Nursing careers are booming. Healthcare facilities just need more nurses, with jobs expected to grow 16% by 2024. This growth outpaces almost any other profession and has led to a 30% rise in best online nursing programs in the last two years.
The career outlook paints an impressive picture. BSN graduates have a 90% job placement rate within six months. Experienced nurses earn a median salary of $68,450. These numbers explain why more students choose accredited online nursing schools. The abundance of options can make selecting the right program challenging.
We assessed the top online nursing programs using NCLEX-RN pass rates, graduation rates, and student-faculty ratios. This helps you make a smart choice. The University of Florida’s 98% NCLEX-RN pass rate and the University of North Carolina’s 97% retention rate stand out. Let us guide you through everything about the 15 best online colleges for nursing in 2025.
University of Florida Online
Image Source: University of Florida Online
The University of Florida Online’s RN to BSN program stands out among best online nursing programs for working nurses. Students can complete the program in 5 semesters with part-time study. They earn the same degree as on-campus students and save 40% in costs.
UF Online Program Overview
The College of Nursing’s program prepares graduates to provide an all-encompassing approach to care in a variety of populations. UF Online has earned its place among the most respected accredited online nursing schools. Students need to complete 120 credits, with 60 credits at the junior/senior level. The program focuses on integrating nursing knowledge, theory, and research.
UF Online Nursing Curriculum
Students must complete 90 clinical hours, divided between:
- 45 hours of virtual simulation in Health Assessment
- 45 hours of independent clinical experience in Population Health
UF Online Admission Requirements & Tuition
Students need to meet these admission requirements:
- Associate of Science degree in nursing from an ACEN accredited program
- Active, unencumbered Florida RN license
- Overall GPA of 2.8 or higher
Florida residents pay $129.00 per credit hour for tuition, while non-Florida residents pay $552.62 per credit hour. Students must also complete background checks, immunization verification, and drug screening as mandatory requirements.
Johns Hopkins University
Image Source: Johns Hopkins School of Nursing – Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University stands out among the best online nursing programs with its innovative approach to nursing education. The university’s flexible online MSN and DNP programs are led by faculty members who are recognized worldwide.
Johns Hopkins Nursing Program Features
Students can complete their degrees online through full or part-time studies in 18-24 months. The program combines theoretical instruction with video presentations, live conferences, and virtual media. The program’s excellence shows in its 86% NCLEX pass rate.
Johns Hopkins Clinical Requirements
Johns Hopkins sets itself apart with a dedicated Clinical Placement Team that works directly with each student. This team handles more than 1,200 student placements each semester in healthcare facilities of all sizes. Clinical requirements include:
- Verified clinical clearances
- Partnership with local preceptors
- Supervised clinical rotations
Johns Hopkins Career Outcomes
MSN Entry graduates enjoy exceptional career prospects, with an average starting salary of $68,374. Graduate placement data shows impressive employment rates at prestigious institutions:
- Johns Hopkins Health System (25.8% of graduates)
- University of Maryland Medical System (10.6%)
- Duke Health (2.6%)
These graduates move into leadership roles at well-known organizations like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, and UC Irvine Health.
Duke University
Image Source: Duke School of Nursing – Duke University
Duke University’s online nursing programs have earned exceptional recognition in distance education. Their two decades of experience shows in their quality online education delivery. Duke’s online nursing specialties have achieved the #1 rank for the fourth consecutive year in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings.
Duke’s Online Nursing Specializations
Students can choose from several specialized programs through Duke’s distance-based platform. The master’s program excels in these specialties:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing and Healthcare Leadership
- Nursing Education
Duke’s Learning Platform & Technology
Duke combines advanced technology with detailed library support to create an enriching online learning experience. Students connect directly with Duke University Medical Center Library’s specialized services. Librarians maintain regular office hours and help students with literature searches, citation management, and research resources.
Duke’s Student Support Services
Duke’s Student Success Center serves as the life-blood of their support system and provides individual-specific assistance to boost academic and professional growth. The center helps students through:
- Learning consultations
- Peer tutoring programs
- Writing assistance
- Stress management support
Students get access to TimelyCare’s 24/7 virtual care and detailed counseling services through Duke Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The Student Disability Access Office ensures accessibility for all students while creating an inclusive environment.
Georgetown University
Image Source: Georgetown University School of Nursing
Georgetown University stands out in our analysis of best online nursing programs by uniquely integrating Jesuit values with advanced nursing education. The school continues its 120-year tradition of nursing excellence.
Georgetown’s Nursing Program Structure
Georgetown’s program is different from other accredited online nursing schools because of its early clinical exposure. Students start their clinical rotations in their sophomore year and complete more than 800 clinical, lab, and simulation hours during their education. The curriculum focuses on:
- Evidence-based practice and scholarship
- Critical clinical judgment
- Wellness and well-being
- Safety and quality standards
Georgetown’s Faculty Expertise
The program has 54 distinguished professors who bring their clinical and research experience to the classroom. These educators maintain active clinical practices and give students current industry insights. Small classes keep the student-to-teacher ratio at 12:1.
Georgetown’s Clinical Partnerships
The program’s life-blood is its partnership with MedStar Health, the largest not-for-profit health system in the region. Students gain valuable clinical experiences at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital through this collaboration. Senior students complete 144 hours of clinical rotation and work 12-hour shifts under experienced nurse preceptors. The Joint Council on Nursing, which started in 2023, creates a framework that expands students’ experiences in caring for diverse populations.
Vanderbilt University
Image Source: Vanderbilt School of Nursing – Vanderbilt University
Our look into best online nursing programs shows that Vanderbilt’s fresh take on virtual learning makes it stand out in nursing education. The school ranks as the nation’s #4 ranked graduate nursing program, and we found that their dedication to excellence shines through their detailed curriculum.
Vanderbilt’s Program Offerings
The school has 13 different nursing specialties and prepares students through a flexible hybrid format. Students can choose from:
- Nurse Practitioner tracks
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Nursing Informatics
- Clinical Nurse Leadership
Vanderbilt’s Online Learning Experience
We were impressed by Vanderbilt’s trailblazing virtual clinical simulation program. Students take part in live-streamed learning sessions that create a realistic patient care setting. The program blends online coursework with short campus visits, and students can keep their current jobs while studying.
Vanderbilt’s Graduate Success Rates
The numbers tell a clear story about the program’s quality. We found that there was an impressive 97% employment rate for graduates in advanced practice nursing. The program keeps excellent licensure and certification pass rates in all specialties. Students get great career support even after graduation through detailed career services and a strong alumni network.
The 2024-2025 tuition costs $1,997 per credit hour for students who want to invest in their future. Students can gain clinical experience right in their local communities. The faculty brings both evidence-based methods and state-of-the-art research into class. They focus on training nurse leaders who make a difference in communities everywhere.
University of Central Florida
Image Source: University of Central Florida
UCF’s nursing program stands out among the best online nursing programs with remarkable flexibility and affordability. Students can complete their coursework in three to ten semesters, which accommodates different scheduling needs.
UCF Online Nursing Curriculum
The program requires 30 credit hours of advanced coursework. Students have the option to substitute up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework during enrollment to prepare for advanced degrees. Leadership principles, research interpretation, and healthcare policy analysis form the core of the curriculum.
UCF Clinical Requirements
The program maintains strict clinical standards, which include:
- Annual health screenings and immunization records
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- HIPAA compliance training
- N95 mask fit testing
UCF Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition costs vary based on residency status. Here’s the breakdown for UCF Online programs:
| Residency Status | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|
| Florida Resident | $5,902/year |
| Non-Florida Resident | $20,742/year |
Forbes has recognized the university as “A Best Buy College”. The university offers many scholarship opportunities with over $200,000 in nursing-specific aid. The average need-based scholarship for first-year students is $8,559. These factors make UCF one of the most affordable accredited online nursing schools.
Arizona State University
Image Source: Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation – Arizona State …
Our analysis of Arizona State University’s nursing programs shows their remarkable 95% NCLEX first-time pass rate. The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation stands out among best online nursing programs because of its detailed approach to nursing education.
ASU’s Nursing Program Features
ASU’s nursing faculty has accomplished professionals, including Fulbright Scholars and American Academy of Nursing Fellows. The program excels through:
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Patient safety emphasis
- Healthcare quality leadership training
ASU’s Technology Platform
The Grace Center for Innovation in Nursing Education is the life-blood of ASU’s technological advancement. Students complete 90,000 hours annually in experiential learning. This 45,000-square-foot center has state-of-the-art simulation labs that combine smoothly with healthcare informatics.
ASU’s Student Resources
ASU makes student success a priority through detailed support services. Students can access technical assistance 24/7, among other specialized resources such as:
| Support Service | Features |
|---|---|
| Writing Center | Online tutoring, APA guidance |
| Library Services | Subject-specific librarians |
| Career Services | Job placement assistance |
The Edson College has invested over $59 million in research expenditures since 2015. This investment ended up creating an environment where students learn from leading researchers in the field.
Texas A&M University
Image Source: Distance Education – Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University’s nursing program stands out with its extensive hands-on training. Students complete more than 850 total clinical hours. The program keeps an impressive faculty-to-student ratio of 1:8, which gives each student individual attention in this best online nursing program.
TAMU Program Overview
The College of Nursing works hard to address the critical nursing shortage in Texas. The program gives students a detailed education through:
| Program Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 semesters |
| Credit Hours | 61 (upper-level nursing) |
| Location Options | Bryan-College Station, McAllen (Spring 2026) |
| Special Events | Annual Disaster Day simulation |
TAMU Clinical Requirements
The Clinical Learning Resource Center (CLRC) uses state-of-the-art training with computer-programmed, full-body manikins. Students meet their clinical requirements through:
- 10 out of 16 nursing courses include clinical hours
- Training within healthcare facilities and simulation labs
- Standardized patient interactions
TAMU Career Support Services
The Office of Student Affairs helps students from application through graduation and beyond. TAMU nursing graduates consistently score NCLEX-RN pass rates higher than state and national averages. The program’s steadfast dedication to excellence shows in its accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Image Source: UW–Madison School of Nursing
Our research into best online nursing programs shows that the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing leads the way in nursing education. The school has over 1,000 students spread across five different programs.
UW-Madison’s Program Structure
The school uses an innovative concept-based educational model that builds critical thinking skills in healthcare settings of all types. Students benefit from:
- Interactive simulations using state-of-the-art technology
- Hands-on clinical experience each semester
- Complete student support services
UW-Madison’s Faculty Credentials
The school takes pride in its distinguished faculty who excel at teaching and research. Their achievements include:
| Area of Excellence | Effect |
|---|---|
| Research Focus | Leading studies in chronic conditions and aging |
| Teaching Innovation | Technology-improved nursing education |
| Clinical Expertise | Active partnerships with healthcare systems |
UW-Madison’s Student Outcomes
The program’s success shows in its impressive numbers. 96% of UW-Madison graduates pass the licensure exam on their first try. The school ranks among the best public nursing schools nationwide. Its graduates work in healthcare settings of all types, from exam rooms to boardrooms.
Clemson University
Image Source: Clemson University
Clemson University’s nursing program ranks among best online nursing programs. We found their RN to BSN completion format stands out with its innovative online approach that students can finish in just 12 months.
Clemson’s Online Learning Format
The program gives working nurses great flexibility through its fully online structure. The curriculum emphasizes:
| Program Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12-month completion time |
| Format | 100% online coursework |
| Focus Areas | Community nursing, healthcare genetics, leadership |
| Start Dates | Fall (August) and Spring (January) |
Clemson’s Clinical Partnerships
Clemson’s partnership with Prisma Health-Upstate creates exceptional learning opportunities. Students benefit from:
- Guaranteed clinical rotations at seven convenient campuses
- Unique educational experiences co-developed by healthcare experts
- Free transportation between campus locations
Clemson’s Graduate Success Stories
Clemson nursing graduates achieve remarkable outcomes. The School of Nursing holds its position as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education (2014-2023) – one of just 95 programs nationwide with this recognition. Graduates land positions at prestigious institutions and many join leading healthcare systems in the Southeast region.
Sacred Heart University
Image Source: Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University’s extensive clinical partnerships show a standout among best online nursing programs that maintains affiliations with over 20 premier healthcare facilities.
SHU Program Features
Sacred Heart’s nursing programs range from BSN to DNP levels, and CCNE accreditation ensures educational excellence. The program offers:
- Accelerated RN-BSN completion in 10 months
- Six flexible start dates annually
- Expert faculty with doctoral preparation
SHU Clinical Requirements
Students learn through partnerships with notable institutions:
| Notable Clinical Partners |
|---|
| Bayshore Medical Center |
| Hackensack University Medical Center |
| Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital |
| St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center |
Students can complete their clinical requirements in Irish hospitals through a unique study abroad program.
SHU Career Services
The Career Center provides detailed services to support students, and graduates achieve remarkable outcomes. Registered nurses earn a median salary of $75,330, while top performers make above $116,230. SHUconnect gives students access to:
- Professional development coaching
- Resume writing assistance
- Networking events
- Online job postings through Handshake
Sacred Heart’s excellence shows in its rankings as one of the Top 30 Master’s Level Colleges in the North.
Villanova University
Image Source: Villanova University
Villanova’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing stands out among best online nursing programs. The National League for Nursing recognizes it as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
Villanova’s Nursing Curriculum
We developed hands-on experience through their state-of-the-art Simulation and Learning Resource Center. Students work with high-fidelity mannequins, standardized patients, and virtual reality experiences to become skilled at nursing. The 133-credit curriculum starts clinical experiences in sophomore year.
Villanova’s Online Platform
The learning environment blends advanced technology with complete resources. The platform features:
- Assessment Technologies Institute for content support
- 24/7 library access with dedicated nursing librarians
- Virtual simulation laboratories
Villanova’s Student Support
Each student receives customized attention through:
| Support Service | Features |
|---|---|
| Academic Support | Faculty advisor, study tips, test anxiety management |
| Career Services | Resume writing, interview preparation, job placement |
| Technical Help | 24/7 hardware and software support |
The college has built strong clinical partnerships with leading healthcare institutions that give students practical experiences in various settings. A Student Success and Retention Advisor helps students achieve academic excellence and professional growth.
University of Alabama
Image Source: UA Online – The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing stands out among best online nursing programs with its year-round application process.
UA Program Overview
The college gives students two paths to choose from:
| Program Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| RN to BSN | Online format, 126 total credits |
| RN to BSN/MSN | Accelerated option, Nurse Executive concentration |
These CCNE-accredited programs emphasize evidence-based practice and professional development.
UA Clinical Requirements
Clinical experiences are the life-blood of UA’s nursing education. Students need to:
- Complete annual drug screening and background checks
- Work with healthcare facilities of all types
- Train in advanced simulation at state-of-the-art laboratories
UA Career Outcomes
The Capstone College of Nursing has exceptional career placement rates. The college’s strong ties with healthcare agencies in Alabama and across the country help students find great opportunities. Students get complete career services that lead to successful employment.
The college’s core team brings real-world expertise to the classroom. Most faculty members hold doctoral degrees and stay active in clinical practice. Students use computer labs, simulation facilities, and clinical practice laboratories at the Learning Resources Center. This setup promotes professional growth and academic excellence.
Purdue University Global
Image Source: Purdue Global
We looked into Purdue University Global’s best online nursing programs and found their curriculum that blends content, skills, and procedures in a systematic way.
Purdue Global’s Program Features
The Associate of Science in Nursing program stands out with its prelicensure education approach. The program welcomes both healthcare newcomers and licensed EMTs or paramedics. The curriculum includes:
| Program Component | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 116 quarter credits |
| Clinical Format | Blended online/on-ground |
| Admission Age | 18 years minimum |
| GPA Requirement | 2.0 for clinical experiences |
Purdue Global’s Learning Experience
The program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences at various facilities. Students build their skills through:
- Supervised clinical site training
- Professional ethics development
- Cultural sensitivity training
- Leadership skill development
Purdue Global’s Student Resources
The university partners with many healthcare facilities to provide clinical training. Students get complete support with:
- Drug/chemical substance testing
- Criminal background checks
- Health documentation assistance
- Clinical site placement support
Students who complete the program are ready for the NCLEX-RN® examination, and they develop strong nursing skills and professional competencies.
University of Cincinnati
Image Source: University of Cincinnati Online
The University of Cincinnati stands out among best online nursing programs with a unique experience that spans over two decades of teaching nursing online.
UC’s Program Structure
We maintained high academic standards through CCNE accreditation and doctorally prepared faculty. The data shows 88% of students maintain employment while enrolled, and achieve an impressive 83% four-year graduation rate. The program features:
| Program Metrics | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Average Class Size | 12 students |
| Faculty Experience | 9+ years online teaching |
| Program Duration | 2 years typical |
| Student Retention | 93% |
UC’s Clinical Requirements
Students just need specific documentation for clinical clearance:
- Background checks and drug screenings
- Health clearance verification
- Immunization tracking through CastleBranch
UC’s Career Support
The university offers detailed career development through Handshake that helps students connect with recruiters and employers. Career services cover:
- Professional interview preparation
- Resume and CV development
- LinkedIn Learning access
- Career coaching sessions
Comparison Table
| University | NCLEX Pass Rate | Program Duration | Clinical Requirements | Notable Features | Tuition (Per Year/Credit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 98% | 5 semesters (part-time) | 90 clinical hours total | 40% savings compared to campus programs | $129/credit (in-state), $552.62/credit (out-of-state) |
| Johns Hopkins | 86% | 18-24 months | 1,200+ placements per semester | Specialized Clinical Placement Team | Not mentioned |
| Duke University | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Top-ranked online master’s specialties | Not mentioned |
| Georgetown | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 800+ clinical hours | Clinical exposure begins sophomore year | Not mentioned |
| Vanderbilt | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Virtual clinical simulation | 97% employment rate | $1,997/credit |
| UCF | Not mentioned | 3-10 semesters | Annual health screenings required | 30 credit hours advanced coursework | $5,902/year (in-state), $20,742/year (out-of-state) |
| Arizona State | 95% | Not mentioned | 90,000 student hours annually | Grace Center for Learning | Not mentioned |
| Texas A&M | Above national average | 5 semesters | 850+ clinical hours | 1:8 faculty-student ratio | Not mentioned |
| Wisconsin-Madison | 96% | Not mentioned | Clinical experience each semester | Learning through concept-based model | Not mentioned |
| Clemson | Not mentioned | 12 months | Prisma Health collaboration | Fully online format | Not mentioned |
| Sacred Heart | Not mentioned | 10 months (RN-BSN) | 20+ healthcare facility partnerships | Six program starts yearly | Not mentioned |
| Villanova | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Begins sophomore year | Virtual simulation labs | Not mentioned |
| Alabama | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Required drug screening & background checks | Admits students year-round | Not mentioned |
| Purdue Global | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Facility-based clinical experiences | 116 quarter credits required | Not mentioned |
| Cincinnati | Not mentioned | 2 years typical | CastleBranch tracking system | 88% students keep jobs while studying | Not mentioned |
Conclusion
Our research into 15 top online nursing programs found big differences in how they structure their programs, handle clinical work, and teach their students. The University of Florida’s RN to BSN program saves students money, while Johns Hopkins shines with its teams dedicated to placing students in clinical settings.
The key to picking the right program goes beyond just looking at rankings – it’s about finding the perfect match between what you need and what the program offers. Some schools like Arizona State lead with their breakthroughs, as shown by their 90,000 hours of yearly simulations. Texas A&M stands out with its impressive 1:8 faculty-student ratio.
Program costs vary by a lot – UCF charges in-state students $5,902 yearly while Vanderbilt costs $1,997 per credit hour. Most universities help with financial aid and offer ways to make payments easier. Clinical hours also differ between schools. Georgetown requires 800+ hours while Texas A&M needs 850+ hours. These requirements help create skilled healthcare professionals.
You’ll end up choosing the best program based on your schedule, location, and career plans. Take time to think over each program’s NCLEX pass rates, clinical requirements, and student support services. Your personal situation and career goals should guide this important decision.