the best course in nursing

Find the Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs

Students can advance their careers in one of the most in-demand health care professions by earning a nursing degree online prior to getting a state license as a registered nurse. Attainment of advanced licenses, up to the doctoral level, can help students progress to an expert level of nursing.

Best Online Nursing Programs

U.S. News evaluated several factors to rank the best online nursing degree programs, including faculty credentials, graduation rates and student services and technologies.

Columbia, SC

Chicago, IL

Online Nursing Program Specialty Rankings

Explore the best nursing programs online for various specialties and get a feel for the curriculum and topics covered in each.

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Administation
• Nursing Education

Online Nursing Program Concentration Rankings

See how nursing programs online rank in various concentrations and discover more about where each focus area can take your career.

• Clinical Nurse Leadership
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Informatics
• Nursing Administration/Leadership
• Nursing Midwifery
• Nursing Practitioner

Online Graduate Nursing Degree Overviews

The degree types below can help you tailor your online nursing degree. For example, learn the differences between a Master of Science in nursing with a BSN track or an RN track to decide which is right for you.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Master of Science in Nursing (BSN Option)
• Master of Science in Nursing (RN Option)

Online Undergraduate Nursing Degree Overviews

Gain more in-depth knowledge of what it takes to earn an online nursing degree using the guide below.

FAQs about Nursing Programs Online

Online nursing degrees are respected when earned from an accredited program with a good reputation. In-person and online programs are evaluated for accreditation based on the same criteria. Most online nursing degrees require students to gain hands-on experience through clinical hours and attendance at other in-person sessions. But online nursing programs are more flexible, use nontraditional learning formats and may be more affordable than on-campus programs.

Employers care that you attend a nursing program accredited by the appropriate nursing commissions. Some institutions only hire nurses who graduated from accredited programs, as those graduates can become licensed in the state they wish to work.

Online nursing school prepares students for a rigorous profession. Courses in nursing programs cover topics in biology and chemistry, as well as mathematics, psychology and sociology. Only highly motivated and self-disciplined students should pursue online nursing programs. Students should have good time management and organizational skills, and be willing to seek help when needed. After all, they might not receive the immediate feedback expected from an in-person program. Taking a nursing program online does not guarantee you a degree – you still have to earn it. According to U.S. News survey data, 74% of online master's in nursing students who entered a program during the 2017-2018 academic year graduated by June 2022.

Nursing is in demand because the need for health care professionals is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the employment of registered nurses, a role that requires a bachelor’s degree in many states, is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. In addition, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse workforce , including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives – roles that require at least a master’s degree (plus a DNP or Ph.D. to advance further) – is projected to grow 40% by 2031. The overall increase in demand will result from vacancies left by those leaving the industry or retiring, the BLS notes, as well as an increased emphasis on preventive care and additional consideration of aging populations and those with chronic health conditions.

Best Online BSN Programs of 2024

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Are you considering a new career as a registered nurse? A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is the most popular degree for new nurses. In fact, more than 70% of nurses hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, making it the preferred degree for many employers, according to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Study.

Explore the best online BSN programs to help you make an informed decision about your education. Discover accredited nursing schools with comprehensive curricula, experienced faculty, and valuable hands-on learning via clinical labs.

Featured Online BSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The 10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs

University of wisconsin-madison.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $9,273
• Out-of-state $37,161
• In-State $10,728
• Out-of-state $24,054
• Retention Rate 95%
• Acceptance Rate 60%
• Students Enrolled 47,016
• Institution Type Public

University of Florida-Online

• In-State $3,358
• Out-of-state $15,000
• In-State N/A
• Out-of-state N/A
• Retention Rate 91%
• Acceptance Rate 66%
• Students Enrolled 5,168

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

• In-State $6,665
• Out-of-state $19,344
• In-State $6,360
• Out-of-state $16,176
• Retention Rate N/A
• Acceptance Rate N/A
• Students Enrolled 5,378

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

• In-State $8,841
• Out-of-state $34,020
• In-State $8,524
• Out-of-state $32,673
• Students Enrolled 5,796

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

• In-State $7,018
• Out-of-state $20,683
• In-State $7,917
• Out-of-state $18,443
• Students Enrolled 3,484

University of Nebraska Medical Center

• In-State $11,340
• Out-of-state $30,510
• In-State $9,207
• Out-of-state $26,379
• Students Enrolled 3,750

Loma Linda University

• In-State $32,736
• Out-of-state $32,736
• In-State $27,382
• Out-of-state $27,382
• Students Enrolled 4,390
• Institution Type Private

University of Maryland, Baltimore

• In-State $9,446
• Out-of-state $38,822
• In-State $15,140
• Out-of-state $32,979
• Students Enrolled 7,244

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

• In-State $7,070
• Out-of-state $17,830
• In-State $11,310
• Out-of-state $23,100
• Students Enrolled 2,117

Medical University of South Carolina

• In-State $15,622
• Out-of-state $28,184
• In-State $16,333
• Out-of-state $24,304
• Students Enrolled 3,240

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey . To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

• Affordability (30%)
• Student outcomes (30%)
• Reputation (20%)
• Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Why Get Your Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree Online?

A BSN degree offers nursing candidates flexible career options . Nursing students wanting to advance in their nursing practice or participate in legislative actions, quality assurance, and facility committee work may want to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

However, a BSN may not be for everyone. After considering the time and financial commitment needed to get a BSN, you may choose an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Registered nurses (RNs) with ADNs can enter the workforce more quickly and complete a BSN online program while working .

Benefits of a Bachelor’s in Nursing

• Career Advancement: With this degree, you can move into advanced nursing practice or leadership positions.
• Increased earning potential: Nurses with BSNs tend to make more money than nurses with ADNs.
• Better job prospects: Many employers now require (or strongly prefer) nurses with BSNs.
• Better patient outcomes: BSN programs provide nurses with a broader education and can help them build more advanced problem-solving skills that lead to quality care.

Reasons to Get Your Nursing Degree Online

• Save money: Online degrees can save you money on on-campus fees, commuting, room, and board. In some cases, tuition is less expensive online than in person.
• Manage your time: The flexibility of online scheduling allows you to fit nursing school around your life instead of the other way around.
• Reduce opportunity costs: As an online student, you won’t have to press pause on earning money or developing professionally while you pursue a degree.

“My BSN allowed me to achieve my career goals and earn more money while gaining experience in a high-stress environment that pushed me to develop emotional intelligence, empathy, and decision-making skills.”

― Brian Clark, MSN, BSN

“My BSN was worth it — I was able to complete it in only 16 months because I already had a four-year degree in another area. I would tell anyone considering a BSN that nursing is meaningful and hard work. The valuable skills you learn will translate into every area of your life.”

― Joanna Briggs, RN, BSN

Looking for Other Nursing Degrees? Explore Your Options

How to find a high-quality, online bsn program.

Choosing an online BSN requires careful consideration. Even programs with similar curriculum models can offer different types of online learning . Consider the following factors when researching online programs in nursing.

Accreditation

Always make sure that an online BSN program holds proper accreditation . Accreditation shows you that a nursing program meets both national education standards and licensing standards set by the state nursing board.

For nursing programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) .

Tuition Costs

Plenty of online nursing programs offer affordable tuition rates, but it’s important to shop around and ensure you understand a school’s full cost.

In general, public schools offer cheaper tuition than private schools, but financial aid packages can vary widely. Keep in mind that online colleges may also charge additional fees for technology services and other online resources.

Program Type and Format

Program format can also make a huge difference in your online BSN experience. Different types of nursing degrees serve different needs and offer different timelines for graduation.

If you’re already a registered nurse, an RN-to-BSN usually lets you earn your bachelor’s in about two years of study. A traditional BSN usually takes four years of full-time enrollment to complete.

Accelerated programs allow you to graduate faster but may require a heavier course load or additional prerequisites. Many accelerated BSN programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree in another subject area and have completed nursing school prerequisites.

An online BSN program still requires you to complete an in-person clinical rotation, which means location should be taken into account.

Your program can usually connect you to local healthcare organizations to complete clinical requirements. Location can also affect your tuition, especially when it comes to in-state vs. out-of-state tuition .

Research NCLEX Pass Rates and Career Services

When looking at BSN programs, always research NCLEX pass rates. Pass rates indicate how many students pass their nursing licensure exams each year. A high pass rate usually indicates that a school offers high-quality education and good outcomes for program graduates.

It’s also worthwhile to look into a program’s student services and career placement programs. Many nursing programs maintain relationships with local healthcare organizations, which can help you find job opportunities after graduation.

How Much Does an Online BSN Program Cost?

Several factors influence the cost of your nursing bachelor’s degree. These include whether the school is private or public and whether you qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition. Some online BSN programs offer the same tuition rates, regardless of location.

The average annual tuition cost for a bachelor’s degree at a public institution is about $10,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. To help offset BSN expenses, you can seek out several forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, private organization scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement for those working in healthcare.

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree (2022-23)

Public Institution $9,750

Private Institution $35,248

Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College

Public Institution $54,880

Private Institution $106,080

Everything Else You Need to Know About Online BSN Programs

What can i do with a nursing bachelor’s degree.

With a nursing bachelor’s degree, you can pursue various registered nurse opportunities , such as positions in leadership and management, research, health informatics , and case management.

Nurses with a bachelor’s degree can pursue roles with complex responsibilities and duties, such as charge nurses or operating room nurses. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree can also more easily pursue a master’s in nursing , which opens other opportunities as a nurse practitioner, educator, or administrator.

“Working at the bedside doing direct patient care in a hospital is not the only way to nurse! My favorite part about this job is the flexibility — you have a lot of options.”

– Joanna Briggs, RN, BSN

How much can I make with a nursing bachelor’s?

The average annual salary for a nursing bachelor’s degree varies depending on several factors, including your location, experience, certifications, and employer. The average annual salary for an RN is $86,070, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

The top-paying industries for nurses are government facilities and hospitals, and the lowest-paying industries are educational services and residential facilities. The BLS projects registered nursing jobs to grow 6% from 2022-2032, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Can you get a BSN without an ADN?

Yes, you can enroll in a BSN program without having an ADN. Before applying, you must complete prerequisite college courses, including chemistry, biology, and anatomy.

How long is a BSN program?

Completion times vary among BSN programs, but most take 3-4 years to finish. Full-time enrollment lets you complete the coursework faster, while part-time enrollment means it might take you longer to graduate.

You can also enroll in an accelerated BSN program to help you earn your degree even faster. These programs require strong time management skills as you’ll complete the same amount of coursework in far less time than a traditional four-year program.

You can also speed up your degree completion time if you have previous college credits or hold an associate degree. Check with your prospective school to see how many credits you can transfer toward the BSN program.

Do you need a bachelor’s degree to be a nurse?

No, you don’t need a BSN to be a nurse. With an associate degree in nursing, you can become an RN, which is enough for many entry-level nursing jobs.

However, employers often prefer nurses with a BSN, as the degree shows you’ve gained additional knowledge and nursing leadership skills. With a BSN, you’ll also be more competitive and qualify for higher-paying nursing roles.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. This page was last updated on June 4, 2024.

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