Key takeaway: Yes, you can earn an accredited nursing degree online, and the diploma is identical to an on-campus one. When the program is accredited, the curriculum and degree are the same regardless of delivery format, and the diploma never says "online." Always confirm accreditation before you enroll.
The most important thing to verify is accreditation, not delivery format. For the full picture, see our guide to nursing accreditation.
Are online nursing degrees accredited?
Yes, and accreditation works the same online as on campus. Look for a program accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Nursing accreditation is essential for licensure eligibility and for advancing to graduate nursing programs. To confirm a program is legitimately accredited, check the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and CHEA, and verify the program appears as currently accredited rather than a candidate.
What parts of an online nursing degree require in-person work?
Pre-licensure nursing programs require in-person clinical rotations and skills labs, so they are hybrid rather than fully online. RN-to-BSN and many MSN programs, designed for already-licensed nurses, can be completed almost entirely online with practicum hours arranged locally. For more on how courses are delivered, see online nursing course formats and compare online vs on-campus nursing.
What can you specialize in with an online nursing degree?
Accredited online nursing programs offer the same specializations as their on-campus counterparts, including nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nursing leadership. Explore the full set on our nursing concentrations page, or start with the online bachelor’s in nursing.
Best accredited online nursing degree programs (2026)
Compare accredited schools offering online nursing programs below. Evaluate each on the factors that predict outcomes: accreditation, cost, graduation rate, and salary outcome.
How We Rank Schools
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:
BOCSCORE
- Graduation rate 30%
- Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
- Average net price (lower is better) 20%
- Retention rate 15%
- Fully online availability 10%
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Graduation rate
96%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$143,238
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
95%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$109,601
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
94%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$120,163
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$79,652
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
97%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$84,522
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Acceptance rate
50%
Graduation rate
76%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$93,610
TuitionIn‑state$24,575
Out‑of‑state$24,575
Key stats
- Retention rate: 100%
- Programs offered: 5
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
80%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$78,466
Avg net price
$12,319/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 86%
- Programs offered: 39
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
79%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$96,980
TuitionContact school for pricing
Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher Education · IPEDS · College Scorecard
How much does an online nursing degree cost?
Online nursing degrees often cost less in total than on-campus equivalents because you avoid housing, commuting, and relocation, and many public universities charge flat online rates. Compare programs on total program cost – tuition for all required credits plus fees – rather than the advertised per-credit rate. For lower-cost options, see affordable nursing programs.
Is an online nursing degree worth it?
For most students, yes, when the program is accredited. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median of $97,550 per year, and nurse practitioners earn $132,300 with 40.1% projected job growth through 2034 (BLS, 2024). The return depends on the accredited credential, not the delivery format. For a full ROI breakdown, see is a nursing degree worth it?.
Can you become a licensed nurse with an online nursing degree?
Yes. Graduates of an accredited program qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Pre-licensure students complete required in-person clinicals; already-licensed nurses advancing through online RN-to-BSN or MSN programs build on their existing license.
Next steps
- Verify accreditation using our nursing accreditation guide and the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA databases.
- Compare schools using the cards above, then explore the full nursing program guide.
- Decide on format and value with online vs on-campus nursing and is a nursing degree worth it?.
Bottom line: You can earn an accredited nursing degree online with the same recognition as an on-campus degree. Confirm accreditation first, compare programs on cost and outcomes, and choose the specialization that fits your goals.
Frequently asked questions
What parts of an online nursing degree require in-person work?
Pre-licensure nursing programs require in-person clinical rotations and skills labs, so they are hybrid rather than fully online. RN-to-BSN and many MSN programs, designed for already-licensed nurses, can be completed almost entirely online with practicum hours arranged locally.
Are online nursing degrees accredited?
Yes. Look for a program accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Nursing accreditation is essential for licensure eligibility and for advancing to graduate nursing programs. Verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA before enrolling.
Can you become a licensed nurse with an online nursing degree?
Yes. Graduates of an accredited program qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Pre-licensure students complete required in-person clinicals; already-licensed nurses advancing through online RN-to-BSN or MSN programs build on their existing license.
Does an online nursing degree say “online” on the diploma?
No. An accredited online nursing degree results in the same diploma and transcript as the on-campus version, and the delivery format is not noted.
Is an online nursing degree worth it?
For most students, yes, when the program is accredited. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median of $97,550 per year, and nurse practitioners earn $132,300 with 40.1% projected job growth through 2034 (BLS, 2024). The return depends on the accredited credential, not the delivery format.
Data verified: June 16, 2026.
Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
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