Accredited online nursing programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN. CCNE/ACEN accreditation, clinical requirements, costs, career outcomes. Online options for nurses.
Top Accredited Online Nursing Programs 2025
Online nursing education is expanding. Lecture and theory can be online; clinical requirements must be completed in-person at affiliated hospitals or clinics. Ensure programs are CCNE or ACEN accredited for licensure eligibility and employer recognition.
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs
University of Florida Online RN-to-BSN: For registered nurses seeking bachelor’s degree. Fully online except clinical rotations. CCNE accredited. Cost: $15,000–$20,000. Graduates earn $65,000–$80,000 annually. 18–24 months to complete.
Penn State World Campus BSN (RN-to-BSN): Flexible, self-paced online program. CCNE accredited. Cost: $20,000–$25,000. Strong reputation. 24–36 months.
University of Indiana Kelley School of Nursing (BSN): RN-to-BSN online. CCNE accredited. Affordable tuition. Hybrid format (some campus visits required).
Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs
University of Arizona College of Nursing M.S.N. (Online): Specializations: family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health, nursing education. CCNE accredited. Cost: $30,000–$40,000. Clinical practicum required in-person. Strong NCLEX pass rates.
University of Colorado M.S.N. (Online): Multiple tracks: leadership, education, clinical nurse specialist. CCNE accredited. Cost: $25,000–$35,000.
CCNE vs. ACEN Accreditation
CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education): More prestigious accreditor. Accepted by all employers and graduate programs. Preferred for nursing licensure boards.
ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing): Also recognized but slightly less common. Still acceptable for licensure.
Clinical Requirements
Online nursing programs require 100–200+ clinical hours at an approved facility. You must arrange clinical placements, often at hospitals near your home. Some programs help coordinate; others require you to find affiliates. Budget time and logistics for in-person clinical weeks.
Licensure & Career Path
RNs earn $65,000–$80,000 (median). BSN-prepared RNs earn $70,000–$85,000. Advanced practice (NP, CRNA) requires MSN and earns $100,000–$150,000+. Online nursing degrees enable career advancement without leaving your job.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated June 2026.
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