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 $126,000 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 hybrid program offers advanced nursing professionals comprehensive training in holistic patient care. With a competitive 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students develop sophisticated skills in health promotion, diagnostics, and disease prevention for adolescents and adults. The program's flexible learning options and potential employer tuition assistance make it financially accessible. Graduates can anticipate enhanced career opportunities with an average salary around $120,000 annually. As a Roman Catholic and military-friendly institution, Lewis University provides a supportive educational environment for aspiring nurse practitioners seeking specialized primary care expertise.
- 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) in Adult Gerontology Primary Care offers an advanced track for healthcare professionals seeking specialized expertise. This comprehensive program prepares nurses to deliver high-quality primary healthcare through flexible online coursework and immersive clinical experiences. Students can enter through multiple pathways, including BSN and MSN routes, with competitive tuition rates and scholarship opportunities. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, advanced clinical skills, and evidence-based practice. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio and accreditation, graduates are well-positioned to address complex healthcare challenges in primary care settings.
- 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 is a rigorous 76-credit doctoral pathway designed for nurses seeking advanced specialization. Students develop comprehensive expertise in complex patient management, healthcare policy, research methodologies, and acute care practice. The program integrates theoretical coursework with extensive clinical residencies, preparing graduates to excel in critical and intensive care environments. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, policy insights, and advanced healthcare ethics, this program equips nurses with the skills needed to address sophisticated medical challenges and provide high-quality patient care in acute settings.
- 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
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL - Public 4-Year - uic.edu
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Illinois Chicago's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program offers an exceptional hybrid learning experience targeting comprehensive patient care across the adult lifespan. With strategic flexibility, students complete 77 credit hours and 1,000 clinical practicum hours through online, blended, and on-campus courses. The program's standout feature is faculty-arranged clinical placements, ensuring practical exposure in diverse healthcare settings. Its remarkable 100% board certification pass rate distinguishes the curriculum, preparing advanced practice nurses to deliver nuanced wellness and illness interventions. Cost-effectiveness stems from the hybrid model, reducing travel expenses and allowing part-time study options for working professionals. Potential students will appreciate the program's comprehensive approach to adult healthcare delivery.
- 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
UIC's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program represents a sophisticated doctoral-level pathway for healthcare professionals seeking advanced specialization. This comprehensive curriculum blends online and on-campus learning, providing 77 credit hours and 1,000 clinical practicum hours focused on complex medical interventions. Graduates develop sophisticated skills for acute and critical care environments, treating patients from late adolescence through older adulthood. The program's 100% board certification pass rate underscores its academic rigor. Affordability is enhanced by the hybrid model, which minimizes additional educational expenses while offering extensive clinical exposure in hospitals and outpatient settings. Students benefit from an evidence-based approach preparing them for high-intensity medical specialties.
- 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
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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care offers a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. The nationally-ranked program strategically prepares practitioners to deliver holistic healthcare across diverse adult populations. With a competitive tuition of $1,384 per credit hour, the program provides affordability through flexible online coursework and part-time options. Students benefit from small class sizes, expert practitioner faculty, and extensive clinical experiences in the Chicago metropolitan area. No specific entrance exam is prominently mentioned, making the admission process potentially more accessible. Graduates are positioned for significant career growth, with the nurse practitioner field projected to expand by 40% by 2031, reflecting the program's strategic alignment with healthcare workforce demands.
- 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 delivers an innovative hybrid learning experience targeting advanced nursing professionals. Designed for critical care specialization, the curriculum emphasizes complex patient management and sophisticated clinical decision-making. The program's competitive $1,384 per credit hour tuition represents an affordable educational investment, complemented by flexible scheduling and 75% online coursework. Students engage in comprehensive learning through a blend of digital instruction and in-person clinical experiences across Chicago area healthcare sites. With expert practitioner faculty and a focus on advanced nursing specialization, graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in intensive and specialized medical environments. The program's national ranking underscores its commitment to exceptional nursing education.
- 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
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 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program distinguishes itself through innovative training targeting geriatric healthcare needs. The curriculum leverages CCNE-accredited coursework and advanced simulation laboratories to prepare nurses for complex care delivery in aging populations. Students benefit from flexible evening schedules that accommodate working professionals, enabling seamless career advancement. Entrance exam requirements include the GRE, though specific score thresholds vary. The program's affordability stems from its efficient scheduling, potential employer tuition reimbursement opportunities, and the Evangelical Covenant Church of America's commitment to accessible education. Graduates emerge with comprehensive skills to deliver specialized primary care across diverse healthcare environments.
- 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 offers a comprehensive 69-credit Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway preparing advanced nursing professionals for complex geriatric healthcare challenges. The program is notably affordable through its military-friendly status and extensive clinical partnerships throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Students develop advanced skills in population health, evidence-based care, and leadership across diverse healthcare environments. With a focus on aging population needs, the curriculum integrates minimum 2,000 clinical hours and interprofessional education practicums. Competitive admission requires an active nursing degree and RN licensure, emphasizing practical, hands-on training in hospital and community center settings.
- 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 program delivers a flexible 71-credit hybrid doctoral track designed for working professionals seeking advanced practice specialization. The program offers cost-effective learning through part-time options and Chicago area healthcare partnerships. Students gain expertise in managing complex adult and geriatric patient conditions across intensive care, trauma, and specialized hospital units. With a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours, customized placements, and a combination of online learning and simulation experiences, graduates develop sophisticated diagnostic and treatment skills. RN licensure is prerequisite, ensuring a strong foundation for advanced clinical practice.
- 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 Chicago's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program with Oncology specialization provides a targeted 72-semester-hour Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum. The program offers an affordable pathway for nurses seeking advanced oncology expertise, particularly through its low student-to-faculty ratio and focus on underserved communities. Students develop comprehensive skills in disease management, patient safety, and health equity, with emphasis on oncology nursing leadership. Integrating minimum 2,000 clinical hours and competitive admission standards, the program prepares graduates for system-wide leadership roles. Registered nurse prerequisite ensures a strong clinical background for specialized oncology practice.
- 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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