state that they receive average early career wages of $66,279.
More information about a associate in nursing from Lincoln Land Community College
Every student who is interested in an associate degree in nursing has to look into Elgin Community College. Located in the midsize city of Elgin, ECC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.
Those nursing students who get their associate degree from Elgin Community College make $5,375 more than the standard nursing student.
More information about a associate in nursing from Elgin Community College
Harper College is a fairly large public college located in the large suburb of Palatine.
Those nursing students who get their associate degree from William Rainey Harper College receive $4,583 more than the standard nursing grad.
More information about a associate in nursing from William Rainey Harper College
Located in the large suburb of East Peoria, ICC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.
Associate students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn about $65,741 for their early career.
More information about a associate in nursing from Illinois Central College
Located in the city of Chicago, Malcolm X College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.
Those nursing students who get their associate degree from City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College receive $3,740 more than the typical nursing grad.
More information about a associate in nursing from City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College
COD is a very large public college located in the large suburb of Glen Ellyn.
Those nursing students who get their associate degree from College of DuPage earn $2,759 more than the typical nursing grad.
More information about a associate in nursing from College of DuPage
Located in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee is a public college with a medium-sized student population.
Associate students who receive their degree from the nursing program earn around $66,440 in the first couple years of working.
More information about a associate in nursing from Waubonsee Community College
Located in the city of Kankakee, Kankakee Community College is a public college with a small student population.
After graduation, nursing associate recipients generally make about $66,261 at the beginning of their careers.
More information about a associate in nursing from Kankakee Community CollegeExplore all the Best Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Area or other specific states within that region.
One of 34 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Nursing has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 3,063 |
