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Chamberlain University is a private university and has been a part of nursing education for more than 125 years. Its main campus is located in Addison, Illinois. The university also has additional campuses across the United States.
Chamberlain partners with over 11,000 healthcare sites, giving students access to clinical experience and career opportunities. It’s also known as the #1 provider of nursing degrees to minority students in the U.S.
Today, the university has campuses across the country and strong online offerings. Programs are designed to meet real-world healthcare needs, with flexible schedules and hands-on training.
This guide walks you through Chamberlain University admissions, programs, tuition, scholarships, and more, so you can decide if it’s the right next step for you.
Chamberlain University is a private school focused on nursing and healthcare. It has 23 campuses in the U.S. and also offers programs online. You can enroll in full-time, part-time, or Chamberlain University online courses, depending on your program and schedule.
It began in 1889 as the Deaconess School of Nursing, following Florence Nightingale's model of care. In 2005, the school became part of Adtalem Global Education and was renamed Chamberlain, a word meaning “chief steward”—a fitting title for someone who manages patient care.
According to Edurank, it ranks:
#7,798 of 14,131 universities in the world
#2,081 of 2,597 in North America
#1,988 of 2,496 in the United States
#82 of 100 in Illinois
The school has a high acceptance rate of 89%, making it accessible to many students. Over the years, more than 177,000 students, alumni, and faculty have been part of the Chamberlain community.
The university is ranked #646–686 in Nursing nationwide and offers degrees from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level. With flexible online and on-campus options, students can learn at their own pace while gaining real-world experience. Programs are designed to support both new students and working professionals.
The bachelor’s degrees prepare students for entry-level roles in nursing.
Degree Name | Duration |
|---|---|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 3 Years |
Chamberlain University RN to BSN | 1 Year (Full-Time) |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online | 3 Years |
These programs are for RNs who want to move into advanced roles. The Chamberlain University FNP program and other nurse practitioner tracks are popular among working nurses.
Degree Name | Duration |
|---|---|
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 Years |
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | 3 Years |
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | 3 Years (8 Sem) |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | 2.5 Years |
RN to MSN Option | 2 Years |
Accelerated MSN | As few as 6 months |
Master of Public Health (MPH) | 4-6 semesters |
Master of Social Work (MSW) | Approximately 2 Years |
Master of Physician Assistant Studies | 2 Years |
The doctorate program is aimed at experienced nurses who want to lead in clinical or academic settings.
Degree Name | Duration |
|---|---|
Doctor of Nursing Practice | 2 Years |
To apply to a program at Chamberlain University, you must:
Complete the online application form
Pay the non-refundable application fee
Submit official transcripts from all previous schools (minimum GPA of 2.75)
Provide any documents required by your specific program
For Pre-Licensure BSN Programs:
Take the HESI Admission Assessment (A2)
Complete a drug screening, fingerprint check, and background check
For RN to BSN and Post-Licensure Programs:
Hold an active RN license issued in the U.S. or an NCSBN-affiliated jurisdiction
For Graduate Nursing Programs (MSN, DNP):
Submit proof of a current, unrestricted RN license
Some tracks, like the Chamberlain University FNP program, may require a skills assessment
Note: Physician Assistant (MPAS) applicants should check the separate admissions guide for that program.
Chamberlain University runs on a year-round calendar with multiple start dates. Each semester has two 8-week sessions.
Key Chamberlain University Application Dates for 2025–2026
Session | Semester | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
May Session | Summer Semester | May 5, 2025 |
July Session | Summer Semester | July 7, 2025 |
September Session | Fall Semester | September 1, 2025 |
| November Session | Fall Semester | October 27, 2025 |
January Session | Winter Semester | January 5, 2026 |
| March Session | Spring Semester | March 2, 2026 |
May Session | Summer Semester | May 4, 2026 |
Start Dates by Program
Chamberlain University RN to BSN and online programs: Start every 8 weeks
BSN programs (campus-based): Up to 6 start dates per year
MPAS (Physician Assistant):
Chicago: September 2025Phoenix: September 2026
Students can apply year-round and begin their studies in any session that fits their schedule.
International students can apply to Chamberlain’s undergraduate or graduate programs by completing a few required steps:
Complete the Chamberlain University nursingonline application: Visit chamberlain.edu/apply and submit your details.
Pay the non-refundable fee: $95 for bachelor’s programs (BSN), or $60 for RN to BSN, graduate, and PA programs.
Submit official academic transcripts.
Demonstrate English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
Provide proof of financial support: Bank statements or sponsor letters.
Attend an admissions interview: Schedule a meeting with a Chamberlain representative after submitting your application.
Visa and Immigration: International students who are accepted will be issued an I‑20 form, which is needed to apply for an F‑1 student visa.
Chamberlain University offers flexible ways to manage tuition and fees. Options like financial aid, scholarships, employer reimbursement, and payment plans are available to eligible students.
Program Name | Tuition / Credit Hour |
|---|---|
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | $705–$755(varies by campus) |
RN to BSN Option | $635 |
MSN (Non-Nurse Practitioner Courses) | $720 |
Nurse Practitioner Courses (MSN, NP) | $735 |
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) | $830 |
MPH (Master of Public Health) | $590 |
MPAS (Physician Assistant Studies) | Flat Rate: $102,000 total |
Note: Tuition rates and fees are subject to change.
Below is a list of scholarships open to international students:
Scholarship Name | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
Certified Caregivers Scholarship | $300/session (up to $3,000) | New or readmitted BSN students with caregiver certification (e.g., CNA, EMT). |
Community Grant | 10% tuition savings (up to $2,537) | MPH or Public Health Generalist certificate students must enroll in at least one course. |
DAISY Honoree Scholarship | 5% tuition savings | For post-licensure or graduate students who received a DAISY Award. |
Doctor of Nursing Practice Grant | 20% tuition savings | New or readmitted students in the DNP program. |
MSN Curriculum Advantage Grant | 50% tuition + APRN fee for 2–4 sessions | For former MSN students who were inactive for 6+ sessions and have returned. |
Nursing Excellence Grant | $320/student service fee per session | New or readmitted DNP students are eligible for the Alumni Tuition Rate. |
RN Career Advancement Grant | 17–25% tuition savings (up to $7,818) | RN-BSN, RN-BSN to MSN, or Accelerated RN-MSN students. Must be new/readmitted and eligible by the state. |
| Social Impact Grant | 10% tuition savings (up to $3,336) | MSW students are enrolling in at least one course. New or readmitted only. |
Stay for Summer Grant | $500/session (up to $1,000) | For RN-BSN, MSN, MSW, MPH, or DNP students enrolled in summer sessions with 3+ credit hours. |
Become Extraordinary Grant | 15% tuition savings (up to $5,292) | For MSN-NP and non-clinical MSN/graduate certificate students. Must be new or readmitted. |
Complete with Purpose Grant | $300/session for 3 sessions (up to $900) | RN-BSN, MSN, or DNP students 3–5 sessions out from last enrollment. Must have ≤18 credits remaining. |
| AmberScholar Scholarship | Over $33,000 total | Open to students from 220+ countries. Awarded based on originality and clarity of the Statement of Purpose. |
Chamberlain University does not provide on-campus housing. Most students find off-campus options near their respective campus locations. These options include shared apartments, private rentals, and student-focused communities. Finding the right housing can be challenging for international students, but with Amber, the process becomes easy.
Whether you're in Addison, Chicago, New Orleans, or any of Chamberlain's other locations, Amber helps you search, compare, and book your perfect housing, all in one place.
Some popular options near the main campus in Addison, Illinois are:
No, Chamberlain does not offer on-campus housing. Students arrange their accommodation near their campus.
Yes, international students can apply to Chamberlain’s programs, but they must meet specific admission and visa requirements.
Yes, several scholarships like the AmberScholar, RN Career Advancement Grant, and Community Grant are available to eligible international students.
The BSN program can be completed in as few as three years. Other programs vary in length depending on the degree.
Tuition varies by program. The BSN program costs about $675 per credit hour. Financial aid and scholarships can help offset costs.