Best Affordable Online Nursing Programs of 2026

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.

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.

According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report:

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.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.