Online Nursing Programs: Finding the Degree You Need
Aspiring registered nurses have a lot of options when it comes to selecting quality online nursing degrees. Whether you are looking for a quick way to enter the healthcare industry, or you want to move into a leadership position, online RN programs range from associate to master’s level. Keep reading to explore program options, vet the best schools, and see what it takes to earn and pay for your online nursing degree. Take your first steps today.
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Getting Started
Earning a degree in nursing requires commitment. Before you take that first (or next) step, make sure you’re ready. Answer the following questions to begin your journey toward choosing a school and earning your first (or next) nursing credential.
- What nursing degree do I need? Each level of nursing has minimum degree standards in each state.
- Is online learning right for me? Are you self-motivated and able to complete online coursework independently?
- Can I afford college right now? Do I have the funds to enroll in a degree program, or can I get financial aid?
- Do I have the time? Earning a nursing degree while working requires both motivation and dedication. Am I ready?
- Do I have the prerequisites completed? Have I taken all the necessary courses for the online nursing program I want? If not, will my experience make up the difference?
How Online Nursing Programs Work
Online nursing programs combine the flexibility of distance learning with classroom work and hands-on clinicals. Many of the more academically-oriented courses take place online, while group and/or patient-centered activities occur at medical facilities. This combination makes online nursing programs “hybrid” or “blended” in nature. While some post-licensure programs can be taken fully online, nearly all pre-licensure nursing programs with an online component are partially online.
An aspiring registered nurses will have a variety of degree options from which to choose. An associate degree in nursing tends to be the quickest path to the profession, although many RNs decide to begin with a bachelor’s degree. Many healthcare facilities often require RNs to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in order to gain employment. Online RN programs have become increasingly popular over the past decade, with schools across the country offering them. This includes online ADN programs (2 years) and online BSN programs (4 years). Accelerated programs for certain types of nurses may exist, as well. Let’s take a closer look at three online programs for current or aspiring registered nurses.
Associate’s Degree in Nursing – Northwood Technical College
Northwood Technical College offers an ACEN accredited part-time Associate Degree in Nursing designed to accommodate working students. This flexible program covers professional nursing skills, patient care, and clinical practice through a combination of online and in-person classes. The part-time option spans over a four-year period compared to traditional full-time option, which typically take two years to complete. Regardless of the pace, this degree program requires 70 credits of online theory coursework and on-site skill labs. Upon graduation, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurse licensure.
Duration: 70 Credits (4 years)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $12,568
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete the online application form
- Complete Core Nursing Accuplacer entrance assessment
- Review and sign Background Check Disclosure
- Review and sign Functional Abilities Disclosure
- Have high school diploma or GED
- Pass one year of high school chemistry or one credit of college chemistry with a 2.0 or better
- Complete a Nursing Assistant course with a grade of 2.0 or better
- Complete admissions meeting with a Northwood Tech counselor
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 27 credits in anatomy, psychology, biology, interpersonal communication, and writing
Major Requirements: 41 Credits
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Nursing Skills
- Intro to Clinical Practice
- Health Promotion
- Clinical Care Across Lifespan
- Health Alterations
- Intro Clinical Care Management
- Complex Health Alterations I
- Nursing Mental Health and Community Concepts
- Intermediate Clinical Practice
- Advanced Nursing Skills
- Complex Health Alterations II
- Management and Professional Capstone
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Nursing Clinical Transition
Elective Courses: 5 Credits
Best For: Students who desire a fast track to becoming an RN, yet want to keep the option of earning a bachelor’s degree later on.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
RN to Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing – Ohio State University
The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to allow professional nurses to expand their career opportunities with an advanced education. This fully online program is for current registered nurses who have an associate’s degree in nursing. There is no prerequisites requirement for admission into the program and you can use your experience as an RN towards your clinical practicum requirement. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program focuses on collaboration and asynchronous project-based work to ensure that you are receiving a quality education that fits around your schedule.
Duration: 30 credits
Mode: Fully Online
Cost: $18,629 – $21,833.88
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete Common Application as a “Nursing” applicant
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- High school GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Complete online application
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
- Criminal background check and drug screening
Curriculum:
- Foundations and Contemporary Issues for RNs
- Cultural Competence in Health Care: US and Global Contexts
- Concepts in Community Health Nursing
- Evolving Concepts in Leadership and Management
- Health Care Informatics
- Interprofessional Concepts
- Evidence Based Practice: Transforming Healthcare
Best For: Students looking to land a stronger first position in nursing and who may want to seek upper-level management through experience and/or a master’s degree in the field
Master’s Degree in Nursing – Maryville University
Maryville University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with five concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. You can expect to complete about 60 to 63 credits depending on the concentration you choose. The program is fully online with in person clinicals you can complete locally. However, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all prior college work to apply.
Duration: 63 credits (2 years)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $35,383 – $43,150
Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 cumulative college GPA
- Have active RN license
- Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited institution
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Complete online application
- Submit your current resume or CV
- Provide all college transcripts
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
- Criminal background check and drug screening
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 29 Credits
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Evidence Based Practice in Nursing
- Health Care Policy
- Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse
- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
- Leadership and Quality
Concentration Credits: 47-50 credits in either Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Best For: Established professionals who want to take the next step in their professional development and progress into a leadership role.
Related Online Nursing Degrees
- Online MSN Programs
- Online BSN Programs
- Accelerated Online BSN Programs
- Online PhD Nursing Programs
- Online LPN-to-RN Programs
- Online RN-to-BSN Programs
- Online CRNA Programs
- Online CNS Programs
- Nurse’s Guide to Online Bridge Programs
- Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs
Find Online Nursing Programs Near You
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- Washington, DC
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Answers to Common RN Student Questions
At any degree level, nursing school is a big complex commitment. Therefore, like most prospective nursing students you might have some questions about the legitimacy on online nursing programs, certification requirements, the job outlook, and the demands of nursing school. Below you’ll find the answers to the most pressing questions students have in regards to their online RN education.
What is the quickest RN program?
The quickest RN program is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). These programs take usually two years to complete and range from $15,000 to $30,000 in price. However, if you are a registered LPN or LVN there are bridge programs that allow you to take the experience you have to earn an RN degree and certification. These programs typically take a year to complete, depending on the amount of experience you have, and cost about $20,000.
Can you take the NCLEX without going to nursing school?
No, you cannot take the NCLEX-RN without going to nursing school. You must complete at least an associate-level nursing program to be considered eligible for the NLCEX-RN certification. Other requirements for the exam include completing clinical hours, having a clear criminal record, and proof of identity. However, there are some nontraditional routes to taking the NCLEX exam. For example, LPN to RN Bridge programs qualify you for the exam even though it is not the traditional educational route. If you are a foreign-trained nurse, you could be eligible for the NCLEX exam without having a U.S. nursing degree, but this will depend on if the Board of Nursing approves your credentials.
What is the most in demand nursing job?
In 2023, the most in demand nursing job was a nurse practitioner. This job has the closest responsibilities to a doctor, including prescribing medication and diagnosing conditions. However, the education required for an NP is a master’s or doctoral degree. Other popular nursing specialties are certified registered nurse anesthetists, who administer anesthesia in collaboration with anesthesiologists, and neonatal nurses.
What is the difference between a two-year RN and a four-year RN?
The difference between a 2-year RN and a 4-year RN is the education level. Two-year RN’s have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) while four-year RN’s have a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN). A BSN provides a more comprehensive education than an ADN, with the BSN requiring students to compel at least 120 credits while AND students must complete at least 60 credits. The most significant difference between the two is the salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, holders of bachelor’s degrees earn a weekly average of over $1,330, while holders of associate’s degrees earn a weekly average of approximately $960. The higher salary also comes with greater job opportunities as nearly 49% of employers require that nurses have a BSN.
Is 63 too old to become a nurse?
No, 63 is not too old to become a nurse. The only age requirement that nursing programs have is that you be at least 18 years of age or older. Plus, the growth of online nursing degrees has made it easier to earn a nursing degree at any life stage because of the flexibility these programs offer.
How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?
One of the major decisions to make when choosing an online registered nursing program is how much it costs to complete it. The exact cost depends on a variety of factors, such as residency status, program type, and the availability of financial aid. Each program will also have different student fees and housing costs. Before you apply to a program make sure you understand the cost of tuition and the amount of fees that the program will charge.
To help you with your research, we’ve chosen seven sample schools to compare in the table below. We have cut out the cost for room and board to give you the most direct comparison. This will give you an idea of the financial commitment you will have to make for your RN education.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global | ASN | $18,900 |
| Santa Fe College | ASN | $27,568 |
| Aultman College | ASN | $19,130 |
| University of North Alabama | BSN | $63,920 |
| Indiana University | BSN | $25,935 |
| Liberty University | MSN | $20,340 |
| Georgia College and State University | MSN | $15,280 |
Nursing Certification Requirements
Accreditation confirms a nursing program meets basic education standards, and it’s a sign that the program readies its students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this exam is required to work as a registered nurse in all 50 states.
The NCLEX-RN exam is managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by Pearson VUE. It uses computerized adaptive testing, which means the test taker completes the exam on a computer, with the computer deciding which questions to provide the test taker based on how they answered the prior question. This means the exam may be different for every person, including the number of questions they must answer. Most test questions are in multiple choice format.
Because there’s so much weight on passing the exam, NCLEX-RN pass rates should be a key component in your nursing program search. Higher pass rates mean that a program’s curriculum is complete and its educators are well-versed in the nursing profession and education standards.
To learn how to pass the NCLEX on your first try, check out our guide on acing the exam.
Salary & Career Outlook for Registered Nurses
| 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 Nursing Programs for RNs
The increasing popularity of online RN programs can make selecting a program overwhelming. How do you know which one is right for you? Which one provides quality and flexibility for a reasonable price? At EduMed, our data scientists evaluate data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and universities themselves to rank post-secondary programs of all levels and subjects. Our rankings are here to make your hunt for the right RN program a little less daunting. See if one of these schools could be right for you.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why We Selected University of Cincinnati:
- The program offers flexible online learning with asynchronous coursework.
- Graduates are eligible for national certification as Nurse Executives or Managers.
- The program prepares students to apply evidence-based practice in healthcare leadership and management.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,099
- Average Institutional Aid$5,373
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- % of Students Receiving an Award71%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Why We Selected Maryville University of Saint Louis:
- The program offers flexible online learning with no required campus visits.
- Clinical placements can be completed locally, enhancing practical experience.
- No application fee, GMAT, GRE, or entrance exam is required for enrollment.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$24,766
- Average Institutional Aid$16,199
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
- % of Students Receiving an Award71%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Why We Selected Ohio State University:
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers innovative extended reality simulations to enhance clinical skills.
- The program provides a mentored relationship with faculty members through its honors program, fostering leadership and research skills.
- The college's focus on cultural competency and wellness prepares students for diverse healthcare settings through global innovations.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$11,018
- Average Institutional Aid$10,023
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award86%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Why We Selected Winona State University:
- Winona State offers a high faculty-student ratio for personalized support.
- Winona State provides extensive clinical placements with diverse healthcare settings.
- Winona State boasts a 97% employment rate for nursing graduates.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,100
- Average Institutional Aid$2,746
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course53%
- % of Students Receiving an Award59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, Florida
Why We Selected Jacksonville University:
- Jacksonville University's RN-MSN program offers flexible online courses with year-round start options.
- The program allows students to earn both BSN and MSN degrees simultaneously, saving time and money.
- Strong partnerships with healthcare industry leaders provide valuable networking opportunities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$42,250
- Average Institutional Aid$28,063
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course51%
- % of Students Receiving an Award51%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Why We Selected George Washington University:
- The program offers flexible asynchronous learning, allowing students to balance life and studies effectively.
- The George Washington University's faculty expertise provides students with high-quality educational guidance and mentorship.
- The program's online format supports working professionals by providing a part-time schedule over four semesters.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$57,894
- Average Institutional Aid$30,074
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course8%
- % of Students Receiving an Award82%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Why We Selected Kent State University at Kent:
- Kent State's MSN offers a dual degree option with an MBA, enhancing leadership capabilities.
- The program provides specialized career tracks, including Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist concentrations.
- Students benefit from flexible completion options, allowing graduation in as few as two years.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$11,000
- Average Institutional Aid$5,966
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course93%
- % of Students Receiving an Award61%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Why We Selected East Carolina University:
- The RN to BSN program offers fully online courses for flexibility.
- The program is designed with a structured plan to complete in as little as 16 months.
- East Carolina University's nursing programs are recognized for producing highly successful graduates.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,452
- Average Institutional Aid$3,766
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course74%
- % of Students Receiving an Award66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Why We Selected University of Arizona:
- The University of Arizona's DNP program offers specialized career tracks in AGACNP, FNP, PNP, and PMHNP.
- The program provides access to faculty expertise and academic advisors for personalized guidance throughout the DNP process.
- Students benefit from networking opportunities through resources like the Wildcat Career Network and Blue Chip Leadership program.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,990
- Average Institutional Aid$12,459
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
- % of Students Receiving an Award64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Why We Selected Ohio University:
- Ohio University's RN to BSN program offers flexible online classes with eight start dates annually.
- The program provides an affordable tuition option, costing less than $10,000 for completion.
- Ohio University's School of Nursing is highly regarded, ranked among the best in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,840
- Average Institutional Aid$6,714
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course83%
- % of Students Receiving an Award64%
- 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
