Compare Top Online Nursing PhD Programs
Facilitating impactful changes in the nursing field takes commitment and knowledge — and, in most cases, a doctorate. Fortunately, among your online nursing program options is the ability to pursue a PhD in Nursing, allowing for flexibility and different clinical requirements from an MSN or BSN. This EduMed guide can help you take the next step in elevating your career as it offers information about hybrid learning, top-ranked schools, and salary potential upon entering the workforce.
Stephanie Johannsen
Stephanie Johannsenis a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA). Her unique background includes extensive clinical and administrative roles in hospitals, insurance companies, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), drug companies, start-up joint ventures, ambulatory centers, hospice, long term care, home health, travel nursing and overseas education. She also worked as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC) assisting with class action lawsuits, medical malpractice cases and catastrophic injury cases. Stephanie has had an exciting career fully exploring nearly every aspect of health care and thrives on sharing those experiences with others who wish to enter the field.
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As a working nurse, you’ve seen the need for field improvements, higher educational standards, and improved quality of care first-hand. If you’re eager to make an impactful difference and become a leader in your field, earning an online Nursing PhD is the best route to working in academia or clinical research.
Unlike a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing PhD programs can be completed entirely online, as nurses who qualify for a doctoral degree already have hundreds of hours of clinical experience under their belts. Determine the best route to advance your nursing career as you continue down the page.
Gut Check: Is a Nursing PhD Right for You?
Having already attended nursing school, you understand the time and commitment required to graduate from these rigorous programs. A PhD is a serious commitment, especially if you plan to continue working as a nurse while pursuing your doctoral degree. Before diving into an online nursing PhD program, it’s essential to discern whether it is worth the time, money, and potential burnout; these questions can help you assess whether a doctoral degree is the right choice.
- What are my career goals, and how will a PhD in Nursing help me achieve them?
- Am I committed to conducting original research and writing a dissertation?
- How long will it take to complete a nursing PhD program, and am I ready for the time commitment?
- Can I manage potential debt or loss of income while pursuing my PhD, and what financial aid is available to help offset the costs?
- How will this PhD enhance my credibility, leadership, and career opportunities?
What’s the Difference Between a PhD, DNP, and DNE Nursing Degree?
Regarding advanced nursing degrees, the three most common programs are the PhD, DNP, and EdD. Each is a very different program that offers different outcomes for graduates, although there can be a little bit of overlap in what graduates can do with each degree. To help clarify things a bit, here’s what you need to know about these three options.
PhD in Nursing
Program Overview
This degree strongly emphasizes research, theory, and applying new concepts to the nursing profession. Many PhD nursing students use this degree to move into academia and teach other nurses.
Length of Study
Depending upon the program, this can take 3 to 5 years of full-time study, including the time for dissertation and defense. Given the inherently self-paced nature of the dissertation, how long it takes to earn a PhD in nursing largely depends on how quickly the student completes and defends the dissertation.
Clinicals Required?
None
Final Project
PhD students must complete a dissertation and then successfully defend that dissertation before a panel of educators, peers, researchers, and other interested parties in the nursing field.
Common Career Outcomes
This degree often leads to academic pursuits, including healthcare research and teaching the next generation of nurses.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Overview
As the name suggests, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) focuses on evidence-based care practices for patients, communities, and specific populations.
Length of Study
Five to six semesters of study are standard for those who enter with a master’s degree.
Clinicals Required?
Clinicals are often required, but the amount of hands-on study varies by program. Clinicals are usually necessary for a much shorter period than lower degree levels; 400 hours of study under supervision is a typical number.
Final Project
A final scholarly project replaces the dissertation. This project can take many forms, depending upon the student’s focus, but usually includes a look at how nursing practice can be improved for various populations or areas.
Common Career Outcomes
Those who earn this degree are likely to continue working in a patient-facing role, although usually with more clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE/EdD)
Program Overview
With a focus on the educational aspects of nursing, this degree prepares students to teach others through evidence-based research, practice, and real-world scenarios.
Length of Study
Students who enter the EdD program with a bachelor’s degree can often complete the program in three years of full-time study.
Clinicals Required?
None
Final Project
The final capstone project usually consists of applying educational theories to real-world scenarios faced by nursing students or nurses in practice.
Common Career Outcomes
Though this degree will help graduates work in a clinical or research setting, the most common career pathway takes graduates into nursing education.
Comparing Online Nursing PhD Programs: Which School is Best?
To help you cut through the noise and find high-quality, accredited, and well-respected online PhDs in Nursing, we’ve selected a few of today’s top programs to compare. Later, we’ll cover different nursing doctorates, tuition costs, career outcomes, and everything you need to know to begin choosing your online Nursing PhD program.
Online PhD in Nursing — University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
As the largest nursing school in Wisconsin, UW-Milwaukee partners with over 160 agencies to educate future nurse scientists, researchers, and educators. Graduates of the online PhD in Nursing program are ready for careers in education, research and practice, and leadership.
Students are admitted as a cohort and must attend a three-day orientation at the beginning of the program, then return to campus at the end of their program. Throughout the four-year program, PhD students work closely with professors to plan and conduct cutting-edge research using various research methods. Students will eventually disseminate their research findings to help advance the nursing field.
Admissions to the online program are offered every two years, and courses must be taken in sequential order. To help alleviate the financial burden of nursing school, UW-Milwaukee awards more than $500,000 of nursing scholarships and funding annually.
Mode: Online
Cost: $49,340
Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or health-related field from a professionally accredited program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (4.0 scale) for all previous graduate coursework
- A written statement detailing previous professional experience, professional career goals, research interests, motivation for PhD study, and educational objectives
- Two examples of original work demonstrating the applicant’s academic potential
- Unofficial transcripts from each academic institution attended where at least nine or more credits were attempted or completed
- Three academic references
- Current curriculum vitae
- Completion of a graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or higher within the last five years or the first program semester
Curriculum: The program curriculum is focused on teaching students comprehensive research methods, scientific integrity, nursing theory, information technology, quality care standards, and thorough knowledge of a substantive area of nursing expertise.
Best For: Students who want to further the nursing field through innovative scientific research studies.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Online Nursing Education PhD – University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
UNC’s online PhD in Nursing Education is designed to equip scholars for roles in academic or organizational healthcare settings. Graduates will gain the expertise and confidence to excel as nurse educators, with a strong focus on developing a research trajectory specific to nursing education. This doctoral program builds on knowledge acquired at the bachelor’s or master’s level, emphasizing educational strategies, leadership, research, and knowledge development.
A mandatory 5-day orientation is held in July before the program begins. This includes two days on campus in Greeley and three days attending the Nurse Educator Conference in the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, some students choose to visit campus for significant milestones such as their dissertation proposal hearing, dissertation defense, or oral comprehensive exams.
Throughout the program, students will benefit from the university’s interdisciplinary educational resources, drawing on expertise and research opportunities across nursing and other academic disciplines.
Duration: 4+ years
Mode: Online
Cost: $48,444
Admissions Requirements:
- Ensure the program meets your state’s nursing requirements
- Apply via Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS)
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation from former faculty or colleagues with a doctoral degree
- Official transcript from each college or university where courses were taken, including documentation of earning a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Current vita or resume
- Copy of current, unencumbered RN license
- A statement of career goals, including a potential area of research interest or general dissertation topic
- Sample of written scholarly work, project, or publication in which the applicant was the lead or sole contributor
- A personal interview may be required
Curriculum: The program curriculum is focused on researching and generating new knowledge to advanced nursing science, advancing the professional discipline of nursing via leadership, and promoting innovative, evidence-based approaches in nurse education.
Best For: Practicing RNs who want to become nurse educators, instructors, curriculum coordinators, or consultants.
Online PhD in Nursing – Wilkes University
Wilkes University’s online PhD in Nursing is designed for nurses who want to conduct research that will advance nursing science and education. A strong emphasis on research and leadership ensures graduates are prepared to critically evaluate research findings and apply them to real-world challenges.
Faculty research areas include nursing leadership, cultural competency, advanced practice, disease management, healthcare policy, and nursing education. Once students select a research focus aligned with their interests, they work closely with a dedicated chairperson to build expertise, refine research skills, and develop a comprehensive dissertation.
This part-time program is designed to help working nurses fulfill their leadership and academic potential while balancing current responsibilities. It consists of 17 12-week courses and takes an average of three years to complete (depending on the dissertation). Graduates can expect to work in leadership positions as department heads, program coordinators, and nursing school deans.
Duration: Three Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $48,175
Admissions Requirements:
- MSN with official transcripts from an institution with programmatic and regional accreditation and a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A current unencumbered RN license; APRN license if appropriate
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Letter of intent describing professional goals, research topic, and the reason for pursuing a PhD
- Two recommendations from graduate-level nurses or faculty who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a PhD program
- Reside in an authorized state
Curriculum:
The program curriculum is focused on building critical knowledge around nursing theory and education, healthcare issues, and obtaining research funding; advancing research skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis while expanding on study design; and developing a comprehensive dissertation.
Best For: Aspiring nurse leaders who want to balance empirical, scientific research with academic leadership and expertise to advance the nursing profession and improve nursing outcomes.
Answers to Nursing PhD Student FAQs
When deducing the right nursing PhD program for you, it’s likely that you’ll have questions crop up that other prospective students in your position also wonder about. If you’re wondering about clinical hour requirements, potential career roles, whether or not you’re able to forgo a master’s degree, we’ve provided answers to some of these common student questions and more below.
Is it worth it to get a PhD in nursing?
Your career goals will ultimately determine whether or not a PhD is right for you. If you plan to work in academia or conduct research, a PhD is a necessity that opens up these types of roles. In many cases, a master’s degree can still qualify you for a higher-level position within nursing.
Earning a PhD in nursing will significantly boost your income. According to the most recent Salary and Compensation Study for Nurse Leaders by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), over half (57%) of respondents earned between $90,000 and $169,999, while 32% of respondents earned $170,000 or more, broken down as follows:
- 12% earned between $170,000 and $199,999,
- 10% earned between $200,000 and $249,999, and
- 10% earned $250,000 or more.
Does a PhD in nursing require clinical hours?
No, a PhD in nursing generally does not require clinical hours. Instead, nursing PhD programs focus on conducting academic research to advance nursing knowledge. A substantial dissertation based on original research is commonly found in nursing PhD programs. This is why nursing PhD programs are readily available online, whereas a BSN or MSN can only be completed partially online due to in-person clinical requirements.
Can you get a PhD in nursing without a Masters?
Yes, BSN to PhD programs are available for students who want to go straight from earning their baccalaureate to their doctorate. During these programs, students often gain a master’s degree (MSN) and a nursing PhD. While these programs typically take longer than traditional PhD programs, they take less time than earning an MSN and PhD separately, as some of the coursework overlaps. In short, this is an excellent option for fresh BSN graduates who are sure they want to earn a PhD in nursing or seasoned BSN graduates who wish to jump straight into a doctoral program.
What jobs require a PhD in Nursing?
Nurse leaders with senior-level titles must have a PhD or DNP degree, and this includes chief nursing officers (CNOs), chief nursing executives (CNEs), nursing consultants, presidents/vice presidents, and other c-suite titles. According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chief executives earned a median salary of $206,680, while nursing positions requiring an MSN (e.g., nurse anesthetists, midwives, and practitioners) earned a median salary of $129,480. Essentially, jobs requiring a PhD in nursing pay over $75,000 more annually than those requiring an MSN.
Nursing PhD Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
For many potential PhD students, the thought of adding to current student loan debt or acquiring new debt is a huge deterrent from pursuing your online nursing doctorate. While some students manage to graduate nursing school debt free, find relief through loan forgiveness programs, or land other forms of financial aid, your best option for minimizing student loan debt is choosing a program within your budget.
Finding and comparing the cost of tuition, program fees, and financial assistance is the best way to narrow your search. As you may have noticed, online Nursing PhDs can cost anywhere between $26,000 to $83,000. While a school may appear to have lower tuition fees, things like the program timeline and additional course fees can result in unexpected sticker shock. To help you better understand the different nursing PhD tuition rates, we’ve linked some programs below, along with their estimated cost.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee | Online PhD in Nursing | $49,340 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Online PhD in Nursing Education | $48,444 |
| Wilkes University | Online PhD in Nursing | $48,175 |
| Liberty University | Online PhD in Nursing Education | $35,700 – $39,000 |
| Ohio State University | Online PhD in Nursing Ethics | $82,955 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Online Nursing Leadership PhD | $26,694 – $33,367 |
| University of North Dakota | Online Nursing PhD | $73,395 |
Salary & Career Outlook for Nursing PhD Grads
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $49,120 | $80,780 | $130,320 |
| Alabama | $60,730 | $78,610 | $110,230 |
| Alaska | $53,400 | $92,520 | $137,780 |
| Arizona | $49,650 | $68,470 | $127,470 |
| Arkansas | $48,290 | $63,560 | $83,230 |
| California | $47,380 | $94,240 | $139,330 |
| Colorado | $35,740 | $81,610 | $129,330 |
| Connecticut | $50,020 | $84,690 | $191,930 |
| Delaware | $51,550 | $86,020 | $156,580 |
| Florida | $59,790 | $81,210 | $111,570 |
| Georgia | $46,890 | $72,000 | $107,480 |
| Hawaii | $49,310 | $105,340 | $134,500 |
| Idaho | $59,570 | $73,850 | $108,480 |
| Illinois | $48,790 | $81,600 | $119,380 |
| Indiana | $48,100 | $78,160 | $109,970 |
| Iowa | $47,110 | $69,290 | $105,580 |
| Kansas | $43,400 | $76,000 | $91,200 |
| Kentucky | $49,490 | $78,190 | $113,860 |
| Louisiana | $52,090 | $73,780 | $109,100 |
| Maine | $51,350 | $77,370 | $109,190 |
| Maryland | $54,460 | $82,330 | $131,090 |
| Massachusetts | $49,500 | $82,250 | $130,500 |
| Michigan | $41,950 | $82,510 | $122,930 |
| Minnesota | $50,320 | $81,440 | $124,770 |
| Mississippi | $46,350 | $64,820 | $90,790 |
| Missouri | $47,990 | $75,260 | $103,940 |
| Montana | $60,030 | $84,460 | $105,270 |
| Nebraska | $49,170 | $69,710 | $110,950 |
| Nevada | $59,690 | $84,580 | $134,850 |
| New Hampshire | $51,080 | $82,330 | $122,370 |
| New Jersey | $51,230 | $102,460 | $151,170 |
| New Mexico | $41,020 | $78,740 | $100,780 |
| New York | $47,840 | $93,600 | $174,610 |
| North Carolina | $43,710 | $71,780 | $110,750 |
| North Dakota | $62,130 | $81,320 | $102,250 |
| Ohio | $39,900 | $76,640 | $110,960 |
| Oklahoma | $48,260 | $64,260 | $91,070 |
| Oregon | $58,650 | $103,790 | $163,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,600 | $80,720 | $130,490 |
| Rhode Island | $51,720 | $78,510 | $110,530 |
| South Carolina | $59,040 | $78,450 | $110,320 |
| South Dakota | $48,650 | $63,980 | $82,360 |
| Tennessee | $51,200 | $78,430 | $110,800 |
| Texas | $57,590 | $96,000 | $129,080 |
| Utah | $52,330 | $85,050 | $133,410 |
| Vermont | $45,370 | $77,710 | $117,400 |
| Virginia | $38,910 | $79,290 | $104,810 |
| Washington | $49,770 | $77,600 | $131,090 |
| West Virginia | $49,790 | $78,830 | $108,440 |
| Wisconsin | $49,030 | $79,500 | $104,070 |
| Wyoming | $42,320 | $69,220 | $99,130 |
Source: Nursing Instructors and Teachers, 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 | 85,900 | 101,500 | 15,600 | 18.20% | 8,800 |
| Alabama | 1,630 | 1,880 | 250 | 15.30% | 160 |
| Alaska | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Arizona | 1,480 | 1,790 | 310 | 20.90% | 160 |
| Arkansas | 650 | 770 | 120 | 18.50% | 70 |
| California | 6,900 | 8,500 | 1,600 | 23.20% | 750 |
| Colorado | 1,270 | 1,730 | 460 | 36.20% | 160 |
| Connecticut | 1,060 | 1,320 | 260 | 24.50% | 120 |
| Delaware | 310 | 400 | 90 | 29.00% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 140 | 160 | 20 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Florida | 5,760 | 7,350 | 1,590 | 27.60% | 670 |
| Georgia | 1,470 | 1,800 | 330 | 22.40% | 160 |
| Idaho | 400 | 510 | 110 | 27.50% | 50 |
| Illinois | 3,180 | 3,680 | 500 | 15.70% | 320 |
| Indiana | 1,340 | 1,610 | 270 | 20.10% | 140 |
| Iowa | 840 | 1,050 | 210 | 25.00% | 100 |
| Kansas | 960 | 1,150 | 190 | 19.80% | 100 |
| Kentucky | 700 | 830 | 130 | 18.60% | 70 |
| Louisiana | 540 | 660 | 120 | 22.20% | 60 |
| Maine | 400 | 450 | 50 | 12.50% | 40 |
| Maryland | 1,140 | 1,480 | 340 | 29.80% | 140 |
| Massachusetts | 760 | 970 | 210 | 27.60% | 90 |
| Michigan | 2,630 | 3,090 | 460 | 17.50% | 270 |
| Minnesota | 960 | 1,130 | 170 | 17.70% | 100 |
| Mississippi | 680 | 830 | 150 | 22.10% | 70 |
| Missouri | 1,290 | 1,540 | 250 | 19.40% | 130 |
| Montana | 200 | 250 | 50 | 25.00% | 20 |
| Nebraska | 670 | 690 | 20 | 3.00% | 60 |
| Nevada | 420 | 530 | 110 | 26.20% | 50 |
| New Hampshire | 490 | 580 | 90 | 18.40% | 50 |
| New Jersey | 2,480 | 2,980 | 500 | 20.20% | 260 |
| New Mexico | 250 | 320 | 70 | 28.00% | 30 |
| New York | 5,850 | 7,120 | 1,270 | 21.70% | 130 |
| North Carolina | 2,300 | 2,880 | 580 | 25.20% | 260 |
| North Dakota | 220 | 250 | 30 | 13.60% | 20 |
| Ohio | 3,580 | 4,150 | 570 | 15.90% | 360 |
| Oklahoma | 750 | 870 | 120 | 16.00% | 80 |
| Oregon | 670 | 820 | 150 | 22.40% | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,110 | 4,790 | 680 | 16.50% | 410 |
| Rhode Island | 240 | 290 | 50 | 20.80% | 30 |
| South Carolina | 830 | 1,050 | 220 | 26.50% | 100 |
| South Dakota | 270 | 330 | 60 | 22.20% | 30 |
| Tennessee | 1,640 | 2,200 | 560 | 34.10% | 210 |
| Texas | 6,820 | 8,480 | 1,660 | 24.30% | 760 |
| Utah | 860 | 1,180 | 320 | 37.20% | 110 |
| Washington | 1,490 | 1,960 | 470 | 31.50% | 230 |
| West Virginia | 300 | 350 | 50 | 16.70% | 30 |
| Wisconsin | 1,190 | 1,460 | 270 | 22.70% | 130 |
| Wyoming | 130 | 170 | 40 | 30.80% | 20 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Today’s Best Online Nursing PhD Programs
Many high-quality, accredited online PhD nursing programs are available to students seeking a terminal degree. As online learning allows you to enroll in a program thousands of miles away, you have many options when choosing a school. But with so many quality programs to choose from, how do you find the best program fit? Our list of top online PhD nursing programs can help jumpstart your search.
Our data team researched various schools with PhD nursing programs and scored them on factors like tuition cost, program flexibility, and accreditation. Our goal was to create a collection of programs that provide quality doctoral education at a reasonable price and offer the most learning flexibility. See which schools came out on top in our rankings.
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Why We Selected Simmons University:
- The Simmons DNP program offers unique opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and networking with diverse professionals.
- The program emphasizes the integration of informatics and technology to enhance patient care and organizational leadership.
- Students can apply their learning directly to clinical settings through hands-on experiences and DNP projects.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$21,384
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course80%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Why We Selected Winona State University:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in advanced nursing roles, enhancing career flexibility.
- The DNP program emphasizes health promotion across diverse populations, fostering comprehensive care skills.
- Clinical practicums are supervised by experienced preceptors, ensuring high-quality clinical experience.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,000
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Why We Selected Maryville University of Saint Louis:
- Maryville offers a 100% online curriculum with flexible start dates, allowing students to balance work and study.
- Maryville's programs boast a high board pass rate, with a 100% pass rate for the PMHNP program.
- The university provides personalized support and transfer-friendly policies, easing the transition for students.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$14,346
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course89%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why We Selected University of Cincinnati:
- The program offers opportunities for students to serve as graduate research assistants, enhancing their research skills.
- The PhD program provides access to the College of Nursing Institute for Research, Scholarship, and Innovation, fostering scholarly growth.
- Students benefit from interdisciplinary courses and collaborations with senior scientists on funded research projects.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,224
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota
Why We Selected South Dakota State University:
- The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with faculty expertise in nursing research.
- The PhD program provides opportunities for specialized career tracks in nursing education and research.
- The program fosters strong networking opportunities through collaborations with healthcare institutions.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,164
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course46%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected Villanova University:
- The program offers comprehensive financial support through the Joanne and William Conway PhD Fellows Program.
- The unique Teacher-Scholar Model prepares students as both academic educators and nurse scientists.
- The curriculum emphasizes research and scholarship skills, enhancing career versatility in academia.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$21,099
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course46%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Why We Selected University of Arizona:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in nursing research and leadership.
- Faculty expertise in health innovation and policy enhances student learning experiences.
- Networking opportunities with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals are available.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,106
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course41%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Salve Regina University
Newport, Rhode Island
Why We Selected Salve Regina University:
- Preferred tuition rates are offered for nurses at partner institutions and their family members.
- Accelerated completion options allow students to finish the program in as few as 20 months.
- The program provides opportunities for clinical placements and experiential learning in diverse healthcare settings.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$11,610
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course95%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Why We Selected Saint Louis University:
- The Ph.D. in Nursing at SLU offers flexible learning options, including on-campus and distance participation.
- Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in Nursing program provides international students with comprehensive support services.
- The program allows students to choose between traditional and non-traditional dissertation formats, enhancing research flexibility.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$21,960
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Why We Selected George Washington University:
- The George Washington University School of Nursing offers a strong focus on healthcare innovation and leadership development.
- GW Nursing provides opportunities for integration of practice, research, and policy, enhancing practical problem-solving skills.
- The program emphasizes person-centered care and prepares students for diverse healthcare settings through comprehensive curricula.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$32,850
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course40%
- 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
