Online Nursing Programs

23 nursing schools with distance learning enrollment — compare tuition, outcomes, and degree options for online nursing education.

Online Nursing Schools

$10,711

Avg Tuition

41.6%

Avg Grad Rate

States Represented

Can You Get a Nursing Degree Online?

Partially, yes. Nursing education requires hands-on clinical hours that must be completed in person. However, many nursing programs offer the didactic (classroom) portion online, with students completing clinicals at local healthcare facilities. This hybrid model is especially common for:

Programs Well-Suited to Online Learning

RN-to-BSN — The most popular online nursing program. Working RNs complete their bachelor's degree fully online in 12–18 months. No additional clinicals required since students are already practicing nurses.
MSN (Master's) — Many NP, nurse educator, and nursing administration programs are primarily online with clinical practicum arranged locally.
DNP (Doctoral) — Practice doctorate programs often use a hybrid online model with periodic on-campus intensives.
LPN-to-RN Bridge — Some programs offer online coursework for experienced LPNs transitioning to RN.

Programs That Require In-Person Attendance

Pre-licensure ADN — Associate degree programs are almost entirely in-person due to extensive lab and clinical requirements.
Pre-licensure BSN — Traditional BSN programs require campus attendance, though some accelerated BSN programs offer hybrid formats.

What to Look for in an Online Nursing Program

Accreditation — CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). This is non-negotiable.
Clinical placement support — Does the school help arrange clinical sites in your area, or are you responsible?
NCLEX pass rates — For pre-licensure programs, check the program's pass rates. Low rates are a red flag regardless of format.
Technical requirements — Reliable internet, webcam for proctored exams, and specific software may be needed.
Residency requirements — Some "online" programs require periodic on-campus visits or intensives.
State authorization — Ensure the school is authorized to offer online education in your state (required by the U.S. Department of Education).

Advantages of Online Nursing Programs

Flexibility — Study around your work schedule (critical for working nurses pursuing BSN or MSN)
No relocation — Access programs from top schools regardless of location
Often more affordable — No commuting costs, and some online programs offer lower tuition
Self-paced options — Some programs like WGU offer competency-based progression

Considerations & Challenges

Self-discipline required — Online learning demands strong time management
Clinical coordination — You may need to find your own clinical preceptor
Limited networking — Fewer opportunities for in-person peer and faculty connections
Employer perception — While decreasing, some employers still prefer traditional programs (accreditation matters most)

Nursing Schools with Distance Learning Programs

Schools with students enrolled exclusively in distance education, ranked by online enrollment percentage

#	Institution	Location	% Online	Type	In-State Tuition	Grad Rate	Median Earnings	Enrollment
1	Walden University Minneapolis, MN	Minneapolis, MN	100.0%	For-Profit	$12,498	0.0%	$42,810	7,337
2	Charter Oak State College New Britain, CT	New Britain, CT	100.0%	Public	$8,506	N/A	$64,209	1,620
3	Excelsior University Albany, NY	Albany, NY	100.0%	Private	N/A	N/A	$78,493	12,701
4	National American University-Rapid City Rapid City, SD	Rapid City, SD	100.0%	For-Profit	$16,065	60.0%	$37,325	832
5	Hypnosis Motivation Institute Tarzana, CA	Tarzana, CA	100.0%	Private	N/A	100.0%	$24,244	335
6	Bryan University Springfield, MO	Springfield, MO	100.0%	For-Profit	$15,868	27.5%	$28,725	150
7	Capella University Minneapolis, MN	Minneapolis, MN	100.0%	For-Profit	$14,436	33.3%	$42,189	16,173
8	Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT	Salt Lake City, UT	100.0%	Private	$8,300	50.9%	$60,615	135,822
9	University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, AR	LIttle Rock, AR	100.0%	Public	$8,280	24.3%	$63,496	3,202
10	American College of Healthcare Sciences Portland, OR	Portland, OR	100.0%	For-Profit	$12,656	N/A	N/A	810
11	American InterContinental University System Chandler, AZ	Chandler, AZ	100.0%	For-Profit	$12,310	21.2%	$36,144	6,734
12	American Public University System Charles Town, WV	Charles Town, WV	100.0%	For-Profit	$8,400	53.2%	$44,409	38,976
13	American College of Education Indianapolis, IN	Indianapolis, IN	100.0%	For-Profit	N/A	N/A	N/A	277
14	Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, AL	Orange Beach, AL	100.0%	For-Profit	$5,808	37.2%	$63,534	13,053
15	City Vision University Kansas City, MO	Kansas City, MO	100.0%	Private	$6,400	N/A	$21,123	188
16	Los Angeles Pacific University San Dimas, CA	San Dimas, CA	100.0%	Private	$11,976	32.5%	N/A	1,453
17	Colorado State University Global Aurora, CO	Aurora, CO	100.0%	Public	$8,400	N/A	$76,813	6,202
18	Midwives College of Utah Salt Lake City, UT	Salt Lake City, UT	100.0%	Private	$8,256	0.0%	N/A	253
19	Institute of Health Sciences Hunt Valley, MD	Hunt Valley, MD	100.0%	For-Profit	$15,100	94.4%	N/A	176
20	California Intercontinental University Sioux Falls, SD	Sioux Falls, SD	100.0%	For-Profit	$9,054	10.2%	N/A	141
21	Martinsburg College Martinsburg, WV	Martinsburg, WV	100.0%	For-Profit	N/A	79.4%	N/A	3,214
22	National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA) Denver, CO	Denver, CO	100.0%	Private	N/A	N/A	N/A	203
23	Lakewood University Cleveland Heights, OH	Cleveland Heights, OH	100.0%	Private	$10,479	N/A	N/A	100

Best Online Nursing Degree Options by Level

Best for Working Nurses: RN-to-BSN Programs

If you're already a licensed RN with an ADN, an RN-to-BSN program is the most practical online option. These programs are designed for working nurses, typically take 12–18 months, and cost $10,000–$30,000. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement — check our financial aid guide for details.

Best for Career Advancement: Online MSN/NP Programs

Online Nurse Practitioner and MSN programs combine online coursework with clinical hours arranged locally. These programs open doors to higher salaries and prescriptive authority.

Best for Budget-Conscious Students

Compare tuition across all nursing schools — including those with online options — in our most affordable nursing programs ranking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a nurse entirely online?

No. All nursing programs require in-person clinical hours for patient care skills. However, many programs offer the classroom/lecture portion online. RN-to-BSN programs are the exception — they can be completed fully online since students are already licensed, practicing nurses who have completed their clinical training.

Are online nursing degrees respected by employers?

Yes, as long as the program is accredited by CCNE or ACEN. Employers care about accreditation and NCLEX pass rates, not whether coursework was online or in-person. Online RN-to-BSN and MSN programs from accredited schools are widely accepted across the industry.

How many nursing schools offer online programs?

Based on College Scorecard data, 23 nursing schools have students enrolled exclusively in distance education programs across 16 states. The average tuition at these schools is $10,711. Many additional schools offer hybrid programs with online coursework and in-person clinicals.

What is the cheapest online nursing program?

Among nursing schools with distance learning students, the most affordable options start at $5,808 (in-state tuition at Columbia Southern University). See our full ranking at the most affordable nursing programs page.

How long does an online nursing program take?

It depends on the program level. Online RN-to-BSN programs take 12-18 months. Online MSN programs take 2-3 years. Online DNP programs take 3-4 years. Pre-licensure programs (ADN/BSN) are rarely fully online due to clinical requirements and take the same time as traditional programs (2-4 years).