The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
A master of science in nursing provides the necessary skills for specialist roles. Practitioner-track MSN programs can lead to a career as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Non-practitioner tracks are the primary path to careers in nursing education or administration. See below the best MSN programs, ranked according to our methodology.
Our master's in nursing rankings cover 408 of the 493 universities available, accounting for 96% of total student conferrals. Three years after completing their degree, graduates earn a weighted average salary of $101,473.
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $13,396
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$29,820
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.27
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#2 in Illinois|#30 in Nursing nationally
McKendree University
Lebanon, Illinois
Economic score:0.26
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $5,742
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$27,968
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.27
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#3 in Illinois|#34 in Nursing nationally
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois
Economic score:0.26
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $7,602
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$29,000
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.28
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#4 in Illinois|#46 in Nursing nationally
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Economic score:0.28
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $5,491
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$30,765
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.30
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#5 in Illinois|#60 in Nursing nationally
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
Economic score:0.30
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: - $296
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$28,440
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.30
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#6 in Illinois|#79 in Nursing nationally
North Park University
Chicago, Illinois
Economic score:0.33
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $3,587
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$34,569
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.34
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#7 in Illinois|#110 in Nursing nationally
University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
Economic score:0.35
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $14,223
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$44,503
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.41
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#8 in Illinois|#120 in Nursing nationally
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, Illinois
Economic score:0.36
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $1,567
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$35,550
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.37
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#9 in Illinois|#146 in Nursing nationally
Governors State University
University Park, Illinois
Economic score:0.39
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: - $3,035
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$35,875
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.38
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#10 in Illinois|#168 in Nursing nationally
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
Peoria, Illinois
Economic score:0.41
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $6,302
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$45,750
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.43
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#11 in Illinois|#177 in Nursing nationally
Benedictine University
Lisle, Illinois
Economic score:0.41
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: - $7,838
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$33,523
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.38
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#12 in Illinois|#181 in Nursing nationally
Chamberlain University, Illinois
Addison, Illinois
Economic score:0.41
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $2,432
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$41,275
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.43
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#13 in Illinois|#258 in Nursing nationally
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, Illinois
Economic score:0.51
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: - $9,558
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$40,798
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.46
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#14 in Illinois|#266 in Nursing nationally
Lewis University
Romeoville, Illinois
Economic score:0.51
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $3,173
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$52,350
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.53
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#15 in Illinois|#278 in Nursing nationally
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Economic score:0.53
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $5,651
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$58,532
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.56
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#16 in Illinois|#336 in Nursing nationally
Oak Point University
Oak Brook, Illinois
Economic score:0.69
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: - $5,310
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$61,500
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.65
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#17 in Illinois|#358 in Nursing nationally
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Economic score:0.95
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: + $2,218
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$98,062
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:0.98
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#18 in Illinois|#370 in Nursing nationally
Rush University
Chicago, Illinois
Economic score:1.40
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: - $25,452
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$77,499
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:1.05
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
#19 in Illinois|#371 in Nursing nationally
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Economic score:1.82
The economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduation.
EarningsPlus: - $23,451
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:$100,095
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:1.37
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
How long does it take to pay down debt in registered nursing in Illinois?
Years
Under 6 months
The average debt accrued from a master's degree in registered nursing is covered by average graduate earnings in under 6 months.
How much do graduates with master's degree in registered nursing earn in Illinois?
Salary
$94,642
The median master's degree in registered nursing graduate earns $94,642 3 years after graduating.
How much does a master's degree in registered nursing cost in Illinois?
Net cost
$27,742
The average annual cost of a master's degree in registered nursing is $27,742. This is the net cost and considers only students that have received Title IV funds.