Nursing offers excellent advancement opportunities. You can work various careers, too. A nursing degree is an excellent choice if you’re driven to help others.
Is the start of your nursing career? Are you a seasoned nurse looking to advance your career? Either way, one of our top 30 nationally accredited online colleges for nursing can open doors for you!
Studies show that 94% of registered nurses (RN) are glad they chose their career. That number rises to 98% for clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
If you think about those numbers, they’re pretty impressive! It means you’ll likely find happiness being a nurse in the medical field.
What Will You Learn With a Nursing Degree?
The knowledge you’ll learn depends on the nursing degree you choose.
Many nursing schools on this list are for working registered nurses that want to earn their bachelor’s degree. These online nursing programs allow you to focus your studies on leadership and management skills, as well as effective communication and other tools needed to be successful.
See Also: 30 Accredited Online Colleges in RN to BSN (RN Required)
Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing is another popular online nursing master’s degree. An MSN isn’t just higher learning. It can lead to many careers with medical professionals. Common focuses for MSNs include:
- Leadership and management
- Nursing education
- Adult-gerontology
- Acute care nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
- Family nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice
If you enroll in an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, you’ll take many online courses in research. Some DNP programs require you to publish research. Other online nursing programs require you to complete an applied doctoral project.
See Also: Top 20 Accredited Colleges for Online Physical Therapy Programs
What Are the Best Accredited Online Colleges For Nursing?
Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics to determine the best nursing schools. Each program has an individual score. That score is compared to all other universities that offer the same degree. This allows us to determine the final score. Scores are indicated by each of the school rankings.
Accredited Online College considers many factors:
- affordability
- student-to-faculty ratio
- the number of programs offered on-campus and online
To learn more, visit our methodology page.
Let’s get to our list of the top nationally accredited online colleges for nursing!
See Also: 30 Accredited Online Colleges in Healthcare Management
1. Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University tops our list of the best accredited online colleges for nursing.
This national university offers one of the highest quality online educations available. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Penn State’s online bachelor’s degree among the top ten in the United States.
This program has many accreditations. This includes the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 120-credit hour program. It’s for registered nurses (RNs) who want to complete a bachelor of science in an accelerated format.
Students in accelerated nursing programs like this rotate through classes every seven and a half weeks. To finish this degree, you complete 45 hours of clinicals to get real world experience.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Schools at Pennsylvania State University here.
See Also: 10 Tips for Maximizing Your Learning Experience in Online College
2. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University offers an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. It can be done almost entirely online. The program requires new students to attend a two-day conference at the Bryan-College Station campus before starting courses online.
To apply to the Bachelor of Science program, you should have an associate’s degree in nursing or 59 credit hours of prerequisite coursework. If you’re a licensed practical nurse, that helps too!
Full-time students can complete this program in three semesters. It partially depends on what time of year you enroll.
This nursing school only requires you to complete 30 credit hours. If your schedule is hectic, there is a two-year option that allows for a slower pace.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Schools at Texas A&M University here.
3. University of Wisconsin Madison
The focus of the RN to BSN program at the University of Wisconsin Madison is on critical thinking and leadership skills.
Wisconsin’s BSN gives you the skills to take on new responsibilities. You might also get that dream job that requires that candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree.
The first step is to meet general education requirements. If you’ve already done so, this degree might take 24 to 30 credit hours of coursework. It should take 1.5 to 2.5 years to complete.
You can take classes in a traditional 14-week format. You can also choose an accelerated seven-week session.
You can also pursue a school nursing certificate. This is a good option if you’re interested in working as a nurse in the educational system. This certificate is 18-credit hours. It enables you to be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at University of Wisconsin Madison here.
4. North Dakota State University
The RN to BSN program from North Dakota State University develops graduates that are flexible and adaptable to the healthcare system.
This program focuses on subjects you’ll apply in day-to-day nursing situations. This includes nursing skills related to:
- quality and safety
- evidence based practice
- population-focused nursing
- leadership skills
- community health
- nursing theory
If you need an entirely online program with zero travel, this may not be an ideal choice. There are on-campus immersions once per semester to practice nursing. Since the program takes around five semesters to complete, you’ll need to make five trips to Fargo.
The admissions requirements are straightforward. You must have an associate degree. You also need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. A current unencumbered professional nurse license (RN) is required as well.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at North Dakota State University here.
5. Purdue University Global
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University’s Global Campus is a another top option. The skills you gain are applicable in your everyday job.
This is a rigorous program that requires lots of dedication and time. But, you’re rewarded for your hard work with an excellent education.
To finish the BSN, you must complete 180 credits. You can transfer up to 90 credits since this is an RN to BSN program. Courses are in 10-week modules. Expect to study 15-18 hours per week.
Tuition is around $315 per credit hour. If you transfer 90 credit hours, you’ll pay just over $28,000 for your degree completion. You can also apply for financial aid to help with the costs of your degree.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at Purdue University Global here.
6. East Carolina University
According to U.S. News & World Report, East Carolina University in the top five best online nursing education programs. This is no surprise given the school’s low tuition costs and fast track to completion.
This is an RN to BSN program. It takes as little as 16 months of part-time study to complete. The program’s website has many testimonials from students who speak highly about the university and its BSN program.
Don’t worry about on-site immersion or required visits to the campus. East Carolina University’s program is entirely online.
The online school expects its applicants to have general education requirements done. You must also have some basic science courses, such as:
- microbiology
- chemistry
- human anatomy
- nutrition
- community health
If you’ve been out of school for some time, don’t worry! ECU accepts all previously taken coursework with a C or greater. You just need solid nursing skills!
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Schools at East Carolina University here.
7. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. You can take maximum advantage of previously earned college credits and work experience. This enables you to finish your degree as quickly as possible.
If you’re already a student at the university, you can transfer into the College of Nursing by submitting an application.
Once admitted into this online school, you can choose either a full-time or part-time option. If you choose the full-time option, expect to walk away with your degree in as little as nine months. Part-time students can choose between a program that takes three or five semesters.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at University of Cincinnati here.
8. Ohio State University
The RN to BSN program from Ohio State University focuses on developing a foundational knowledge base. Its graduates are well-rounded nurses. You’ll explore advanced issues in nursing. This includes leadership and management.
If you choose this program, you’ll learn from teachers with experience working as nurses and who hold graduate degrees. They know what it takes to get you where you want to go in nursing.
This nursing school is available to almost everyone in the US. There are eight states in the continental United States in which the program is not accepted. This is because it’s a distance education program. You can view the school’s website to see if you’re in one of the states that don’t approve this program.
OSU understands that education can be expensive. That’s why the university has a program that eliminates textbook costs.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at Ohio State University here.
9. Fort Hays State University
You don’t have to travel all the way to Hays, Kansas to enroll in an online RN to BSN program. If you’re an RN and you want to get your bachelor’s quickly, this might be the program for you.
This RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as three semesters.
The entire RN to BSN program is 120 credit hours. Many students transfer into this program with well over 60 credit hours. The requirements for completing this program are relatively straightforward. As long as you have an unrestricted RN license and you maintain a C average in all nursing courses, you’ll be successful.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at Fort Hays University here.
10. University of South Florida
Study what you want in the RN to BSN online nursing program at the University of South Florida. The program allows you to focus on:
- patient/staff education
- leadership/management
- clinical excellence
As you pursue your area of interest, you might take courses in:
- neonatal nursing
- primary care
- health informatics
- healthcare administration
- community health
You can take three full-time semesters or five part-time semesters. Either way, this program gives you the tools and techniques to distinguish yourself in the nursing.
This program is 30 credits. There is an experiential learning requirement in at least three of the courses so you can practice nursing.
Upon completion of the BSN program, you’re ready to begin work at the graduate level. You can pursue the school’s Master’s Degree in Nursing. You might also consider the Doctor of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science if higher learning is a goal.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Programs at The University of South Florida here.
11. Appalachian State University
North Carolina residents may find the RN to BSN program from Appalachian State University appealing. All in-state residents only pay $163 per credit hour.
The program is 120 credit hours. At least 30 credits have to be done at Appalachian State University. If you need the minimum number of credits, you can complete your degree in under a year. You’ll also pay less than $5,000! Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Students in this program can choose to focus on:
- education
- health care
- professional studies
Like in most nursing degree programs, clinicals are a part of the curriculum. The university counts class projects and research toward these requirements.
The school also requires transfer students to have at least an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing. Applicants must also have an unrestricted RN license.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Schools at Appalachian State University here.
12. North Dakota State University
Do you want to study at a university that emphasizes support for students? Then check out the University of North Dakota!
UND provides online tutoring services, library and tech support, and advising services. This helps ensures you have the tools and support to finish your degree.
The RN to BSN program at UND includes live web classes. You can also view the recorded lectures at your own convenience. The UND accelerated nursing completion program is 30 credit hours. It takes between one and two years to complete.
Not sure how your previous college coursework will transfer to this online nursing school? Then take advantage of the unofficial transcript review service. Pay attention to the dates, as the application deadline for the fall semester is July 1st. You don’t want to delay the completion of your degree.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Programs at The University of North Dakota here.
13. University of Southern Mississippi
Was chemistry not your strongest subject? Does the very thought of having to take the subject make you question earning your BSN nursing degree? Then select the RN to BSN program through the University of Southern Mississippi.
If that piques your interest, it gets better. There are three start dates each year. You can start in the summer, spring, or fall semester. You can also choose eight, ten, or sixteen week classes.
Two clinical experiences are required. You can complete them in your local community. Additionally, you must complete a leadership course which counts as part of your capstone requirement.
Do you want to take a few thousand dollars off your tuition while earning your degree? Check out the school’s many financial opportunities for online students.
Learn more about the Nursing Degree Online at University of Southern Mississippi here.
14. Florida Atlantic University
The RN to BSN program at FAU is regionally accredited. It’s also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Additionally, this program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association. You can get certification in holistic nursing upon graduating.
The FAU part time nursing program requires you to complete 32 credit hours. Online students pay in-state tuition rates.
Graduates have the skills to pursue careers in many different kinds of nursing. You can work in emergency room nursing, clinical nursing, or leadership.
Tuition for online students is just $201.29. If you do the math, the 32 credit hour program might only cost around $6,500. That’s a pretty cheap investment for an online degree and new career opportunities and higher future salaries. Plus, you can apply for financial aid to help defray expenses.
Learn more about the Nursing Degree Online at Florida Atlantic University here.
15. George Mason University
Are you a Virginia community college student working toward an Associate of Applied Science in nursing? Check out George Mason University’s co-enrollment BSN program.
The co-enrollment program allows some nursing students to complete their BSN in one semester. The school also offers a regular RN to BSN program for non-Virginia residents. Both of these programs are 30 credit hours. Each one also has ten courses.
Courses in this nursing school are in seven-week formats. You can work toward your degree carrying a full-time or part-time workload.
You’ll take classes in:
- research
- leadership and management
- health assessment
You might also learn about public health and nursing informatics, too.
Those in the co-enrollment program have the added benefit of paying in-state tuition of $558.50 per credit hour. This is nearly a third less than the out of state tuition rate. Financial aid is available to offset costs.
Learn more about Nursing Degree Online at George Mason University here.
16. University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico’s nationally accredited RN to BSN program focuses on teaching you evidence based practices. You’ll learn how to think critically through situations that you’ll face in your job. The school knows that teaching information is important. However, having critical thinking skills is the cornerstone of your future success.
You’re unlikely to get bored with the subjects you’re studying. Classes are in an accelerated eight-week format.
Admittance into this program requires that you have at least 26 hours of transferable credits. This program is listed as a 30 credit hour program. But, to graduate with a BSN degree from the University of New Mexico, you must complete 128 credit hours in total college coursework.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at The University of New Mexico here.
17. Michigan State University
The RN to BSN program from Michigan State University takes just five semesters of part-time study. The program specializes in providing you with clinical practice in both community health and leadership.
You’ll take online courses in various subjects, which might include:
- BSN Impact on Healthcare
- Genetics: Transforming Healthcare
- Research
- Ethics
- Evidence Based Practice for Nurses
- Community and Population Health
- Nursing Theory
- Nursing Informatics
- Global Health
- Public Health
Online students can also apply for the same scholarships available to the on-campus nursing students. This might mean a little extra money in your pocket after graduating.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Degrees at Michigan State University here.
18. University of Texas at Arlington
This 35-credit hour RN to BSN online nursing program from the University of Texas at Arlington strengthens your existing clinical and patient care skills. You’ll develop skills in leadership and management as well.
You get a good education at an extremely affordable price of $257 per credit hour. This comes out to slightly less than $9,000 for the program. You can also apply for financial aid to pay for your education.
On average, students can complete this program in just nine months. That makes this one of the fastest programs to finish your Bachelor of Science in Nursing!
If you don’t have the best cumulative GPA, no worries. You might still make the cut because UT-Arlington only requires that you have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 for its degree in nursing.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Degrees at The University of Texas at Arlington here.
19. The University of Central Florida
Do you have a dream of someday completing a master’s after your BSN? You’d be wise to check out the RN to BSN program at the University of Central Florida! UCF allows you to earn up to nine credits of graduate work while completing your undergraduate degree.
The RN to BSN program allows you to complete the degree at you own pace. You can take as little as three semesters. If you need more time, you can take as long as ten semesters.
The is a 30 credit hour program. It places a strong emphasis on the sciences involved in nursing.
UCF also offers an ASN to BSN program that can be completed in as little as six semesters. The ASN to BSN program also allows you to earn credit toward a graduate degree while earning your bachelor’s.
Learn more about the Accredited Nursing Program at The University of Central Florida here.
20. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
The accelerated BSN program from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is the ideal program if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject. You don’t need any nursing experience to enroll. You don’t have to be an RN to apply, either. The program prepares you for the NCLEX, the licensing exam to become an RN, with evidence based practice.
This online nursing school is for students willing to put in the time and effort to quickly earn their nursing degree.
This program is 12 months long. It requires multiple visits to the university’s main campus to complete labs.
How intense is this program? You can expect to spend between eight to 12 hours per day studying. But, if your goal is to get your RN and BSN as quickly as possible, then this is definitely the degree for you!
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh here.
21. Davenport University
Do you have an associate degree in nursing? Are you licensed as an RN? Then you’re eligible to apply for admission to Davenport University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
This degree completion program is 31-credit hours. It will prepare you to provide care and become a leader in nursing.
The program takes approximately three semesters to complete. You’ll enroll in nine to 12 credit hours each semester.
Davenport University also has partnerships with community colleges throughout the state of Michigan. It allows you to enroll in their BSN program while taking courses at a local community college. This concurrent pathway allows you to finish your BSN degree in as few as two semesters after graduating with their Associate of Nursing degree.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at Davenport University here.
22. Clemson University
It’s easy to find students who’ve had positive experiences in the Clemson University Accelerated BSN. It’s no wonder, given the school’s hard work to ensure you have the same opportunities to interact with professors as on-campus students.
The knowledgeable faculty are available by phone to answer questions you may have. They can help you tackle difficult nursing concepts.
Once admitted, you must complete 32 credit hours. This can be done in around one year of study. You can take classes over the fall, summer, and spring blocks. You’ll take three to four courses in each module.
There are part-time study options available as well.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Schools at Clemson University here.
23. The University of Iowa
With the RN-BSN program at the University of Iowa, you can get clinical practicum experience in Swaziland, Africa. Few other programs offer the chance to get experience treating patients in another country. If this experience doesn’t excite you, don’t worry! Most students choose to complete practicum hours at a local health center.
You can enroll in a full-time program that’s three semesters in length. There’s also a part-time program takes five semesters.
The RN-BSN program consists of 32 credits. Students in the full-time option take between six and 14 credit hours a semester. Those in the part-time option take six credit hours each semester.
To graduate, you must complete a quality-improvement project in your place of employment. You can choose to do so in a healthcare facility located in Iowa as well.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at The University of Iowa here.
24. University of Michigan Flint
Are you a registered nurse and have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing? Then the University of Michigan – Flint has a Doctor of Nursing Practice for you!
Many DNP programs require applicants to have a Master of Science in Nursing Practice. At the very least, you need or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
However, this university has an alternative pathway. This unique Master of Science program requires you to maintain at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA in the last sixty hours of coursework. These are high standards!
The DNP online degree from the University of Michigan takes anywhere from three to six years to complete. This online nursing school allows you to concentrate your studies in:
- adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
- family nurse practitioner
- psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
You’ll study general topics, too, like public health, anatomy, and physiology.
Learn more about Accredited Online Nursing Degrees at University of Michigan – Flint here.
25. George Washington University
Around 15 months is all it’ll take to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with George Washington University’s RN-BSN program.
George Washington partners with community colleges in Washington D.C. and Virginia. This guarantees students who complete their Associate in Nursing entry into their RN-BSN program. To find out if you have attended one of their partner institutions, check out the program’s website below.
The RN-BSN program is 21 credit hours. There’s an additional 15 credit hours awarded through the Nursing Advancement Professional Portfolio. This brings the program to a total of 36 credit hours.
The entire program takes around 15 months to complete. You’ll take an average of six credits per semester to earn your degree online.
Admission to this program occurs in the fall or spring semesters each year.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Nursing at George Washington University here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Can I Earn After Getting a Degree in Nursing?
As discussed earlier, nursing is a very satisfying career. Each day, you’ll likely find a reason that makes your hard work worth it!
Did you know that nursing can also be financially rewarding? Your earning potential depends on your specific career goals. It also depends on the education level you achieve in online nursing programs. But, even non-specialized nurses can bring home a good income.
RN Job Titles
Registered nurses (RNs) go by a variety of job titles. You can be a:
- Director of Nursing
- Emergency Department RN
- Staff Nurse
- There are many other titles, too!
Also, you’ll provide nursing care to patients across the medical care spectrum. Over three million RNs work in the United States.
RN Income
The majority (66%) of registered nurses have an associate degree. Only 23% have a bachelor’s degree. Yet, RNs with a bachelor’s often make more money
Becoming an RN is an excellent career move. The profession is expected to at an average rate of 9% through the end of the decade. The median annual salary for RNs in the United States is $73,300. This figure varies from one state to the next.
Registered Nurse Practitioner Income
Nurse practitioners are RNs with master’s degrees. They often have specialized training from nursing schools in clinical care for diagnosing and treating diseases. The nurse practitioner profession is another nursing career that’s expected to grow quickly. The income is good, too. The median yearly pay for NPs is $109,820.
Nurse Anesthetist Income
If you want the nursing career that pays the most, you’ll want to become a nurse anesthetist.
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients in various medical and dental settings. You can’t become a nurse anesthetist by studying entirely online. This career requires extensive clinical training under the supervision of professionals.
More than three quarters of nurse anesthetists have master’s degrees. About 6% have a doctoral degree. All the time, dedication, and hard work pays off. The median pay nurse anesthetists is $174,790 per year.
What Requirements Will You Need to Apply to a Nursing Degree Program?
The minimum requirements to apply to online nursing programs depends on the type of nursing degree you want. Since many of the nursing programs ranked on this list are RN to BSN programs, you’ll likely need to already have your license to practice as a registered nurse.
Work Requirements
Some online nursing programs want applicants to have at least a year of work experience as a registered nurse. This is not a universal requirement, though. Some nursing programs allow you to enroll in an associate degree program and get a BSN degree at the same time.
Educational Requirements
Many BSN programs want applicants to have an associate degree or certificate in nursing. Usually, nursing programs look for at least 90 credit hours of transferable college credit.
BSN programs often require a minimum cumulative GPA. For example, you might need 2.5 GPA in the last 60 hours of college credit. This helps admissions boards at nursing schools gauge how successful you might be in their nursing program.
Some of online nursing programs in our school rankings accept applicants with a GPA as low as 2.0. Others in our school rankings require you to have a GPA greater than 3.5.
All the nursing programs on this list will request official transcripts from all the colleges and universities you have attended. Some programs also require that you submit official high school transcripts. This is typically waived for students who have some college credits.
Requirements for an MSN Program
If you apply to an online Master of Science in Nursing program, you’ll likely have the same requirements listed above. You’ll also need to submit letters of recommendation for many online nursing programs. An essay is often required, too.
Letters of recommendation give the Master of Science admission team insight into the kind of person you are. They also shed light on your professional abilities.
Some nursing schools request that you include an essay in your application. An essay allows the admission team to understand your motivation for applying to the program. It also shows your ability to clearly communicate.
If you’re interested in pursuing online learning for higher education, then you should check out The 15 Best Accredited Online Graduate Schools For 2020. Look at The Top 20 Easy Accredited Online Masters Degrees and the Best Nationally Accredited Online Colleges as well!