Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs of 2025

Learn about some of the most affordable online nursing programs in the U.S. and what to expect from your nursing education.
Evan Castillo
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Updated April 24, 2025
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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.

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Highlights

  • Sixty percent of surveyed online nursing and healthcare students and graduates say their classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
  • Almost every online nursing and healthcare student (95%) said earning an online degree has, had, or will have a positive return on investment.
  • Most online nursing students and graduates told BestColleges that an online learning environment is the same or better than learning on campus.

Source: BestColleges

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Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs of 2025

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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How We Rank Schools

#1

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%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$14,880

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
15,143
Institution Type
Public
#2

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%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

97%

Retention Rate

$25,694

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
24%
Students Enrolled
54,814
Institution Type
Public
#3

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%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

80%

Retention Rate

$17,662

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
9,845
Institution Type
Public
#4

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%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,099

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$21,665

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
30,849
Institution Type
Public
#5

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%

Online Enrollment

$13,440

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$33,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
14,815
Institution Type
Public
#6

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%

Online Enrollment

$11,216

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

95%

Retention Rate

$37,904

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
43%
Students Enrolled
50,633
Institution Type
Public
#7

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%

Online Enrollment

$11,178

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$26,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
33,522
Institution Type
Public
#8

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%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$13,995

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
13,705
Institution Type
Public
#9

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%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

85%

Retention Rate

$31,861

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
35,262
Institution Type
Public
#10

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%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,568

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$19,224

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
5,190
Institution Type
Public

Why You Should Get a BSN

  • minusYou’re interested in taking care of others, getting to know patients, and working alongside doctors and other healthcare providers.
  • minusSince there’s a nationwide shortage of nurses, you’ll likely have an easier time finding a job than in other careers.
  • minusYou can collaborate well with others and have empathy for ailing patients.

Benefits of Getting a Bachelor’s Degree Online

  • minusTypically, you pay less in tuition for an online degree than an on-campus one while still qualifying for financial aid.
  • minusYou’ll have the flexibility to continue working while you take classes online and take accelerated or part-time courses.
  • minusYou can study from home and have the opportunity to complete clinical skills training and rotations at a local or partnering healthcare facility affiliated with your program.

How to Choose the Best Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Program for You

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.

How Much Does an Online BSN Cost?

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$9,561

Avg. Net Price

$6,305

Source: NCES PowerStats for Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare, 2019-2020

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.

How Long Does It Take to Get a BSN?

Typical # of Credits

120 Credits

Typical Program Length

4 Years

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.

BSN Salary and Career Outlook

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 $93,600 in 2024.

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.

Is a Bachelor’s in Nursing Worth It?

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.

Education Beyond a BSN

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Coursework, lectures, and readings can be completed online. However, nursing school requires you to complete clinical hours at a healthcare facility and may require you to take some labs in person.

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