Most Affordable Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs near Chicago, IL

Chicago's vast network of Magnet® hospitals, neighborhood clinics, and senior-focused wellness centers makes the Windy City a premier training ground for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs). Cook County's 65-plus population grew by more than 85,000 between 2017 and 2022, and hospitals such as Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Health are expanding teams that can manage complex adult and older-adult care needs. Add world-class teaching facilities at the Illinois Medical District and a growing roster of community health centers on Chicago's South and West Sides, and you have a clinical playground rich in high-acuity and primary-care placements for AGNP students.
At the same time, national demand for nurse practitioners is projected to jump 40 percent from 2023 to 2033, far outpacing most U.S. occupations. Salaries keep pace: NPs in the Chicago metro area earn a mean wage topping $126 K annually, rivaling coastal markets without the coastal price tag. Tuition, however, can feel daunting. Fortunately, several Chicago-area AGNP pathways pair competitive per-credit prices with generous scholarship packages and even in-state tuition breaks for eligible neighboring-state residents. Whether an RN working nights in River North or a BSN-prepared nurse commuting from Aurora, you can level up to advanced practice without uprooting your life or finances.
2025 Most Affordable Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs near Chicago, IL
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL - Private 4-year - lewisu.edu
Master's - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Lewis University's Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for adolescents and adults across diverse settings. Students develop sophisticated skills in patient education, health promotion, diagnostics, and disease prevention. With a competitive 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a robust curriculum, graduates are equipped to make significant impacts in primary care. The program offers flexible learning options, competitive tuition rates, and potential employer tuition assistance. Graduates can expect enhanced career opportunities with an average salary around $120,000 annually.
- Hybrid program format
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- Employer tuition assistance
- Advanced patient care skills
- Potential $120K average salary
Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Lewis University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced practice expertise. This comprehensive program prepares nurses to provide high-quality primary healthcare for adolescents and adults across diverse settings. Students develop advanced skills in patient education, health promotion, diagnostics, and disease prevention. With a flexible online coursework format and immersion experiences, the program allows practicing nurses to enhance their clinical knowledge while maintaining professional commitments. Competitive tuition and various scholarship opportunities make this advanced degree accessible for career-driven nursing professionals.
- Online DNP coursework
- Hybrid learning format
- Multiple entry levels
- BSN or MSN pathways
- Advanced primary care focus
- Competitive tuition rates
- 15% membership discounts
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio
- Accredited program
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lewis University's BSN to DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program equips nurses with advanced skills to provide comprehensive healthcare for adult and geriatric patients in critical settings. This comprehensive 76-credit doctoral program prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based acute care through rigorous academic training. Students develop expertise in complex patient management, healthcare policy, research methodologies, and advanced clinical practice. The program combines theoretical coursework with extensive clinical residencies, enabling graduates to become specialized practitioners who can address critical healthcare challenges in acute and intensive care environments.
- 76 total credit hours
- Doctoral level nursing practice
- Advanced acute care focus
- Clinical residency included
- Comprehensive healthcare management
- Evidence-based practice training
- Policy and informatics courses
- Healthcare ethics component
- Research design training
- Advanced physiology curriculum
Rush University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - rushu.rush.edu
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rush University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program equips healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for adults from adolescence to older age. Ranked third nationally, the program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and advanced clinical skills. Students gain expertise in critical decision-making, healthcare policy, leadership, and patient-centered care. The flexible online program takes approximately 3-3.5 years, with tuition at $1,384 per credit hour. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare settings and positioned for strong career growth, with nurse practitioner employment expected to increase 40% by 2031.
- Online coursework available
- Part-time and full-time options
- 3-3.5 year program length
- $1,384 per credit hour
- Tracks for bachelor's/master's nurses
- Preparation for certification exam
- Clinical sites in Chicago area
- Small class size of 21
- Taught by practicing practitioners
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rush University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver critical care for patients across the adult lifespan. Ranked third nationally by U.S. News & World Report, this innovative hybrid program blends online learning with in-person clinical experiences. Students gain expertise in advanced decision-making, differential diagnosis, and complex patient management. With a competitive tuition of $1,384 per credit hour and flexible part-time and full-time options, the program takes 2-3.5 years to complete. Graduates are positioned for high-demand roles in critical care, specialty practices, and diverse healthcare settings.
- Hybrid learning format
- Part-time and full-time options
- $1,384 per credit hour
- 2-3.5 year program length
- 75% online coursework
- Clinical sites in Chicago area
- Expert practitioner faculty
- Advanced nursing specialization
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL - Public 4-Year - uic.edu
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) program at UIC prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive patient-centered care across the adult lifespan. This part-time, hybrid program combines online, blended, and on-campus courses, requiring 77 credit hours and 1,000 clinical practicum hours. Students benefit from faculty-arranged clinical sites in diverse settings, ensuring hands-on experience. With a 100% board certification exam pass rate, graduates are equipped to deliver wellness and illness care from young adults to older populations, making significant impacts in primary healthcare.
- Part-time hybrid program
- 77 credit hours total
- 1,000 clinical practicum hours
- Faculty-arranged clinical sites
- 100% board certification pass rate
- Care across adult lifespan
- Online and on-campus courses
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at UIC prepares advanced practice nurses to manage complex health challenges across the adult lifespan. This comprehensive doctoral-level program blends online and on-campus learning, offering students 77 credit hours and 1,000 clinical practicum hours. Graduates develop specialized skills in acute and critical care settings, treating patients from late adolescence through older adulthood. With a 100% board certification pass rate, the program equips healthcare professionals to provide sophisticated, evidence-based care in diverse medical environments like ICUs and emergency departments.
- Part-time hybrid program
- 77 credit hours total
- 1,000 clinical practicum hours
- 675 AGACNP specialty hours
- 100% board certification pass rate
- Clinical sites in hospitals/outpatient settings
- Medicine and surgery specialties
North Park University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - northpark.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Park University's Master of Science in Nursing for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners prepares healthcare professionals to meet the growing needs of an aging population. Students gain advanced clinical skills through comprehensive coursework and hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation labs. The program offers flexible evening schedules, allowing working professionals to advance their careers while maintaining current employment. Graduates are equipped to provide specialized care in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to community centers, with opportunities for meaningful patient interactions and comprehensive health management.
- Evening classes for working professionals
- CCNE accredited nursing program
- State-of-the-art simulation laboratory
- Advanced clinical practice opportunities
- Specialized adult-gerontology focus
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - luc.edu
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Loyola University Chicago's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to address the growing healthcare needs of an aging population. Students gain comprehensive skills in patient care across the adult lifespan, focusing on primary care settings from hospitals to community centers. The rigorous 69-credit-hour Doctor of Nursing Practice track equips graduates with advanced assessment, diagnostic, and treatment capabilities. Competitive admission requires a nursing degree and RN licensure, with students developing expertise in population health, evidence-based care, and leadership. Clinical partnerships in the Chicago metropolitan area provide hands-on experience in diverse healthcare environments.
- 69 total credit hours
- Minimum 2,000 clinical hours
- Clinical settings: hospitals, community centers
- Competitive admission process
- Focuses on aging population care
- Advanced nursing leadership training
- Evidence-based care approach
- Small class sizes
- Interprofessional education practicums
- Chicago metropolitan clinical partnerships
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Loyola University Chicago's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program equips experienced nurses to excel in high-intensity medical environments. This rigorous doctoral-level track prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive care for complex adult and geriatric patients across critical healthcare settings. Designed for working professionals, the hybrid program offers flexible part-time and full-time options. Students develop advanced clinical skills through a 71-credit curriculum combining online learning, simulation experiences, and customized clinical placements. Graduates gain expertise in managing acute and critical conditions, interpreting diagnostics, prescribing treatments, and addressing comprehensive patient needs in intensive care, trauma, neurology, and specialized hospital units.
- 71 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Minimum 2,000 clinical hours required
- Customized clinical placements
- Part-time and full-time options
- Chicago area healthcare partnerships
- Competitive admission process
- RN license prerequisite
- Advanced practice nurse preparation
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Oncology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Loyola University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program with Oncology specialization prepares advanced nursing professionals to address complex healthcare needs in aging populations. This rigorous Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) track equips students with comprehensive skills in patient assessment, disease management, and evidence-based care. Students develop expertise in oncology, focusing on leadership, patient safety, and health equity across diverse clinical settings. The 72-semester-hour program offers personalized instruction with small class sizes, enabling graduates to assume system-wide leadership roles in oncology nursing.
- 72 semester hour DNP program
- Oncology nursing specialization
- Minimum 2,000 clinical hours
- Competitive admission process
- Chicago metropolitan clinical placements
- Registered nurse prerequisite
- Advanced clinical skills training
- Underserved community focus
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
Why Choose an AGNP Program in Chicago?
- Rich clinical variety. Level I trauma centers (e.g., Rush, Northwestern Memorial), specialty cancer institutes, and Federally Qualified Health Centers expose AGNP students to acute and primary adult-gero care.
- Aging population & job security. Demand for chronic-disease management, palliative care, and transitional services—core AGNP skill sets—keeps rising as Illinois residents live longer.
- Competitive pay. The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro reports an NP mean wage of $60.59/hour ($126,020 annually).
Explore related content:
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs & Schools | Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois
Curriculum Snapshot & Clinical Expectations
Below is a high-level look at coursework and rotation sites you can expect in Chicago-area AGNP tracks.
Core Focus Area | Representative Courses | Typical Clinical Sites |
---|---|---|
Primary Care (AGPCNP) | Advanced Adult Assessment; Health Promotion for Diverse Adults; Chronic Disease Management | Community clinics, VA outpatient centers, suburban primary-care practices |
Acute Care (AGACNP) | Pathophysiology of Complex Illness; Diagnostic Reasoning; Acute Procedures Lab | MICUs, SICUs, step-down units at Rush & UIC, cardiac cath labs |
Gerontology Electives | Cognitive & Functional Aging; Palliative Care; Polypharmacy Management | Long-term-care facilities, hospice agencies, home-health providers |
Most programs align with NONPF competencies and require 500–1,000 supervised clinical hours. Rush University, for instance, delivers 75 percent of didactic work online with intensive on-campus immersion weekends.
Admission Requirements
- BSN or MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited school
- Active Illinois RN license (or eligibility)
- Minimum GPA: 3.0–3.25 (varies)
- Professional résumé and 2–3 academic/clinical references
- Personal statement outlining adult-gerontology goals
- GRE is frequently waived for GPAs ≥ 3.2
- For AGACNP tracks, ≥ 1 year of adult acute-care RN experience
- Faculty or committee interview (virtual or on-campus)
Tip: Affordable programs fill quickly—submit complete, error-free applications as early as possible.
Career Paths & Specializations for AGNP Graduates
AGNP graduates step into roles such as:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) – managing wellness and chronic conditions in outpatient clinics, skilled-nursing facilities, and home-health settings
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) – leading rapid-response teams or rounding in high-acuity hospital units
- Sub-specialty NPs in cardiology, oncology, palliative care, or geri-psych
- Clinical educators and advanced practice managers within academic health centers
Related reads:
Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs | Best Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
Salary Expectations & Job Outlook
NP compensation remains strong statewide.
Region | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage* |
---|---|---|
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin Metro | $60.59 | $126,020 |
Illinois (all NPs) | — | $126,900 |
United States (all NPs) | — | $129,210 |
*Based on May 2024 BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
How Much Will My Degree Cost?
The table below spotlights three of Chicago's most affordable AGNP options. Always confirm current rates—schools update tuition every fiscal year.
University | Delivery | Published Tuition* | Cost-Saving Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Rush University | 75 % online hybrid | $1,344 per credit (DNP level) | Merit scholarships up to $10 K; part-time pacing lets you keep full-time income |
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) | Hybrid | Approx. $31,026 per year (tuition + fees) | UIC Aspire covers up to 100 % of tuition for eligible low-income Illinois residents |
Loyola University Chicago | Hybrid | 72-credit plan; latest rate ~$1,200 per credit | Grants from the Marcella Niehoff School + HRSA traineeships |
*Excludes books, travel, and university fees.
Financial Aid & Cost-Saving Tips
- Graduate assistantships at UIC offset tuition and pay stipends.
- HRSA NURSE Corps Loan Repayment forgives up to 85 % of debt for NPs serving in shortage areas.
- Employer tuition programs – Advocate and Northwestern Medicine each offer $5 K–$8 K per year toward advanced NP study.
- Illinois Nursing Education Scholarship Program (INESP) prioritizes APRN students who commit to in-state practice.
Still comparing credentials? See our guide to Best Online DNP Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Balancing Work, Study & Life
- Hybrid schedules let you keep working—Rush's first two years are mostly online.
- Smart commuting – Evening and weekend classes align with Metra & L-train timetables.
- Cohort study pods help conquer heavy courses like advanced pharmacology.
- Strategic PTO – Reserve vacation for intensive clinical rotations.
Accreditation & Certification
All listed programs hold CCNE or ACEN accreditation and prepare you for ANCC or AANP board exams—essential for Illinois APRN licensure. For a deeper dive, visit Nurse Practitioner Licensing & Certification.
Networking & Professional Development
- Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN) – annual Naperville conference and Chicago chapter meet-ups
- Rush Center for Clinical Excellence – grand rounds and poster days for advanced practice providers
- UIC DNP Q&A panels – free virtual sessions with faculty and alumni mentors
Local Employers Hiring AGNPs
Health System | Current NP Openings* | High-Demand Practice Areas |
---|---|---|
Northwestern Medicine | Multiple AGACNP roles in thoracic surgery and lung transplant | Cardiology, transplant, critical care |
Rush University Medical Center | Hospital medicine and specialty clinics | Orthopedics, plastics, geriatric ED |
University of Chicago Medicine | APN positions citywide and in suburbs | Oncology, palliative care, home health |
Advocate Health | 10 hospitals & 400+ care sites | Primary care, outpatient geriatrics |
*Indeed listed 230+ NP openings across greater Chicago in June 2025.
How to Choose the Best (and Cheapest) Program
- Total credits matter—fewer credits usually mean lower tuition.
- Residency rules—UIC grants in-state rates to some bordering-state residents.
- Clinical placement fees—ask each school to spell these out.
- Scholarship renewals—check GPA or enrollment minimums for continued aid.
- Networking access—online convenience is excellent, but on-campus events can boost career placement.
Online & Hybrid Considerations
- Reliable proctored testing platforms and EMR simulation software are mandatory.
- Confirm the program supports Chicago-area preceptors, sparing you pricey travel.
- Budget for 2–3 on-campus immersion weekends each term.
- Expect 15–20 study hours per week during didactic semesters.
Enrich your search with Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Programs.
Ready to Serve Chicago's Aging Population?
Affordable AGNP programs in Chicago help you master specialized adult-gero care without crushing debt, and local employers are eager to recruit graduates who can keep older adults thriving. Review the program list above, contact admissions teams, and start charting your path toward advanced practice leadership today.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics – Nurse Practitioners (May 2024)
- Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, ON TO 2050 Socio-Economic Forecast Appendix
- Cook County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2025–29
- Rush University College of Nursing – AGACNP & AGPCNP DNP tuition pages
- University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing – DNP cost & UIC Aspire details
- Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing – AGNP overview
- Indeed.com Nurse Practitioner job listings, Chicago, IL (June 2025)
- Northwestern Medicine careers portal – Advanced Practice postings
- University of Chicago Medicine – Advanced Practice openings
- Advocate Health – Careers pages

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