Online ADN/ASN Programs in New York: Finding an NY School
Online ADN programs in New York offer a quick and convenient path to starting your registered nursing career. But how do they work online and how much do they cost? Let EduMed walk you through the entire ADN process, from reviewing top schools and applying to graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN.
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What to Expect: New York Online ADN Programs
An online ADN program in New York is a great place to start making a real difference in the medical field. Most of these two-year programs combine online coursework and in-person patient or lab work to maximize flexibility and real-world skill development.
New York is facing growing demand for qualified nurses to provide high quality healthcare for its diverse population. According to New York’s Department of Health, the state will face a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by 2030.
Let’s review three real ADN programs in New York with online components with a close eye on how the online components mesh with the in-person requirements. See if a New York ADN is right for you.
Excelsior University—Associate in Applied Science in Nursing
Excelsior College offers a CCNE-accredited online Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing with courses structured in self-paced 8-week terms.
Students can jump into the program in any term, making it convenient to get started. The curriculum focuses on core nursing competencies like ethics, communication, assessment, and more.
Current LPNs, LVNs, or paramedics can build on their knowledge of nursing theory through this degree.
Excelsior helps connect students to over 200 partner hospitals and medical centers statewide at which they can complete their clinical training and develop professional connections.
The program boasts impressive NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates that approach state and national averages.
Duration: Two Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $550/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Previous experience in a clinical setting
- Employed in a direct patient care setting
- Verification of Health Care Experience
- Active & unencumbered LPN/LVN license, paramedic certification, or military equivalent
- Test of Essential Academic Skills
Curriculum:
- Essentials of Nursing Care
- Introduction to Professional Nursing
- Foundations in Nursing Practice
- Reproductive Health
- Health Differences Across the Lifespan 1-3
- Clinical Nursing Practicum
- Competencies for Contemporary Nursing Practice
- Advanced Clinical Practicum
Finger Lakes Community College—Associate of Science in Health Care Studies
Finger Lakes Community College offers an associate-level pathway into nursing through its Health Care Studies Program.
Students gain a foundational understanding of allied healthcare concepts and hands-on clinical training ideal for prospective nursing school applicants.
Coursework covers topics like anatomy and physiology, nutrition, lifespan development and more. These topics are in line with the prerequisites for many Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, making this an ideal choice for students waiting to be admitted to their nursing program of choice.
Graduates are well-equipped to pursue additional education in fields like Cardiovascular Perfusion, Medical Imaging/Radiography, and Medical Technology.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $207/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- High school degree or equivalent
- Academic records
Curriculum:
- Career Opportunities in Health Care
- Medical Terminology
- Ethical Considerations in Health Care
- First Aid and Basic Life Support
- Health
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Introduction to Psychology
- Life Span Development
- Introduction to Sociology
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
SUNY Delhi—Associate Degree in Nursing
SUNY Delhi offers an online Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for aspiring nurses in New York. Notably, it’s one of only 10 colleges nationwide recognized by the National League of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education from 2019 to 2023.
The curriculum leverages interactive simulations to build clinical judgment and competencies, and meet the needs of a diverse population. The program weaves together theory and hands-on training that prepare students for clinical rotations at hospitals, nursing facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Graduates receive dedicated advising plus access to SUNY’s wide alumni network for employment connections upon graduation.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $295 – $461/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- 85+ High School GPA OR 65% TEAS
- 3 years of Math (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra Trigonometry or Algebra II, Or a college level Math)
- 2 years of sciences (Chemistry suggested)
- 4 years of English
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Nursing
- Nursing I
- Practicum I
- Nursing II
- Practicum II
- Nursing III
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Maternal Newborn Nursing
- Practicum III
- Nursing IV
- Practicum IV
- Contemporary Nursing
FAQs from New York ADN Students
As a prospective nurse researching online ADN programs in New York, you’ll likely have several questions before applying. Below, we explore common inquiries about program timeframes, affordability, access to financial assistance, and admissions tips for New York associate degree nursing students. Refer to these responses for insights to guide your educational decisions.
How long do NY ADN programs take to complete?
Most online ADN programs in New York can be completed in five to eight academic terms over the course of two to three years from admission to graduation.
However, that’s not a hard and fast rule. Accelerated ADN programs that condense this timeframe also exist at certain colleges, enabling motivated learners to qualify for licensure and employment faster. And students who need more time to make their way through the program with part-time study may take up to four years to graduate with their ADN.
How much do online associate nursing programs cost in NY?
The average cost of tuition for public online ADN programs in New York is between $6,000 and $8,000 for in-state students. Expect out-of-state and private school tuition rates to be higher.
Various factors determine the cost of ADN programs, from your residency status to instructors’ salaries. Finger Lakes Community College, for example, charges $207 per credit hour.
The good news is that getting your ADN online can save you money on everything from tuition to commuting to class. When considering your overall cost to get an ADN online in New York, don’t forget to add expenses, like textbooks, clinical fees, exam costs, etc.
Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in New York?
Yes, financial aid for nursing programs is available. Eligible New York residents can access federal and state grants, subsidized loans, military benefits, and nursing scholarships to substantially offset online ADN tuition and expenses.
For example, the “Nurses For Our Future” Scholarship covers tuition for 1,000 new or current healthcare workers to earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a two-year or four-year New York State public college or university. Some schools, like SUNY Delhi, offer rural health care grants to students in qualifying geographic areas.
Check out the New York State Education Department to learn more about funding opportunities.
What are the admissions requirements of ADN programs in New York?
Admission requirements for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in New York are similar to other associate degree requirements, with a few additions. You’ll need proof of a high school diploma or GED, college-ready scores on placement tests, and a record of your health and immunization history.
Many programs also require a personal essay and a criminal background check. Another common requirement is a minimum proficiency score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Some schools, including Bryant & Stratton College, require applicants to take a specialized nursing assessment and interview with program staff.
What should I look for in an online ADN program in New York?
Accreditation is the most important feature of any ADN; it ensures your degree meets quality standards. Next, look for schools with clinical placement coordination that provides access to local facilities and opportunities to implement nursing skills. Examine whether the curriculum emphasizes cultural competence essential for effectively treating the state’s diverse populations.
High NCLEX-RN exam pass rates are a hallmark of programs that prepare graduates for licensure success, as is approval by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which indicates that a school is recognized for producing nursing graduates eligible to practice in the state after completing the necessary requirements.
Career & Salary
Registered Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $79,760 | $109,440 | $157,090 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $77,150 | $99,970 | $130,970 |
| Binghamton, NY | $77,900 | $101,720 | $116,200 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $78,490 | $99,060 | $117,980 |
| Elmira, NY | $67,050 | $82,820 | $98,450 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $66,380 | $104,000 | $118,650 |
| Ithaca, NY | $73,920 | $100,320 | $123,380 |
| Kingston, NY | $71,610 | $101,030 | $129,610 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $68,330 | $102,890 | $125,080 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $87,180 | $119,720 | $159,240 |
| Rochester, NY | $79,340 | $86,570 | $106,350 |
| Syracuse, NY | $70,350 | $86,960 | $108,830 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $66,290 | $94,300 | $125,250 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $68,050 | $96,070 | $125,280 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 14 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Best ADN Programs Online: New York Edition
CUNY Hostos Community College
Program Details
- Location: Bronx, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 73%Students W/ Aid
- $5,906Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected CUNY Hostos Community College
- Students gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, including acute care hospitals, nursing homes, and community sites.
- The program offers access to multiple targeted nursing scholarships that can significantly reduce or fully cover tuition costs.
- Students are taught and supervised directly by qualified professional nurse instructors, using patient simulation labs to build strong technical skills.
Program Details
- Location: Bronx, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 73%Students W/ Aid
- $5,906Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
CUNY Medgar Evers College
Program Details
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 67%Students W/ Aid
- $7,832Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected CUNY Medgar Evers College
- The ACEN-accredited program offers rigorous clinical training and skills labs across diverse patient populations.
- Graduates become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam, supporting rapid entry into registered nursing practice.
- The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and effective teamwork, strengthening real-world clinical competence.
Program Details
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 67%Students W/ Aid
- $7,832Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Monroe Community College
Program Details
- Location: Rochester, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 61%Students W/ Aid
- $7,461Avg. Aid Amount
- 18/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Monroe Community College
- Graduates consistently exceed state and national NCLEX-RN pass rates, with employment and satisfaction rates above 93%.
- The program offers hands-on clinical training at leading Rochester-area hospitals such as Strong Memorial and Highland Hospital, supported by peer tutoring and faculty mentorship.
- Through SUNY Reconnect, qualifying adults—including those who already hold a college degree—can retrain for nursing in this high‑demand field at no tuition cost.
Program Details
- Location: Rochester, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 61%Students W/ Aid
- $7,461Avg. Aid Amount
- 18/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Bryant & Stratton College-Greece
Program Details
- Location: Rochester, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 96%Students W/ Aid
- $9,335Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bryant & Stratton College-Greece
- The ADN program can be completed in as little as four semesters, providing an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse.
- The curriculum integrates classroom, laboratory, clinical experiences, and simulation technology to build strong, hands-on clinical skills and critical thinking.
- Graduates are specifically prepared and eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, supporting direct entry into RN roles across diverse healthcare settings.
Program Details
- Location: Rochester, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 96%Students W/ Aid
- $9,335Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
Program Details
- Location: Alfred, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 78%Students W/ Aid
- $9,781Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
- The ACEN-accredited associate nursing program provides eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam and strong clinical preparation.
- Graduates can seamlessly transition into Alfred State’s accredited BS in Nursing program through an established internal pathway.
- Flexible completion options allow students to finish the AAS face-to-face in two years full-time or part-time.
Program Details
- Location: Alfred, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 78%Students W/ Aid
- $9,781Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Program Details
- Location: Dryden, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 89%Students W/ Aid
- $2,219Avg. Aid Amount
- 12/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Tompkins Cortland Community College
- The program offers day and evening start options in fall and evening-only spring cohorts, accommodating diverse schedules.
- It provides built-in applied learning with substantial real-world clinical experience, enhancing graduates’ employability immediately after licensure.
- Students benefit from nursing-specific scholarships and diverse clinical placements across hospitals, long-term care, and community settings, strengthening financial support and career readiness.
Program Details
- Location: Dryden, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 89%Students W/ Aid
- $2,219Avg. Aid Amount
- 12/1Student/Faculty Ratio
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
Program Details
- Location: Long Island City, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 53%Students W/ Aid
- $5,198Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected CUNY LaGuardia Community College
- The Nursing AAS program prepares graduates for immediate RN licensure and entry-level employment in diverse healthcare settings.
- Students benefit from LaGuardia’s dedicated job placement and career counseling services, supporting strong employment outcomes for nursing graduates.
- The program is part of LaGuardia’s Health Sciences offerings, providing access to specialized faculty, resources, and clinical learning environments.
Program Details
- Location: Long Island City, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 53%Students W/ Aid
- $5,198Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Nassau Community College
Program Details
- Location: Garden City, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 49%Students W/ Aid
- $6,946Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Nassau Community College
- The program offers multiple routes for admission, including direct, change-of-program, and transfer options, increasing accessibility.
- It provides a clearly structured TEAS testing and evaluation process, helping applicants understand and navigate admission requirements confidently.
- Licensed Practical Nurses receive dedicated guidance from the Nursing Department, supporting tailored transition and advanced entry into the ADN track.
Program Details
- Location: Garden City, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 49%Students W/ Aid
- $6,946Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Jefferson Community College
Program Details
- Location: Watertown, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 46%Students W/ Aid
- $6,707Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Jefferson Community College
- The ADN program is fully approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN, supporting strong licensure preparation.
- Students can choose a flexible hybrid Shelby County option with primarily online lectures and evening/weekend labs and clinicals.
- Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, and recent NCLEX pass rates at both campuses are exceptionally high.
Program Details
- Location: Watertown, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 46%Students W/ Aid
- $6,707Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Niagara County Community College
Program Details
- Location: Sanborn, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 43%Students W/ Aid
- $6,470Avg. Aid Amount
- 23/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Niagara County Community College
- Clinical learning is provided in diverse local healthcare settings, offering strong real-world experience and networking.
- Graduates become eligible to apply for the New York State RN licensure examination, supporting direct entry into practice.
- Program structure enables LPNs to advance efficiently to RN qualification through a coordinated, two-stage curriculum path.
Program Details
- Location: Sanborn, NY
- MSCHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 43%Students W/ Aid
- $6,470Avg. Aid Amount
- 23/1Student/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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