Best Online Nursing Colleges
Get detailed information about best online Nursing colleges and their tuition, accreditation, career prospects, scholarships, admission details and much more
Online Nursing Colleges
Nursing has become a popular field of study in the last couple of years. In fact, enrollment surged in nursing colleges, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
With a relatively stable job outlook, above-average salaries, and job satisfaction, nursing is a great career for students who strive to make a difference. But life makes on-campus study difficult sometimes. From paying bills to raising a family, the average person can’t dedicate full-time hours outside of the home.
That’s where online colleges for nursing come in. That’s right – there are online nursing programs where you can study online, full-time. The only limits you might have is when it’s time to complete nursing clinicals. Otherwise, you have a full range of nursing schools online.
Before you pick an online nursing school, make sure your top choices are accredited online colleges for nursing. The school should be accredited by either:
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program (COA)
- The American College of Nurse-Midwives Division of Accreditation (ACNM)
In this article, we’ll cover the kinds of degrees you can obtain at online schools for nursing. Then, we’ll dive into the best online colleges for nursing!
Degrees at Online Colleges for Nursing
Most nursing degrees cover a range of theoretical and practical topics in these subject areas:
- Anatomy
- Psychology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Nutrition
Here are the types of degrees you can work towards at most online nurse schools.
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ASN): requires 12 or more college credits and takes 2-3 years to complete.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN): requires about 120 credits, and takes about four years to complete.
Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN): requires about 30 credits and takes two years to complete.
Doctorate’s Degree in Nursing (DSN): requires 30-40 credits as well as a thesis, and many clinical hours, depending on the program.
Best Online Colleges for Nursing
1. Ohio State University: Columbus, Ohio
Institution Type: Public
Accreditations: HLC
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $12,789
Online Nursing Programs: 2
1 Bachelor’s Program (RN to BSN)
1 Master’s Program: MS in Nursing
2. University of Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh,
Institution Type: Public
Accreditations: MSCHE
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $15,724
Online Nursing Programs: 5
2 Master’s Programs: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Informatics
3 Doctorate Programs: Health Systems Executive Leadership (Nurse specialty), Health Systems Executive Leadership/ Master of Public Policy and Management, Nurse Anesthesia
3. University of South Carolina: Columbia, South Carolina
Institution Type: Public
Accreditations: SACSCOC
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $7,005
Online Nursing Programs: 10
1 Bachelor’s Program:
7 Master’s Programs: Entry to Practice Nursing, Adult-Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics
2 Doctorate Programs: PhD in Nursing Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice
4. Rush University: Chicago, Illinois
Institution Type: Private
Accreditations: HLC
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: Not available
Online Nursing Programs: 13
1 Master’s Programs: Nurse Leadership
12 Doctorate Programs: Nursing science, Adult-Gerontology, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Public Health, Population Health, Leadership Systems
5. Duke University: Durham, North Carolina
Institution Type: Private
Accreditations: SACSCOC
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $51,332
Online Nursing Programs: 13
11 Master’s Programs: Gerontology, Health Informatics, Psychiatric, Pediatric, Neonatal
1 Doctorate Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice
6. Saint Xavier University: Chicago, Illinois
Institution Type: Private
Accreditations: HLC
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $13,256
Online Nursing Programs: 2
1 Bachelor’s Program: LPN to BSN.
7. George Washington University: Washington, DC
Institution Type: Private
Accreditations: HLC
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $32, 574
Online Nursing Programs: 1
1 Bachelor Program: RN to BSN.
8. University of Connecticut: Mansfield, Connecticut
Institution Type: Public
Accreditations: NECHE
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $13,924
Online Nursing Programs: 11
6 Master’s Programs: Neonatal Nurse, Nurse Educator, Adult-Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner
5 Doctorate Programs: Neonatal Nurse, Adult-Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner
9. University of Alabama: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Institution Type: Public
Accreditations: SACSCOC
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $25,617
Online Nursing Programs: 4
1 Bachelor’s Program: RN to BSN
2 Master’s Programs: Nurse Administrator, RN to MSN
1 Doctorate Programs: Nursing Practice
10. Seton Hall University: South Orange, New Jersey
Institution Type: Private
Accreditations: CAEP
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $22,787
Online Nursing Programs: 4
3 Master’s Programs: Adult-Gerontology, Pediatric, Psychiatric
1 Doctorate: Doctor of Nursing Practice
11. Texas A&M University: College Station, Texas
Institution Type: Public
Accreditations: SACSCOC
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $12,682
Online Nursing Programs: 4
1 Bachelor’s Program: BSN
3 Master’s Programs: Nursing Education, Forensic Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
12. University of Nevada: Las Vegas, Nevada
Institution Type: Public
Accreditations: NCCU
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Financial Aid Awarded: $6,516
Online Nursing Programs: 1
2 Doctorate Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
Conclusion
Looking to complete your nursing degree online? It’s possible with so many different colleges offering RN programs online. Browse through our list of online colleges for nursing and take your time weighing the pros and cons of each one.
If you want to get a head start on financing your nursing education, we’re one step ahead. Check out our list of the best nursing loans for 2022!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Earn a Nursing Degree Completely Online?
Yes, you can complete a nursing degree completely online. However, you may need to visit hospitals or medical professional offices for clinical hours as you continue your education.
2. How Long Does it Take to Become an RN?
You can become an RN with an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. However, to become a nurse online, you’ll likely have to pursue a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years.
3. What Type of Nurse is Most in Demand?
Registered nurses (RNs) and Licenced Practical Nurses (LPNs) are the most in-demand nursing roles right now.
4. What is the Shortest Nursing Program?
The shortest nursing program will be an associate’s degree program, as they take two years to complete – two years less than the average bachelor’s degree.
Institution Type: Public
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $5,515
Average Student Loans Awarded: $7,224
Total Programs in Nursing (7)
2
Masters Programs
1
Doctorate Program
3
Graduate Certificate Programs
1
Other Program
Institution Type: Public
Nursing Accreditations: ACEN , CCNE
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $5,865
Average Student Loans Awarded: $10,026
Total Programs in Nursing (15)
11
Masters Programs
2
Doctorate Programs
1
Bachelors Program
1
Other Program
Institution Type: Public
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $5,439
Average Student Loans Awarded: $8,048
Total Programs in Nursing (6)
1
Bachelors Program
3
Masters Programs
2
Graduate Certificate Programs
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Total Programs in Nursing (28)
24
Doctorate Programs
1
Masters Program
1
Post Doctoral Certificate Program
2
Other Programs
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Nursing Accreditation: Request Info
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $4,981
Average Student Loans Awarded: $6,167
Total Programs in Nursing (2)
2
Certificate Programs
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $5,735
Average Student Loans Awarded: $6,414
Total Programs in Nursing (4)
2
Masters Programs
2
Post Masters Certificate Programs
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Nursing Accreditation: Request Info
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $6,226
Average Student Loans Awarded: $7,535
Total Programs in Nursing (11)
3
Masters Programs
1
Bachelors Program
1
Graduate Certificate Program
6
Other Programs
Institution Type: Public
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $5,470
Average Student Loans Awarded: $7,643
Total Programs in Nursing (2)
1
Masters Program
1
Graduate Certificate Program
Institution Type: Public
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $5,542
Average Student Loans Awarded: $9,706
Total Programs in Nursing (7)
1
Doctorate Program
2
Bachelors Programs
4
Masters Programs
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $5,428
Average Student Loans Awarded: $10,050
Total Programs in Nursing (6)
1
Doctorate Program
4
Masters Programs
1
Post Masters Certificate Program
Institution Type: Public
Nursing Accreditation: Request Info
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $5,064
Average Student Loans Awarded: $6,641
Total Programs in Nursing (4)
3
Masters Programs
1
Bachelors Program
Institution Type: Public
Nursing Accreditations: CCNE
Average Federal Student Loans awarded: $4,930
Average Student Loans Awarded: $5,545
Total Programs in Nursing (7)
4
Doctorate Programs
1
Masters Program
2
Graduate Certificate Programs
