17 Best Online Nursing Programs in 2026

<h3 id="section---1.ArizonaStateUniversity">1. Arizona State University</h3> <p>Arizona State University (ASU) is a leading provider of distance learning and offers some of the top online nursing programs in Arizona. Students have access to 8 different online nursing programs, including bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs. These degrees and certificates include nursing degrees, registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN) bridge programs, and nursing education programs. ASU designs these programs with flexible coursework that allows practicing nurses to tailor their education toward their current or desired career path. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Nursing Education, and Master of Science (MS) in nursing </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: No specific concentrations, but there are flexible course selections </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including federal grants, scholarships, and loans. ASU also provides $700 million each year in institutional aid </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $554 per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---2.SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">2. Southern New Hampshire University</h3> <p>Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a leading provider of online degrees, including nursing programs. These degrees are delivered in asynchronous formats that promote flexible learning. SNHU students can pursue both undergraduate and graduate-level nursing degrees in fully online formats. The school accepts transfer credits and previous experience as a substitute for credit requirements, which helps working nurses advance their careers more quickly and affordably. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, MSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, Accelerated RN-to-MSN, MSN </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: nurse education, nurse leadership </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: SNHU accepts FAFSA-based aid packages. The school also offers various scholarships based on need, merit, and educational program. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $330 per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---3.CaliforniaStateUniversityDominguezHills">3. California State University, Dominguez Hills</h3> <p>Some of the best online nursing programs in California are offered through California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). Students can complete these programs fully online, including a Master of Science in Nursing with four different concentration options. CSUDH's programs can lead to licensure in other states if you plan on moving or are an out-of-state student trying to find a high-quality online program. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: Accelerated and Standard BSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and two certificates. </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: MSN concentrations include administrator, educator, family nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist. </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: Students can submit their FAFSA documents to qualify for scholarships, grants, and federal work-study programs. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $718 per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfFlorida">4. University of Florida</h3> <p>The University of Florida (UF) offers students one of the best online nursing programs in Florida. Students can complete an RN-to-BSN program through fully online coursework to pursue licensure in Florida. The online nature of this program allows working RNs to continue their education around their work schedules. UF also has generous transfer credit policies that allow you to use any previously earned credits to earn your degree faster. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: Nursing (Major) </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: None </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: UF Online accepts FAFSA-based grants, scholarships, and federal work-study programs. There are also State of Florida-based scholarship opportunities. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $129.18 (in-state) and $552.62 (out-of-state) per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---5.AlbanyStateUniversity">5. Albany State University</h3> <p>Albany State University has two campuses in Georgia and a selection of online programs. Students can enroll in the top online nursing programs in Georgia. There are Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), BSN, and MSN programs available across their network. Students can also complete health care provider-to-RN bridge programs to become a nurse using experience in other health care fields. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: SACSCOC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: RN, ASN, BSN, MSN, and certificates </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, MSN, and certificates </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: MSN concentrations include family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nursing informatics </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: Albany has institutional scholarships and grants and accepts FAFSA awards. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $577 per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---6.ColoradoChristianUniversity">6. Colorado Christian University</h3> <p>Colorado Christian University (CCU) has multiple nursing programs available online and on campus, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral-level degrees. These programs are delivered through accelerated five and ten week courses which allow students to complete their education quicker than at some other schools. The online programs at CCU are taught fully through distance education, without any on-campus or in-person requirements. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: HLC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, MSN, DNP </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Clinical care management, nursing education </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: CCU offers multiple need- and merit-based scholarships and grants and accepts FAFSA based federal aid programs. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $1,395 per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---7.SaintXavierUniversity">7. Saint Xavier University</h3> <p>Saint Xavier University (SXU) not only has some of the best online nursing programs in Illinois, but it's also one of the top online nursing schools nationwide, according to U.S. News &amp; World Report. Students can earn full nursing degrees or complete bridge programs to transition to a new stage of their career. The school was founded by the Sisters of Mercy and continues to incorporate their beliefs and teachings into their nursing programs. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: HLC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: Accelerated BSN, Licensed Practicing Nurse (LPN)-to-RN, and MSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: MSN </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Family nurse practitioner and nurse educator </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: Students at SXU can submit their FAFSA to qualify for federal grants and scholarships. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $780 per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---8.IndianaUniversity">8. Indiana University</h3> <p>Indiana University (IU) is an accredited university that offers an online nursing program in Indiana. Students can enroll in a fully <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_rn_to_bsn_us.html">online RN-to-BSN program</a>. Because this is a degree completion program, students are required to have eligible transfer credits and work experience before applying for this program. In addition to fully online programs, IU offers what it calls 80-99% online programs. These degrees are earned through online coursework with limited on-campus experiences. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: HLC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, MSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, MSN </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Family nurse practitioner, leadership in health systems, </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: IU accepts FAFSA and offers institutional programs, including donor- and departmental-based scholarships. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $350 (in-state) or $455 (out-of-state) per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfMichiganFlint">9. University of Michigan-Flint</h3> <p>The University of Michigan-Flint (UM-Flint) offers reputable online nursing programs in Michigan. UM-Flint students can complete an online RN-to-BSN degree completion program. There is also a fully online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for advanced nurses pursuing terminal degrees. UM-Flint's DNP can also be earned through what are called Mixed-Mode programs, which involve limited on-campus engagements in combination with online coursework. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: HLC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-MSN, DNP </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN, DNP </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Executive Leadership </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: Students can qualify for the Go Blue promise and receive full tuition coverage for undergraduate degrees in addition to FAFSA awards and merit-based scholarships. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $568 (in-state) or $626.50 (out-of-state) per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---10.RutgersUniversity">10. Rutgers University</h3> <p>Rutgers University is a reputable college that offers accredited online nursing programs in New Jersey. In addition to traditional pathways, Rutgers University offers a 2+2 program that allows students at Camden County College to seamlessly transition their associate degree credits to Rutgers to finish their BSN more affordably than earning their degree entirely through Rutgers or another university. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, MSN, DNP, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Midwifery </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: Rutgers awards $99.2 million to first-year students each year and accepts FAFSA results. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $592 (in-state) or $1,405 (out-of-state) per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---11.EmpireStateUniversity">11. Empire State University</h3> <p>Empire State University (ESU) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) and offers accredited online nursing programs in New York. ESU's online nursing degrees include two undergraduate degrees, three master's degrees, and two advanced certificate programs. The online programs are delivered in flexible, part-time formats to make it easier for students to fit their schoolwork in around busy work schedules. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: MSCHE </p> <p><b>Nursing Program</b>s: BSN, MSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, certificates </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: No specific concentrations available </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: ESU provides institutional scholarships and grants. There are also state grants and scholarships, as well as federal aid packages available. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $295 (in-state) or $353 (out-of-state) per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---12.UniversityOfNorthCarolinaAtCharlotte">12. University of North Carolina at Charlotte</h3> <p>The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is one of the top-ranking online nursing programs in North Carolina and the nation. The school offers nursing degrees from the undergraduate to doctoral level in both on-campus and online formats. Students can complete traditional, accelerated, and pre-licensure options. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: SACSCOC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, MSN, DNP </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Nurse educator, acute care nurse, and public health nursing </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: Students can qualify for federal grants, scholarships, and work-study programs through FAFSA. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $158.83 (in-state) or $794.38 (out-of-state) per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---13.OhioStateUniversity">13. Ohio State University</h3> <p>Ohio State University (OSU) is one of the most respected universities that offers online nursing programs in Ohio. The online programs at OSU are not only fully online but also fully asynchronous. This benefits busy working professionals who might not be able to attend regularly scheduled courses. OSU is recognized by U.S. News &amp; World Report as one of the best online nursing programs in the nation. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: HLC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: MSN concentrations in acute pediatrics, gerontology, family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: FAFSA results can be used to apply for federal grants and scholarships. There are also institutional scholarships available. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $315 (in-state) or $515 (out-of-state) per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---14.WilkesUniversity">14. Wilkes University</h3> <p>One of the top online nursing programs in Pennsylvania is offered by Wilkes University (WU). Nearly all of the programs are offered fully online, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs (both DNP and PhD). In addition to traditional pathways, WU offers accelerated programs, including a BSN. Some of the online programs do include limited on-campus residencies to complement online coursework. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: MSCHE </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN, RN-MSN, Accelerated BSN, DNP, and PhD in nursing </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: None </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: FAFSA grants and scholarships can be used at WU. Furthermore, WU awards merit scholarships of up to $28,000 per academic year to qualified students. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $1,383 per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---15.UniversityOfMemphis">15. University of Memphis</h3> <p>The University of Memphis is a reputable college that offers online nursing programs in Tennessee. Through its online UofM Global program, students can complete an RN-to-BSN as well as MSN programs with multiple MSN programs. The online programs provide the necessary training needed to pursue licensure or advance your nursing career in Tennessee. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: SACSCOC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN, RN-to-BSN, and an accelerated BSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN, MSN </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Nursing education and family nurse practitioner </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: Students who submit their FAFSA can qualify for grants, scholarships, and state-based financial aid. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $447 per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---16.TexasAMUniversity">16. Texas A&amp;M University</h3> <p>Students at Texas A&amp;M University (TAMU) can enroll in the top online nursing programs in Texas. These degrees include online, on-campus, and hybrid programs from the bachelor's to doctoral levels. Undergraduate degrees are offered through different TAMU campuses, including Bryan-College Station, McAllen, and Round Rock. The graduate degrees are offered exclusively online. These programs meet licensing requirements nationwide. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: SACSCOC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: BSN and Second-degree BSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Nursing education, family nurse practitioner, and forensic nursing </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: TAMU accepts FAFSA for federal grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $481 (in-state) or $1,645 (out-of-state) per credit hour </p> <h3 id="section---17.MarymountUniversity">17. Marymount University</h3> <p>Marymount University (MU) offers online nursing programs in Virginia to students looking to start or continue a nursing career. These online nursing programs are recognized for their quality by publications like U.S. News &amp; World Report. Students can enroll in traditional and accelerated degrees based on what is better for their goals. </p> <p><b>Accreditation</b>: SACSCOC </p> <p><b>Nursing Programs</b>: traditional BSN, 2nd degree BSN, and transfer BSN </p> <p><b>Online Nursing Programs</b>: Accelerated BSN, traditional BSN, MSN, and DNP </p> <p><b>Concentrations</b>: Family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health </p> <p><b>Financial Aid</b>: FAFSA grants, scholarships, and work-study programs are available to MU students. The school also has graduate-specific financial aid packages. </p> <p><b>Estimated Tuition Rate</b>: $1,374 per credit hour </p> <h2 id="section---HowToPayForNursingSchool">How To Pay For Nursing School</h2> <p>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. </p> <p>First, look for programs at <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheap_online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">online colleges that accept FAFSA</a>. 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 <a href="https://learn.org/articles/rn_to_bsn_scholarships.html">financial aid for RN to BSN programs</a>. </p> <p>Students can also enroll in self-paced programs to save money. Learn more about these programs' costs and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/self_paced_nursing_prerequisites_online.html">self-paced nursing prerequisites online</a>. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlookAndSalariesForNurses">What is the Job Outlook and Salaries for Nurses?</h2> <p>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%. </p> <p>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. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatOnlineNursingDegreeConcentrationsAreAvailable">What Online Nursing Degree Concentrations are Available?</h2> <p>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. </p> <p>Some of the available online nursing degree concentrations include: </p> <ul><li>RN-to-BSN programs </li><li>Nurse Anesthetist </li><li>Nurse midwives </li><li>Nurse practitioner </li><li>Health education </li><li>Neonatal nurse </li><li>Acute care </li></ul><h2 id="section---IsAnOnlineNursingDegreeHard">Is an Online Nursing Degree Hard?</h2> <p>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. </p> <h3 id="section---AreOnlineNursingDegreesRespected">Are Online Nursing Degrees Respected?</h3> <p>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. </p> <h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegreeProgramNearYou">Find an Online Nursing Degree Program Near You</h2> <p>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. </p> <ul><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_alabama.html">Alabama</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_alaska.html">Alaska</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_arizona.html">Arizona</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_arkansas.html">Arkansas</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_california.html">California</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_colorado.html">Colorado</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_connecticut.html">Connecticut</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_delaware.html">Delaware</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_florida.html">Florida</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_georgia.html">Georgia</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_hawaii.html">Hawaii</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_idaho.html">Idaho</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_illinois.html">Illinois</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_indiana.html">Indiana</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_iowa.html">Iowa</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_kansas.html">Kansas</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_kentucky.html">Kentucky</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_louisiana.html">Louisiana</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_maine.html">Maine</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_maryland.html">Maryland</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_massachusetts.html">Massachusetts</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_michigan.html">Michigan</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_minnesota.html">Minnesota</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_mississippi.html">Mississippi</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_missouri.html">Missouri</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_montana.html">Montana</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_nebraska.html">Nebraska</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_nevada.html">Nevada</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_new_hampshire.html">New Hampshire</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_new_jersey.html">New Jersey</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_new_mexico.html">New Mexico</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_new_york.html">New York</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_north_carolina.html">North Carolina</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_north_dakota.html">North Dakota</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_ohio.html">Ohio</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_oklahoma.html">Oklahoma</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_oregon.html">Oregon</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_pennsylvania.html">Pennsylvania</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_rhode_island.html">Rhode Island</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_south_carolina.html">South Carolina</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_south_dakota.html">South Dakota</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_tennessee.html">Tennessee</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_texas.html">Texas</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_utah.html">Utah</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_vermont.html">Vermont</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_virginia.html">Virginia</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_washington.html">Washington</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_west_virginia.html">West Virginia</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_wisconsin.html">Wisconsin</a> </li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_nursing_programs_wyoming.html">Wyoming</a></li></ul>