Best Affordable Online Nursing Programs of 2025
Looking for the most affordable online nursing programs? Explore tuition rates, money-saving strategies, and our ranking of top schools.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Affordable Online Nursing Programs
- #1: CUNY Lehman College — You can graduate from this online nursing program in 12-18 months.
- #2: University of Florida — UF’s online RN-to-BSN program allows students to take half of their required clinical hours virtually.
- #3: California State University-Stanislaus — This online nursing program centers the needs of working nurses.
If you’re researching nursing programs and prioritizing affordability, read on for a list of the best affordable online nursing programs. Based on our methodology, these aren’t just the cheapest schools, but they are the ones that will help you increase your return on investment (ROI) without breaking the bank.
Best Affordable Online Nursing Programs
How We Rank Schools
CUNY Lehman College
- Bronx, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
CUNY Lehman College's online bachelor of science in nursing program is designed for registered nurses who want to earn their bachelor's degree from the comfort of their homes.
This 100% online program requires 120 credits and a minimum GPA of 2.0 for graduation. You'll take classes in human evolution, human variation, and anatomy and physiology.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program will prepare you for professional nursing practice while giving you a foundation for graduate nursing programs.
Highlights
- No GRE required
- Graduate in 12-18 months
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $305 per credit hour
- Fall and spring application deadlines
- Includes physics, statistics, and calculus classes
73%
$ 6,930
71%
$14,880
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 15,143
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
At the University of Florida, you can train to become a leader of nursing professionals. This online RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
While all coursework is delivered 100% online, you will be required to complete 90 clinical hours: 45 in the first semester (via virtual simulation) and 45 in the fourth semester through independent clinical experience near your community.
At UF, student support involves tutoring, academic enrichment workshops, mental health counseling, and writing support.
Highlights
- 100% online coursework
- Scholarships available
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $129 per credit hour
- Requires a minimum 2.8 GPA for admission
57%
$ 4,477
97%
$25,694
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,814
- Institution Type
- Public
California State University-Stanislaus
- Turlock, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
At California State University, Stanislaus, you'll learn how to apply real-world solutions to your current and future roles. Any nurse in the state can apply to this program.
With 100% online coursework, you can continue to work as an RN while earning your bachelor's degree.
After you graduate from this online RN-to-BSN program, you can apply for a California Public Health Nursing Certificate, which will allow you to work in community health settings.
Highlights
- Flexible program that works for students with other obligations
- Prepares you to apply for a California Public Health Nursing Certificate
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $17,250
- 90 face-to-face health practicum hours required
67%
$ 5,742
80%
$17,662
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,845
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Florida Atlantic University offers three tracks for their bachelor of science in nursing program: accelerated BSN, freshman direct admit, and RN-to-BSN.
The RN-to-BSN track is reserved for those who've earned a diploma or associate degree from a nursing program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Education (ACEN).
Classes for the RN-to-BSN track include health assessment in nursing situations, pharmacotherapeutics, general pathophysiology, and scholarship for evidence-based nursing practice.
Your coursework will be fully online. However, you'll be required to complete an in-person clinical experience in your local community.
Highlights
- Designed for working nurses
- Can transfer up to 30 credits from an associate/diploma nursing program
- Can be completed in 3-5 semesters
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $105 per credit, regardless of state residency status
- In-person practicum required
68%
$ 6,099
84%
$21,665
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,849
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Missouri-St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers an online RN-to-BSN degree program that trains you on the latest technology so you can deliver quality patient care.
This program is designed for registered nurses who have a nursing diploma or associate degree and are eager to advance their careers and step into nursing leadership.
You'll take leadership and management for professional nursing and ethics, values in population health, and other courses that will prepare you to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Education (ACEN) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Highlights
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Scholarships available
Know Before You Apply
- Part-time program
- Can be completed in as little as five semesters or two years
42%
$13,440
68%
$33,432
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,815
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's online RN-to-BSN program builds on the technical and scientific knowledge students have gained in their associate degree and nursing diploma programs.
You can complete this flexible program in 18-30 months, studying on a 14-week semester system. Classes include chronic care management, information and health technology, community health nursing, and nursing research and evidence-based practice.
At the end of your program, you'll complete a 60-hour clinical at a site of your choice.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Accredited by CCNE
- Scholarships available
Know Before You Apply
- Takes 18-30 months to complete
- 60-hour clinical required
- Additional fees
24%
$11,216
95%
$37,904
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 50,633
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Illinois Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Illinois Chicago prepares nursing students for nursing leadership roles in evidenced-based healthcare. This RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and centers leadership development.
You'll take classes like concepts in professional nursing practice, nursing informatics, nursing health promotion, and leadership and management in nursing.
The University of Illinois Chicago offers technical support and library and career services for all students.
Highlights
- Scholarships available
- One-year program
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $9,990, or $330 per credit hour
- 120 credits hours required
72%
$11,178
78%
$26,200
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 33,522
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- Oshkosh, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers a 12-month hybrid nursing program for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who want a BSN.
Founded in 2003, this accelerated program only takes 12 months to complete. You'll take your courses completely online, and you'll complete your clinical rotations in your home community.
You'll also go to campus for a two-week residency that involves labs and clinical experiences. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has an attrition rate of less than 1%. The program's NCLEX pass rates outdo the national average.
Highlights
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Start dates in February, May, and October
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $48,224
- Not a self-paced or self-directed program
- Must attend a two-week, on-campus residency
36%
$ 6,422
68%
$13,995
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 13,705
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Utah offers an online RN-to-BSN track that costs less than $9,000. As a nursing student here, you'll have the choice to complete your program in two, three, or four semesters. You can start in the spring, summer, or fall.
All coursework is delivered online. You'll complete 45 clinical hours and 68 practicum hours before finishing a quality improvement project. Classes include evidence-based practice, health promotion, global health, and physical assessment.
The University of Utah offers scholarships for undergraduates.
Highlights
- Scholarships available
- Asynchronous coursework
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $260 per credit hour
- Requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
55%
$ 9,103
85%
$31,861
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 35,262
- Institution Type
- Public
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Montgomery, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The RN-to-BSN program at Auburn University at Montgomery prepares registered nurses to advance to nurse leaders in just one year. The school provides a supportive, flexible environment.
With your classmates, you'll take core courses like population-based healthcare, transformation to the professional nurse role, and pathophysiology and physical assessment for the professional nurse.
You'll also take complete practicum experiences that give you skills to advance into nurse leadership. The online format lets you continue working while you earn your bachelor's degree.
Highlights
- One-year program
- Approved by the Alabama board of nursing
Know Before You Apply
- $368 per credit for in-state students
- 30 credit hours required
- Includes In-person practicums
61%
$ 8,568
66%
$19,224
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,190
- Institution Type
- Public
Why the Cheapest Online Nursing Program Isn’t Always the Most Affordable
Low tuition doesn’t always equal affordability. Other factors can affect the overall value of your degree, such as financial aid availability, return on investment after graduation, and a program’s educational quality.
Tuition price is one of the first factors people consider when searching for the best degree program. However, don’t let a school’s sticker price dissuade you. As the table below demonstrates, a school with a pricier tuition may also offer a high percentage of financial aid, significantly dropping its price.
It’s also important to consider the educational quality of the program you’re interested in. Accreditation, curriculum rigor, experienced faculty, and strong student support all improve your job prospects and earning potential in the long term — leading to a stronger ROI.
| Institution Name | Northwestern University | University of Missouri-St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Yearly Cost of Tuition | $87,804 | $32,289 |
| Avg. Net Tuition After Aid | $23,341 | $11,577 |
| Avg. Savings from Aid | ~73% | ~64% |
Benefits of Getting an Affordable Nursing Degree Online
According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report:
- 94% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 74% of online graduates say their degree prepared them for work-related challenges in their field.
- 98% of current, prospective, and graduated online students would recommend online learning to others.
- 17% of online students say they chose online learning specifically because of affordability.
How Much Does an Online Nursing Degree Cost?
Health Professions and Related Programs, 2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $9,561
Avg. Net Price: $6,305
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $16,908
Avg. Net Price: $9,505
Source: NCES PowerStats
Online nursing programs typically cost thousands of dollars less than on-campus ones.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an online bachelor’s degree in health and related programs (which includes nursing bachelor’s) was around $9,561 per year as of 2020. On-campus programs, on the other hand, averaged around $16,908 per year.
Financial aid — such as scholarships and grants — can significantly reduce tuition prices. For instance, financial aid lowered the price of online and on-campus programs to an average of $6,305 and $9,505, respectively.
Find Financial Aid for Your Nursing Degree
What Is an Online Nursing Degree’s ROI?
When researching online nursing programs, it pays to consider a program’s potential ROI — that is, the total cost of a college degree weighed against your potential earnings.
College education can be expensive. However, it can help you pursue better job opportunities and achieve higher earning potential after graduation. As the chart below indicates, the average starting salary of a nurse with a bachelor’s degree is around $70,000.
A bachelor’s degree can also help you advance your career faster, earning an even higher salary in a shorter amount of time. As you gain more years of experience, these earnings can eventually surpass the total cost of your education.
However, many factors can affect the cost of your degree and your potential ROI, including the school you attend and where you live. For instance, the City University of New York’s Lehman College charges $6,930 per year for its bachelor’s in nursing for full-time, in-state students. The University of Florida, on the other hand, costs $4,477.
How to Save Money on Your Online Nursing Degree
Even at the most affordable online nursing programs, you can always find ways to save some extra money. Consider these tips as you research nursing schools:
1. Apply for Financial Aid
Securing financial aid is often the most important step to save money on your education.
Remember to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for federal financial aid. You can also receive financial assistance through the Health Resources & Service Administration, which offers grants, scholarships, and loan repayment programs for nurses.
2. Target Nursing‑Specific Scholarships and Micro‑Grants
Local hospital foundations, nursing associations, and civic groups sometimes offer scholarships or grants that may be less competitive than national ones. These may be available for nurses in specific regions or career fields.
Some examples of regional organizations offering nursing-specific scholarships include:
- Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania: Awards scholarships to nursing students at accredited colleges in Pennsylvania
- Hunterdon Health Foundation: Offers scholarships to nursing students in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
3. Start at a Community College
Community colleges are usually much more affordable than four-year institutions. And some offer transfer options that let you switch to a four-year college after completing a set amount of credits. If you follow this pathway, you can save some money, and your diploma won’t state you attended a community college.
4. Choose Public Programs With In‑State or Flat‑Rate Online Tuition
Whether you take classes on campus or online, you’ll most likely pay a lower tuition rate if you attend a public college in your state of residence. For example, the University of Florida Online charges in-state students $129 per credit and out-of-state students $553 per credit.
Some online programs, however, offer a flat tuition rate for online learners, regardless of state residence.
5. Get Exempt from Credits
Many schools offer opportunities to demonstrate your relevant experience through testing, a portfolio, or other types of assessment. So, if you already have prior nursing experience, you may be able to earn credits for prior learning (CPL). By earning CPL, you’ll take fewer classes overall, reducing your total tuition expenses.
6. Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Assistance
Some employers may offer tuition assistance, which can help partially or fully cover the cost of your nursing degree. To qualify for tuition assistance, you may need to commit to work for your employers for a set period after graduation. Also, you might need to attend a school from a pre-approved list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Programs
Most RN-to-BSN programs take between 12-24 months to complete. However, this timeframe ultimately depends on several factors, such as if you’re a full- or part-time student or if you transfer any credits.
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