Best Online Nursing Degrees
The best online nursing degrees help you qualify for healthcare careers while keeping your educational costs in check. Schools offer these programs across all levels, spanning associate degrees to doctorates. These options include specialized programs like RN-to-BSN bridge programs, which are ideal for registered nurses (RNs) looking to upgrade their education with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Explore options and connect with accredited programs that can help you get licensed and establish a career in the high-demand nursing field.
Degree at a Glance
- Typical Program Length: Two years (associate degrees), 1-2 years (RN-to-BSN programs), four years (bachelor’s degrees), 2-3 years (master’s degrees)
- Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma (all undergraduate programs), RN license (RN-to-BSN programs), bachelor’s degree plus nursing experience (master’s programs)
- Top Skills Gained: Clinical nursing, patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, community and individual health management, medical documentation, interpersonal communication
- Popular Concentrations: Advanced practice registered nursing, clinical nursing specialities, nursing education and leadership, occupational health, primary care nursing
Top Nursing Programs
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
From its campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico State University-Main Campus offers an online master of science in nursing ranks among the best programs in the country. At the public institution, degree-seekers take classes in person and online. The program builds the skills and knowledge necessary for many nursing careers.
The online learning format appeals to busy students who benefit from flexibility in their schedule. Degree candidates strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Majors work closely with faculty advisors to customize their course of study. Online enrollees benefit from academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services.
Learners can take advantage of scholarships, grants, and loans to cover their college costs.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus Numbers:
Online Student Enrollment: 6,244
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Online Master's Programs: 16
Admission Rate: 55%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
44%
$ 5,875
75%
$21,864
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,296
- Institution Type
- Public
Southeast Missouri State University
- Cape Girardeau, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Located in Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University offers a top-ranked online RN-to-BSN degree. To meet the needs of a variety of students, the public institution offers in-person and online courses. With this degree, professionals can pursue entry-level roles in diverse fields.
The program's distance learning format appeals to working professionals and busy students. Online nursing courses strengthen in-demand skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. Degree-seekers work closely with faculty advisors to design a custom degree plan based on their interests and professional goals. Student support services like academic advising and career counseling help learners complete the program and transition into the workforce.
At the accredited institution, online enrollees can use federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant.
Southeast Missouri State University Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,553
Online Bachelor's Programs: 11
Online Master's Programs: 13
Admission Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
52%
$ 6,606
75%
$12,636
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 10,637
- Institution Type
- Public
Texas A&M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The online RN-to-BSN program at Texas A&M International University ranks among the best programs in the country. The public institution offers a variety of learning formats, including in-person and online courses. The degree prepares graduates for various nursing careers.
Busy students and working professionals benefit from the program's flexible learning format. During general education and major courses, learners strengthen their critical thinking and analytical skills. Faculty advisors recommend a custom degree plan to meet each student's interests and career goals. Student support services like academic advising and career counseling help degree-seekers complete the program and transition into the workforce.
Enrollees may qualify for scholarships, grants, and loans, including federal programs like the Pell Grant.
Texas A&M International University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,780
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Online Master's Programs: 8
Admission Rate: 54%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
46%
$ 3,818
79%
$13,946
- Acceptance Rate
- 54%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,305
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
From its Orlando campus, University of Central Florida enrolls students in an online RN-to-BSN program, one of the best of its kind. Students enroll in on-campus and online programs at the public institution. The RN-to-BSN program provides a flexible pathway to entry-level nursing careers.
The distance learning format appeals to students who require a more flexible schedule. The program's major courses and general education requirements strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills. Faculty advisors work with learners to create an individualized degree plan based on their career goals. The school supports online enrollees through academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services.
In addition to scholarships, distance learners may qualify for federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant.
University of Central Florida Numbers:
Online Student Enrollment: 41,097
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Online Master's Programs: 26
Admission Rate: 44%
Graduation Rate: 72%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
59%
$ 4,478
91%
$19,810
- Acceptance Rate
- 44%
- Students Enrolled
- 69,402
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of Louisiana at Monroe has one of the best online offerings in the country. Students can earn an online RN-to-BSN degree by completing coursework in a flexible learning environment. Major classes explore topics specific to the learner's field of study to prepare them for the workforce.
Degree-seekers transfer credits to complete a bachelor’s in 18-36 months. Undergrads pay $5,788 in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. Enrollees complete master's programs in about two years. Students enrolled in a graduate program pay $6,490 for in-state tuition. Degree candidates pay for tuition with an average aid package of $10,649. Students help pay for their education with private and institutional scholarships.
The admissions department requires school transcripts. To help students succeed, the institution provides a variety of support services, such as tutoring and career counseling. The institution's website provides details about how to earn credit for experiential learning. University of Louisiana at Monroe has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
43%
$ 5,788
73%
$17,888
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,673
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
From its Kentucky campus, University of Louisville offers multiple online degrees, including a top-ranked online RN-to-BSN degree. Students choose between in-person and online course options at the public institution. Enrollees train for entry-level nursing careers.
The distance learning format benefits working professionals and other busy students. Online nursing courses strengthen in-demand skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. Students work with faculty advisors to craft an individualized degree plan based on their interests and career goals. Academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services support help distance learners reach their academic goals.
Enrollees at the accredited institution can expect to pay around $553 per credit. Students may qualify for scholarships, grants, and loans, including federal programs like the Pell Grant.
University of Louisville Numbers:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,624
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Online Master's Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Transfer Credits Allowed: Yes
12%
$11,732
80%
$27,758
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,670
- Institution Type
- Public
East Tennessee State University
- Johnson City, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
East Tennessee State University, a leader in online learning, offers a comprehensive catalog of degrees. Students can complete an online RN-to-BSN degree in a flexible learning environment. Major coursework explores specialized topics and prepares students for work in their field.
Programs help learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to impress employers. Learners can specialize their bachelor's studies by pursuing a minor. Students complete online programs by conveniently watching lectures and submitting assignments. Degree candidates typically complete 120 semester credits in a bachelor’s program. East Tennessee State University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
East Tennessee State University Statistics:
Price Per Credit: Unavailable
Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 95%
Average Net Price With Aid: $14,696
Permits Transfer Credits: No
Rate of Undergraduate Admission: 86%
56%
$ 7,340
72%
$25,487
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,191
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Florida International University offers an online doctor of nursing practice program from its Miami campus that ranks among the top programs in the country. The public institution offers both in-person and online courses for degree-seekers. With this degree, graduates can pursue various nursing careers.
Designed with working students in mind, the flexible format makes it easier to earn a college degree. The curriculum emphasizes career-focused knowledge and skills. Faculty advisors work closely with students to select electives and minors that individualize the degree. The school supports online students through academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services.
The accredited institution charges per credit, on average. Distance learners also pay for their degree with scholarships, grants, and loans.
Florida International University Numbers:
Online Student Enrollment: 39,863
Online Bachelor's Programs: 36
Online Master's Programs: 31
Admission Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Transfer Credits Permitted: No
68%
$ 4,721
89%
$16,529
- Acceptance Rate
- 58%
- Students Enrolled
- 58,711
- Institution Type
- Public
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
From its Boone, North Carolina, campus, Appalachian State University enrolls students in several online programs, including an online RN-to-BSN program. At the public institution, degree-seekers take classes in person and online. The program prepares graduates for several nursing careers.
The online learning format appeals to busy students who benefit from flexibility in their schedule. Degree candidates take courses that build in-demand knowledge and skills. Faculty advisors help learners build a degree plan to customize their course of study. Distance learners benefit from the school's support services, which include academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services.
Distance learners may qualify for scholarships, grants, and loans, including Pell Grants and federal loans.
Appalachian State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,490
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Online Master's Programs: 10
Admission Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 73%
Transfer Credits Accepted: No
23%
$ 4,242
88%
$19,049
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 19,280
- Institution Type
- Public
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Portales, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus is a leader in online learning. Online learners can enroll in the bachelor of science in nursing degree-completion program and complete classes in a flexible learning environment. The school reports a 58% admission rate, and 35% of accepted applicants enroll at the school.
Bachelor's degree-seekers without transfer credits typically graduate in about four years. In addition to coursework, degree-seekers can receive credit for completing service-learning experiences. Students transfer credits to finish degrees faster. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus Fast Facts:
Undergrad Graduation Rate: 36%
Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 97%
Students Receiving Loans: 26%
Average Fee Per Credit: Unavailable
Average Cost After Aid: $10,338
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
69%
$3,996
63%
$5,994
- Acceptance Rate
- 58%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,685
- Institution Type
- Public
Murray State University
- Murray, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A public institution in Murray, Kentucky, Murray State University has one of the best online schools in the country. In the online RN-to-BSN program, degree-seekers complete coursework in a flexible learning environment. The school reports an 82% admission rate, and 21% of accepted applicants enroll at the school.
Students can transfer credits to complete a bachelor’s in 18-36 months. Undergrads pay $7,974 in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. Distance learners typically complete master's programs in two years. A doctoral degree may take more than four years to finish. Enrollees pursuing a graduate program pay $8,214 for in-state tuition. Enrollees pay for tuition with an average aid package of $9,138.
The institution delivers affordable, high-quality undergraduate programs. Students can access the school's support services online and in person. Learners can use peer tutoring sessions to improve their grades. Murray State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
40%
$ 7,974
79%
$23,592
- Acceptance Rate
- 82%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,556
- Institution Type
- Public
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Ohio State University-Main Campus is a public postsecondary institution based in Columbus. The college offers a school nurse professional pupil services licensure certificate. The school's admissions rate for new students is 54%.
Programs help learners gain the knowledge and skills necessary to secure positions in their field. The institution allows degree-seekers to add a minor to their bachelor's degree. Enrollees watch lectures and complete assignments at convenient times. Students complete at least 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio State University-Main Campus Statistics:
Undergraduate Graduation Rate: 86%
Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 79%
Percentage of Learners Awarded Student Loans: 36%
Per-Credit Fee: N/A
Average Price With Financial Aid: $18,706
Grants Transfer Credits: No
34%
$10,197
94%
$31,174
- Acceptance Rate
- 54%
- Students Enrolled
- 61,391
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of North Florida offers bachelor's programs that prepare students for new job opportunities and career advancement. An online RN-to-BSN program provides students with a flexible learning environment. Degree candidates learn core nursing practice topics and receive specialized training.
Nontraditional learners can finish bachelor’s degrees in 18-36 months. Florida students pay $3,996 in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. The school offers master's programs that students typically complete in two years. Enrollees pursuing graduate degrees pay $8,978 in-state tuition. The school’s average aid package of $9,450 helps students pay for their degree.
Most first-time bachelor's students graduate in about four years, if they study full time. The school may allow degree candidates to earn credit for internships and service-learning experiences. Working students transfer credits to finish degrees faster. University of North Florida has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
57%
$ 3,996
83%
$16,799
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,117
- Institution Type
- Public
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
From its campus in Lake Charles, Louisiana, McNeese State University offers an online RN-to-BSN program that ranks among the best programs in the country. The public institution offers a variety of enrollment options, including online and in-person programs. The RN-to-BSN program prepares graduates for many nursing careers.
Created with working professionals in mind, the program's flexible format puts more control in the student's hands. The program's major courses and general education requirements strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills. Faculty advisors recommend a custom degree plan to meet each student's interests and career goals. The school's support services include academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services.
Online learners qualify for federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant.
McNeese State University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,070
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Online Master's Programs: 10
Admission Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Grants Transfer Credits: No
56%
$ 5,147
70%
$13,185
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,295
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A bachelor's degree from Western Carolina University helps graduates advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. In the RN-to-BSN program, online learners complete coursework in a flexible learning environment. Degree candidates study core nursing topics and receive specialized training.
The school offers flexible enrollment with multiple start terms. Degree-seekers can expect an admission rate of 69%. The school admissions process requires school transcripts. Entrance scores may bolster students’ application. Western Carolina University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
Western Carolina University at a Glance:
Average Per-Credit Cost: Not Known
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $1,000 per year in-state, $5,000 per year out-of-state
Average Cost After Financial Aid: $12,965
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 85%
Percentage of Learners Awarded Student Loans: 55%
41%
$1,000
78%
$5,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,167
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
A 2022 survey from the Health Resources & Survey Administration found that fewer than half of working nurses used federal loans to fund their initial degree.
Why Choose Nursing?
The best online nursing programs help you train for careers with solid growth prospects. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, adults over age 65 will outnumber youth under age 18 for the first time in U.S. history by 2034. These age demographic trends suggest ongoing demand and career opportunities for licensed nurses, since older adults tend to require and access healthcare at higher rates.
Career Outlook for Nursing Graduates
Forecasting from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that many career paths in nursing have above-average near-term growth projections. The following table highlights five professional pathways you can pursue in the nursing field. All the jobs below require at least a BSN, while some careers may require additional licensing, certification, or graduate-level education.
Job | Projected Job Growth, 2024-34 | Average Annual Salary, May 2024 |
---|---|---|
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | +2% | $61,890 |
Dietitians and Nutritionists | +6% | $73,850 |
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners | +35% | $132,050 |
Registered Nurses | +5% | $93,600 |
Physician Assistants | +20% | $133,260 |
Nursing Licensing and Certification Requirements
Licensing requirements vary by career level. To become an RN, you must graduate from a state-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you need an RN license, professional nursing experience, and at least a master’s degree. Additional exam, licensing, and certification requirements may apply, depending on your area of practice and state requirements. APRN roles include nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner.
Research location-specific information by connecting with your state’s nursing board through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Ways to Save on a Nursing Degree
Licensed nursing careers generally pay well, but earning the credentials you need to qualify for them can be expensive. To reduce your financial burdens, consider these strategies:
Study Online: The best online nursing programs blend educational quality and convenience. Use their flexibility to study online while you launch your career, which can help you reduce debt.
Take Advantage of Employer Assistance: If you already work in healthcare, your employer may offer a tuition assistance or reimbursement program to fund your educational upgrade.
Use Scholarships and Grants: Many organizations offer scholarships and grants to nursing students. You can start your search through the scholarship database at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs
LPN programs, which culminate in certificates or diplomas rather than a degree, typically take one year of full-time study. In terms of college degrees, associate degrees in nursing and RN-to-BSN programs usually have the shortest completion timelines. You can earn an associate degree in about two years of full-time study, while RN-to-BSN programs typically take 12-24 months. Note that you need an active RN license for RN-to-BSN tracks.
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