The Best Online Nursing Schools and Programs in 2025
- Best Online Nursing Programs and Schools
- Program Overview
- Applying to an Online Nursing Program
- Program Accreditation
- Nursing School FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: valentinrussanov / E+ / Getty ImagesOnline nursing programs are a convenient alternative to traditional on-campus learning and offer one of the fastest ways to become a nurse.
Concerned about the quality of online education compared with traditional pathways? Fortunately, accredited online nursing programs meet the same rigorous academic standards as in-person programs.
Great online nursing programs cater to a wide spectrum of nursing professionals. For example, aspiring registered nurses (RNs) can enroll in online associate or bachelor’s programs in nursing. More experienced nurses can find distance learning programs for master’s degrees to move into in-demand nursing specialties.
This guide can help you find the best online nursing program for you, whether you’re looking to join the field or level up your current skills. Explore detailed information on how these programs operate below.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN 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 combine distance learning courses with supervised clinical hours. Programs may offer synchronous learning, in which students attend online lectures at specific times. They may also use asynchronous courses, which allow learners to complete assignments on their schedules, as long as they meet deadlines.
Nursing students who complete coursework online must still complete in-person clinical requirements. Supervised clinical experiences occur on-site, usually at a healthcare facility or on campus. Students typically complete these in the latter part of their programs. Online nursing programs may require distance learners to attend specific sites or work with enrollees to arrange local clinical experiences.
Applying to an Online Nursing Program
Admission requirements for online nursing programs vary depending on the degree level and nursing school. Typically, an applicant for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) needs a high school diploma. RN-to-BSN programs require an ADN, nursing license, and previous nursing experience.
A candidate for a master of science in nursing (MSN) should possess a BSN, an active RN license, and previous nursing experience.
- Admission Materials: Transcripts from previous education; prerequisite courses in anatomy, biology, and chemistry; a resume outlining previous academic and career achievements; recommendation letters; personal statement
- GPA Requirement: Typically at least a 2.0-2.5 GPA for ADNs; at least a 2.5-3.0 GPA for BSNs and MSNs
- Other Requirements: RN-to-BSN programs and MSNs typically require clinical 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 they’re investing wisely in their education. The nursing accreditation process serves as an independent review of higher education programs, including online nursing programs, to provide quality assurance.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredit in-person and online nursing programs. They evaluate academic programs to ensure students receive a quality education and prepare for clinical responsibilities.
Accredited degrees allow students to qualify for nursing licensure and can help boost job prospects. Graduate schools typically accept students only with accredited degrees, and attending an unaccredited school will likely result in learners receiving less financial aid and fewer job opportunities. All of the programs in this ranking are accredited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Schools and Programs
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