Online Nursing Schools in IN: Learning About Top Programs
Good nurses make all the difference in healthcare. Not only do they provide some of the most valuable services, but patient care would be virtually impossible without them. This guide looks at the best nursing schools in Indiana and can help you find the online or campus program that best meets your education and career goals. You also learn about nursing salaries across the state and financial aid opportunities that can help lower the cost of nursing school altogether.
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Indiana’s Nursing Programs Online: A Breakdown
Nursing schools in Indiana have a wide range of programs available, from six-week CNA courses through six-year doctoral programs. This variety gives current and aspiring nurses a great chance to find and choose the right program for them. Students can also select programs with online learning components, which make the academic portions of the programs more convenient than traditional models. However, most online programs require students to complete hands-on clinical training at an approved facility – the exception being bridge programs and some advanced nursing programs where students are already fully licensed.
With so many options for nurses in Indiana, it can be difficult to weed through the noise. Let’s review each nursing degree level and look at how actual schools in the state approach them.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs – Online & Hybrid Models
Undergraduate nursing programs lead to entry-level nursing professions like that of a certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, or registered nurse. They can take anywhere from a few months to four years to complete and prepare students for licensure and registration in the state. These programs include CNA certificates, LPN diplomas, RN diplomas, LPN-RN or LPN to ADN degrees, RN to BSN degrees, and traditional BSN degrees and direct-entry BSN degrees.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you are hoping to start your career as a CNA, there are countless programs, both in-person and online, that can help jumpstart your healthcare journey. As respected members of a healthcare team, CNAs support registered and practical nurses by performing duties such as dressing, bathing, and transporting patients. If you’re considering a career as a CNA, you’ve got a wide range of education and training options available to you.
Example: State Fair Community College – Nurse Aide
- Cost: $314/credit
- Length: 16.5 – 31.5 credit hours (1-2 semesters), depending on certificate level
- Mode: Online or on-campus
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work with patients in a variety of routine care and emergency medical settings. Although they perform many of the same duties as CNAs, their scope of work goes beyond CNAs to include minor surgeries, injections, dressing wounds, and other more intense procedures. LPNs often work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Example: Ivy Tech Community College – Licensed Practical Nurse
- Cost: $8,027 total
- Length: 45 credit hours (3 semesters)
- Mode: Blended or Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs are associate degrees in nursing and are designed for individuals with no prior nursing experience. They are typically two-year programs that provide the essential skills and experience for pursuing work as an RN. Upon completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, graduates work in clinics, home health, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities.
Example: Purdue Global – Associate of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $315/credit
- Length: 1.5 years
- Mode: Online, with lab locations across Indiana for required lab/simulation work
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Traditional bachelor’s nursing programs (BSNs) are for students wanting to get the highest undergraduate degree before they start work as a registered nurse. While you don’t need a BSN to work as an RN, a bachelor’s degree may allow you to take on more responsibility and earn a higher wage. BSN degrees usually take four years to complete.
Example: Chamberlain University – BSN
- Cost: $31,000 (average cost after receiving financial aid)
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN degrees are for students who do not have RN licenses but who want to earn bachelor’s degrees in nursing. These programs are typically structured for students who already have bachelor’s degrees in another area. Students can often finish accelerated BSNs in one year (three consecutive semesters).
Example: Anderson University – Accelerated BSN
- Cost: $670/credit
- Length: 60-62 credit hours (5 semesters)
- Mode: Hybrid
Master’s and Doctoral Degree Programs
Graduate and post-graduate nursing degrees are for nurses looking for additional responsibility, higher salaries, and specialized learning. They can take anywhere from one semester (graduate certificate) to 3-4 years (DNP). These programs include graduate certificates, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a PhD in Nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced degree for registered nurses seeking to enhance their clinical, leadership, or educational skills, and often leads to increased responsibility. An MSN also provides nurses with the opportunity to specialize and become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or nurse leaders. MSNs typically take 1-2 years to complete.
Example: Elmhurst University – Online Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing
- Cost: $845/credit (roughly $60,000)
- Length: 71 credits (20 months)
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral nursing programs are for individuals who already possess MSNs. DNP and PhD doctoral programs lead toward different types of careers. A DNP prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare settings and is considered a nursing practice degree. The PhD in nursing is a research degree that helps students advance knowledge and theories in the field to inform nursing practice.
Example: University of Indianapolis – DNP
- Cost: $806/credit
- Length: 30-62 credits (2-4 years, depending on previous education level)
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Going a step beyond earning a master’s degree, graduate certificates help develop specialized knowledge in a particular area of the field without needing to earn an entire degree. Popular post-graduate certificates include adult gerontology, family nurse practitioner, healthcare informatics, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Example: University of Indianapolis – Nurse Leader Graduate Certificate
- Cost: $530/credit
- Length: 9 credits (one semester)
- Mode: Online
Nursing Bridge Programs
Bridge programs are designed to help students reach the next level of nursing faster than they would traditionally. These programs include LPN to RN, LPN to BSN, RN to MSN, direct-entry MSN, and BSN to DNP. These programs give college credit for prior learning and experience and can take anywhere from one to four years, depending on the chosen path.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Designed for students who have licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) credentials, LVN-to-RN and LVN-to-BSN programs are for individuals who want to become registered nurses as quickly as possible. These online programs give students credit for prior learning and experience and provide the clinical skills and hands-on knowledge needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Example: Indiana State University – LPN/LVN to BSN
- Cost: $9,900 – $11,600/year depending on number of credits taken
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Online
RN to BSN
For students who already possess a diploma or associate degree in nursing, the RN-to-BSN program helps students complete enough credits to earn their bachelor’s degrees in nursing. They are often available entirely online, and those who already have experience working as registered nurses can typically complete these programs in as few as 12 months.
Example: Indiana University – RN to BSN
- Cost: $350/credit
- Length: 18-24 months
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
If you’re looking to move right through both the BSN and MSN degrees in one program, look for RN-to-MSN programs. These programs usually take three years to complete and are for registered nurses who already have diplomas or associate degrees in nursing. Your credentials must come from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited school, and you’ll need an unencumbered RN license in Indiana to be accepted into the program.
Example: Ball State University – MSN
- Cost: $6,000/semester (based on a 12-credit semester class load)
- Length: 50-58 credit hours (about 2-3 years)
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
The transition from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a crucial step for those seeking to influence healthcare at the most impactful level. The right BSN to DNP bridge program can set the stage for this ultimate career leap, blending advanced clinical expertise with leadership skills.
Example: Indiana State University – BSN-DNP Online
- Cost: $46-$601/credit, depending on residency status
- Length: 2-3 years
- Mode: Online
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs are for non-nursing majors and are designed for career changers and other individuals who have a bachelor’s degree but no prior nursing experience. These programs provide a straight path to becoming a professional nurse while awarding an advanced degree at the same time. Online direct-entry MSN programs offer an additional level of flexibility and convenience not usually available with traditional fully on-campus programs.
Example: Herzing University – Online MSN Direct Entry
- Cost: $50,000 – $70,000 total, depending on the amount of credits transferred
- Length: 20-24 months
- Mode: Online
Nursing Requirements in Indiana
To become a registered nurse in Indiana, you’ll need to apply through the Indiana State Board of Nursing to be officially recognized. This governmental agency enforces all state laws related to nursing education, practice, and licensure in the state. The following step-by-step guide details the requirements for becoming a first-time RN in Indiana.
1 – Earn Your Nursing Degree (with Proper Accreditation)
The first step toward RN licensure is completing a state-approved nursing degree from an accredited institution. To become an RN, you’ll need to complete a diploma, ADN or BSN program. Whichever you choose, you’ll need to ensure it’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring your program meets a high standard of quality. These programs often include online or in-person coursework along with hands-on clinical experiences.
2 – Initiate the State Licensure Process
At this point, states usually have students register for the NCLEX-RN exam, but in Indiana, you need to first visit the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) to submit an application for licensure and pay for a criminal background check. Be prepared to pay the $50 fee and submit a high school diploma or equivalent and proof that you completed an approved nursing program. This application determines your eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
3 – Complete the NCLEX Exam with Success
Note that the NCLEX-RN exam is a nationwide test, so a passing score is valid in Indiana and all other states in the U.S. The NCLEX-RN exam is a computerized, pass-fail test comprising four main subject areas: safe and effective care environments, psychosocial integrity, health promotion and maintenance, and physiological integrity. You’ll receive anywhere from 74-145 questions, including 15 pre-test questions.
When you pass the test, a copy of your license will be sent digitally to your registered email address.
4 – Ensure Ongoing Licensure
Indiana RN licenses expire on October 31st of odd-numbered years. Licenses that are expired for 18 months or less can be renewed online with a $50 fee. There are no continuing education requirements for RNs in Indiana as of February 2025, though students hoping to keep up on the latest developments in nursing may benefit from seeking out continuing education credits through the American Nurses Association.
5 – Obtain Certifications in Specific Disciplines (Optional)
Becoming licensed in Indiana as a registered nurse doesn’t have to be the end of the road. There are many nurses who decide to pursue graduate degrees or specialty certificates to learn more about specific healthcare areas. You can receive certifications in areas such as ambulatory care, nurse practitioner, gerontological nursing, pain management, pediatric nursing, and so many more. You can find these certifications on the American Nurses Credentialing Center website.
Overview of Career & Salary Trends for Registered Nurses in Indiana
In Indiana, registered nurses (RNs) have a promising career outlook, with 67,390 current jobs projected to grow to 71,020 by the next cycle, adding 3,630 new positions—a 5.4% increase. Each year, Indiana anticipates around 4,090 job openings for RNs, reflecting solid demand within the state. Salaries vary by region, with the median statewide income for RNs at $78,530. For those starting out, salaries begin around the 10th percentile, earning $61,710, while experienced nurses in the 90th percentile can make up to $103,710.
Regionally, earnings differ, with South Bend-Mishawaka RNs earning a median salary of $90,140 and Indianapolis RNs at $80,290. Locations like Elkhart-Goshen also offer higher earning potential, with top earners reaching $131,210. This salary and growth outlook makes Indiana a viable choice for nurses, offering good compensation and opportunities across both urban and rural settings.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $61,710 | $78,530 | $103,710 |
| Bloomington, IN | $63,850 | $76,430 | $99,670 |
| Columbus, IN | $57,720 | $75,780 | $94,750 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $61,980 | $84,530 | $131,210 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $57,190 | $78,190 | $99,700 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $61,790 | $74,730 | $102,380 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | $62,930 | $80,290 | $103,710 |
| Kokomo, IN | $62,930 | $81,600 | $104,570 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $59,670 | $71,190 | $96,550 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $59,000 | $76,440 | $98,470 |
| Muncie, IN | $60,700 | $78,450 | $96,750 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $63,900 | $90,140 | $131,340 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $58,920 | $69,210 | $84,920 |
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 |
| Indiana | 67,390 | 71,020 | 3,630 | 5.40% | 4,090 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Today’s Best Online Nursing Programs in Indiana
Choosing the best nursing program for you can be difficult, which is why we researched, analyzed, and evaluated every nursing school in Indiana. We’ve ranked them based on a variety of factors, including accreditation, tuition cost, student-to-faculty ratios, and more. Click the methodology pop-up above for a more detailed look at how we ranked them, and see which schools stand out below.
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Why We Selected Purdue University Global:
- Faculty members possess extensive real-world experience and advanced certifications.
- The program offers flexible online learning with in-person clinical experiences.
- Purdue Global provides a comprehensive development plan for career advancement.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,080
- Average Institutional Aid$15,195
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an Award27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global:
- The Bridge Program offers students the opportunity to take college-level courses while improving their English language skills.
- Indiana Wesleyan University's uLEAP program allows students to accelerate their degree completion at their own pace.
- The Master of Public Health program includes a practical practicum, providing hands-on experience in public health settings.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,453
- Average Institutional Aid$1,093
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
- % of Students Receiving an Award35%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Why We Selected University of Southern Indiana:
- The program offers extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings.
- The Clinical Simulation Center provides state-of-the-art training in realistic healthcare scenarios.
- Faculty expertise and personalized attention foster supportive relationships and academic success.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,909
- Average Institutional Aid$4,011
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course55%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana University-Indianapolis:
- IU Indianapolis offers a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1, enhancing personalized learning experiences.
- The university provides over 80 study abroad programs, offering diverse global learning opportunities.
- IU Indianapolis offers hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to apply classroom lessons in real-world settings.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,883
- Average Institutional Aid$4,758
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course62%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana State University:
- The program offers a strong focus on rural and underserved populations through scholarly projects.
- Faculty expertise spans areas like medical-surgical nursing and patient outcomes, enhancing student learning.
- The program provides hands-on learning through the School of Nursing's Learning Resources Center.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,318
- Average Institutional Aid$3,735
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course59%
- % of Students Receiving an Award41%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Indiana University-East
Richmond, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana University-East:
- The program offers special credit for previous nursing coursework at no cost.
- Accelerated completion options allow students to finish in as little as two years.
- Flexible scheduling allows nursing classes to meet just once per week for three semesters.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,170
- Average Institutional Aid$4,778
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course86%
- % of Students Receiving an Award38%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Why We Selected Ball State University:
- Ball State University's nursing program offers a high NCLEX-RN pass rate of 94 to 100 percent.
- The program provides flexible online options, such as the RN to BS degree, allowing students to work while studying.
- Ball State offers specialized career tracks, including concentrations in nurse educator, nurse administrator, and family nurse practitioner.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,628
- Average Institutional Aid$7,291
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course50%
- % of Students Receiving an Award66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Indiana University-Southeast
New Albany, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana University-Southeast:
- IU Southeast offers high NCLEX-RN pass rates, exceeding national averages.
- Experiential learning includes unique community/public health nursing experiences in diverse settings.
- Flexible RN to BSN programs allow working nurses to complete their degree within one year.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,170
- Average Institutional Aid$2,972
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course77%
- % of Students Receiving an Award34%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Indiana University-Northwest
Gary, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana University-Northwest:
- The program offers flexible online courses, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months.
- The cohort model ensures systematic progression through the program, enhancing academic support and community.
- The curriculum provides a strong foundation for leadership positions and graduate study in nursing.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,170
- Average Institutional Aid$2,258
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course74%
- % of Students Receiving an Award35%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Indiana University-South Bend
South Bend, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana University-South Bend:
- The program emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care with a focus on ethical clinical judgment.
- The curriculum includes state-of-the-art simulation labs for enhanced clinical training experiences.
- Graduates are well-prepared for inter-professional collaboration and leadership roles in healthcare.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,170
- Average Institutional Aid$2,171
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course68%
- % of Students Receiving an Award37%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
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
