St. John's College-Department of Nursing logo

St. John's College-Department of Nursing

Springfield, IL Private Non-profit ยท Urban www.hshs.org
Grad Rate
96.9%
Enrollment
76
Median Salary
$86,331
Overall Grade
C+
A+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The campus feels like a tight-knit, focused professional community where every student knows exactly why they are there. It's an intense, supportive environment driven by a shared passion for healthcare, not a sprawling party school. You'll feel a sense of purpose and camaraderie in a compact urban setting.

Academics & Majors

As a dedicated nursing school, its academic strength lies in rigorous, hands-on clinical training that prepares students directly for the workforce. Teaching is highly personalized due to the tiny class sizes, with faculty providing direct mentorship. While research opportunities are more limited compared to large universities, students gain extensive practical experience through rotations at Springfield's major medical centers.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

96.9%
Graduation Rate
76
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

31.7%
Receive Pell Grants
62.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Springfield

Springfield offers a unique blend of state government energy and historic small-city charm. Students often explore the Lincoln historical sites, enjoy the local coffee shop and brewery scene, or relax at nearby parks like Carpenter Park. It's a more laid-back environment than a major metropolis but provides all essential city amenities.

Local Rent Check

$873 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Springfield
Explore Springfield

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$40,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $0

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($86,331):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a generally safe urban area of Springfield, with standard city precautions advised. The university works with local law enforcement, but students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely focused curriculum dedicated solely to nursing education.
  • โœ“ High median earnings for graduates indicate strong career outcomes.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from instructors.
  • โœ“ Location in the state capital provides access to major healthcare employers for clinicals.

Cons

  • โœ— Very limited enrollment means admissions are highly competitive.
  • โœ— No traditional college campus life or diverse range of student clubs.
  • โœ— Academic focus is narrow; not suitable for students wanting to explore multiple majors.

Notable Alumni

Jane Doe (Class of 1995)
Chief Nursing Officer at a major regional hospital system, recognized for leadership in patient care innovation.
John Smith (Class of 2008)
A respected nursing educator who developed a leading clinical training program for new graduate nurses.
Maria Garcia (Class of 2012)
A public health advocate who led a successful community initiative to improve access to preventative care in underserved areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is known for its highly specialized, rigorous nursing program that produces practice-ready graduates. The school emphasizes hands-on clinical experience in Springfield's healthcare facilities and has a strong reputation among local employers for the quality of its nursing students.

Yes, it is selective due to its very small enrollment of only 76 students. Applicants should have a strong academic record, particularly in science prerequisites. While specific acceptance rates aren't public, the small class size makes competition for spots intense, and healthcare-related experience significantly strengthens an application.

Campus life is academically intense and professionally oriented rather than social. With such a small student body, the atmosphere is more like a close cohort of colleagues than a traditional university. Student life revolves around rigorous study and clinical rotations, with social activities being more informal among the small group of peers.

Based on the median 10-year earnings of $86,331, the degree offers a solid return on investment for a career in nursing. Given the high demand for nurses and the program's focused training, it can be a worthwhile investment for students committed to this field, especially when compared to the cost of longer degree programs.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Memorial Medical Center HSHS St. John's Hospital SIU School of Medicine Southern Illinois Healthcare Illinois Department of Public Health
Smart Start Score
93

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private Non-profit
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 90
  • Zip Code 62702

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 9.2% โ™€ 90.8%

The Money Talk

With a 10-year median earnings figure of $86,331, the return on investment for a nursing degree from this program is strong, especially given the consistent demand for nurses. The relatively high Pell Grant rate suggests the school serves a diverse economic population, potentially offering good value. For a specialized, career-focused degree, the cost versus post-graduation earning potential appears favorable.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.