LPN Programs in Illinois 2026
Illinois LPN programs are approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, with options at community colleges, career institutes, and vocational schools across the state. Most programs run 12 to 18 months and lead to the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. Admission requirements, tuition, and scheduling vary by school.
Sponsored School(s)
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) maintains an updated list of approved prelicensure nursing programs in the state. Those programs are distributed across community colleges, career institutes, and hospital-affiliated training sites, which means geography will narrow your options considerably before you evaluate anything else.
Use the links below to jump to program criteria, cost information, credential pathways, and LPN salary data in Illinois.
- How to choose an Illinois LPN program
- What to look for in a program
- Paying for your LPN education
- From LPN to higher credentials
- LPN career outlook in Illinois
How to Choose an LPN Program in Illinois
The IDFPR posts its current list of approved practical nursing programs on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website. Any program on that list has met the state’s minimum standards, which is the baseline requirement for graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Starting there, rather than with a school’s marketing materials, keeps your research grounded in verifiable information.
Within that approved list, most students filter by location first, then by format and admissions criteria. Programs differ in what they require at the door. Some have open enrollment; some are selective based on GPA and test scores; and some require specific credentials, such as CNA certification, before applying. Knowing how each program selects students helps you plan your timeline accurately.
What to Look For in an Illinois LPN Program
Admission Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is the minimum entry requirement at almost every Illinois LPN program. Beyond that, requirements vary. Many programs ask for a minimum GPA, immunization records, and health clearance documentation. Some community college programs require active CNA certification as a prerequisite. That is not an obstacle so much as a planning factor: CNA certification in Illinois can typically be completed in four to eight weeks through a separate program.
Not all programs use waitlists. Some fill seats based on a competitive review of each applicant pool. If you are applying to a program that selects from the pool, check the application cycle dates well in advance. Missing a cycle can add months to your start date.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Every Illinois LPN graduate must pass the NCLEX-PN before practicing. Pass rates vary by program, sometimes significantly. NCLEX-PN pass-rate data is available through Illinois nursing education reporting resources and should be reviewed when comparing programs. A sustained high pass rate suggests the curriculum and clinical preparation are aligned with what the exam tests. A low rate is a question worth asking about directly during your research.
Accreditation
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) offers national accreditation for practical nursing programs. Illinois does not require ACEN accreditation for state approval, so a program can be IDFPR-approved without it. That said, accreditation carries weight if you plan to bridge to an RN program later. Some LPN-to-RN bridge programs give preference or transfer credit to graduates of accredited schools, and that advantage may extend to programs in other states as well. You can search for ACEN-accredited programs directly on the ACEN website.
Program Format and Scheduling
Most Illinois LPN programs run full-time over 12 to 18 months. Some offer evening or weekend options, which can matter to students who are working while pursuing their education. All approved programs include required clinical hours in actual healthcare settings. Clinical sites are not always at the same location as your classroom instruction, so factor transportation to clinical rotations into your planning, not just proximity to the main campus.
Paying for Your LPN Education
Tuition varies considerably depending on whether you attend a community college or a private career institute. Community college LPN programs tend to cost less. The Illinois Nursing Education Scholarship Program sets aside funding specifically for practical nursing students. Awards are calculated based on average program costs and include a tuition component plus a living stipend. Selection is based on financial need and GPA. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) administers the Nursing Education Scholarship Program.
Federal financial aid is available to most practical nursing students. Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point and determines eligibility for Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study. Veterans have separate pathways through VA education benefits. Because aid packages differ by applicant, two students attending the same program can pay very different amounts out of pocket. Many school websites include a net price calculator for estimating individual costs before applying.
From LPN to Higher Credentials
Many Illinois RN programs offer LPN-to-RN articulation or advanced-placement pathways, but credit transferability varies by institution. If you are thinking about eventually becoming an RN, ask each LPN program on your shortlist which RN programs offer these pathways for their graduates. Getting that information before you choose a program can matter later.
CNA-to-LPN programs are designed for CNAs who want to advance. These programs build on CNAs’ existing experience and typically reduce the time to LPN graduation compared with starting without that background. LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which generally take one to two additional years of study, prepare LPNs to sit for the NCLEX-RN. For a look at what those programs involve, see our guide to RN programs in Illinois. ACEN accreditation is not required for Illinois articulation plan transfers, but it may matter if you apply to RN programs outside the state. For a full look at LPN scope of practice and licensure in Illinois, including the licensing pathway and what LPNs can do, see our Illinois practical nursing guide.
LPN Career Outlook in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Illinois earned a median annual wage of $75,000 as of May 2025. That is above the national LPN median of $64,400 for the same period. Projections Central estimates 2.7% employment growth for LPNs in Illinois between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 1,510 job openings per year. Those openings include new positions and vacancies from LPNs who retire, advance to higher credentials, or leave the field.
| Area | Median Annual Wage (May 2025) | Projected Growth (2022–2032) | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $75,000 | 2.7% | 1,510 |
| National | $64,400 | 5.3% | 54,400 |
Illinois is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so an Illinois LPN license is valid for practice only within Illinois. LPNs who want to work in a compact state after licensure would need to apply for licensure in that state through endorsement.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do LPN programs in Illinois take?
Most IDFPR-approved LPN programs in Illinois run 12 to 18 months of full-time study. Some programs offer evening or part-time options that extend the timeline. Required clinical hours are built into every approved program’s schedule.
Do Illinois LPN programs require CNA certification?
Not all programs require CNA certification, but some do, particularly community college programs. Admission requirements vary by school, so check each program’s criteria directly. CNA certification can typically be completed in four to eight weeks through a separate program if needed.
How do I find IDFPR-approved LPN programs in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation posts its current list of approved practical nursing programs on the Illinois nursing division website at nursing.illinois.gov. That list is the authoritative starting point for your program search.
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate and why does it matter?
The NCLEX-PN is the national licensing exam that all LPN graduates must pass before practicing. First-time pass rates vary by program. NCLEX-PN pass-rate data is available through Illinois nursing education reporting resources and lets you compare programs on how well they prepare graduates for the licensing exam.
What can I do after completing an LPN program in Illinois?
After completing an approved program, you apply to the IDFPR to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Passing the exam is required for licensure. For a full breakdown of the application process, see Illinois LPN licensing requirements. Once licensed, you can work as an LPN in Illinois or pursue advancement through LPN-to-RN bridge programs if you want to continue your nursing education.
Key Takeaways
- IDFPR approval is the baseline — The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation maintains the current list of approved LPN programs. All programs on that list satisfy state requirements for NCLEX-PN eligibility.
- NCLEX-PN pass rates vary by program — Pass-rate data is available through Illinois nursing education reporting resources and is one of the most useful data points when comparing programs.
- CNA certification is sometimes required — Some Illinois LPN programs, particularly at community colleges, require CNA certification before admission. Check each program’s requirements early.
- Financial aid is available — The Illinois Nursing Education Scholarship Program provides funds for practical nursing students. Federal aid through FAFSA is also available to most applicants.
- Bridge pathways may be available — Many Illinois RN programs offer LPN-to-RN articulation or advanced-placement pathways, but credit transferability varies by institution. Ask each program directly before enrolling.
Use the search tool below to find IDFPR-approved LPN programs in Illinois by location, format, and application timeline.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.