Online Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN): Comparing Top 2 Year Programs
The right ADN program combines hands-on training and online coursework to help you pass NCLEX-RN and earn licensure in your state. See which 2-year ADNs are board-approved, affordable, and have what you need to transition from college student to career nurse.
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What the Experts Say: How to Find the Right Associate Nursing Program for You
Every program in our rankings meets a high bar for quality and outcomes. But the right associate nursing program for you depends on more than a school’s reputation; it comes down to your schedule, your clinical preferences, and what you need from a program close to home. We asked our nursing experts to share what prospective students most often overlook when making this decision.
Budget Beyond Tuition
When comparing programs, remember tuition is just the start. Factoring in testing fees, clinical equipment, and hours you’ll need to cut at work can make your decision a lot easier.
Find Your Study Rhythm
I started my nursing career by getting my ADN first before going back for my BSN and MSN, all while working full-time, and it’s doable. Know your study habits, and figure out your peak mental energy zones—that could be early morning before work or whenever when the house is quiet—and make that your heavy studying time to help the material stick. For online classes, I used to record lectures and listen on my commute to and from work to get extra review time.
How They Work: Inside Board-Approved Online ADN Programs
Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) can open doors to a well-paying career with a purpose. Before you start helping others, you need to choose the right nursing program. While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can set you up as a top candidate for nursing positions, earning a hybrid / online Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can qualify you for the same exam needed to start working as an RN — the NCLEX-RN.
While it’s not possible to earn your ADN entirely online due to clinical requirements, many programs provide online coursework and flexible clinicals that can be completed in various locations. Some even offer bridge programs for currently working licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and paramedics, allowing them to continue their education while working.
Use the profiles below to get a better understanding of online ADN programs and what to expect if you enroll.
Associate of Science in Nursing – Excelsior University
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit institution offering distance learning courses since 1971. The organization provides two online, 65-credit nursing degrees — an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN). While the two programs have identical nursing curricula, their general educational requirements vary slightly.
Both degree programs are designed for currently licensed and working LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, and certain military personnel who want to build on their experience. As they are designed for working professionals, these degree programs offer self-paced, eight-week courses that can be taken at the student’s convenience. Regardless of which degree you choose, you’ll have access to a community of nurses, academic advisors, and peers throughout your education.
While coursework occurs online, students must complete a nursing capstone before graduating, which includes laboratory and clinical experience caring for patients in a healthcare facility. Students are scheduled for clinical experiences and must travel to a clinical site during the course term. Upon completion, students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through Excelsior or begin a career as an RN.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid, Asynchronous
Cost: $35,750
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a current resident of Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia.
- Verify your professional status in an appropriate healthcare profession by submitting a copy of your current license/certification as an LPN/LVN, paramedic, or military/National Guard/Reserves equivalent.
- Provide proof of employment in a setting that requires direct patient care under a medical professional providing appropriate supervision and oversight.
- Completed 200+ hours of employment in this setting within the calendar year before submitting your Verification of Health Care Experience.
- Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a passing grade.
Core Curriculum:
- Transition to the Professional Nurse Role
- Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Safety
- Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Differences
- Foundations in Nursing Practice
- Reproductive Health
- Health Differences Across the Life Span (1, 2, and 3)
- Clinical Nursing Practicum: Care of Patients Across the Lifespan
- Competencies for Contemporary Nursing Practice
- Nursing Capstone: Advanced Clinical Practicum
Best for: Students currently working as an LPN, LVN, paramedic, or equivalent job as an active military member who want to pursue a career as an RN. Best for students with employer funding or tuition reimbursement.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) — Herzing University
Herzing University is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1965 with 11 campuses across eight states. Students residing in these states are eligible to enroll in their online, 72-credit Associate of Science in Nursing Program designed for students without RN experience. Current LPNs, paramedics, military medics, cardiovascular techs, and respiratory techs who want to pursue additional education while working are also eligible for the degree’s bridge program.
The ASN program provides students fundamental knowledge and skills in family nursing, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and other core areas. The curriculum is designed to teach graduates the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN and feel confident landing a job as an entry-level RN.
All of the program’s lecture courses are delivered online, with the option for live and on-demand classes. Hands-on training includes eight location-based, on-site clinical courses and two 2–4-day intensives in Nashville, TN. The school offers rolling admissions, as well as a variety of financial aid opportunities.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid, Asynchronous, Synchronous
Cost: $66,600
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a current resident of Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.
- High school or previous college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
- Achieve at least a composite score of 66 on the most current version of the TEAS within three years of the anticipated enrollment date.
Core Curriculum:
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Fundamental Concepts
- Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II, and III
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Family Nursing
- ASN Practicum
- Review of Nursing Concepts
Best for: Students without prior nursing experience who want to become an RN.
Associate of Science in Nursing — Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers a prelicensure Associate of Science in Nursing program designed to prepare students to pass the NCLEX-RN and begin working as a registered nurse. Purdue’s ASN degree teaches students foundational nursing skills, evidence-based practices, and healthcare technologies while developing leadership, ethical decision-making, and communication skills.
The program — which blends online coursework with on-ground, facility-based clinical experiences — holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, graduates are eligible to pursue a BSN with Purdue Global.
While Purdue’s ASN program emphasizes clinical work, admissions are not location-dependent like the other schools featured. Instead, clinical sites are carefully selected based on evaluating site personnel, facilities, geographic location, availability, and type of learning experience provided. To be eligible for clinicals, students must pass a drug test, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and not have an incomplete grade for any course.
Duration: Three years
Mode: Hybrid, Synchronous
Cost: $36,540
Admissions Requirements:
- Meet Purdue’s general requirements.
- Be at least 18 years old at the program’s start date.
- Complete an informational interview with an admissions representative.
- Complete enrollment activities, including the Student Expectations Acknowledgment Form.
- Achieve the minimum required scores on the entrance assessment tests, as required by the School of Nursing.
- Submit official/unofficial transcripts from all other colleges, universities, and vocational schools attended, if applicable.
- Complete an admissions interview conducted by the Academic Chair or a designee.
- Pass a criminal background check.
Core Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology for Nursing
- Nursing Fundamentals + Clinical
- Pharmacology for Nursing + Clinical
- Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II, and III + Clinicals
- Maternal Infant Nursing + Clinical
- Pediatric Nursing + Clinical
- Mental Health Nursing + Clinical
- Professional Leadership Transitions
- Capstone + Clinical
Best For: Students who benefit from hands-on learning, as Purdue’s program emphasizes clinical training
Common Questions from Online ADN Students
With so many different programs, licenses, and career paths, it’s natural to have a lot of questions about becoming a nurse and pursuing an online ADN degree. Is an ADN the best degree for your goals? What is the career outlook like compared to other degrees or licenses? Below, we cover some of our experts’ most common questions.
Can I become a travel nurse with an ADN?
Yes, it’s possible to become a travel nurse with an ADN or ASN degree. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN, get your nursing license, and gain clinical experience (usually around two years) to be eligible. Once you’re qualified, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows registered nurses to practice in participating states with a single license.
Career-wise, travel nursing is an excellent way to see the country, command higher salaries, and experience working in various clinical settings. Many graduates choose this route to pay down debt after graduating. It is also a great way to build experience working within different teams, locations, and dynamics.
How do clinicals work in online nursing school?
Due to clinical requirements, no legitimate nursing program is 100% online. Instead, most programs offer online lectures paired with in-person clinicals. Some online programs have location-based admissions requirements, meaning students can only apply if they’re residents of the states where they can oversee clinicals. Meanwhile, other programs will partner with different facilities nationwide, allowing students to enroll in their program regardless of which state they live in.
Is ADN better than LPN?
Like an ADN, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is an entry-level credential. However, they have different educational requirements and outcomes:
- An ADN takes 2-3 years, while an LPN program takes 1-2 years
- ADN grads must pass the NCELX-RN, while LPN grads must pass the NCLEX-PN
- ADN programs offer more extensive clinical training than LPN programs
- ADNs have a broader scope of practice and can work in more clinical settings
- ADNs have a higher average salary than LPNs
In other words, an LPN is the most entry-level nursing credential you can achieve, while an ADN is a step above that. As a result, ADNs have more career opportunities, higher pay, and greater responsibilities.
Is an ADN the same as an RN?
Understanding the nuances between an ADN, RN, and BSN can be tricky. In short, yes, an ADN and an RN are the same — the goal of an ADN program is to pass the NCLEX-RN, which awards you the title of “Registered Nurse.” While there are RN degree programs that prepare you for the same exam, they are often shorter and more affordable. Holding an RN diploma or certificate may not qualify you for as many jobs as an ADN would, as many facilities prefer knowing they’re hiring someone with a set amount of clinical experience. In fact, many schools are phasing out RN or LPN programs in favor of ADN programs.
Do hospitals prefer ADN or BSN?
According to recent data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 25% of hospitals and other healthcare institutions require a BSN. In comparison, 69.8% strongly prefer — but do not require — a BSN. That said, the Health Workforce Analysis projects a shortage of 63,720 full-time equivalent (FTE) RNs by 2030. If this comes to pass, many healthcare organizations and hospitals may reduce or eliminate the require to hold a BSN, whether upon hire or within a certain timeframe after hire, e.g. 6 years.
Find Board-Approved Online ADN Programs Near You
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- New York City
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Texas
- Houston, TX
- Virginia
ADN Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
Although graduating nursing school debt-free is not feasible for everyone, scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and other financial aid are available to help make it more affordable. Budgeting before and during nursing school is also helpful in reducing extraneous costs. Attending an online program is another excellent way to cut back on things like commuting and housing costs.
As for the cost of your education, tuition for ADN programs can vary between schools, states, timelines, and clinical requirements. While some online programs charge a flat, per-credit fee, others may charge in-state tuition; in these cases, attending an online ADN program in your state may be more affordable.
Some programs allow you to work while attending school, which can help offset costs, while others may require you to accrue unpaid clinical hours on top of your tuition. You should consider all of these factors when comparing programs.
To help you better understand the difference between basic tuition rates, we’ve broken down a few ADN programs below.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
School Name Excelsior | Program Type ASN | Tuition & Fees |
School Name Herzing University | Program Type ASN | Tuition & Fees |
School Name Purdue Global | Program Type ASN | Tuition & Fees |
School Name John A. Logan College | Program Type ADN | Tuition & Fees |
School Name Rasmussen University | Program Type ADN/RN | Tuition & Fees |
School Name University of Charleston | Program Type ADN | Tuition & Fees |
School Name Blinn College District | Program Type ADN | Tuition & Fees |
From ADN to Passing the NCLEX-RN
Once you graduate from your ADN program, your next step is taking the NCLEX-RN. You cannot become a registered nurse without passing this exam.
Any worthwhile, accredited ADN program tailors its curriculum to cover subjects on the NCLEX-RN exam. Additionally, some schools require students to take periodic assessments to identify knowledge gaps and encourage students to further study what they’ve been taught. Other schools might provide a special NCLEX-RN review course for students near the end of the program or immediately upon completion.
A good way for future nursing students to find a reputable online associate degree nursing program is to look at the school’s NCLEX-RN passage rates. As a general rule, the better the program, the higher the rate at which its graduates pass the NCLEX-RN.
Salary & Career Outlook
Registered Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $68,940 | $97,550 | $137,470 |
| Alabama | $58,150 | $77,080 | $98,910 |
| Alaska | $85,030 | $109,480 | $149,070 |
| Arizona | $70,540 | $99,500 | $130,930 |
| Arkansas | $60,780 | $78,940 | $103,660 |
| California | $101,260 | $140,270 | $213,320 |
| Colorado | $79,500 | $100,260 | $124,940 |
| Connecticut | $80,350 | $102,740 | $134,870 |
| Delaware | $78,340 | $99,520 | $123,860 |
| District of Columbia | $79,390 | $102,540 | $151,170 |
| Florida | $67,970 | $84,190 | $120,330 |
| Georgia | $68,920 | $93,550 | $128,640 |
| Hawaii | $82,500 | $136,320 | $147,830 |
| Idaho | $71,210 | $92,460 | $121,230 |
| Illinois | $69,170 | $95,990 | $118,190 |
| Indiana | $66,750 | $83,500 | $105,750 |
| Iowa | $63,840 | $78,630 | $100,500 |
| Kansas | $63,180 | $79,320 | $100,840 |
| Kentucky | $64,170 | $81,040 | $111,750 |
| Louisiana | $63,800 | $80,230 | $104,740 |
| Maine | $74,160 | $86,990 | $106,950 |
| Maryland | $76,780 | $99,790 | $124,790 |
| Massachusetts | $80,310 | $104,550 | $174,510 |
| Michigan | $77,260 | $94,300 | $116,710 |
| Minnesota | $79,960 | $101,510 | $132,430 |
| Mississippi | $60,610 | $77,090 | $100,350 |
| Missouri | $63,230 | $81,780 | $104,390 |
| Montana | $70,120 | $85,280 | $113,920 |
| Nebraska | $66,020 | $84,730 | $106,190 |
| Nevada | $79,500 | $103,670 | $133,270 |
| New Hampshire | $75,610 | $99,700 | $123,190 |
| New Jersey | $83,060 | $106,500 | $135,170 |
| New Mexico | $74,300 | $94,340 | $123,540 |
| New York | $79,760 | $109,440 | $157,090 |
| North Carolina | $67,660 | $84,350 | $110,220 |
| North Dakota | $65,520 | $80,730 | $103,480 |
| Ohio | $66,980 | $82,510 | $105,290 |
| Oklahoma | $60,530 | $82,920 | $106,390 |
| Oregon | $95,280 | $129,010 | $155,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,800 | $96,430 | $117,900 |
| Rhode Island | $77,410 | $100,640 | $129,840 |
| South Carolina | $66,860 | $82,360 | $106,520 |
| South Dakota | $54,040 | $78,060 | $98,220 |
| Tennessee | $63,970 | $81,500 | $104,920 |
| Texas | $67,120 | $95,970 | $127,950 |
| Utah | $68,920 | $84,600 | $109,050 |
| Vermont | $77,670 | $97,460 | $126,100 |
| Virginia | $67,830 | $93,600 | $125,580 |
| Washington | $89,630 | $124,200 | $161,910 |
| West Virginia | $57,210 | $80,130 | $131,760 |
| Wisconsin | $77,470 | $95,530 | $119,860 |
| Wyoming | $65,770 | $83,760 | $107,350 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
