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Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Illinois

Illinois is often referred to as the “Land of Lincoln,” as a nod to the late President and former Illinois resident Abraham Lincoln, a pillar of democracy and freedom. Nurses played a significant role in the Civil War, fought during Lincoln’s time in office. 

The nursing field has always had an undercurrent of democracy that informs its policies. Nurses provide care to all types of people regardless of their background. 

Fundamental to a nurse having success in their role involves having a degree. Nurses are skilled practitioners and going to college to advance their careers helps them successfully move forward. 

Some of the more common degree types are: 

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

However, accelerated degree programs and bridge programs are offered to nursing students that can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in school.

Choosing a nursing program may feel stressful and confusing. To help, we’ve created a list of the best nursing programs in the state of Illinois. 

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Illinois’s top nursing programs:

1. Saint Anthony College of Nursing
2. Loyola University Chicago
3. Rush University
4. Rush University
5. Elmhurst University

1. Saint Anthony College of Nursing – Score 94

NCLEX pass rate: 92%

Saint Anthony College of Nursing is located in Rockford, Illinois, and has just over 200 undergraduate students on campus per year. Due to its small student population, the school provides students with an intimate learning environment. Their nursing program is one of the most prominent schools in the nation. Over the last four years, the school’s graduates have had a 96% pass rate 

Nursing programs offered:

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• DNP

2. Loyola University Chicago – Score 83

NCLEX pass rate: 91%

Loyola University Chicago is home to over 22,000 students, making it a medium-sized institution. The school has a 14:1 faculty to student ratio. Additionally, 98% of students who graduate are employed or in graduate school. Additionally, the school offers nursing students a lot of options when it comes to completing a BSN. Specifically, the school offers students a traditional BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN programs, and hybrid programs. 

Nursing programs offered: 

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• DNP

3. Rush University – Score 79.5

NCLEX pass rate: 96%

Rush University, located in Chicago, is home to over 2,000 students. This makes it a relatively small student body. Rush University Medical Center received approximately $94 million in 2019 in research awards. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Rush University undergraduate students earn more money after graduation than other undergraduates nationwide with an average income of $74,000. 

The school offers the following nursing programs to students: 

• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

4. Lewis University – Score 79.5

NCLEX pass rate: 94%

Lewis University is a Catholic university located in Romeoville, IL, and is home to over 6,200 students. The school has a 13:1 faculty to student ratio. The school’s nursing program has been running for over 40 years. The school regularly has one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the nation. 

The school offers the following nursing programs to students: 

• BSN
• BAC to BSN
• MSN
• DNP

5. Elmhurst University – Score 76

NCLEX pass rate: 90%

Elmhurst University is a Christian university located in Elmhurst, Illinois, and is home to approximately 2,400 students. The school offers a 13:1 faculty to student ratio and average 18 students per class. This makes for a unique learning experience where students can learn in a tight-knit community and receive individualized instruction. More than 93% of students who graduate from an undergraduate program are employed within a year of graduating. 

How to choose the right nursing program

Choosing the right nursing program may feel stressful. The good news is that we’ve provided several factors for you to consider to help make your decision easier. When choosing a school, some of the factors you should consider are location, tuition, NCLEX scores, and programs offered. 

Location

This is a major factor for a lot of nursing students when choosing a program to attend. Most nursing programs don’t have online components, so you must select a program that you can easily commute to. The worst thing would be to choose a program that becomes a burden to you simply because it’s too far from your house. Below is a map that shows where each school is located.

Tuition 

Let’s face it: paying for school can be a huge barrier for students. Also, many nurses end up absorbing a massive amount of student debt from their years of college. Additionally, some nurses transition into the field after spending years in another specialty or having another degree from which they’ve already accumulated student debt.

Finding a school that’s both affordable and reputable can seem challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to jeopardize quality over price. Several of the schools we analyzed were both affordable and highly respected. 

NCLEX scores

One of the most critical measures of a nursing program’s credibility is its NCLEX pass rates. The NCLEX test is an examination that measures a potential registered nurse’s aptitude. A good NCLEX pass rate for a school is anything in the 90th percentile and above. 

Programs offered

The programs offered at the particular school you want to go to is critically important. You need to make sure that the school you are applying to has the program that you need. There are many different nursing programs offered at various schools. The principal baseline program offered at most universities is the BSN program. However, every person has different needs, and choosing the right program depends on the career track you are interested in. 

Graduation Rate 

The last factor that you should consider when choosing a nursing program is the graduation rate. A higher graduation rate indicates that the school graduates first-year students within 4-6 years at a greater rate than other schools. Knowing that your school has a proven track record of graduating students on time is crucial. 

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Ranking methodology

To capture the best schools in each state, we applied a rigorous formula, isolating five variables that were weighted equally: 

• Graduation rate
• NCLEX pass rate
• CCNE accreditation
• Programs offered
• Tuition costs 

We retrieved our data from the following locations: 

• University webpages
• The state board of registered nursing if applicable (for example, Illinois Board of Registered Nursing)
• The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard  
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• U.S. News Best Colleges 

To calculate the scores for the respective schools, we took the lowest-scoring school from each individual metric, assigned it a 1 and gave the highest score a 10. We then were able to create brackets within that range to place each college in. 

After coming up with a score for each school out of ten for their respective metric, we added them up and multiplied them by two to come up with a score out of 100. 

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Rhode Island

Though Rhode Island is the smallest-sized state, it boasts beautiful sights and coastal views. Known for its historical cities and sandy beaches, this state is not far from such major cities as Boston and New York City, while still being a relaxed, isolated location to unwind and enjoy the sea. Rhode Island is also home to well-renowned hospitals and nursing schools, making it an enticing destination for students looking for professional development in a charming place.

Finding the right path in nursing can be a task, especially if you’re unsure where to start. With the different types of nursing programs, it can be daunting trying to decide which is right for you. Rhode Island, in particular, offers nursing programs in prestigious colleges that can help on your road to success, including online courses, accelerated learning, and bridge programs. Upon graduation, seeking employment in this state is tempting, given their salary ranges.

With this blog post, we hope to aid you in your search for the right school and career path. Our list below details some of the top nursing schools in Rhode Island, and what they can do for your aspirations and goals in healthcare.

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1. University of Rhode Island – Score 73.33

NCLEX Pass Rate: 85.89%

In-state tuition: $15,880

Out-of-State tuition: $34,362

Initially developed in 1863 as part of President Lincoln’s Morrill’s Land Grant Act, the University of Rhode Island (URI) is now considered the flagship public research and land-grant university of the state. The URI College of Nursing ranked number 1 in New England in federal research funding from the National Institutes of Health. 

Nursing students at URI are often involved in educational and exciting extracurricular events, such as health information booths, conferences, and even their yearly Day of Giving each October. They offer online courses of study for undergraduates in nursing, and 90% of recent URI grads are employed or pursuing graduate studies. The overall graduation rate is 69%. 

The CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN 
• RN to BS 
• MSN 
• PhD
• DNP

2. Rhode Island College – Score 66.67

NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.41%

In-state tuition: $4,741

Out-of-State tuition: $12,507

Founded originally in 1854, Rhode Island College was the first public institution of higher education in the state. This university is an 180-acre campus that serves approximately 7,000 students in courses and programs both on- and off-campus. Nearby Providence is known as the “Creative Capital” of New England and offers unique food experiences, historic sites, and rich culture.

The Zvart Onanian School of Nursing uses state-of-the-art technology and simulated clinical experiences to teach its students, along with peer tutor and mentor programs, nursing student clubs, and scholarship opportunities. The overall graduation rate is 54%. 

Their CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• RN to BSN

3. Salve Regina University – Score 60

NCLEX Pass Rate: 79.69%

Annual tuition: $46,000

Salve Regina University in Newport, RI was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1934 and is a Catholic university. This harbor town is known for its historical homes and perfect sailing conditions.  The campus itself is right on the water with lovely views. The Salve Regina nursing school offers two plans of study: a pre-licensure track for high school graduates and a degree completion track for students who are already registered nurses. 

98% of Regina Salve graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees within 6 months of Commencement. The overall graduation rate is 70%. 

The CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• DNP
• MS 
• RN to BS

How to choose the right nursing program

When deciding on which nursing program is right for you, it’s important to look at all the possible paths and the degree that suits your needs best. Factor in the location, tuition costs, pass rates for exams, programs offered, and graduation rates in order to set yourself up for success.

Location

While Rhode Island may be a small state, it has many charming, historic towns and beautiful seaside views, making it a wonderful place to reside. Finding the right balance of your commute between on-campus learning and off-campus life is key. As a nursing student, you also need to account for any clinicals or labs, and their distance from school. Should you consider some online courses to save on time? Look at all of your options before making a choice.

Tuition

Life as a college student means added responsibility for money and debt. Since student debt can be an issue in the long-run, consider the ways you can afford tuition more easily. Scholarships, grants, and loans through FAFSA can help to ease the burden, so see what you may be eligible for. Once you graduate, there may even be loan forgiveness and loan repayment programs, especially as a healthcare worker.

NCLEX pass rate

The NCLEX exam is a must for anyone hoping to become a registered nurse. Checking out the pass rate for each university is a good measure of their credibility and care for students. Before applying, do your research to ensure that your top choice college is setting up their nursing students for success, especially if they offer exam preparation and study incentives. Take note of high percentages of students passing their NCLEX.  

Programs offered

Picking the right university also requires making sure they offer the programs you need for your degree. If you’re pursuing a graduate degree or transferring from another college, it’s especially crucial to guarantee those credits will carry over. Going over their program offerings and course expectations will help to give you an idea of whether or not a school is the right fit for your education needs.

Graduation rate 

During your research for universities, be sure to find their graduation rates. This is one way to measure a school’s track record, since it gives information about the percentage of undergraduates who complete their program between 4-6 years of study. High graduation rates demonstrate a university’s quality in their courses and programs, leading to a better chance of employment upon graduation.

Next steps

While it can feel like an undertaking to find the right nursing school for you, there are just a handful of factors to consider, such as the financial aspects, future employment within the state, and what’s most important to you out of earning a nursing degree. These top schools in Rhode Island, along with their statistics, can be a good starting point.

Once you graduate, you’ll want to look toward the future of your nursing career. With Incredible Health, our variety of resources are here to assist on your journey and better kickstart your career, especially for different states and their individual stipulations.

One important aspect of these next steps includes having the correct license requirements for Rhode Island. When you’re coming from out-of-state, this is essential to know and be up-to-date on.

If you’re wondering where you should go after graduation in order to continue your education credits, check out Rhode Island’s free CEU courses. These courses will provide you with the right certifications you need.

Prospective students can also turn to other nurses and professionals who can offer advice, help, and other answers about nursing in Rhode Island.

Once you start looking for a job, let Incredible Health help you. We can connect you with employers just waiting to hire you!

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Methodology

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduation rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and the number of nursing programs offered.

Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score.

We used data from: 

• University webpages
• (State) Board of Nursing
• U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Mississippi

As the birthplace of American blues, Mississippi offers southern charm and unique landscapes. Whether you want to live in the heart of farmland or on the Gulf Shores, there are many inviting locations in this state. It has even ranked number 22 on U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best States ranking for Natural Environments. Another enticing feature of Mississippi is its impressive schools, especially for nursing students.

When seeking opportunities for professional development, the schools in Mississippi offer many nursing programs for those interested in a healthcare career. Universities in this state offer a variety of online courses, bridge programs, and accelerated learning. With how affordable the cost of living is, and the impressive scenery, it’s no wonder many stay in Mississippi after graduating to enjoy the competitive salary ranges and benefits. 

In this blog, you’re going to read over the top nursing schools in Mississippi, and everything you should know before pursuing your nursing education in this state.

Mississippi’s top nursing programs:

1. Mississippi University for Women
2. University of Mississippi
3. University of Southern Mississippi
4. Delta State University
5. Mississippi College
6. William Carey University

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1. Mississippi University for Women – Score 78.33

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

Annual tuition: $7,766

The Mississippi University for Women (The W), located in Columbus, was chartered in 1884, and it was the first state-supported college for women in the country. Since 1982, it has been admitting men and is focused on providing a high quality liberal arts education for its students. 

The W’s nursing school is nationally accredited, with high employment rates for their students upon graduation. Their facilities include nursing resource centers, skills and simulation labs, and centers dedicated to nursing concentrations, such as speech and hearing. The graduation rate is 62%. 

The CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN 
• MSN 
• DNP
• Post Graduate Certificate

2. University of Mississippi – Score 68.33

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.08%

In-State tuition: $9,072

Out-of-State tuition: $26,292

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is in Oxford, MS. This college was chartered in 1844 and opened its door 4 years later to students. For 23 years, it was Mississippi’s only public institution of higher learning and for 110 years, the state’s only comprehensive university. 

Their School of Nursing was founded in 1948, and their campus now houses 4 specialized hospitals, including the state’s only children’s hospital. Their nursing program offers early-entry points, online classes, bridge pathways, and post-master’s certifications. The graduation rate is 63%. 

The CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• PhD
• DNP
• RN to BSN
• RN to MSN
• Accelerated BSN

3. University of Southern Mississippi – Score 56.67

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.35%

In-State tuition: $9,094

Out-of-State tuition: $11,094

The University of Southern Mississippi, or Southern Miss, is located in Hattiesburg. It was founded in 1910 and has over 100 years of rich history. This college is one of only 146 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation. 

Southern Miss’s nursing school offers early admission for select freshmen, as well as simulation labs and clinicals for all nursing students. They also have a nearly 100% graduate employment rate. Their overall graduation rate is 50%. 

The CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• DNP
• MSN

4. Delta State University – Score 53.33

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.43%

Annual tuition: $8,435

Delta State University (DSU) is in Cleveland, MS and began in 1925 as Delta State Teachers College. Over the years, DSU has transformed from just a teacher’s college and now consists of 64 buildings and is situated on 330 acres. 

Their Robert E. Smith School of Nursing offers online courses, flexible and part-time schedules, and non-traditional clinical options. This university was rated the number 1 RN to BSN online program and the number 2 most affordable master’s degree in nursing online. The graduation rate is 41%. 

The CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• DNP

5. Mississippi College – Score 46.67

NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.67%

Annual tuition: $19,656

Mississippi College in Clinton, MS is a private, co-educational Christian university, with beginnings dating back to 1826. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. 

Their school of nursing offers online courses, and has been ranked number 1 in Best Registered Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Mississippi and Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Mississippi. After earning their degrees, 95-100% of graduates are employed full-time in nursing within one year. The graduation rate is 52%. 

The CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• ABSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN

6. William Carey University – Score 46.67

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

Annual tuition: $14,400

William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS first opened in 1892 as Pearl River Boarding School. For decades, it initially operated as Mississippi Woman’s College but was renamed in honor in 1954 when the school became coeducational. Throughout the years, it has grown into 3 campuses on over 170 acres, with many degrees and programs for its students. 

The Carey School of Nursing includes full-time and part-time plans of study, along with online courses and advanced placements. Their overall graduation rate is 47%. 

The CCNE accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• PhD

How to choose the right nursing program

Before deciding on one of the above schools, you have to take into account your own personal goals and aspirations in nursing. Finding the right university involves considering the location, tuition costs, exam pass rates, programs offered, and their graduation rates. With so many nursing degree options, choosing the right path involves doing your research.

Location

Though Mississippi isn’t one of the larger states in the country, having the right commute time to and from your university is crucial. Nursing students especially will need to take into account clinicals, labs, and other off-campus degree requirements. Perhaps taking some online courses can help reduce travel time with your busy schedule, so consider all your options before choosing a school.

Tuition

College tuition can be pricey, and as a student, you’ll need to think of every cost ahead of time. For Mississippi residents, staying in-state to earn their degree can save quite a lot, along with scholarships and grants. Using FAFSA for your student loans can be helpful, and upon graduation, you may even be eligible for student loan forgiveness as a nursing graduate.

NCLEX pass rate

Passing your NCLEX is a must when you want to become a licensed nurse. Checking out a college’s NCLEX pass rate ahead of time will help gauge how they set their students up for success. Universities with high pass rates have a proven record of quality education, as well as additional preparation and tutoring so that nursing students become qualified healthcare professionals once they’ve graduated.

Programs offered

Though you may be eager to choose a school and get started on your nursing journey, it’s important that you choose a school that can offer you the right programs for your degree. Thoroughly look through each university’s curriculum and program. If you’re transferring from another school or looking for an advanced degree, ensure your credits will carry over so that you can graduate within the right amount of time.

Graduation rate 

A school’s graduate rate is the percentage of its students who graduate within 4-6 years. When these rates are high, they demonstrate a care for students in the coursework, programs offered, and student guidance. Finding a top nursing school in Mississippi involves checking these statistics to help set you up for a successful career in nursing after graduation.

Next steps

Decide which elements mean the most to you, when pursuing your education. Is it location? Cost? Extracurriculars? No matter the reason, considering the schools listed above for Mississippi is a great place to start, since these institutions value nursing programs and degrees.

Once you’ve graduated, you want to think of your next steps. Finding a job with your new degree is key, and Incredible Health has helpful resources to get your nursing career kickstarted. Do you have the right licensing and certifications for Mississippi? This is important to know, especially if you’re coming from out-of-state. 

After graduation, continue your learning and skill-building with Mississippi’s free CEU courses. These courses will help to provide you with the right certifications and tools to succeed in nursing.

You can also turn to other healthcare professionals for advice, helpful tips, and other answers about nursing in Mississippi.

Once you start looking for a job, come to us here at Incredible Health. We can connect you with employers just waiting to hire you!

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Methodology

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduation rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and the number of nursing programs offered.

Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score.

We used data from:

• University webpages
• (State) Board of Nursing
• U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings