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Key takeaway: Online nursing degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level by accredited schools nationwide, from LPN/LVN-to-RN bridge programs to advanced practice MSN tracks. Earnings rise with credential level – an ADN-prepared RN earns $55,000 to $70,000, while an MSN-prepared nurse practitioner or anesthetist can earn $93,000 to $223,000 a year1 – and related occupations pay a median $42,260 to $236,590 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025)2. Compare accredited programs below.
An online nursing degree combines rigorous academics, evidence-based practice, and supervised clinical experiences designed to prepare nurses for licensure, leadership, and specialized patient care. Coursework spans anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, health assessment, evidence-based practice, and population health, while clinical rotations are completed locally at approved healthcare facilities. Programs accredited by CCNE or ACEN meet national standards for nursing education quality.
These accredited schools offer online programs, report nursing completions, and are ordered by our independent BOC Score. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education SchoolsIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Can You Get A Nursing Degree Online? explains how accredited online nursing programs work, including specializations, cost, and salary outcomes.
Browse nursing programs by state ->
Online nursing programs combine academic coursework with supervised clinical experiences. Coursework includes anatomy, pharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based practice.
Common pathways include LPN/LVN-to-RN bridge programs, RN-to-BSN completion programs, and graduate options like the MSN and DNP. Online nursing programs vary by credential level and professional experience.
Yes. While many courses can be completed online, most programs require clinical rotations, simulation labs, or a practicum in approved healthcare settings. Pre-licensure students must complete a minimum number of supervised clinical hours at approved facilities.
Licensure is regulated at the state level, so students should verify that a program meets their state’s board of nursing requirements. Graduates pursuing RN credentials must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which has an average first-time pass rate of approximately 87% for BSN graduates (NCSBN, 2024). APRN candidates must pass national certification exams for their specialty.
Students should verify both institutional accreditation from a recognized regional accrediting body and programmatic accreditation from CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Verify institutional accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education database.
Each step up in credential level corresponds to higher earning potential and access to advanced practice roles.
| Degree Level | Credits | Typical Duration | Salary Range | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60-72 | 2 years | $55,000-$70,000 | Registered nurse (ADN), LPN |
| Bachelor’s | 120-128 | 4 years | $70,000-$93,000 | Registered nurse (BSN), public health nurse |
| Master’s | 36-50 | 2-3 years | $93,000-$223,000 | Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife |
Salary ranges are approximate and reflect entry-level to mid-career earnings based on BLS data2 and program surveys.
Online public university tuition averages $6,000 to $12,000 per year for in-state students (NCES, IPEDS); many online programs charge the same rate regardless of residency. For lower-cost options and the full value discussion, see Affordable Nursing Programs and Is a Nursing Degree Worth It.
Online nursing programs balance scientific knowledge with applied clinical practice, progressing from anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and health assessment through evidence-based practice, nursing leadership and ethics, and population and community health. Most programs let you focus through a specialization – family nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nurse midwifery, nursing education, or psychiatric-mental health – offered as concentrations, post-master’s certificates, or DNP focus areas.
See the full breakdown on the Nursing Curriculum and Nursing Concentrations pages.
Nursing graduates apply their skills across hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, schools, and private practice. Bridge and pre-licensure pathways lead to RN and LPN roles; advanced practice positions such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife require a master’s degree and national certification.
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $93,600 | 4.9% | 189,100 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,340 | 2.6% | 54,400 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $223,210 | 8.6% | 2,700 |
| Nurse Midwife | $128,790 | 11.1% | 500 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 | 40.1% | 29,500 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,530 | 2.3% | 204,100 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034.
Nursing licensure is regulated at the state level, so verify that your program meets your state’s board of nursing requirements before enrolling. Graduates pursuing RN credentials must pass the NCLEX-RN; BSN programs generally report first-time pass rates of approximately 87% (NCSBN, 2024). APRN candidates must pass national certification exams for their specialty.
Pre-licensure students must complete a minimum number of supervised clinical hours at approved facilities, and schools typically assist with identifying local clinical placements that meet board standards.
Nursing remains a hands-on profession, so programs with strong clinical partnerships and high licensure exam pass rates provide the strongest preparation.
Compare programs by level or specialty:
U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard data. ↩︎
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034. ↩︎ ↩︎
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