Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs of 2025

Nursing is one of the most coveted careers right now. The U.S. has been facing a nursing shortage for a while, with a national emphasis on filling positions in rural areas.

Online programs are great for students who may not have the time or means to go in person. It allows you to take all your classes online while being able to complete clinical hours at a local healthcare facility.

We’ve ranked some of the most affordable online nursing programs. They offer 100% online classwork and learning to prepare you for the NCLEX, the nationally recognized test to become a licensed registered nurse.

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

The most important factors are cost, program length, salary potential, and job outlook. Many of these programs can be RN-to-BSN programs, allowing registered nurses to pursue their bachelor’s in nursing. These programs are valued by healthcare systems and open the door to further education.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that the average yearly tuition and fees is over $9,500. However, this isn’t what most students pay; the average net price students paid after financial aid was closer to $6,300.

Financial aid through the FAFSA or a state financial aid website can significantly reduce how much you pay for education. If you meet a certain income threshold, you may qualify for grants and scholarships you do not have to pay back.

You can also take out loans based on how much aid you’ll receive. Once you complete the FAFSA, submit it to your college to have them give you a financial aid package to let you know how much you would pay out of pocket for your program.

On average, it will take four years to complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree. However, many degrees on this list are RN-to-BSN which take 1-3 years and focus on registered nurses who are seeking a BSN.

If you’re working while earning your bachelor’s, see if you can take it part-time, which relaxes the workload and schedule while lengthening the time you spend completing your degree.

Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and registered nurses are all projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to grow from 2023 to 2033.

Nurse practitioners take the most significant lead with a 46% projected growth, making it one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation. Registered nurses also made a median of $85,070 in 2023.

To get into a nursing position, you must qualify for and pass the NCLEX to get your registered nurse license. During your BSN program, you’ll gain real-world experience through clinical hours at a healthcare facility.

Your goals and career aspirations will determine if a BSN is the right choice for you. If you enjoy the healthcare field and want to be the bridge between patients and doctors, then this career may be for you.

A bachelor of science in nursing program will equip you with the skills and experience to begin your nursing career with confidence. For those advancing from an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a BSN can open more opportunities for career advancement and earning potential.

You may have to balance your work schedule with classes as an adult learner. Once you enter clinical training, you may have to take a partial or complete step back from work while you fulfill that requirement.

Typically, master’s and doctoral degrees are valued higher by employers and can lead to higher salaries. A master’s degree continues the BSN education by providing more depth and allowing you to choose a specialization, such as midwife, anesthetist, or nurse educator.

A doctoral degree in nursing (DNP) opens your career to academia. It allows you to research in a university setting and teach cohorts of nursing students online or in person.