Online ADN Programs: Choosing the School for You
Whether you’re an aspiring or working nurse, there’s an online or hybrid ADN program that’s right for you. This student guide has everything you need to choose the right online ADN program and begin your journey to becoming a registered nurse. Look inside some of today’s best programs to learn about program structure, tuition & fees, career prospects, clinical requirements, NCLEX-RN prep, and more.
Dianne Barnard
Dianne Barnard is a Registered Nurse-Board Certified with over 20 years of nursing experience. In addition to her nursing degree, she has a Bachelor of Science in Education and is board certified in both psychiatric and holistic nursing. Dianne has experience working in bedside, oncology, ICU, home-health, clinical nursing instruction, and mental health.
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Is an Online ADN Right for Me?
Becoming a nurse requires time, knowledge, and motivation. Earning an ADN is just the beginning — chances are, you will want to continue your nursing education at some point, which will require additional commitment, dedication, and money. Before committing to an ADN program, ask yourself:
- Am I prepared to commit to a two- to three-year ADN program?
- Am I comfortable starting as an entry-level RN?
- Am I open to continuing education in the future?
- Am I okay with initially earning less than nurses with a BSN?
- Am I interested in specializing in a particular field?
How They Work: Online ADN Degree Profiles
Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) opens the door to a well-paying career with a purpose. Before you can start helping others, however, you’ll have to choose the right nursing program. While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) sets you up as a top candidate for hospitals, earning an online or hybrid Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) qualifies you for the same exam required to start working as an RN— the NCLEX-RN.
While it’s impossible to earn your ADN entirely online due to clinical requirements, many programs provide online coursework and flexible clinicals that can be completed in various locations. Some even offer bridge programs for currently working licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and paramedics, allowing them to continue their education while working.
ADN programs, also known as Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN), come in many shapes and sizes. Below, we compare three top programs before diving into everything you need to know to choose the best online ADN program and start your career as an RN.
Associate of Science in Nursing – Excelsior University
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit institution offering distance learning courses since 1971. The organization provides two online, 65-credit nursing degrees — an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN). While the two programs have identical nursing curricula, their general educational requirements vary slightly.
Both degree programs are designed for currently licensed and working LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, and certain military personnel who want to build on their experience. As they are designed for working professionals, these degree programs offer self-paced, eight-week courses that can be taken at the student’s convenience. Regardless of which degree you choose, you’ll have access to a community of nurses, academic advisors, and peers throughout your education.
While the curriculum is offered online, students must complete a Nursing Capstone before graduating, which includes laboratory and clinical experience caring for patients in a healthcare facility. Students are scheduled for clinical experiences and must travel to a clinical site during the course term. Upon completion, students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through Excelsior or begin a career as an RN.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid, Asynchronous
Cost: $35,750
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a current resident of Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia.
- Verify your professional status in an appropriate healthcare profession by submitting a copy of your current license/certification as an LPN/LVN, paramedic, or military/National Guard/Reserves equivalent.
- Provide proof of employment in a setting that requires direct patient care under a medical professional providing appropriate supervision and oversight.
- Completed 200+ hours of employment in this setting within the calendar year before submitting your Verification of Health Care Experience.
- Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a passing grade.
Core Curriculum:
- Transition to the Professional Nurse Role
- Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Safety
- Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Differences
- Foundations in Nursing Practice
- Reproductive Health
- Health Differences Across the Life Span (1, 2, and 3)
- Clinical Nursing Practicum: Care of Patients Across the Lifespan
- Competencies for Contemporary Nursing Practice
- Nursing Capstone: Advanced Clinical Practicum
Best For: Students currently working as an LPN, LVN, paramedic, or equivalent job as an active military member who want to pursue a career as an RN.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) — Herzing University
Herzing University is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1965 with 11 campuses across eight states. Students residing in these states are eligible to enroll in their online, 72-credit Associate of Science in Nursing Program designed for students without RN experience. Current LPNs, paramedics, military medics, cardiovascular techs, and respiratory techs who want to pursue additional education while working are also eligible for the degree’s bridge program.
The ASN program provides students fundamental knowledge and skills in family nursing, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and other core areas. The curriculum is designed to teach graduates the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN and feel confident landing a job as an entry-level RN.
All of the program’s lecture courses are delivered online, with the option for live and on-demand classes. Hands-on training includes eight location-based, on-site clinical courses and two 2–4-day intensives in Nashville, TN. The school offers rolling admissions, as well as a variety of financial aid opportunities.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid, Asynchronous, Synchronous
Cost: $66,600
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a current resident of Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.
- High school or previous college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
- Achieve at least a composite score of 66 on the most current version of the TEAS within three years of the anticipated enrollment date.
Core Curriculum:
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Fundamental Concepts
- Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II, and III
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Family Nursing
- ASN Practicum
- Review of Nursing Concepts
Best For: Students without prior nursing experience who want to become an RN.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Associate of Science in Nursing — Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers a prelicensure Associate of Science in Nursing program designed to prepare students to pass the NCLEX-RN and begin working as a registered nurse. Purdue’s ASN degree teaches students foundational nursing skills, evidence-based practices, and healthcare technologies while developing leadership, ethical decision-making, and communication skills.
The program — which blends online coursework with on-ground, facility-based clinical experiences — holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, graduates are eligible to pursue a BSN with Purdue Global.
While Purdue’s ASN program emphasizes clinical work, admissions are not location-dependent like the other schools featured. Instead, clinical sites are carefully selected based on evaluating site personnel, facilities, geographic location, availability, and type of learning experience provided. To be eligible for clinicals, students must pass a drug test, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and not have an incomplete grade for any course.
Duration: Three years
Mode: Hybrid, Synchronous
Cost: $36,540
Admissions Requirements:
- Meet Purdue’s general requirements.
- Be at least 18 years old at the program’s start date.
- Complete an informational interview with an admissions representative.
- Complete enrollment activities, including the Student Expectations Acknowledgment Form.
- Achieve the minimum required scores on the entrance assessment tests, as required by the School of Nursing.
- Submit official/unofficial transcripts from all other colleges, universities, and vocational schools attended, if applicable.
- Complete an admissions interview conducted by the Academic Chair or a designee.
- Pass a criminal background check.
Core Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology for Nursing
- Nursing Fundamentals + Clinical
- Pharmacology for Nursing + Clinical
- Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II, and III + Clinicals
- Maternal Infant Nursing + Clinical
- Pediatric Nursing + Clinical
- Mental Health Nursing + Clinical
- Professional Leadership Transitions
- Capstone + Clinical
Best For: Students who benefit from hands-on learning, as Purdue’s program emphasizes clinical training
Find Online ADN Programs Near You
Common Questions from Online ADN Students
With so many different programs, licenses, and career paths, it’s natural to have a lot of questions about becoming a nurse and pursuing an online ADN degree. Is an ADN the best degree for your goals? What is the career outlook like compared to other degrees or licenses? Below, we cover some of our experts’ most common questions.
Can I become a travel nurse with an ADN?
Yes, it’s possible to become a travel nurse with an ADN or ASN degree. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN, get your nursing license, and gain clinical experience (usually around two years) to be eligible. Once you’re qualified, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows registered nurses to practice in participating states with a single license.
Career-wise, travel nursing is an excellent way to see the country, command higher salaries, and experience working in various clinical settings. Many graduates choose this route to pay down debt after graduating. It is also a great way to build experience working within different teams, locations, and dynamics.
How do clinicals work in online nursing school?
Due to clinical requirements, no legitimate nursing program is 100% online. Instead, most programs offer online lectures paired with in-person clinicals. Some online programs have location-based admissions requirements, meaning students can only apply if they’re residents of the states where they can oversee clinicals. Meanwhile, other programs will partner with different facilities nationwide, allowing students to enroll in their program regardless of which state they live in.
Is ADN better than LPN?
Like an ADN, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is an entry-level credential. However, they have different educational requirements and outcomes:
- An ADN takes 2-3 years, while an LPN program takes 1-2 years
- ADN grads must pass the NCELX-RN, while LPN grads must pass the NCLEX-PN
- ADN programs offer more extensive clinical training than LPN programs
- ADNs have a broader scope of practice and can work in more clinical settings
- ADNs have a higher average salary than LPNs
In other words, an LPN is the most entry-level nursing credential you can achieve, while an ADN is a step above that. As a result, ADNs have more career opportunities, higher pay, and greater responsibilities.
Is an ADN the same as an RN?
Understanding the nuances between an ADN, RN, and BSN can be tricky. In short, yes, an ADN and an RN are the same — the goal of an ADN program is to pass the NCLEX-RN, which awards you the title of “Registered Nurse.” While there are RN degree programs that prepare you for the same exam, they are often shorter and more affordable, at the cost of sacrificing more extensive training. Holding an RN diploma or certificate may not qualify you for as many jobs as an ADN would, as many facilities prefer knowing they’re hiring someone with a set amount of clinical experience. In fact, many schools are phasing out RN or LPN programs in favor of ADN programs.
Do hospitals prefer ADN or BSN?
According to recent data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 25% of hospitals and other healthcare institutions require a BSN. In comparison, 69.8% strongly prefer — but do not require — a BSN. With that said, the Health Workforce Analysis projects a shortage of 63,720 full-time equivalent (FTE) RNs by 2030. If this comes to pass, many healthcare organizations and hospitals will likely lower their requirements to accept ADNs. So, even if you have your heart set on working in a hospital, many accept ADNs, and more are projected to do so in the coming years.
ADN Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
Although graduating nursing school debt-free is not feasible for everyone, scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and other financial aid are available to help make it more affordable. IBudgeting before and during nursing school is also helpful in reducing extraneous costs. Attending an online program is another excellent way to cut back on things like commuting and housing costs.
As for the cost of your education, tuition for ADN programs can vary between schools, states, timelines, and clinical requirements. While some online programs charge a flat, per-credit fee, others may charge in-state tuition; in these cases, attending an online ADN program in your state may be more affordable. Some programs allow you to work while attending school, which can help offset costs, while others may require you to accrue unpaid clinical hours on top of your tuition. You should consider all of these factors when comparing programs. To help you better understand the difference between basic tuition rates, we’ve broken down a few ADN programs below.
From ADN to Passing the NCLEX-RN
Once you graduate from your ADN program, your next step is taking the NCLEX-RN. You cannot become a registered nurse without passing this exam, and all that time and effort into schooling will have been wasted.
Any worthwhile, accredited ADN program tailors its curriculum to cover subjects on the NCLEX-RN exam. Additionally, some schools require students to take periodic assessments to identify knowledge gaps and encourage students to further study what they’ve been taught. Other schools might provide a special NCLEX-RN review course for students near the end of the program or immediately upon completion.
A good way for future nursing students to find a reputable online associate degree nursing program is to look at the school’s NCLEX-RN passage rates. As a general rule, the better the program, the higher the rate at which its graduates pass the NCLEX-RN.
Salary & Career Outlook for Medical Assistants
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $63,720 | $86,070 | $132,680 |
| Alabama | $50,310 | $65,900 | $92,870 |
| Alaska | $82,980 | $106,410 | $132,090 |
| Arizona | $70,060 | $88,310 | $109,750 |
| Arkansas | $45,200 | $72,920 | $96,040 |
| California | $83,510 | $133,990 | $194,240 |
| Colorado | $70,790 | $86,900 | $112,800 |
| Connecticut | $78,370 | $100,620 | $127,150 |
| Delaware | $73,800 | $93,200 | $122,670 |
| Florida | $63,520 | $80,960 | $105,580 |
| Georgia | $63,450 | $83,620 | $124,330 |
| Hawaii | $81,070 | $129,210 | $145,940 |
| Idaho | $62,210 | $80,130 | $105,300 |
| Illinois | $63,900 | $82,470 | $105,140 |
| Indiana | $61,710 | $78,530 | $103,710 |
| Iowa | $61,250 | $71,570 | $90,800 |
| Kansas | $58,760 | $75,780 | $94,900 |
| Kentucky | $61,520 | $77,830 | $101,770 |
| Louisiana | $60,720 | $76,650 | $101,650 |
| Maine | $64,600 | $81,610 | $107,240 |
| Maryland | $66,880 | $89,340 | $114,440 |
| Massachusetts | $74,010 | $99,730 | $166,100 |
| Michigan | $67,450 | $81,710 | $101,610 |
| Minnesota | $73,050 | $97,300 | $120,420 |
| Mississippi | $54,580 | $69,370 | $100,160 |
| Missouri | $56,690 | $77,190 | $99,330 |
| Montana | $64,530 | $79,170 | $104,970 |
| Nebraska | $61,770 | $78,100 | $99,410 |
| Nevada | $77,160 | $96,210 | $132,010 |
| New Hampshire | $66,620 | $86,620 | $109,930 |
| New Jersey | $77,700 | $100,160 | $127,750 |
| New Mexico | $68,120 | $83,970 | $124,800 |
| New York | $69,450 | $104,570 | $136,780 |
| North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
| North Dakota | $63,920 | $74,930 | $95,680 |
| Ohio | $64,480 | $79,940 | $105,380 |
| Oklahoma | $61,360 | $78,760 | $101,390 |
| Oregon | $86,730 | $110,940 | $136,950 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,820 | $82,780 | $109,740 |
| Rhode Island | $69,350 | $94,840 | $116,510 |
| South Carolina | $60,780 | $78,380 | $98,980 |
| South Dakota | $54,780 | $67,030 | $85,400 |
| Tennessee | $55,510 | $76,200 | $98,090 |
| Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Utah | $64,950 | $79,790 | $102,000 |
| Vermont | $65,390 | $81,900 | $110,680 |
| Virginia | $63,710 | $84,100 | $115,120 |
| Washington | $82,630 | $107,720 | $139,390 |
| West Virginia | $50,650 | $78,730 | $99,440 |
| Wisconsin | $69,240 | $83,300 | $105,110 |
| Wyoming | $62,400 | $79,970 | $105,800 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Alabama | 51,980 | 54,290 | 2,310 | 4.40% | 3,090 |
| Alaska | 6,130 | 6,800 | 670 | 10.90% | 420 |
| Arizona | 59,110 | 72,050 | 12,940 | 21.90% | 4,820 |
| Arkansas | 28,750 | 30,920 | 2,170 | 7.50% | 1,820 |
| California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
| Colorado | 53,720 | 63,290 | 9,570 | 17.80% | 4,100 |
| Connecticut | 35,420 | 38,310 | 2,890 | 8.20% | 2,270 |
| Delaware | 11,720 | 13,570 | 1,850 | 15.80% | 870 |
| District of Columbia | 11,110 | 11,750 | 640 | 5.80% | 680 |
| Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
| Georgia | 81,800 | 94,310 | 12,510 | 15.30% | 5,990 |
| Idaho | 15,480 | 18,580 | 3,100 | 20.00% | 1,230 |
| Illinois | 138,050 | 142,310 | 4,260 | 3.10% | 7,960 |
| Indiana | 67,390 | 71,020 | 3,630 | 5.40% | 4,090 |
| Iowa | 35,700 | 39,270 | 3,570 | 10.00% | 2,370 |
| Kansas | 32,310 | 33,910 | 1,600 | 5.00% | 1,940 |
| Kentucky | 47,300 | 50,400 | 3,100 | 6.60% | 2,940 |
| Louisiana | 43,740 | 47,040 | 3,300 | 7.50% | 2,770 |
| Maine | 14,840 | 15,040 | 200 | 1.30% | 820 |
| Maryland | 48,810 | 52,370 | 3,560 | 7.30% | 3,080 |
| Massachusetts | 30,060 | 32,600 | 2,540 | 8.40% | 1,940 |
| Michigan | 104,150 | 106,910 | 2,760 | 2.70% | 5,950 |
| Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
| Mississippi | 29,980 | 31,910 | 1,930 | 6.40% | 1,860 |
| Missouri | 76,960 | 84,580 | 7,620 | 9.90% | 5,110 |
| Montana | 10,360 | 11,890 | 1,530 | 14.80% | 750 |
| Nebraska | 22,900 | 24,670 | 1,770 | 7.70% | 1,460 |
| Nevada | 24,290 | 28,810 | 4,520 | 18.60% | 1,880 |
| New Hampshire | 13,690 | 14,600 | 910 | 6.60% | 850 |
| New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
| New Mexico | 19,020 | 21,940 | 2,920 | 15.40% | 1,390 |
| New York | 204,040 | 256,080 | 52,040 | 25.50% | 5,200 |
| North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| North Dakota | 11,500 | 12,700 | 1,200 | 10.40% | 770 |
| Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| Oklahoma | 37,490 | 39,290 | 1,800 | 4.80% | 2,240 |
| Oregon | 42,720 | 47,680 | 4,960 | 11.60% | 2,930 |
| Pennsylvania | 148,790 | 155,810 | 7,020 | 4.70% | 8,890 |
| Rhode Island | 11,920 | 12,700 | 780 | 6.50% | 740 |
| South Carolina | 45,140 | 49,610 | 4,470 | 9.90% | 2,990 |
| South Dakota | 14,590 | 16,510 | 1,920 | 13.20% | 1,030 |
| Tennessee | 60,020 | 67,720 | 7,700 | 12.80% | 4,200 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
| Utah | 25,300 | 31,710 | 6,410 | 25.30% | 2,170 |
| Vermont | 7,030 | 7,650 | 620 | 8.80% | 460 |
| Virgin Islands | 600 | 490 | -110 | -18.30% | 20 |
| Virginia | 70,190 | 73,240 | 3,050 | 4.30% | 4,160 |
| Washington | 61,030 | 69,180 | 8,150 | 13.40% | 5,150 |
| West Virginia | 22,830 | 23,780 | 950 | 4.20% | 1,350 |
| Wisconsin | 62,260 | 65,570 | 3,310 | 5.30% | 3,770 |
| Wyoming | 5,130 | 5,740 | 610 | 11.90% | 350 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Today’s Best Online ADN Programs
Between location, timelines, costs, and clinical requirements, choosing an online or hybrid ADN program can be overwhelming. To help you find the most affordable, high-quality options, our data analysis team did the heavy lifting for you. Using a combination of publicly reported data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and data from the schools themselves, our experts have identified which online ADN programs offer the best combinations of quality, affordability, student services, career preparation, and online learning. See which schools stand out this year.
Northwood Technical College
Shell Lake, Wisconsin
Why We Selected Northwood Technical College:
- Northwood Tech offers a flexible part-time option for the Nursing Associate Degree program.
- The program includes a specialized "LPN to ADN" track for licensed practical nurses seeking advancement.
- Northwood Tech provides opportunities for earning credentials at each step of the nursing education pathway.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,570
- Average Institutional Aid$748
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
- % of Students Receiving an Award62%
- Student/Faculty Ratio7/1
Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, Wisconsin
Why We Selected Lakeshore Technical College:
- Lakeshore Technical College's nursing program offers a high transfer rate to over 30 universities.
- The program provides hands-on training through clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings.
- Students benefit from a structured curriculum that integrates social, mathematical, and physical sciences.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,868
- Average Institutional Aid$626
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- % of Students Receiving an Award65%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
Panola College
Carthage, Texas
Why We Selected Panola College:
- The ADN program offers a structured curriculum with clinical placements within a 70-mile radius.
- The program provides a clear pathway for LVNs to transition into RN roles through a hybrid format.
- Panola College's ADN program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, ensuring professional standards.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$792
- Average Institutional Aid$3,929
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course72%
- % of Students Receiving an Award30%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Tri-County Community College
Murphy, North Carolina
Why We Selected Tri-County Community College:
- The program offers a holistic care approach, integrating body systems and nursing processes.
- Tri County Tech provides a structured learning environment with a focus on critical thinking and clinical reasoning.
- The program emphasizes safety and evidence-based practice, ensuring competent patient care.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,304
- Average Institutional Aid$1,083
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an Award17%
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, North Carolina
Why We Selected Central Piedmont Community College:
- The program offers a flexible learning environment with online general education courses.
- The curriculum includes clinical training at various sites, providing excellent exposure to potential employers.
- The program is highly affordable, costing a fraction of other local nursing programs.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,432
- Average Institutional Aid$2,434
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course97%
- % of Students Receiving an Award24%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
Long Island City, New York
Why We Selected CUNY LaGuardia Community College:
- The program offers articulation processes that minimize educational barriers between LPN and RN programs.
- LaGuardia's nursing programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- The program provides clinical practice in local healthcare facilities, enhancing hands-on learning experiences.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$4,800
- Average Institutional Aid$1,128
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
- % of Students Receiving an Award35%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
Central Community College
Grand Island, Nebraska
Why We Selected Central Community College:
- The program features a state-of-the-art simulation area for enhanced learning experiences.
- The nursing program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate, exceeding national averages.
- Graduates enjoy a high employment rate, with 98% securing RN positions within a year.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,760
- Average Institutional Aid$954
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course72%
- % of Students Receiving an Award46%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
CUNY Bronx Community College
Bronx, New York
Why We Selected CUNY Bronx Community College:
- The program offers clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings across the Bronx and nearby boroughs.
- The nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring high educational standards.
- The program provides flexible scheduling with some evening courses available based on student needs.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$4,800
- Average Institutional Aid$1,210
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course92%
- % of Students Receiving an Award27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
New York, New York
Why We Selected CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College:
- BMCC offers a robust extern program providing clinical experience in NYC hospitals.
- BMCC's nursing program includes a state-of-the-art Nursing Skills Laboratory with human patient simulators.
- Notable alumni like Dr. Sandra Lindsay inspire students with their impactful contributions to public health.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$4,800
- Average Institutional Aid$711
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course88%
- % of Students Receiving an Award30%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
State Fair Community College
Sedalia, Missouri
Why We Selected State Fair Community College:
- The program offers advanced placement credits for LPNs and paramedics, streamlining their path to RN licensure.
- SFCC's nursing program provides a seamless 2+2 pathway to a four-year degree through its partnership with UCM.
- Students benefit from a holistic nursing education emphasizing critical thinking and inter-professional partnerships.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,200
- Average Institutional Aid$1,314
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course74%
- % of Students Receiving an Award38%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
