Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Saint Anthony College of Nursing reflects the focused intensity of professional nursing education, creating a community united by shared commitment to healthcare careers. The small student body of approximately 152 students fosters genuine camaraderie as cohorts progress through the rigorous curriculum together, forming study groups, sharing clinical experiences, and supporting each other through demanding coursework. The college recognizes that nursing students balance significant academic demands with clinical rotations, family responsibilities, and often employment, designing support services to address the unique challenges facing adult learners in professional programs. Student services provide academic advising, tutoring support, and access to library resources essential for nursing education. The Student Nurses Association connects students with professional networking opportunities, community service projects, and leadership development experiences that complement academic preparation. Peer mentoring pairs advanced students with those earlier in the program, providing guidance born from recent shared experience. Faculty maintain open-door policies, welcoming students seeking clarification, encouragement, or career advice beyond formal class and clinical sessions. Campus facilities include comfortable study spaces, computer labs, and common areas where students gather between classes. The urban location in Rockford provides convenient access to amenities, housing options, and part-time employment opportunities that help students manage while completing their degrees.

Location & Surroundings

Rockford, Illinois provides Saint Anthony College of Nursing with an ideal setting for healthcare education, offering the clinical resources of a major regional medical center within an affordable midwestern community. This city of approximately 150,000 residents serves as the economic and healthcare hub of northern Illinois, creating abundant opportunities for nursing students and graduates. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, the college's primary clinical partner, anchors the local healthcare system with comprehensive services spanning emergency care, surgery, specialized medicine, and rehabilitation. The medical center's presence ensures students encounter diverse patient populations and clinical conditions during training. Rockford's location approximately 90 miles northwest of Chicago provides access to metropolitan resources while maintaining the lower cost of living and community atmosphere of a smaller city. The Rock River flows through the city, contributing to parks and recreational opportunities that provide respite from demanding studies. Cultural attractions include museums, performing arts venues, and a vibrant arts district in the city's downtown core. Housing costs remain significantly below Chicago area rates, allowing nursing students to maintain reasonable living expenses during their education. Public transportation and reasonable commute times make accessing clinical sites and campus manageable. The regional economy's reliance on healthcare creates strong employment prospects for nursing graduates throughout the community.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Saint Anthony College of Nursing operates as a private institution with tuition rates reflecting the intensive clinical education and small class sizes that characterize professional nursing programs. Financial aid packages combine federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work opportunities to help students manage educational expenses while preparing for well-compensated nursing careers. Nursing-specific scholarships from professional organizations, healthcare employers, and community foundations provide additional support for students demonstrating academic merit, financial need, or commitment to specific nursing specialties. The college's financial aid office assists students in completing FAFSA applications and exploring all available funding sources. Many students work as nursing assistants or in other healthcare roles during their education, gaining experience while earning income and positioning themselves for employment after graduation. Career outcomes for Saint Anthony graduates are exceptionally strong, with NCLEX licensure pass rates consistently exceeding state and national averages. The nursing shortage ensures excellent employment prospects, with graduates receiving multiple job offers from hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies throughout the region. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and other local healthcare employers actively recruit graduates, often hiring students who distinguished themselves during clinical rotations. Starting salaries for registered nurses in the Rockford area provide comfortable living while loan repayment assistance from employers helps manage educational debt. Career advancement opportunities include specialty certifications, advanced practice nursing, and graduate education.

Compare with Similar Universities