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Best Online Colleges for Nursing 2025
Launch your career with an online bachelor's degree
Start your online bachelor's degree in nursing with a top-rated online college today.
Last Updated October 2025
Best Online Colleges for Nursing 2025
Start your online bachelor's degree in nursing with a top-rated online college today.
Last Updated October 2025
Best Online Colleges for Nursing 2025
Last Updated October 2025
1
Our Most Popular
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Online
defaultClasses start on11/05/2025
  • Earn a respected degree from Purdue, a top innovative public university
  • Get personalized support for career planning, coursework, networking, and more
  • Built for busy adults needing flexible online learning to advance careers
  • Get started sooner—new terms start monthly, with open enrollment
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Online
defaultClasses start on03/16/2026
  • Choose from 300+ online degrees at a nationally ranked university
  • Gain hands-on experience through interactive online course tech
  • Learn from award-winning ASU faculty leading research and teaching
  • Ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation and global learning solutions
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Online
defaultClasses start on10/27/2025
  • 150+ programs from a Christian and faith-based perspective through top-ranked degrees
  • 8-week accelerated courses for faster degree completion available
  • Option to transfer up to 90 credit hours to your degree at Regent Univeristy
  • Get a personal call from Regent within 24 hours of signing up on weekdays
4
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Online
defaultClasses start monthly
  • Choose from award-winning programs designed by industry experts to build a path to a respected healthcare degree
  • Earn your online degree for half the cost of other online universities with a low, flat-rate tuition
  • Flexible scheduling and no class times, complete your degree while fulfilling work and family responsibilities
  • Free application and free transcript services that help you gather your transcripts at no additional cost
Our Top Choice
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default
Online
defaultClasses start on11/05/2025
  • Earn a respected degree from Purdue, a top innovative public university
  • Get personalized support for career planning, coursework, networking, and more
  • Built for busy adults needing flexible online learning to advance careers
  • Get started sooner—new terms start monthly, with open enrollment
5,778,950
people have compared online colleges with
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Editorial Reviews
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Purdue Global
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Arizona State University
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Regent University
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Our Statistics
Our Statistics
84%
of online undergraduates are employed while studying.
Sources:
https://www.nu.edu/blog/bachelors-degree-statistics/
63%
of students choose online programs for their flexibility.
Sources:
https://www.devlinpeck.com/content/online-learning-statistics
50%
less learning time is required when online learning.
Sources:
https://www.nu.edu/blog/bachelors-degree-statistics/
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10 Reasons Why People Are Studying Online Today
Top 5 Compelling Reasons to Start an Online Degree Today
Studying Online vs. On-Campus: Which is Better?
Online vs. On-Campus

Pursuing an online degree offers a flexible and convenient way for students to advance their education and career prospects while empowering students to study from a diverse range of courses at their own pace from any device. Explore the different benefits that an online degree offers and how it adapts to your studying style.

OnlineCampus

Online Nursing Degree Programs: What You Need to Know

Online nursing degree programs are flexible educational pathways that allow students to pursue or advance a nursing career without attending classes on campus. These programs are ideal for individuals balancing work, family, or location constraints and want to enter or move up in the healthcare industry. Offered by accredited online nursing colleges and online colleges for nursing, these programs combine digital coursework with in-person clinical experiences to prepare students for licensing and employment.

  • Designed for working adults, career changers, and new students
  • Available at associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels
  • Delivered through accredited online nursing schools and platforms

Why Choose An Online Nursing Program?

Choosing an online nursing program offers unparalleled flexibility for students needing to balance life responsibilities. Whether you’re seeking an online RN nursing program or exploring more general online degrees in healthcare, these programs let you learn at your pace without sacrificing education quality.

  • Study while continuing your job or caregiving responsibilities
  • Learn from anywhere with a stable internet connection
  • Save on commuting, dorms, and relocation costs
  • Begin anytime with many schools offering rolling admissions

Types Of Online Nursing Degrees Available

Online nursing programs cater to different career goals and levels of experience. From entry-level to advanced practice, these degrees align with various nursing career paths.

  • ADN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing Online) – Entry-level credential to become an RN
  • BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) – Standard credential for most clinical settings
  • MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) – Prepares for advanced practice, education, or leadership
  • DNP, PhD, EdD – Doctoral programs for research, policy, or high-level healthcare roles

These degrees are available from many top-rated online colleges for nursing, supporting a range of career goals and timelines.

Our Top 3 Online Colleges for Nursing Degrees

Our Top Choice

In a Nutshell

Purdue Global provides an accessible online route to gain qualifications that can further your career. Ideal for busy people who want to study remotely, Purdue Global still offers a high level of student support, both academically and in helping you make progress at work. With a free three-week trial, you can test it out with no commitment. And there are plenty of options for financial aid, including experiential credits.

Features

  • Earn a respected degree from Purdue, a top innovative public university
  • Get personalized support for career planning, coursework, networking, and more
  • Built for busy adults needing flexible online learning to advance careers
  • Get started sooner—new terms start monthly, with open enrollment

Pros

  • Qualifications from Associate’s to doctoral degrees
  • Range of options for financial aid and assistance
  • Free three-week trial period

Cons

  • Courses only in professional subjects
  • No dedicated internship program

In a Nutshell

Arizona State University (ASU) offers a broad list of online programs, with 300+ certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees available. Its award-winning, innovative, and immersive learning programs can help you achieve your educational goals and graduate with industry-ready skills. Moreover, ASU’s extensive student support includes several contact options, financial aid, academic advisors, and career coaches.

Features

  • Choose from 300+ online degrees at a nationally ranked university
  • Gain hands-on experience through interactive online course tech
  • Learn from award-winning ASU faculty leading research and teaching
  • Ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation and global learning solutions

Pros

  • Award-winning university
  • Hundreds of online degrees and certificates
  • Connect with enrollment coaches
  • Live chat available
  • Financial aid options

Cons

  • Additional fees increase tuition charges
  • Some courses have assignment due dates

In a Nutshell

Regent University is a Christian educational institution offering online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university offers 46 areas of study, with eight and fifteen-week course programs for faster completion, military and corporate benefits, and collaborative virtual learning tools. Regent was ranked as one of the top national universities by U.S. News World Report in 2019, 2020, and 2022.

Features

  • 150+ programs from a Christian and faith-based perspective through top-ranked degrees
  • 8-week accelerated courses for faster degree completion available
  • Option to transfer up to 90 credit hours to your degree at Regent Univeristy
  • Get a personal call from Regent within 24 hours of signing up on weekdays

Pros

  • Accelerated course options for faster degree completion
  • Military and corporate partnerships
  • Christian, faith-based degree courses
  • Offers 46 areas of study
  • Collaborative online learning tools

Cons

  • Limited social activities available
  • Competitive admission (41%)*

How Online Nursing Programs Work

Online nursing school blends digital coursework with in-person clinical training. While classes, assignments, and exams are delivered online, clinical hours are completed locally through affiliated healthcare facilities. This makes online RN nursing programs a viable option for students who need flexibility but still want hands-on experience.

  • Platforms host lectures, interactive modules, and discussion boards
  • Clinical components are arranged in nearby hospitals or clinics
  • Rolling admissions and self-paced timelines increase accessibility
  • Some programs are part of broader online degrees with nursing specialisations

Online Nursing Colleges Provide Flexibility Without Sacrificing Quality

Top online nursing colleges deliver programs equivalent in rigor and professionalism to traditional institutions. Accredited programs ensure that course content, faculty standards, and graduate readiness meet national benchmarks.

  • Programs accredited by CCNE or ACEN
  • Access to licensed instructors and online academic advisors
  • Includes critical coursework such as health ethics, gerontology, and care management

Key Features To Look For In Online Nursing Schools

When comparing the best online nursing programs, look for critical features that influence quality and success:

  • Accreditation – Verify CCNE, ACEN, or regional credentials
  • Clinical Support – Ensure clinical placements are locally accessible
  • Faculty Access – Choose schools with available instructors and peer support
  • Degree Options – Confirm they offer the degree path you need (ADN, BSN, MSN)
  • Learning Format – Look for platforms with intuitive user interfaces and tech support

How To Succeed In An Online Nursing Program

Success in an online nursing degree requires preparation, discipline, and basic tech skills. The right environment and tools can make your education experience smoother and more rewarding.

  • Set up a distraction-free workspace with natural light and reliable WiFi
  • Invest in essential tools: noise-cancelling headphones, webcam, and updated software
  • Review the syllabus early and stick to deadlines
  • Participate actively and communicate with faculty regularly
  • Manage time using planners or digital calendars

Online Degrees Are Shaping The Future Of Nursing Education

With over 3 million nurses in the workforce, online nursing programs are central to meeting the growing demand. These programs provide affordable, accessible pathways for people passionate about healthcare, looking to launch or expand their careers on their own schedule.

  • Enabling career mobility for working professionals
  • Reducing geographic and financial barriers
  • Supporting the next generation of healthcare providers

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges & Universities
What are common specializations in online nursing programs?
Online nursing programs often offer specializations such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Educator, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Nurse Leadership/Administration. These specializations allow nurses to advance into clinical or leadership roles.

AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.