How To Go to Nursing School Online for Free 2027

Cost is often the first obstacle for people who want to become nurses, especially those who plan to keep working or caring for family while they study. Tuition, clinical fees, and exam costs add up quickly, but several funding sources exist specifically for nursing students.

Below, you'll find the strategies that make the biggest difference, followed by ten affordable online programs, typical costs and timelines, and current career data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read on to see how the pieces fit together and which path matches your situation.

Disclaimer: The schools advertised on Learn.org do not guarantee free tuition. Tuition-free programs do not always mean zero cost to attend. In some cases, eligibility for low-cost college education is limited by state residency, income thresholds, employer partnerships, or other requirements. Always verify with the individual school or program to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may still be responsible for.

Are There Free Online Nursing Degrees?

No, there are no completely free nursing degrees. Every accredited program charges tuition and fees, and nursing adds expenses that many other majors don't, including clinical requirements, lab fees, uniforms, and licensing exams.

You can still bring your costs far below the sticker price, and in a few cases cover tuition entirely. Federal aid, nursing-specific scholarships, employer reimbursement, and service-based funding programs can work together, particularly if you're willing to commit to working in a high-need setting after graduation.

What "Free" Really Means for an Online Nursing Degree

The most generous nursing funding almost always comes with a work commitment. A federal scholarship might pay tuition and a monthly stipend in exchange for two or more years at a facility with a critical shortage of nurses, and a hospital might reimburse tuition if you agree to stay on staff for a set period.

Keep the format in mind as well. Programs that lead to your first nursing license are hybrid at best, since every accredited program requires supervised in-person clinical hours, while RN-to-BSN programs for licensed nurses are far more likely to be fully online, aside from a short practicum. The clinical piece can affect your schedule, your travel costs, and your overall budget.

Ways to Make an Online Nursing Degree Low-Cost

Most students who keep costs low combine several funding sources rather than relying on one. The strategies below are the ones that matter most for nursing students.

Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for need-based aid, including Pell Grants that never need to be repaid. Filing also makes you eligible for work-study, state grants, and many school-based awards.

Submit the form early each year, since some programs run out of funds. Online students at eligible accredited schools qualify for the same federal aid as students who attend on campus.

Apply for the NURSE Corps Scholarship

The federal NURSE Corps Scholarship Program, run by the Health Resources and Services Administration, pays tuition, required fees, and other educational costs, along with a monthly stipend. Nursing bridge programs, including RN to BSN, are among the eligible programs.

In return, you commit to at least two years of full-time work at a facility with a critical shortage of nurses. Funding is competitive and gives preference to students with the greatest financial need, so apply during the open window and review the service terms carefully.

Look for Nursing Scholarships and State Programs

Professional associations, hospitals, foundations, and state agencies offer awards for nursing students, and many target shortage areas or specific communities. Some are based on need, others on academic performance or a promise to work locally after graduation.

Your school's nursing department and financial aid office can point you to awards that fit your program. Applying to several smaller scholarships each term can add up to a meaningful reduction.

Use Hospital Tuition Reimbursement

Many hospitals and health systems reimburse tuition for employees pursuing nursing degrees, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that some employers offer this benefit to nurses who return for a bachelor's degree. Working in an entry-level healthcare role while you study can put you in a position to qualify.

Under federal tax rules, employers can generally provide up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance without it counting as taxable income to you. Ask about work commitments, reimbursement timing, and whether the benefit applies to online programs.

Start With an Associate Degree and Bridge to a BSN

Many nurses begin with an associate degree in nursing at a public college, where tuition tends to be lower than at four-year universities. After you pass the licensing exam and start working, an RN-to-BSN program lets you finish a bachelor's degree while earning an income.

This route can take longer overall, but it spreads out your costs and opens the door to employer reimbursement during the second phase. It also gives you a chance to confirm that nursing is the right fit before you invest in a full bachelor's program.

Transfer Credits and Choose Affordable Public Programs

Prerequisite and general education credits from earlier college coursework can reduce the number of courses you pay for. Taking science prerequisites at a community college and transferring them in is another common way to save.

Public universities and colleges generally cost less than private ones, and some charge the same rate to every online student regardless of location. Compare programs on total cost, including fees and clinical expenses, rather than tuition alone.

Use Military and Veteran Benefits

Veterans, service members, and eligible family members may be able to use the GI Bill or military tuition assistance toward an accredited nursing program. These benefits can often be combined with grants and scholarships.

Many schools have dedicated veteran services offices that can explain how the benefits apply. Confirm that your chosen program is approved for the benefits you plan to use.

Low-Cost Online Colleges With Nursing Degrees

Most of the programs below are RN-to-BSN completion programs for licensed nurses, since those are the nursing degrees most likely to be offered online at a low price. One entry also covers a pre-licensure option for students who aren't yet nurses, so read each description to find the best match for your license status.

1. Texas A&M International University

If speed matters most, start with Texas A&M International University in Laredo. Its 100% online RN to BSN program covers 32 credit hours across ten courses, with six start dates each year and the option to finish in as little as 12 months. Coursework centers on nursing leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, preparing you for roles such as charge nurse or case manager.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and doesn't charge an application fee, and it accepts up to 35 transfer credits, which keeps the path flexible if you've collected college credit along the way. You'll need an active RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA, but no SAT or ACT scores are required.

2. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University offers its RN to BSN entirely online, and you can complete the degree in four semesters. The 30-credit nursing major emphasizes leadership, community health, and professional practice, and it prepares you for graduate study if an MSN is on your horizon. Reduced tuition through North Carolina's NC Promise program applies to in-state and out-of-state students alike, which keeps costs down wherever you live.

Admission takes two steps, a general university application followed by a separate program application, and the program has required 60 hours of transferable non-nursing coursework and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing, and the university hosts monthly virtual information sessions if you'd like to ask questions first.

3. Dallas College

Dallas College gives you a community college route to a bachelor's degree. Its online RN-BSN includes books and learning materials in the program price, and flexible, fast-track, and part-time options let you set a pace that fits your schedule. Applicants need an associate degree in nursing, a registered nurse license, and completion of the Texas core curriculum before starting.

A concurrent pathway with the American College of Education lets you begin select MSN courses while you finish your BSN, a useful shortcut if you plan to continue to graduate school. The program is ACEN-accredited, and scholarships are available for continuing RN-BSN students.

4. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University lets nurses fold their existing credentials into a bachelor's degree: passing the NCLEX-RN earns 36 credit hours of advanced standing toward the 120 credits required. The online RN to BSN includes a 32-hour practicum with a BSN-prepared preceptor, focused on leadership and direct patient care, and the university works to secure clinical contracts across the United States.

FHSU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by CCNE. Keep in mind that the nursing department doesn't accept applications from Tennessee, Alabama, or Washington, so check state eligibility before you apply.

5. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico packs its RN to BSN into accelerated eight-week courses, with five start dates each year and a 30-credit curriculum that emphasizes leadership, management, critical thinking, and research. It's a good fit if you want a large public university's resources in a fully online format.

Admission requires a valid RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA, and graduates are prepared for MSN, DNP, or PhD study. Scholarships and financial aid are available, and the university describes the program as military-friendly.

6. Marshall University

Marshall University built its online RN to BSN around seven-week blocks, so you can move through the 28-credit program in as little as two semesters. The curriculum covers family and chronic illness nursing, health assessment, and contemporary leadership, all grounded in evidence-based practice.

No ACT or SAT scores are required, and the program is ACEN-accredited with financial aid available. Marshall also welcomes military-affiliated students, and graduates pursue roles such as nurse manager, critical care nurse, and nurse educator.

7. Indian River State College

Indian River State College, a public college in Fort Pierce, Florida, delivers its RN to BSN 100% online in an asynchronous format, which suits nurses who work rotating shifts. The program consists of ten courses on leadership, evidence-based practice, community health, and nursing theory, and it includes three clinical learning experiences so you still apply what you learn in real settings.

Terms start in spring, summer, and fall, and applicants need a current RN license, prerequisite coursework, and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program is ACEN-accredited, and financial aid and scholarships are available through the college.

8. Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College follows a "2+2" design for Florida nurses: if you hold an associate degree in nursing and a current Florida nursing license, you complete 36 upper-division credits focused on leadership, management, advanced care concepts, research, and contemporary issues. A capstone course ties the coursework together before you graduate.

Coursework is delivered online, with two on-site field experience courses at local health care facilities, and the program is ACEN-accredited and prepares you for admission to master's programs. Because it requires a Florida license and local field placements, it works best for nurses who live and work in Florida.

9. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri offers its RN to BSN completely online and doesn't add extra fees for out-of-state students, which makes it one of the more budget-friendly options for nurses outside Missouri. The program was designed to give working RNs an affordable way to earn a bachelor's degree without leaving their jobs.

Details such as course sequencing, practicum arrangements, and state eligibility can change, so confirm them directly with the nursing department before you apply. Ask specifically about transfer credit limits and how many courses you can take at once, since both affect your timeline and total cost.

10. Western Governors University

Western Governors University serves two groups of nursing students. Licensed nurses can pursue an online RN to BSN built on competency-based progression, which lets you move quickly through material you already know, while students who aren't yet nurses can look at the university's pre-licensure BSN, a four-year hybrid program that leads to both an RN license and a BSN.

WGU charges a flat rate per term rather than per credit, so finishing sooner can reduce your total cost. The pre-licensure program is offered only in select states and includes in-person clinical requirements, so check availability in your area before you plan around it. WGU is a nonprofit university, and its RN to BSN carries CCNE accreditation.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Nursing programs are evaluated with extra attention to program accreditation and clinical or practicum arrangements, since those factors affect both quality and licensure eligibility.

Programs that are fully accredited, clearly describe how clinical requirements are completed, and keep costs low for online students rank higher than those with limited transparency. Four criteria guide each placement:

• Accreditation: Regionally accredited institutions with ACEN or CCNE programmatic accreditation for their nursing programs receive the highest consideration.
• Affordability and financial aid: Per-credit costs, net price, transfer-credit policies, and scholarships or flat-rate pricing for online students all shape a school's standing.
• Online availability: Core nursing coursework must be deliverable online, with practicum and clinical requirements described in clear terms.
• Student outcomes: College Scorecard data on graduation rates and post-enrollment earnings offers insight into how students fare after they enroll.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Much Does an Online Nursing Degree Cost?

Costs depend heavily on the type of program. Public RN-to-BSN completion programs often run roughly $5,000 to $20,000 in total tuition, while a pre-licensure BSN at a public university can range from about $20,000 to $60,000 or more, and an associate degree in nursing at a public college commonly falls between roughly $6,000 and $20,000.

Tuition is only part of the picture. Clinical and lab fees, background checks, uniforms, books, technology fees, and licensing exam registration all add to your total, and out-of-state rates can raise the price at some public schools. Grants, scholarships, and employer programs can offset much of the tuition, but most students still plan for some out-of-pocket expenses.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Nursing Degree Online?

RN-to-BSN programs are the fastest route to a bachelor's degree in nursing, and many can be finished in 12 to 24 months. Programs built around seven- or eight-week courses and frequent start dates can shorten the timeline further, and credits for your associate degree and RN license reduce the number of courses you need.

If you're starting from scratch, expect a longer road. A pre-licensure bachelor's in nursing typically takes about four years, while diploma programs usually take two to three. Every route includes supervised clinical experience, which is scheduled in person and can lengthen the timeline if you're studying part time.

How To Choose the Right Low-Cost Nursing Degree

The cheapest program isn't always the best value, particularly in a field where licensure and clinical placement are involved. Weigh the criteria below before you apply.

• Accreditation and board approval: Look for ACEN or CCNE accreditation and approval from your state board of nursing, since unaccredited programs can limit your licensure and graduate school options.
• Program type: Decide whether you need an RN-to-BSN completion program for licensed nurses or a pre-licensure program that leads to your first license, since the two have very different requirements.
• Clinical and practicum arrangements: Ask whether the school arranges your placement or expects you to find your own preceptor, and confirm that placements are available where you live.
• State eligibility: Some programs restrict enrollment from certain states or require a license from a specific state, so verify eligibility before you invest time in an application.
• Prerequisites and transfer limits: Check how many credits the school accepts and which prerequisite courses you must complete first, since both affect cost and timeline.
• Total cost and pacing: Compare net price, fees, and the length of each course term, and look for start dates that fit your work schedule.
• Graduate school pathways: If you plan to pursue an MSN or doctorate later, consider programs that offer concurrent or accelerated options.

Career Outlook With an Online Nursing Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses earn a median annual wage of $97,550, and employment is projected to grow 6% through 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 180,800 openings each year, many of them from nurses who retire or move into other roles.

Registered nurses usually enter the field through a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, or a diploma from an approved program, and all must be licensed by the state in which they work. Licensed graduates of any of those paths qualify for entry-level staff positions, although hospitals may require a bachelor's degree. Nurses who go on to earn a master's degree can pursue advanced roles such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, who earn a median annual wage of $134,920.

FAQs About Free Online Nursing Degree Programs

The answers below address common questions about free learning options and how they connect to a nursing career. Use them to set realistic expectations as you compare programs.

Are There Free Online Nursing Courses?

Yes, several sources offer free nursing-related courses online. Platforms such as Coursera and edX often let you audit health and science courses at no charge, and some hospitals and professional organizations publish free continuing education materials. These courses can introduce key concepts and help you confirm your interest, but they don't carry college credit or lead to a nursing license.

Are There Free Online Nursing Certificates?

Some websites offer free certificates of completion for short courses, and certain employers pay for entry-level training such as nursing assistant programs. These credentials can strengthen your resume or help you start in a healthcare role while you work toward a degree. They don't replace the degree and state license required to practice as a registered nurse.

Is a Free Online Nursing Degree Respected by Employers?

Employers focus on whether your program is accredited, whether you hold a valid nursing license, and whether you completed supervised clinical training. A nursing degree earned through an accredited online or hybrid program is treated the same as one earned on campus. The BLS notes that hospitals in particular may prefer or require a bachelor's degree, which is one reason many nurses pursue an RN-to-BSN.

Do I Need To Be a Registered Nurse Before Enrolling in an Online Program?

It depends on the program. RN-to-BSN completion programs require an active nursing license and usually an associate degree or diploma in nursing, while pre-licensure programs are designed for students who aren't yet nurses and include in-person clinical training. Review each program's admission requirements to confirm which category it falls into.

Do Online Nursing Programs Help Arrange Clinical Placements?

Practices vary widely. Some schools secure clinical contracts and preceptors for you, while others expect you to identify a qualified site in your area. Ask each program how placements are arranged and whether any state restrictions apply before you commit.

Discover Affordable Online Nursing Programs

Learn.org makes it simple to compare nursing programs side by side and shortlist the ones that match your license status and budget. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admission requirements, clinical arrangements, and financial aid.