Nursing is one of the most highly demanded careers in healthcare. Thousands of students are currently pursuing nursing degrees to prepare for this noble career. Becoming a nurse requires getting a degree and acquiring skills from an accredited institution. However, pursing nursing education in a traditional setting may be difficult due to high costs and on-campus visits. If you are facing the same difficulty, consider studying online. A number of accredited institutes are offering online nursing programs. These online programs are tailored to meet individual needs and help students pursue their academic goals while continuing with their jobs.
With so many schools out there, finding the right online program can be tricky. As a student, you want to make sure you select a school which offers high quality online education at an affordable cost. For this purpose, we’ve compiled a list of top 20 online nursing schools.
1. Keiser University
Tuition:
- $440 per credit hour – BSN
- $9,594 per semester – MSN
Keiser University is a private educational institution located in Florida. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Keiser University has built repute with its high quality educational services especially in the field of nursing. Did you know that this institute has been ranked among the top colleges with associate programs in nursing, registered nursing, clinical nursing, nursing research and nursing administration? Thousands of students are currently pursuing online nursing programs here, preparing for exciting and challenging careers in healthcare ahead. These programs are designed to equip students with nursing knowledge and skills. Students do not have to sacrifice their careers or other commitments by enrolling in an online degree.
2. Medical University of South Carolina
Tuition:
- $835 per credit hour – In state
- $985 per credit hour – Out of state
The Medical University of South Carolina is among the few accredited colleges that are offering online graduate and post-graduate nursing programs. The U.S. News & World Report has ranked this university as number one for best online graduate programs. The nursing programs offered here online are designed to cater to the academic needs of working students. With the help of videos, online lectures, specialized learning programs, and tutorials, students can prepare for advanced nursing careers from the comfort of their home. The Medical University of South Carolina can be a great place to study if you want to take your nursing career to the next level without leaving your job.
3. Colorado Technical University
Tuition:
- $325 per credit hour
Colorado Technical University is currently offering online undergraduate and graduate level degree programs in nursing. This institute was established in 1965 and has more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. CTU has been recognized for offering some of the best online programs by the U.S. News & World Report. CTU’s online nursing programs can be pursued full-time or part-time, and can be tailored to meet different schedules. Colorado Technical University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
4. Saint Xavier University
Tuition:
- $670 per credit hour
- $29,900 per year
St. Xavier University is a four year institution situated in Chicago, IL. The university is well-known for its nursing college which was founded in 1935. St. Xavier University is dedicated to providing high quality nursing education to help students prepare for healthcare jobs ahead. It has been ranked first among online graduate nursing programs for veterans. Many students are currently enrolled in its online nursing degrees. These programs are flexible, convenient, and can be tailored to meet individual needs. Apart from nursing degrees, St. Xavier University also offers online nursing certificate programs and bridge programs.
5. University of Kansas
Tuition:
- $193.70 per credit hour – BSN
- $361.45 per credit hour – Graduate and certificate programs
The University of Kansas is a public research university that is among the oldest educational institutions in the state. The university has a number of colleges/schools including its well-known school of nursing, which offers both on-campus and online degrees. These programs are designed to provide students with knowledge and skills needed to enter the healthcare workforce. The online nursing programs can also be pursued by working nurses who do not wish to sacrifice their jobs for higher studies. The National League for Nursing (NLN) has ranked this university among the leading centers for nursing education in the state.
6. Johns Hopkins University
Tuition:
- $1,451 per credit hour
- $17,412 per semester
Johns Hopkins University is a renowned educational institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. JHU has been providing academic services since its establishment in 1876. Nursing has become one of the most popularly pursued degrees here. Students and working nursing can conveniently pursue online DNP and PhD programs in nursing at JHU. These programs are comprehensively designed to provide students with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge base and qualify for leadership roles in healthcare. If you are looking for an affordable, flexible, and convenient mode of learning, consider enrolling at Johns Hopkins University.
7. Chamberlain College of Nursing
Tuition:
- $590 per credit hour – BSN
- $650 per credit hour- MSN
- $750 per credit hour – DNP
Chamberlain College of Nursing was set up to educate, empower, and embolden nursing professionals. This institute offers a wide range of online nursing degree programs to aspiring nurses. Chamberlain aims at enhancing its quality of services and preparing students for exciting nursing careers ahead. The online nursing programs at Chamberlain are designed keeping in mind the busy schedules of nurses and individuals. Students can study from the comfort of their home without having to sacrifice their careers or commitments. Some of the specialty tracks offered online include advanced nursing practice, healthcare systems leadership, nursing educator, and nursing informatics.
8. University of South Carolina
Tuition:
- $625 per credit hour – Part time
- $11,158 per year – In state
- $29,440 per year – Out of state
University of South Carolina’s college of nursing has been ranked 3rd best for nursing graduate programs by the U.S. News & World Report. The university aims to build an excellent, well-qualified, and highly skilled nursing workforce through its nursing degree programs. To make nursing education more accessible and affordable, the university is currently offering online programs. Students can also apply for financial aid to fulfill their dream of becoming a nurse. University of South Carolina has been accredited by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
9. University of Illinois at Chicago
Tuition:
- $500 per credit hour – BSN
- $820 per credit hour – MSN
The University of Illinois at Chicago can be a great place to pursue nursing education online. This university was set up in 1958 as the Chicago College of Pharmacy. UIC offers a range of undergraduate and graduate online nursing programs. The coursework is flexible and can be tailored to meet individual needs. If you are looking for a nursing program that can be covered online at an affordable cost, enroll here. The University of Illinois at Chicago has been ranked among the best nursing colleges by the U.S. News & World Report.
10. Baker College
Tuition:
- $230 per credit hour
Baker College is a popular online college which is offering different graduate and undergraduate nursing programs. Baker College offers specialization in a vast range of areas such as midwifery, pediatric, obstetrics, anesthetists, emergency care and administration. Did you know that Baker College’s tuition costs are less than half the costs at other major online colleges? Many students are enrolling at this college due to the low costs and high quality of educational services. The college has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
11. Seton Hall University
Tuition costs:
- $797 per credit hour – BSN
- $1,100 per credit hour – Graduate nursing programs
Whether you’re a nurse looking for a graduate degree to enhance your career options or a high school graduate who wants to become a nurse, Seton Hall can be a great place to pursue nursing education. This prestigious university was established in 1856 and is located in South Orange, NJ. Seton Hall University offers on-campus and online degrees in nursing. These programs can be covered online from any location and are designed to prepare students for challenging nursing careers ahead. Seton Hall has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
12. Kaplan University
Tuition:
- $315 per quarter credit hour – BSN
- $368 per quarter credit hour – MSN
- $700 per quarter credit hour – DNP
Kaplan University is a popular online college that offers degree programs in a wide range of academic disciplines. The university is well known for its online nursing degrees and has over 43,000 students currently enrolled in its online and on-campus programs. Potential nurses can choose from a wide range of associate, bachelor, masters, doctoral and certificate programs here. Quality and affordability are two main factors that make Kaplan University popular among many. In 2014, U.S. News & World Report ranked Kaplan University among the best in the online bachelor degree category.
13. Indiana State University
Tuition:
- $340 per credit hour
- $11,938 per year
The school of nursing at Indiana State University has been ranked among the leading nursing educators in the nation. The university aims to provide high quality nursing education to students on-campus and online. Students can choose from a wide range of nursing programs at graduate and undergraduate level. It’s online nursing programs are flexible and are geared towards equipping students with nursing skills needed for challenging careers in healthcare. There are over 12,000 students currently enrolled at this institute.
14. University of Texas at Arlington
Tuition:
- $350 per credit hour – BSN
- $257 per credit hour – RN to BSN
- $257 per credit hour – Professional nursing pathways program
Whether you want to earn your BSN degree or acquire a certificate in nursing, consider enrolling online at the University of Texas at Arlington. Its nursing programs are designed to help students gain nursing knowledge and skills. The University of Texas at Arlington believes in providing students with an enriching distance learning experience that will help them prepare for their dream careers ahead. Their unique online delivery allows students to build their own schedule and study at their own pace.
15. Sacred Heart University
Tuition:
- $620 per credit hour – BSN
- $620 per credit hour – MSN
Students can earn their nursing degree online at Sacred Heart University. This university is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, and is ranked among the best schools in the state. Currently, the university is offering online nursing degrees at associate, bachelor and masters level. These flexible programs can be covered online at an affordable cost. Sacred Heart’s nursing degrees focus on providing students with nursing knowledge and skills through its broad curriculum.
16. Capella University
Tuition:
- $315 per credit hour – Lower level courses
- $325 per credit hour – Upper level courses
Capella University is a for-profit educational institution located in Minneapolis. This institution was set up to provide quality educational services in a variety of fields. Apart from its on-campus programs, the university offers online degrees in a wide range of fields including nursing. Students who wish to become nurses without having to attend on-campus classes can consider Capella’s online nursing degrees. These degrees are flexible and can be completed from any location.
17. Grand Canyon University
Tuition:
- $465 per credit – BSN
- $495 per credit – MSN
Grand Canyon University is a Christian university located in Phoenix, AZ. The university was founded in 1949 as a liberal arts college. Over the years, Grand Canyon University has expanded its program offerings and degree paths. Students who wish to become a nurse should consider enrolling here. Grand Canyon University’s online nursing programs are flexible and can be covered from any location. The institute is dedicated to providing high quality services to aspiring students.
18. Northeastern University
Tuition:
- $700 per credit hour
Northeastern University is offering online nursing degrees at undergraduate and graduate level. This university aims to provide effective, quality-based online education services to students all over the nation. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Northeastern University among the most innovative schools in the nation. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a nurse, enroll at Northeastern University online. The institute has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
19. Walden University
Tuition:
- $320 per quarter hour – RN to BSN
- $445 per quarter hour – MSN
Walden University is a popular accredited online college. It is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals in a variety of fields. Nursing has become one of its most popular study areas in recent years. Walden University’s nursing programs are geared towards helping students prepare for professional nursing roles in today’s dynamic healthcare sector. Students can choose from certificate, bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees in nursing here.
20. United States University
Tuition:
- $495 per credit – BSN
- $850 per credit – MSN
United States University is located in Southern California. It is currently offering graduate and undergraduate programs in many academic disciplines. Alongside its on-campus degrees, the university also provides distance learning options to students, nursing being one of them. Students can choose from different nursing programs that are flexible and can be covered online. United States University has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
With a brief overview of these top 20 colleges, you can now make an informed decision and begin your pursuit of nursing. A quality education can go a long way in helping you establish a stable and worthwhile career in the field of nursing.