The Best Online Nursing Schools and Programs in 2025
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- Best Online Nursing Programs and Schools
- Program Overview
- Applying to a Online Nursing Program
- Program Accreditation
- Nursing School FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: valentinrussanov / E+ / Getty ImagesWhile all nursing programs educate and train nurses, online nursing programs serve as an alternative to traditional on-campus degrees. The flexibility of online schools especially appeals to students who may work full time, live far away from college campuses, or possess other responsibilities like caring for families.
Aspiring registered nurses (RN) can enroll in online associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Experienced nurses can find distance learning programs for master’s degrees. Check out this guide that outlines the best online nursing programs, no matter where you are in your career.
Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the best online nursing programs.
Popular Online Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Nursing Schools and Programs in 2025
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
CUNY Lehman College
- Bronx, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled15,143
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,020
- Out-of-state$37,360
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled32,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
St Luke's College
- Sioux City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$19,440
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled196
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,480
- Out-of-state$60,480
- In-State$60,480
- Out-of-state$60,480
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled30,363
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$58,130
- Out-of-state$58,130
- In-State$53,160
- Out-of-state$53,160
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled13,456
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,443
- Out-of-state$36,637
- In-State$6,885
- Out-of-state$19,593
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled76,633
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$61,872
- Out-of-state$61,872
- In-State$56,592
- Out-of-state$56,592
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled20,392
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.
How Do Online Nursing Programs Work?
Online nursing programs consist of distance learning courses along with supervised clinical hours.
The curriculum can offer synchronous courses, when students log on for online lectures at specific times. Or they can offer asynchronous courses, which means learners can complete their coursework at their convenience, as long as they meet deadlines.
The specific structure of online nursing programs depends on the school. Universities may offer accelerated, part-time, or full-time degrees. Associate degrees traditionally take two years to complete; bachelor’s degrees last four years. Master’s degrees often take two years to complete. However, this also depends on how many credits students take each term.
Supervised clinical requirements occur on-site, usually at a healthcare facility or on campus. Students typically complete these in the latter part of their programs.
Applying to a Online Nursing Program
Different online nursing programs come with different admission requirements.
Students who apply for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) usually need a high school diploma, as do individuals who apply for a bachelor or science in nursing (BSN). Some nurses enroll in RN-to-BSN programs, which allows registered nurses to earn their bachelor’s degrees on an accelerated track. Applicants for these programs need an ADN, nursing licensure, and previous nursing experience.
Candidates for master of science in nursing (MSN) programs should possess a BSN, active RN licensure, and usually previous nursing experience as well.
Admission Materials
Transcripts from previous education — the specifics will vary, depending on level of degree; some graduate programs require a previous course in statistics; a resume outlining previous academic and career achievements; recommendation letters; personal statementGPA Requirement
Typically at least a 2.0-2.5 GPA for ADN programs; at least a 2.5 GPA for BSN and MSN degreesOther Requirement
RN-to-BSN degrees and MSN degrees often require previous nursing experience; international students must submit English language test scores
Why Is Online Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school is an investment of time and money, and students like to know that they’re investing into their education wisely. That’s where accreditation comes in. The nursing accreditation process serves as an independent review of higher education programs, including online nursing programs.
Accreditation boards evaluate academic programs to ensure they deliver students a quality education and prepare them for their careers. Accredited degrees allow students to qualify for nursing licensure, and they help boost job prospects.
Graduate schools typically accept students only with accredited degrees. Because of the importance of accreditation, all of the programs in this ranking hold accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Schools and Programs
The material that students learn in online nursing programs doesn’t differ from the material they would learn in a traditional, on-campus program. However, some students may find themselves more suited to online courses, while others prefer campus classes.
Online learners must possess discipline and time management skills, since distance learning programs may require more independent work.
Explore Other Online Nursing Programs
Best Online Nursing Programs and Degrees in 2025
Overwhelmed by the abundance of online nursing programs? This guide can help you navigate the possibilities and narrow down the options.
How Online Nursing Programs Work
An online degree in nursing can position you for an in-demand career. Find information on online learning, nursing careers, and nursing degrees in this guide.
The Best Online BSN Programs
Pursuing a BSN online provides flexibility for aspiring nurses. Explore this guide for a list of the best online BSN programs.