The Best Online Nursing Schools
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: SDI Productions / iStock / Getty Images PlusAs technology continues to play an important role in the medical field, online nursing programs have become more mainstream. These programs allow prospective nurses to earn a degree while maintaining a flexible schedule and taking advantage of lower tuition costs.
Learn about some of the top online nursing programs in this guide.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online nursing schools, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learn More About the Best Online Nursing Schools
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,576
- Out-of-state$46,498
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled52,384
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Brigham Young University
- Provo, UT
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$6,120
- Out-of-state$6,120
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled34,454
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,936
- Out-of-state$36,173
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled60,540
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Davis
- Davis, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled40,050
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,927
- Out-of-state$38,757
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled53,083
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Long Beach
- Long Beach, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled40,190
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida-Online
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled5,168
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,392
- Out-of-state$31,176
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled31,764
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate39%
- Students Enrolled36,637
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
How Does Online Nursing School Work?
Many online nursing programs can be completed with little to no campus visits, providing students with more flexibility in their schedule.
Courses in an online program take place synchronously, asynchronously, or a combination of the two. Synchronous learning occurs in real time with students and instructors connecting live. Asynchronous learning happens on the student’s own time, usually through recorded lectures, podcasts, and other online tools.
Some schools may require online students to visit the campus a few times throughout their program. These visits could include orientation, lab work, special lectures, or to gain hands-on experience. Regardless of the program, students must complete clinical experiences in person. This may require you to find clinical opportunities within your own community, pending program approval.
Applying to an Online Nursing School
When applying to an online nursing school, make sure you meet all requirements necessary for acceptance, which varies by program and degree level. Check that the format of the online program best suits your learning style and schedule.
The associate degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), master of science in nursing (MSN), and doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) are all offered online. While specific prerequisites vary, most schools look for similar general requirements.
- Admission Materials:
- ADN/BSN: High school or GED diploma and transcripts; completion of academic prerequisites, such as algebra, biology, chemistry; writing sample; letters of recommendation
- MSN: BSN from an accredited institution; active registered nurse (RN) license; transcripts from previous academic programs; a writing sample; letters of recommendation/references
- DNP: BSN; active RN license; transcripts from previous academic programs; completion of undergraduate courses in research and statistics; resume; personal statement; letters of recommendation
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher
Why Is Online Nursing School Accreditation Important?
Choosing an accredited online RN-to-MSN program provides benefits for both students and their future employers. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing only provide accreditation to programs that appropriately prepare students for their nursing roles.
Benefits of choosing an accredited nursing program include:
- Accreditation verifies that the program meets academic standards, guaranteeing students learn the best nursing practices.
- If a student wants to transfer from one school to another, most nursing programs do not accept transfer credits from institutions that are not accredited.
- For students who want to continue their education, degrees earned from an unaccredited program may not meet the institution’s prerequisites.
- Accredited degrees give nurses more employment opportunities and a higher earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing School
Earning an online nursing degree provides scheduling flexibility that an on-site program does not. In addition, students pay less tuition costs without fees associated with living on campus.
