Online LPN & LVN Programs: Finding the Right School
Thinking about becoming a nurse but worried about the time and cost required? Online LPN/LVN programs provide a quicker and more affordable pathway into practical nursing — often in just one year. EduMed’s guide breaks down exactly how these programs work, covers tuition and admissions details, and introduces top accredited programs available right now. Start exploring your options and move closer to your nursing career today.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareMedical CodingPre-Nursing HealthcareOnline Learning
EMSAcute CareNurse EducationNorma is a Master’s prepared Registered Nurse with over 35 years of clinical and leadership experience. She has focused extensively on education throughout her career, teaching and coordinating programs for students, EMS providers, nurses, physicians, and community groups. Norma combines her expertise in EMS, acute care, and public health to mentor others in becoming integral members of the healthcare system.
Norma Battaglia, RN, MSN
Norma is a Master’s prepared Registered Nurse with over 35 years of clinical and leadership experience. She has focused extensively on education throughout her career, teaching and coordinating programs for students, EMS providers, nurses, physicians, and community groups. Norma combines her expertise in EMS, acute care, and public health to mentor others in becoming integral members of the healthcare system.
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Ask Yourself…
As you learn more about potential LPN/LVN programs, you’ll want to gain an understanding of the level of education you’d like to achieve and your career goals. Below, we list a few questions that might serve as a springboard for your self-reflection process.
- Am I willing to commit to the required education and licensing processes?
- Will I be comfortable helping patients by taking vital signs, assisting with basic hygiene needs, and administering medications under supervision?
- Will I be able to adequately prepare for the NCLEX-PN after I complete an LPN/LVN program?
- Do I have the stamina to endure a program that typically takes a minimum of 12 months and might take up to two years to complete?
- What are my long-term career goals, and does becoming an LPN/LVN fit into that path?
How Online LPN/LVN Programs Work
To become a licensed practical (or vocational) nurse, you must complete an accredited higher education program. But how do they really work? What can you expect in a mostly campus-based program with some online components built in for convenience? What about a mostly online program with only clinicals on campus? Let’s take a closer look at some of these partially online LPN & LVN programs.
Eagle Gate College
Eagle Gate College offers a hybrid Practical Nursing program that features online courses and hands-on training in simulations, labs, and healthcare facilities. Classes offer extensive instruction on clinical nursing skills such as patient monitoring, administering prescribed medications while reporting adverse reactions to treatment, starting intravenous fluids, and other duties that are common in the field, like educating patients and their families.
The school offers guidance and insight to help students pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Tuition varies based onlocation. A previous tuition schedule listed $31,512 as the cost of tuition, fees, and supplies for Practical Nursing students who live off-campus, as of 2021.
Admissions Requirements: Applicants must meet certain admissions criteria. They must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens as designated by the Department of Homeland Security. They must be 18 years old at the time of admission; students under the age of 18 can obtain approval from a parent or legal guardian or demonstrate that they are covered under state emancipation statutes. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED and must complete an admissions interview.
Curriculum: The program requires completion of 48 credit hours, including 39 credits of nursing core courses and nine credits of general education courses.
Best For: Idaho and Utah residents with a nearby Eagle Gate College campus
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Verve College
Verve College’s Practical Nursing program is a certificate/diploma program; students take most courses on campus in Chicago or Oak Brook, Illinois. The program features a hybrid approach. This includes classroom instruction, laboratory simulations at campus labs, externships in clinical settings (including hospitals and nursing care facilities), and online practice and exam preparation.
All theory classes are held via Zoom, and students must be visually present. Clinicals rotate between on-campus and off-campus locations.
Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, and the cost of tuition includes one attempt to pass the exam.
Duration: 1,080 credit hours (typically completed in 14 to 15 months)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $24,995 (tuition)
Admissions Requirements: The college follows a robust admissions process. Requirements include:
- Active CNA certification
- High school diploma/GED or a minimum of eight credit hours from an accredited U.S. college or university
- College transcripts for Anatomy and Physiology courses with a minimum of six to eight credit hours and a minimum C grade
- ATI-TEAS Entrance Examination (must be taken at Verve College)
- Proof of current personal medical insurance
- Proof of professional liability insurance obtained from www.nso.com
- Social Security card
- CPR/BLS card
- 400- to 500-word personal essay; topics should include Why I want to be a PN and What do I plan to do with my nursing career?
- Two professional letters of recommendation
Curriculum: Three semester-long courses feature specific learning modules. Students explore how to provide nursing care for sick, injured, and/or otherwise disabled patients. They learn basic bedside care and how to take vital signs. They will prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages.
Best For: Illinois students who are interested in entry-level nursing positions under the supervision of an RN or a physician
West Virginia Junior College (WVJC)
West Virginia Junior College offers a hybrid Practical Nursing program. It combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences at the school or local/regional healthcare facilities. In addition to hands-on training, students gain experience in real-world activities through clinical rotations at local area hospitals and medical facilities. Students can save time and money on this direct-admission program by immediately starting related classes.
The program meets the educational requirements for professional licensing in West Virginia. So, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN after completing the program.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Tuition varies based on program mode (whether students choose a direct-admission approach or pursue an associate degree) and length. Use the school’s net price calculatorto get an estimate of costs.
Admissions Requirements: According to admissions requirements, students must:
- Take the ATI-TEAS Entrance Examination
- Complete a nursing application and pay a fee
- Submit documents, including essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other documents requested by the admissions team
- Complete an interview with a campus representative
- Complete required health screenings, immunizations, and background checks
Curriculum: Students at WVJC can expect to learn and utilize the nursing process to provide safe and effective patient care. They learn how to practice sound nursing judgment, critical thinking, and patient care skills. They will complete classroom instruction and lab experiences in gerontological, medical, surgical, obstetric, and pediatric nursing.
Best For: Students who want to practice in West Virginiaand gain an entry-level nursing position. By earning a diploma in Practical Nursing, they can enter the workforce sooner, begin earning income, and gain valuable experience in the field. Graduates of the WVJC LPN program can complete the Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing Pathway Program later if they decide to further their education within five years of graduation.
Find Online LPN & LVN Programs Near You
Finding a practical nursing program with online elements can make your educational journey much more convenient. Even better is finding a program with a campus, counselors, and instructors near you. This can provide an in-person support system to supplement your online coursework. Click on your state to learn more about LPN/LVN programs close to home.
Answers to Common Questions from LPN/LVN Students
Can I take LPN/LVN classes online?
Yes; online courses and programs are available that allow students to complete classwork when it’s convenient. Many programs are hybrid and include both online and in-person classes. Coursework can be completed early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends.
Each program has its own system to provide a curriculum online. Most feature varying degrees of asynchronous learning, so students can complete online requirements when it’s convenient. Occasional “real-time” (synchronous) meetings might be conducted online through video chat or discussion boards. But, students don’t need to go to campus to attend online classes.
What is the fastest LPN/LVN program?
To become an LPN or LVN, students must complete an accredited and state-approved program. While standards vary according to the program, shorter programs can take as little as nine months; longer and more robust programs can take up to 18 months to complete. Some fast-track accelerated programs can be completed in as little as six months, but they are rare.
Can I take the NCLEX-PN without going to school?
No; in order to take the NCLEX-PN – which is a licensing requirement in every state that is currently administered by Pearson VUE for $200 – you’ll need a certificate or diploma in either licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN). These certificate and diploma programs are only offered by educational institutions, so you cannot take the exam without first completing a program.
Can I skip being an LPN/LVN before becoming an RN?
It is possible to skip the LPN step. But, most students look at it as a steppingstone to gain practical experience and ensure they’re on the right track for a nursing role. Many online bridge programs are available; most of them require an LPN credential at minimum before students can become an RN.
If you’re interested in skipping the LPN certification, you should look for a direct-entry RN program. However, RN programs are extremely competitive. Earning an LPN designation and gaining practical experience in the field can be an advantage for future RN students.
Can I become an LPN/LVN in six months?
Accelerated/fast-track programs usually take anywhere from six months to one year to complete. Although six-month programs are rare, they do exist – typically as a completion program for students who already earned related credits.
Regular one-year programs require full-time study and year-round attendance for classes and clinicals. Accelerated programs assume that incoming students completed some general education and/or prerequisite courses before enrolling in an LPN/LVN program. Students are required to complete as many as 22 credit hours (including clinicals) in one semester.
Tuition and Fees for Online LPN/LVN Courses: Cost Comparison
Tuition is only one factor that determines whether you can afford an online LPN/LVN program, and tuition is as varied as online program options. Students can expect to pay thousands to tens of thousands of dollars for an online certificate or diploma.
If you’re looking for the most affordable online LPN/LVN programs, you should factor in some indirect costs that can be a surprise if you’re not prepared. These include the cost of technology, such as a reliable internet connection and a laptop. You should also consider fees associated with background checks and exams, uniform costs, necessary equipment, and fees that schools charge for technology or other services.
Many programs offer financial aid, and scholarships are often available.
To give you an idea of the range of costs you can expect for an online LPN/LVN program, we’ll offer a pair of cost profiles from programs below, including some insight into what their tuition covers.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids Community College | Hybrid | The cost of this program for Michigan residents is approximately $12,071; non-residents must pay approximately $23,609. This is the cost of tuition; it does not include online course fees, other school fees, uniforms, or licensure, which is approximately $500 (Michigan license = $208.80, fingerprints = $65, and NCLEX = $200). |
| Green River College | Hybrid | The cost of tuition and fees for full-time students is approximately $7,000; part-time students must pay approximately $8,000. This cost does not include textbooks (which typically range from $1,000 to $1,500), uniforms and supplies, immunizations, insurance, drug screens, a licensing exam, or technology requirements/fees. |
Salary and Employment Outlook for LPNs/LVNs
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $47,960 | $62,340 | $80,510 |
| Alabama | $36,470 | $50,100 | $63,170 |
| Alaska | $60,060 | $77,670 | $96,490 |
| Arizona | $58,330 | $74,020 | $82,580 |
| Arkansas | $38,700 | $51,030 | $63,370 |
| California | $62,390 | $77,170 | $99,840 |
| Connecticut | $59,490 | $69,130 | $80,410 |
| Delaware | $55,210 | $66,090 | $75,670 |
| District of Columbia | $58,500 | $70,420 | $81,410 |
| Florida | $48,970 | $60,080 | $72,950 |
| Georgia | $44,500 | $58,490 | $73,040 |
| Hawaii | $53,920 | $65,560 | $81,120 |
| Idaho | $28,190 | $61,720 | $76,290 |
| Illinois | $51,150 | $66,030 | $83,940 |
| Indiana | $49,660 | $63,690 | $75,000 |
| Iowa | $48,510 | $59,460 | $75,320 |
| Kansas | $48,540 | $59,920 | $73,260 |
| Kentucky | $46,230 | $58,450 | $69,310 |
| Louisiana | $42,860 | $53,930 | $64,240 |
| Maine | $50,840 | $70,870 | $99,860 |
| Maryland | $59,430 | $69,870 | $85,570 |
| Massachusetts | $62,990 | $76,560 | $90,230 |
| Michigan | $53,360 | $63,810 | $77,290 |
| Minnesota | $50,130 | $60,870 | $72,960 |
| Mississippi | $37,540 | $48,850 | $61,440 |
| Missouri | $46,390 | $59,030 | $74,810 |
| Montana | $47,040 | $59,750 | $74,500 |
| Nebraska | $47,110 | $60,740 | $73,520 |
| Nevada | $59,190 | $73,820 | $85,120 |
| New Hampshire | $54,800 | $74,660 | $94,130 |
| New Jersey | $60,110 | $71,180 | $79,980 |
| New Mexico | $37,980 | $60,760 | $75,640 |
| New York | $51,490 | $64,030 | $80,400 |
| North Carolina | $49,050 | $61,380 | $75,580 |
| North Dakota | $49,420 | $60,820 | $73,260 |
| Ohio | $48,300 | $60,990 | $73,580 |
| Oklahoma | $42,600 | $55,870 | $64,870 |
| Oregon | $62,980 | $76,570 | $94,880 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,890 | $62,010 | $76,890 |
| Rhode Island | $62,540 | $77,940 | $90,720 |
| South Carolina | $48,140 | $59,050 | $69,910 |
| South Dakota | $38,520 | $49,170 | $61,300 |
| Tennessee | $38,680 | $54,530 | $65,140 |
| Texas | $47,820 | $60,150 | $73,610 |
| Utah | $41,720 | $61,710 | $79,350 |
| Vermont | $50,050 | $64,560 | $99,240 |
| Virginia | $48,160 | $62,310 | $77,450 |
| Washington | $62,400 | $79,700 | $96,680 |
| West Virginia | $40,290 | $49,850 | $64,200 |
| Wisconsin | $50,560 | $61,040 | $74,880 |
| Wyoming | $48,340 | $61,880 | $74,370 |
Source: Licensed Practical/Vocational 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 | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Alabama | 11,440 | 11,700 | 260 | 2.30% | 900 |
| Alaska | 320 | 360 | 40 | 12.50% | 30 |
| Arizona | 6,540 | 8,210 | 1,670 | 25.50% | 730 |
| Arkansas | 10,930 | 11,660 | 730 | 6.70% | 930 |
| California | 78,100 | 92,000 | 13,900 | 17.80% | 7,830 |
| Colorado | 4,970 | 5,590 | 620 | 12.50% | 460 |
| Connecticut | 9,070 | 9,450 | 380 | 4.20% | 740 |
| Delaware | 2,140 | 2,500 | 360 | 16.80% | 210 |
| District of Columbia | 1,210 | 1,320 | 110 | 9.10% | 110 |
| Florida | 37,770 | 42,580 | 4,810 | 12.70% | 3,520 |
| Georgia | 23,160 | 25,940 | 2,780 | 12.00% | 2,130 |
| Idaho | 2,800 | 3,340 | 540 | 19.30% | 290 |
| Illinois | 18,960 | 19,480 | 520 | 2.70% | 1,510 |
| Indiana | 12,080 | 12,990 | 910 | 7.50% | 1,040 |
| Iowa | 5,990 | 6,710 | 720 | 12.00% | 550 |
| Kansas | 7,000 | 7,420 | 420 | 6.00% | 590 |
| Kentucky | 10,720 | 11,440 | 720 | 6.70% | 910 |
| Louisiana | 19,230 | 20,670 | 1,440 | 7.50% | 1,650 |
| Maine | 960 | 980 | 20 | 2.10% | 80 |
| Maryland | 7,740 | 8,230 | 490 | 6.30% | 650 |
| Massachusetts | 4,790 | 5,160 | 370 | 7.70% | 410 |
| Michigan | 10,590 | 10,730 | 140 | 1.30% | 820 |
| Minnesota | 14,340 | 14,850 | 510 | 3.60% | 1,150 |
| Mississippi | 8,930 | 9,420 | 490 | 5.50% | 740 |
| Missouri | 13,010 | 13,750 | 740 | 5.70% | 1,090 |
| Montana | 1,950 | 2,250 | 300 | 15.40% | 190 |
| Nebraska | 6,050 | 6,580 | 530 | 8.80% | 530 |
| Nevada | 3,220 | 3,840 | 620 | 19.30% | 330 |
| New Hampshire | 2,140 | 2,250 | 110 | 5.10% | 180 |
| New Jersey | 16,510 | 17,550 | 1,040 | 6.30% | 1,390 |
| New Mexico | 1,820 | 2,110 | 290 | 15.90% | 180 |
| New York | 45,960 | 57,020 | 11,060 | 24.10% | 1,110 |
| North Carolina | 16,650 | 18,320 | 1,670 | 10.00% | 1,490 |
| North Dakota | 2,570 | 2,800 | 230 | 8.90% | 230 |
| Ohio | 37,590 | 38,230 | 640 | 1.70% | 2,930 |
| Oklahoma | 13,590 | 14,450 | 860 | 6.30% | 1,150 |
| Oregon | 3,540 | 3,990 | 450 | 12.70% | 330 |
| Pennsylvania | 34,410 | 36,560 | 2,150 | 6.20% | 2,900 |
| Rhode Island | 1,660 | 1,810 | 150 | 9.00% | 150 |
| South Carolina | 9,300 | 10,500 | 1,200 | 12.90% | 870 |
| South Dakota | 2,150 | 2,320 | 170 | 7.90% | 190 |
| Tennessee | 18,350 | 21,950 | 3,600 | 19.60% | 1,890 |
| Texas | 62,840 | 70,660 | 7,820 | 12.40% | 5,830 |
| Utah | 1,670 | 2,080 | 410 | 24.60% | 180 |
| Vermont | 1,070 | 1,200 | 130 | 12.10% | 100 |
| Virgin Islands | 110 | 100 | -10 | -9.10% | 10 |
| Virginia | 18,880 | 20,240 | 1,360 | 7.20% | 1,620 |
| Washington | 7,900 | 8,730 | 830 | 10.50% | 800 |
| West Virginia | 6,610 | 7,270 | 660 | 10.00% | 590 |
| Wisconsin | 6,740 | 6,720 | -20 | -0.30% | 510 |
| Wyoming | 640 | 730 | 90 | 14.10% | 60 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online LPN/LVN Programs
Finding the right online LPN program can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure what to look for in a quality program. EduMed’s rankings help you understand the variety of programs available and offer a solid foundation for your own research. Key factors like tuition, program length, curriculum depth, and accreditation are all considered to give you a well-rounded view of what matters most when selecting an LPN program. To learn more about how we rank these programs, check out the “About the Rankings” link below.
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 Practical Nursing program at Williston State College offers an accelerated path, allowing completion in approximately eleven months.
- It is part of the Dakota Nursing Program consortium, enabling graduates to transfer credits toward an Associate Degree Nursing Program at partnering colleges.
- The program provides extensive hands-on clinical training in local hospitals, long-term care centers, and healthcare facilities, enhancing real-world experience and job readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,160 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $15,852 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected College of Saint Mary
- College of Saint Mary offers a 12-month full-time hybrid program allowing students to earn their license and enter the nursing workforce quickly.
- The program includes general education support courses designed to strengthen practical nursing knowledge both in the classroom and clinical settings.
- Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, ensuring readiness for professional certification under Nebraska’s State Board of Nursing approval.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $15,852 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 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 Practical Nursing program offers an “earn-while-you-learn” partnership with Central Vermont Medical Center, covering tuition and providing flexible scheduling for working students.
- Students benefit from high NCLEX-PN pass rates, with 99% of graduates passing licensure exams, signaling strong preparation and program quality.
- The program incorporates lifelike healthcare simulation and telepresence technology to deliver hands-on clinical training accessible to students in rural communities statewide.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $8,937 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public 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 Practical Nursing program offers a full-time, accelerated 12-month completion option, enabling students to enter the workforce quickly.
- Students benefit from individualized instruction and academic counseling, promoting critical thinking and clinical competency to prepare for professional nursing roles.
- The program emphasizes development of professional attitudes and advocacy skills that align with Texas Board of Nursing standards, ensuring workforce-ready graduates.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,153 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ellsworth Community College
- The Practical Nursing program at Edgecombe Community College boasts a 100% NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate from 2022 to 2024, demonstrating exceptional exam success and preparation for licensure.
- The program achieves a 100% employment rate for graduates, ensuring students are fully supported in securing nursing jobs upon completion.
- It offers a three-semester enrollment with a consistent 53% retention rate, allowing for an accelerated pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,153 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% 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 Practical Nursing program has maintained a 100 percent NCLEX-PN pass rate since its inception in 2011, demonstrating exceptional student success and licensure preparation.
- The program offers an Advanced Placement option for LPNs to transition efficiently into an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in just three semesters, supporting career advancement while working full-time.
- The program’s recognition as the #5 ranked Practical Nursing program in North Carolina with a perfect score from a national nursing advocacy organization highlights its quality and reputation in the field.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $1,737 Avg. Aid Amount
- 85% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, ARProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,240 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
- The Practical Nursing program at UAFS offers concurrent credit admission for high school juniors, enabling completion by senior year for accelerated licensure preparation.
- Students benefit from clinical experiences in diverse local healthcare settings, providing hands-on training that supports strong practical skills and job readiness.
- The program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, ensuring eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN exam and pursue practical nursing licensure immediately after graduation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,240 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,230 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Neosho County Community College
- The Practical Nursing program at Neosho County Community College provides a seamless Bi-Level pathway where students earn LPN certification after the first year and can continue to an ADN degree, enabling efficient career advancement.
- Students benefit from small cohort sizes with limited enrollment, ensuring focused faculty attention and enhanced clinical learning opportunities.
- The program emphasizes diverse clinical practicums across hospitals, long-term care, home care, and community clinics, preparing students for varied real-world settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,230 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $8,199 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected The University of Montana
- The Practical Nursing program offers a flexible hybrid distance learning format, allowing most coursework online with clinical hours completed locally near the student’s home.
- Students benefit from diverse clinical experiences including hospitals, long-term care, and community-based sites, supported by a strong preceptorship model fostering clinical decision-making and autonomy.
- The program is fully approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing, enabling graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and pursue immediate employment as Licensed Practical Nurses.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $8,199 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,733 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Panola College
- The Practical Nursing program at Panola College offers a face-to-face instruction format over three semesters on two campuses, providing flexible start options in Carthage (fall) and Center (spring).
- Clinical experiences are scheduled within a 70-mile radius at varied times (days, evenings, nights, weekends), enhancing students’ exposure to diverse healthcare settings and improving clinical placement opportunities.
- Admission requires passing the HESI A2 exam with a minimum score, ensuring a high standard of student readiness, which contributes to strong program reputation and graduate competence.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,733 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 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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