Online ADN Programs: Choosing the School for You
Earning an associate degree in nursing is a great first step toward a rewarding career in a fast-growing field. And if you need an affordable and accredited option, an online ADN program could be right for you. Look inside some of today’s best ADN programs and learn about structure, tuition & fees, career prospects, clinical requirements, NCLEX-RN prep, and more.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
Psychiatric NursingHolistic NursingDianne Barnard, RN, is a Board Certified Registered Nurse with over 20 years of nursing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and maintains board certifications in both psychiatric and holistic nursing. Throughout her career, Dianne has worked in diverse clinical settings, including bedside care, oncology, intensive care units (ICU), home health, clinical nursing instruction, and mental health.
Dianne Barnard, RN
Dianne Barnard, RN, is a Board Certified Registered Nurse with over 20 years of nursing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and maintains board certifications in both psychiatric and holistic nursing. Throughout her career, Dianne has worked in diverse clinical settings, including bedside care, oncology, intensive care units (ICU), home health, clinical nursing instruction, and mental health.
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Is an Online ADN Right for Me?
Becoming a nurse requires time, knowledge, and motivation — earning an ADN is just the beginning. Chances are, you’ll continue your nursing education at some point, which requires additional commitment, dedication, and funds. Before committing to an ADN program, ask yourself:
- Am I prepared to commit to a two- to three-year ADN program?
- Could a hybrid / online ADN program be the right fit?
- Am I open to continuing education in the future?
- Am I interested in specializing in a particular field?
How They Work: Inside 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.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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
Find Online ADN Programs Near You
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.
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.
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
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $66,030 | $93,600 | $135,320 |
| Alabama | $53,360 | $71,040 | $98,840 |
| Alaska | $82,400 | $110,690 | $137,400 |
| Arizona | $69,930 | $96,890 | $123,480 |
| Arkansas | $57,380 | $77,130 | $99,960 |
| California | $100,120 | $140,330 | $208,880 |
| Connecticut | $78,660 | $101,590 | $132,840 |
| Delaware | $72,850 | $92,610 | $127,340 |
| District of Columbia | $81,880 | $104,550 | $135,620 |
| Florida | $66,670 | $82,850 | $110,530 |
| Georgia | $66,110 | $86,560 | $124,810 |
| Hawaii | $82,380 | $136,320 | $146,480 |
| Idaho | $65,690 | $86,100 | $118,460 |
| Illinois | $64,930 | $86,410 | $112,320 |
| Indiana | $63,720 | $80,740 | $103,820 |
| Iowa | $62,210 | $76,960 | $98,280 |
| Kansas | $60,630 | $78,060 | $97,870 |
| Kentucky | $63,180 | $79,910 | $104,430 |
| Louisiana | $62,830 | $78,880 | $111,810 |
| Maine | $66,330 | $82,860 | $104,870 |
| Maryland | $75,470 | $96,830 | $121,150 |
| Massachusetts | $76,950 | $101,970 | $173,590 |
| Michigan | $70,150 | $85,670 | $106,770 |
| Minnesota | $75,830 | $100,870 | $128,200 |
| Mississippi | $58,130 | $74,470 | $104,040 |
| Missouri | $58,510 | $79,770 | $103,140 |
| Montana | $67,720 | $81,560 | $109,450 |
| Nebraska | $63,290 | $81,020 | $101,500 |
| Nevada | $77,960 | $101,990 | $132,990 |
| New Hampshire | $69,250 | $96,830 | $120,120 |
| New Jersey | $81,670 | $102,730 | $130,540 |
| New Mexico | $70,630 | $88,260 | $121,200 |
| New York | $77,930 | $105,600 | $153,420 |
| North Carolina | $64,180 | $81,860 | $107,110 |
| North Dakota | $65,770 | $78,260 | $99,540 |
| Ohio | $66,060 | $81,250 | $103,650 |
| Oklahoma | $64,110 | $81,160 | $105,320 |
| Oregon | $95,040 | $123,990 | $143,410 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,410 | $87,610 | $116,590 |
| Rhode Island | $72,090 | $99,960 | $128,520 |
| South Carolina | $64,200 | $79,900 | $102,040 |
| South Dakota | $51,980 | $69,510 | $92,570 |
| Tennessee | $59,540 | $79,030 | $102,040 |
| Texas | $64,660 | $90,010 | $122,060 |
| Utah | $67,980 | $82,270 | $106,960 |
| Vermont | $70,840 | $85,150 | $117,310 |
| Virginia | $64,370 | $88,820 | $124,040 |
| Washington | $86,490 | $112,180 | $149,370 |
| West Virginia | $53,060 | $79,990 | $106,830 |
| Wisconsin | $74,970 | $86,070 | $109,270 |
| Wyoming | $64,660 | $81,790 | $108,350 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Alabama | 51,980 | 54,290 | 2,310 | 4.40% | 3,090 |
| Alaska | 6,130 | 6,800 | 670 | 10.90% | 420 |
| Arizona | 59,110 | 72,050 | 12,940 | 21.90% | 4,820 |
| Arkansas | 28,750 | 30,920 | 2,170 | 7.50% | 1,820 |
| California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
| Colorado | 53,720 | 63,290 | 9,570 | 17.80% | 4,100 |
| Connecticut | 35,420 | 38,310 | 2,890 | 8.20% | 2,270 |
| Delaware | 11,720 | 13,570 | 1,850 | 15.80% | 870 |
| District of Columbia | 11,110 | 11,750 | 640 | 5.80% | 680 |
| Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
| Georgia | 81,800 | 94,310 | 12,510 | 15.30% | 5,990 |
| Idaho | 15,480 | 18,580 | 3,100 | 20.00% | 1,230 |
| Illinois | 138,050 | 142,310 | 4,260 | 3.10% | 7,960 |
| Indiana | 67,390 | 71,020 | 3,630 | 5.40% | 4,090 |
| Iowa | 35,700 | 39,270 | 3,570 | 10.00% | 2,370 |
| Kansas | 32,310 | 33,910 | 1,600 | 5.00% | 1,940 |
| Kentucky | 47,300 | 50,400 | 3,100 | 6.60% | 2,940 |
| Louisiana | 43,740 | 47,040 | 3,300 | 7.50% | 2,770 |
| Maine | 14,840 | 15,040 | 200 | 1.30% | 820 |
| Maryland | 48,810 | 52,370 | 3,560 | 7.30% | 3,080 |
| Massachusetts | 30,060 | 32,600 | 2,540 | 8.40% | 1,940 |
| Michigan | 104,150 | 106,910 | 2,760 | 2.70% | 5,950 |
| Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
| Mississippi | 29,980 | 31,910 | 1,930 | 6.40% | 1,860 |
| Missouri | 76,960 | 84,580 | 7,620 | 9.90% | 5,110 |
| Montana | 10,360 | 11,890 | 1,530 | 14.80% | 750 |
| Nebraska | 22,900 | 24,670 | 1,770 | 7.70% | 1,460 |
| Nevada | 24,290 | 28,810 | 4,520 | 18.60% | 1,880 |
| New Hampshire | 13,690 | 14,600 | 910 | 6.60% | 850 |
| New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
| New Mexico | 19,020 | 21,940 | 2,920 | 15.40% | 1,390 |
| New York | 204,040 | 256,080 | 52,040 | 25.50% | 5,200 |
| North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| North Dakota | 11,500 | 12,700 | 1,200 | 10.40% | 770 |
| Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| Oklahoma | 37,490 | 39,290 | 1,800 | 4.80% | 2,240 |
| Oregon | 42,720 | 47,680 | 4,960 | 11.60% | 2,930 |
| Pennsylvania | 148,790 | 155,810 | 7,020 | 4.70% | 8,890 |
| Rhode Island | 11,920 | 12,700 | 780 | 6.50% | 740 |
| South Carolina | 45,140 | 49,610 | 4,470 | 9.90% | 2,990 |
| South Dakota | 14,590 | 16,510 | 1,920 | 13.20% | 1,030 |
| Tennessee | 60,020 | 67,720 | 7,700 | 12.80% | 4,200 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
| Utah | 25,300 | 31,710 | 6,410 | 25.30% | 2,170 |
| Vermont | 7,030 | 7,650 | 620 | 8.80% | 460 |
| Virgin Islands | 600 | 490 | -110 | -18.30% | 20 |
| Virginia | 70,190 | 73,240 | 3,050 | 4.30% | 4,160 |
| Washington | 61,030 | 69,180 | 8,150 | 13.40% | 5,150 |
| West Virginia | 22,830 | 23,780 | 950 | 4.20% | 1,350 |
| Wisconsin | 62,260 | 65,570 | 3,310 | 5.30% | 3,770 |
| Wyoming | 5,130 | 5,740 | 610 | 11.90% | 350 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Today’s Best Online ADN Programs
Between location, timelines, costs, and clinical requirements, choosing an online or hybrid ADN program can be overwhelming. To help you find the most affordable, high-quality options, our data analysis team did the heavy lifting for you. Using a combination of publicly reported data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and data from the schools themselves, our experts have identified which online ADN programs offer the best combinations of quality, affordability, student services, career preparation, and online learning. See which schools stand out this year.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $872 Avg. Aid Amount
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Blue Ridge Community College
- The ADN program at Blue Ridge Community College is taught by experienced nurse educators who provide hands-on learning through state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences at area healthcare facilities.
- The program offers a vital pipeline for students to quickly enter nursing employment while also providing pathways to advance their education at four-year institutions through partnerships like the RIBN program.
- Enrollment capacity has been increased to admit up to 74 students annually, reflecting a commitment to addressing healthcare workforce demand and expanding student access in the ADN program.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $872 Avg. Aid Amount
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $15,022 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lincoln Memorial University
- The LMU ASN program offers a shortened three-semester completion option for students already licensed and experienced as LPNs, accelerating career advancement.
- Students benefit from consistently high NCLEX-RN pass rates, with over 96% of recent graduates passing, indicating strong program quality and exam preparation.
- Small class sizes and hands-on clinical learning environments ensure personalized instruction and skill development essential for competent nursing practice.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $15,022 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Grayson College
- The ADN program offers two distinct tracks: a Traditional Track and a Transitional Entry (LVN to RN) Track, allowing flexibility for both new and licensed practical nurses to complete their degree efficiently.
- Grayson College admits a new cohort of approximately 60 students each Fall and Spring semester, providing regular and manageable class sizes conducive to focused learning and personalized attention.
- Students can take summer courses that count toward a future BSN degree, enabling a pathway for further education and career advancement without pausing nursing studies.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,160 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Williston State College
- The Dakota Associate Degree Nursing program at Williston State College offers a 1+1 pathway enabling students to earn a Practical Nursing Certificate after year one and an AAS degree after year two, facilitating smooth progression from LPN to RN licensure.
- The program’s collaboration among four colleges creates broad employer partnerships and community alliances, enhancing clinical placement opportunities and workforce integration.
- Williston State College’s nursing program boasts a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting strong faculty expertise and effective student preparation for licensure exams.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,160 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,737 Avg. Aid Amount
- 85% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Edgecombe Community College
- Edgecombe Community College’s ADN program offers an Advanced Placement option allowing licensed LPNs to complete the degree in three semesters, accelerating career progression.
- The program uses a holistic ranking system giving extra points for healthcare credentials and prior college degrees, enhancing admission chances for experienced students.
- Students benefit from an evidence-based curriculum focusing on interdisciplinary teamwork, quality improvement, and informatics, preparing graduates for diverse, high-demand nursing roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,737 Avg. Aid Amount
- 85% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, INProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $19,379 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne
- The ADN program at Saint Francis University offers experiential learning through a state-of-the-art Health Science Experiential Learning Commons with advanced simulation and clinical education spaces.
- Students engage in interprofessional education, practicing collaborative care alongside other health disciplines to mirror real-life healthcare scenarios.
- The program integrates Franciscan values, ensuring graduates develop caring, ethical, and culturally sensitive nursing skills rooted in a strong professional foundation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $19,379 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $8,937 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Vermont State University
- The ADN program at Vermont State University offers diverse clinical experience across long-term care, acute care, critical care, and specialty settings, preparing students comprehensively for the nursing field.
- Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation nursing labs that provide hands-on practical training in a controlled environment, enhancing clinical skills before real patient interaction.
- The program is fully approved by the Vermont State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), ensuring high educational standards and licensure eligibility.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $8,937 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,320 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kentucky State University
- Kentucky State University's ADN program offers an Accelerated Associate of Applied Science in Nursing option that allows students to complete the program in just one year, providing a fast track into nursing practice.
- The program emphasizes integration of best practice evidence and the use of health information technology to improve patient-centered care, ensuring graduates are well-prepared with current clinical competencies.
- Kentucky State University’s ADN program prepares graduates explicitly for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam with clear terminal learning outcomes aligned with the nursing framework, promoting professional advancement and effective interdisciplinary communication.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,320 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $6,278 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northwest College
- The Northwest College ADN program offers both Traditional face-to-face and Hybrid modalities with distinct application cycles, allowing flexible entry options for students.
- The program includes extensive clinical experiences within the NWC service area, providing hands-on practice in diverse healthcare settings close to the campus, enhancing real-world competence.
- It is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing, ensuring recognized quality and eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $6,278 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
West Shore Community College
Scottville, MIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,677 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected West Shore Community College
- West Shore Community College's ADN program offers competitive admission with an application point system that rewards in-district residency, high GPA, work experience, and bonus points for transferable coursework, providing applicants multiple ways to strengthen their acceptance chances.
- The program requires strong academic performance in key courses (minimum 2.7 GPA in specific nursing prerequisites) along with a criminal background check to ensure readiness and eligibility for licensure, emphasizing student quality and professional standards.
- Students benefit from a highly supportive environment with advisors assisting in integrating prerequisite courses, and part-time admission options, helping accommodate diverse student needs and schedules for program completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,677 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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