30 Best Online Nursing Programs in 2026

Updated on:

April 22, 2026

Online nursing programs provide nursing students with flexible online courses from accredited colleges and universities. Learn about the best online RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and other nursing programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses are expected to see a 6% growth in job openings by 2032. Entering this growing career path can be done from the comfort of your home, thanks to online nursing programs.
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Learn more about online RN programs, as well as associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees that allow you to start or advance your nursing career.
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Best Online Nursing Programs

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Below is a list of carefully selected online nursing programs that meet criteria, including accreditation, quality, affordability, range of nursing programs online, and more.

Note that many online nursing programs still include an on-campus or in-person component, such as labs or clinical experiences.

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1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU), based in Tempe, Arizona, offers a wide range of online and hybrid nursing programs through its Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. The university is known for flexible pathways, including bridge programs that help working nurses move into advanced roles. ASU’s flexible structure makes it one of the best online nursing programs in Arizona.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online nursing programs available: RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) bridge, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Concentrations available: Nurse education and select specialty tracks depending on MSN pathway
Available financial aid: Federal aid (FAFSA), Arizona state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

2. Ball State University

Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University offers flexible online nursing programs designed for both practicing RNs and those pursuing leadership or advanced practice roles. With multiple graduate and doctoral pathways, the university supports nurses planning long-term career growth.

Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to MSN, MSN, Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP), MSN to DNP
Concentrations available: Family nurse practitioner (FNP), nurse educator, nurse administrator
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Indiana state aid (for eligible students), institutional scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement

3. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College, based in New Britain, Connecticut, focuses on flexible, transfer-friendly education for adult learners. Its online RN or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to BSN program is designed to help working nurses complete their bachelor’s degree efficiently, often by maximizing previously earned credits. Charter Oak is also one of the most affordable online colleges in Connecticut.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN or ADN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Concentrations available: Not applicable for this undergraduate completion program
Available financial aid: Federal aid (FAFSA), Connecticut state aid (for eligible residents), institutional grants and scholarships, transfer credit opportunities to reduce costs

4. Duke University

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, offers highly regarded graduate-level nursing programs through the Duke University School of Nursing. Many programs include online coursework with some in-person intensives, making them a flexible option for working professionals pursuing advanced clinical or leadership roles.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, BSN to DNP, post-master’s DNP, DNP in executive leadership
Concentrations available: Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialties, leadership and executive tracks, and other clinical specialties depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships and grants, nursing-specific scholarships and fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement

5. East Carolina University

East Carolina University (ECU), located in Greenville, North Carolina, is another school offering online nursing degrees in North Carolina. ECU offers a range of online nursing programs through its College of Nursing and is known for supporting working nurses with flexible degree paths and additional certificate options that can help you specialize or advance into leadership or advanced practice roles.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, post-master’s and post-doctoral certificates
Concentrations available: Nurse education, nurse leadership, and advanced practice tracks depending on MSN or certificate selection
Available financial aid: FAFSA, North Carolina state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

6. George Washington University

George Washington University (GW), based in Washington, D.C., offers online and hybrid nursing programs through its School of Nursing. The programs are designed for nurses seeking advancement into clinical, leadership, or policy-focused roles, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and healthcare systems.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
Concentrations available: Family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care, nurse-midwifery, nursing leadership and management, and other specialty tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and grants, limited state-based aid, employer tuition reimbursement

7. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, offers highly regarded online and hybrid nursing programs through its School of Nursing. The university focuses on advanced clinical training, leadership, and research, making it a strong option if you’re planning to move into specialized or high-level nursing roles. It’s not just one of the top schools in Maryland with medical programs, it’s one of the top in the country.

Accreditation: MSCHE, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: APRN specialties, healthcare organizational leadership, public health nursing, and additional clinical and leadership tracks
Available financial aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships, nursing-specific grants and fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement

8. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University, based in Columbus, Ohio, offers a wide selection of online nursing programs through its College of Nursing. With pathways from undergraduate completion to doctoral study, the university supports nurses at different stages of their careers, including those seeking advanced practice or leadership roles.

Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP
Concentrations available: Family nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner specialties, nurse leadership, and other advanced practice tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Ohio state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

9. Ohio University

Another school with great online nursing programs in Ohio is Ohio University (OU). Located in Athens, Ohio, OU offers a wide range of online nursing programs through its College of Health Sciences and Professions. The school stands out for its variety of specialization options and certificate programs, making it a strong choice if you want to tailor your education toward a specific advanced practice or leadership role.

Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: Family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse leader, emergency nurse practitioner, and related certificate pathways
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Ohio state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

10. Oregon Health and Science University

Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), based in Portland, Oregon, offers flexible online and hybrid nursing programs through its School of Nursing. It’s known for being one of the top schools with online nursing programs in Oregon. The university focuses on leadership and advanced clinical training, with options designed for both working RNs and experienced nurses looking to move into executive or doctoral-level roles.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in executive leadership
Concentrations available: Leadership-focused tracks and advanced practice options depending on MSN or DNP pathway
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Oregon state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

11. Rush University

Rush University, located in Chicago, offers a variety of online and hybrid nursing programs through its College of Nursing. Known for its strong clinical focus, Rush provides advanced education pathways for nurses pursuing specialized practice, leadership, or doctoral-level roles. In addition to its online programs, Rush also offers one of the best Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist programs in the country.

Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialties, leadership, and clinical specialty tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships and grants, nursing-specific scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement

12. Rutgers University

Rutgers University, based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive range of online nursing programs through its School of Nursing. With options spanning undergraduate completion through doctoral study, Rutgers supports nurses at different career stages, including those pursuing advanced practice or leadership roles.

Accreditation: MSCHE, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: Nurse practitioner specialties, leadership, and other advanced practice or clinical tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, New Jersey state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

13. Stony Brook University

Based in Stony Brook, New York, Stony Brook University offers flexible online nursing programs through its School of Nursing. The university focuses on helping working nurses advance their education with streamlined degree pathways and certificate options that support both clinical and leadership development. As the university is public, undergraduate resident students may qualify for free college in New York.

Accreditation: MSCHE CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, graduate certificates
Concentrations available: Advanced practice, leadership, and specialty tracks depending on MSN or certificate selection
Available financial aid: FAFSA, New York state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

14. Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi

In Corpus Christi, Texas, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi provides online nursing programs designed for both undergraduate completion and graduate-level advancement. The university emphasizes practical training and leadership preparation, with several MSN tracks and a DNP option for nurses pursuing advanced roles.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
Concentrations available: Family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, leadership in nursing systems
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Texas state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

15. Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University, in Philadelphia, offers a range of online nursing programs through its Jefferson College of Nursing. The school provides flexible pathways from undergraduate completion through doctoral study, along with certificate options that can help you specialize or transition into academic or leadership roles.

Accreditation: MSCHE, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, graduate certificates
Concentrations available: Clinical specialties, leadership, and academic nursing tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Pennsylvania state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

16. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and offers a broad selection of online nursing programs through its Capstone College of Nursing. With options ranging from RN bridge programs to doctoral study, the university supports nurses at multiple stages of their careers, including those pursuing advanced practice or leadership roles.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: Nurse practitioner specialties, nurse educator, leadership, and additional advanced practice tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Alabama state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

17. University of Central Florida

In Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida (UCF) offers some of the best online nursing programs in Florida through its College of Nursing. The university stands out for offering both practice-focused and research-focused doctoral options, making it a strong fit if you’re considering long-term advancement in clinical leadership, education, or research.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP (including executive track), PhD in nursing, graduate certificates
Concentrations available: Nurse educator, leadership, advanced practice specialties, and research-focused pathways depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Florida state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

18. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, based in Aurora, Colorado, offers online and hybrid nursing programs through its College of Nursing. With options that span from master’s to doctoral study, the school emphasizes advanced clinical training, leadership, and research preparation. As a result, it offers some of the best BSN to nurse practitioner programs in the country.

Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, BSN to DNP, PhD in nursing, post-graduate certificates
Concentrations available: Nurse practitioner specialties, leadership, and other advanced clinical or research tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Colorado state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

19. University of Connecticut

Based in Mansfield, Connecticut, the University of Connecticut (UConn) provides online nursing programs through its School of Nursing, with a focus on preparing nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles. The university offers graduate and doctoral pathways, along with certificate options for further specialization.

Accreditation: NECHE, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialties, leadership, and clinical specialty tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Connecticut state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

20. University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Massachusetts Amherst, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, offers online graduate-level nursing programs through its Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. The university focuses on preparing nurses for leadership and advanced clinical roles, with flexible online options for working professionals. It’s also one of the most affordable online colleges in Massachusetts.

Accreditation: NECHE, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, DNP
Concentrations available: Leadership, clinical specialties, and advanced practice tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Massachusetts state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

21. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor offers online MSN programs through its School of Nursing, with a focus on preparing nurses for advanced clinical practice. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the university is well known for its specialized nurse practitioner tracks and strong emphasis on patient-centered care.

Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN
Concentrations available: Family nurse practitioner , adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner , pediatric nurse practitioner
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Michigan state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

22. University of Missouri Kansas City

In Kansas City, Missouri, the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) provides a wide range of online and hybrid nursing programs through its School of Nursing and Health Studies. The university offers pathways from master’s through doctoral study, along with certificate options that support specialization and career advancement.

Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, DNP, PhD in nursing, graduate certificates
Concentrations available: Advanced practice registered nurse specialties, leadership, and clinical specialty tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Missouri state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

23. University of Nevada, Reno

Based in Reno, Nevada, the University of Nevada, Reno offers flexible online nursing programs designed for both undergraduate completion and advanced practice preparation. The university supports multiple entry points into graduate and doctoral study, making it a practical option for long-term career growth, and it’s one of the best online colleges in Nevada.

Accreditation: NWCCU, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP
Concentrations available: Advanced practice, leadership, and clinical specialty tracks depending on MSN or DNP pathway
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Nevada state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

24. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, Oklahoma, offers a broad selection of online nursing programs through its College of Nursing. With options ranging from RN bridge programs to doctoral study, the university provides flexible pathways for nurses pursuing leadership or advanced clinical roles.

Accreditation: HLC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, RN to DNP, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: Nursing administration, clinical nurse specialist, and other advanced practice or leadership tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Oklahoma state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

25. University of San Francisco

Based in San Francisco, the University of San Francisco offers flexible online and hybrid nursing programs through its School of Nursing and Health Professions. The university emphasizes social justice, leadership, and advanced clinical practice, with pathways designed for both entry into graduate study and doctoral advancement. It’s one of a handful of schools that offer nursing programs in the Bay Area.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to MSN, DNP
Concentrations available: Family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, health systems leadership
Available financial aid: FAFSA, California state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

26. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina, provides online nursing programs through its College of Nursing with a focus on advanced practice, leadership, and education. The university offers graduate and doctoral pathways along with certificate options to help nurses expand their expertise.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: Advanced practice registered nurse specialties, nurse educator, leadership, and clinical specialty tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, South Carolina state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

27. University of Texas Medical Branch

In Galveston, Texas, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) offers a range of online nursing programs through its School of Nursing. The university supports students at multiple stages, from RN bridge programs to doctoral pathways, with a focus on clinical excellence and leadership development. It’s known for having one of the best online RN to BSN programs in Texas.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP
Concentrations available: Nurse practitioner specialties, leadership, and other advanced practice tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Texas state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

28. University of Utah

The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City and offers some of the top online nursing programs in Utah through its College of Nursing. With options focused on both clinical and non-clinical roles, the university provides flexible pathways for nurses interested in education, informatics, or specialized care areas.

Accreditation: NWCCU, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, graduate certificates
Concentrations available: Nursing education, nursing informatics, gerontology, and related certificate pathways
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Utah state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

29. University of West Georgia

In Carrollton, Georgia, the University of West Georgia offers online nursing programs through its Tanner Health System School of Nursing. The university provides flexible pathways for both undergraduate completion and graduate study, along with a doctoral option focused on nursing education.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: RN to BSN, MSN, Doctor of Education (EdD) in nursing education
Concentrations available: Nurse educator and leadership-focused tracks depending on MSN pathway
Available financial aid: FAFSA, Georgia state aid (for eligible residents), institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement

30. Vanderbilt University

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University offers highly regarded online and hybrid nursing programs through its School of Nursing. The university emphasizes advanced clinical practice, leadership, and research, with multiple graduate and doctoral pathways for nurses pursuing specialized or executive roles.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
Online nursing programs available: MSN, DNP, PhD in nursing, post-master’s certificates
Concentrations available: Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialties, leadership, and clinical specialty tracks depending on program
Available financial aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships and grants, nursing-specific fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement

How To Pay For Nursing School

Whether you're a working nurse looking to advance your career or a student looking to break into the field, it's common to have questions about paying for nursing school. There are a few key steps nursing students can take to pay for their nursing degrees, no matter what program they're enrolled in.

First, look for programs at online colleges that accept FAFSA. Submitting your FAFSA will help you qualify for federal grants and work-study programs. FAFSA results are also used by other groups for need-based scholarships and other financial aid for RN to BSN programs.

Students can also enroll in self-paced programs to save money. Learn more about these programs' costs and self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

What is the Job Outlook and Salaries for Nurses?

According to the BLS, nursing job opportunities are expected to grow by about 6% by 2032, nearly double the national average for all careers. There are different job outlooks for different types of nurses, though. For example, entry-level nurses and nursing aides have a 4% growth outlook, while some nursing specialties like nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists have an outlook of around 40%.

Estimated salaries for different types of nurses range from around $39,000 at the entry level to over $132,000 for nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists.

What Online Nursing Degree Concentrations are Available?

Online nursing degrees provide diverse options to help nurses prepare for whichever specialty they choose to pursue. It is important to remember that even though most of these programs are offered fully online, nursing is a very hands-on career, and many of these programs are billed as online, but they include hybrid elements. Students should expect to fulfill some form of in-person or on-campus residency or learning experience to complete these programs.

Some of the available online nursing degree concentrations include:

RN-to-BSN programs
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse midwives
Nurse practitioner
Health education
Neonatal nurse
Acute care

Is an Online Nursing Degree Hard?

Online nursing degrees are generally hard due to the subject matter being covered. However, online degrees are often easier than on-campus degrees due to the self-paced nature of courses and more flexible deadlines. Students with more experience might find their program easier than students pursuing first-time nursing degrees.

Are Online Nursing Degrees Respected?

Online nursing degrees, like all online degrees, are well-respected as long as they come from accredited schools. In addition to regional accreditation for the school, nursing students should look for Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation. This ensures that your degree meets national nursing education standards.

Find an Online Nursing Degree Program Near You

Due to the hybrid nature of many online nursing programs, it's a good idea to find a school near you. Learn more about the programs offered in each state to find the best program for your educational and career goals.

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