Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs
Nursing is among the most in-demand jobs in the U.S., with hospitals and other health systems around the country looking to hire new nurses at the drop of a hat. With this in mind, it may be as good a time as ever to earn a degree in nursing.
There are many affordable online nursing programs that can help you become a registered nurse (RN) without breaking the bank.
And earning your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an online program can also give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and work full time during your studies.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Affordable Online Nursing Programs
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,281
- Out-of-state$17,999
- In-State$8,570
- Out-of-state$19,585
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled16,361
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
South Florida State College
- Avon Park, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,135
- Out-of-state$11,829
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled2,777
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Tyler
- Tyler, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,394
- Out-of-state$23,231
- In-State$12,666
- Out-of-state$26,112
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,319
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled8,718
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$7,274
- Out-of-state$20,634
- In-State$7,746
- Out-of-state$18,249
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled2,817
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Santa Fe College
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$1,872
- Out-of-state$7,418
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,830
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,206
- Out-of-state$26,778
- In-State$9,015
- Out-of-state$22,167
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled45,949
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,147
- Out-of-state$13,185
- In-State$5,703
- Out-of-state$13,740
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled6,454
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Alva, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,810
- Out-of-state$13,928
- In-State$4,928
- Out-of-state$9,932
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled1,791
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,435
- Out-of-state$8,435
- In-State$8,435
- Out-of-state$8,435
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled2,586
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
What to Expect in an Online Nursing Program
An online nursing program trains you in patient care, evidence-based practice, and nursing leadership. Earning an online degree differs from earning an in-person degree in key ways.
You will take classes virtually during an online BSN program, but many programs do carry clinical requirements. You may be able to work with your online program provider to find appropriate clinical sites in your local area to carry out practicum requirements.
Most BSN programs are four years long and do not require prior nursing experience. But if you’re already a registered nurse, you may qualify for an RN-to-BSN program to expedite the time it will take to earn your degree. Most of these programs take 1-2 years to complete.
Most BSN programs are designed to help you pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam, which is a requirement for a career in nursing.
Below are some courses you can expect to take in a BSN program:
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
- Comprehensive Health Assessment
- Nursing Care of Older Adults
- Nursing Informatics
- Clinical Nursing Practice
Looking for Other Nursing Degrees? Explore Your Options
How Much Do Online Nursing Programs Cost?
The cost of an online bachelor’s in nursing varies depending on the school and program. In general, public universities charge the lowest tuition rates. However, some private schools offer extensive tuition discounts, even for online learners.
The most affordable online bachelor’s in nursing programs cost less than $200 per credit. Thanks to in-state tuition discounts, distance learners can often find programs that cost around $120 per credit. More expensive programs can cost over $800 per credit.
Median Tuition and Fees for Online Bachelor’s in Health-Related Programs
Annual Cost
$7,784
Total Four-Year Cost
$31,136
How to Find a High-Quality, Affordable Online Nursing Program
No two nursing programs are exactly the same, so you’ll need to narrow down your options by assessing different factors.
Some things to keep in mind include the accreditation status of the program you’re considering, the cost of the program, and the student support that will be available to you.
Accreditation
Attending an accredited nursing program is imperative because you won’t be eligible for licensure if you earn a degree from an unaccredited program. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the two primary accrediting agencies for nursing programs.
There are numerous other accreditors for specialty fields in nursing, so your online program may be covered by another accreditor. You can check for this on the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Cost
Nursing school costs can vary depending on the type of program you choose to attend. A BestColleges analysis of online bachelor’s costs found that the average net price of online learning programs is about $17,140 a year.
Programs attached to public universities, however, tend to cost less than those offered by private institutions. Generally, online programs have similar tuition costs compared to in-person programs, but they offer greater flexibility for students and eliminate commuting costs.
Average Annual Net Price of an Online Degree by Institution Type
Public
$12,980
Private (Nonprofit)
$15,940
Program Format
Nursing programs offer several enrollment options, including part-time and full-time course schedules.
Some schools offer an accelerated option, which allows you to expedite the time it takes to earn your degree. This option is typically available to students who already have a bachelor’s degree and have completed nursing prerequisites.
Furthermore, the online format prioritizes flexibility, which appeals to working RNs seeking a degree. Many programs use an asynchronous format, meaning you complete coursework on your schedule with no required meeting times. Some programs use a hybrid format, where some of your courses or clinical requirements are completed on campus.
Location
When choosing an online program, you may benefit from a local option. Some nursing schools restrict access to RNs licensed in the state. In other cases, you can complete in-person requirements at the school.
When weighing online vs. on-campus options, consider whether choosing a nearby program adds benefits.
Student Support
The best online programs support you throughout your learning. Key student services include academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring. You should also research the school’s internship, clinical, and practicum policies.
Some programs may also offer mentorship opportunities, placement programs, and alumni networking. These support services can make a big difference in your educational experience.
How to Pay for an Online Nursing Program
To help pay for your online nursing program, you can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The free application helps you pay for a bachelor’s degree at an accredited school.
Check out our FAFSA guide for more information on federal financial aid.
Loans
Federal and private loans help you cover degree-related costs. As a nursing student, you may qualify for college loans at low interest rates by submitting the FAFSA.
Private loans, which typically charge higher interest and offer fewer repayment options, are another way to pay for school. There are also many loan forgiveness and repayment options for practicing nurses, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.Grants
As an undergraduate student pursuing your first bachelor’s degree, you qualify for numerous grants. For example, you may be eligible for federal grants like the Pell Grant if you meet certain income requirements.
Additionally, many states offer grants if you pursue in-need healthcare roles. Check for nursing grants in your state.Work-Study Programs
In a work-study program, you work part time at an on-campus or nonprofit job to cover school costs. The federal work-study program connects you with opportunities through your campus. You must meet income eligibility requirements.Scholarships
Nursing students qualify for many scholarships. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing lists many nursing scholarships on its website, with multiple options for BSN students.
Check out our resources on finding scholarships to begin your scholarship search.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Programs
Employers will typically value any degree from an accredited program, whether it comes from an online, hybrid, or in-person program.
Accreditation ensures that a program meets certain standards. So earning a degree from an accredited online nursing program tells employers that you’ve learned many of the necessary skills to practice as a nurse.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 13, 2024.