Online Nursing Schools in IN: Learning About Top Programs
Good nurses make all the difference in healthcare. Not only do they provide some of the most valuable services, but patient care would be virtually impossible without them. This guide looks at the best nursing schools in Indiana and can help you find the online or campus program that best meets your education and career goals. You also learn about nursing salaries across the state and financial aid opportunities that can help lower the cost of nursing school altogether.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingMedical Assisting EditorialSenior CareDementia CareWhy Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Indiana’s Nursing Programs Online: A Breakdown
Nursing schools in Indiana have a wide range of programs available, from six-week CNA courses through six-year doctoral programs. This variety gives current and aspiring nurses a great chance to find and choose the right program for them. Students can also select programs with online learning components, which make the academic portions of the programs more convenient than traditional models. However, most online programs require students to complete hands-on clinical training at an approved facility – the exception being bridge programs and some advanced nursing programs where students are already fully licensed.
With so many options for nurses in Indiana, it can be difficult to weed through the noise. Let’s review each nursing degree level and look at how actual schools in the state approach them.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs – Online & Hybrid Models
Undergraduate nursing programs lead to entry-level nursing professions like that of a certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, or registered nurse. They can take anywhere from a few months to four years to complete and prepare students for licensure and registration in the state. These programs include CNA certificates, LPN diplomas, RN diplomas, LPN-RN or LPN to ADN degrees, RN to BSN degrees, and traditional BSN degrees and direct-entry BSN degrees.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you are hoping to start your career as a CNA, there are countless programs, both in-person and online, that can help jumpstart your healthcare journey. As respected members of a healthcare team, CNAs support registered and practical nurses by performing duties such as dressing, bathing, and transporting patients. If you’re considering a career as a CNA, you’ve got a wide range of education and training options available to you.
Example: State Fair Community College – Nurse Aide
- Cost: $314/credit
- Length: 16.5 – 31.5 credit hours (1-2 semesters), depending on certificate level
- Mode: Online or on-campus
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work with patients in a variety of routine care and emergency medical settings. Although they perform many of the same duties as CNAs, their scope of work goes beyond CNAs to include minor surgeries, injections, dressing wounds, and other more intense procedures. LPNs often work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Example: Ivy Tech Community College – Licensed Practical Nurse
- Cost: $8,027 total
- Length: 45 credit hours (3 semesters)
- Mode: Blended or Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs are associate degrees in nursing and are designed for individuals with no prior nursing experience. They are typically two-year programs that provide the essential skills and experience for pursuing work as an RN. Upon completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, graduates work in clinics, home health, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities.
Example: Purdue Global – Associate of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $315/credit
- Length: 1.5 years
- Mode: Online, with lab locations across Indiana for required lab/simulation work
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Traditional bachelor’s nursing programs (BSNs) are for students wanting to get the highest undergraduate degree before they start work as a registered nurse. While you don’t need a BSN to work as an RN, a bachelor’s degree may allow you to take on more responsibility and earn a higher wage. BSN degrees usually take four years to complete.
Example: Chamberlain University – BSN
- Cost: $31,000 (average cost after receiving financial aid)
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN degrees are for students who do not have RN licenses but who want to earn bachelor’s degrees in nursing. These programs are typically structured for students who already have bachelor’s degrees in another area. Students can often finish accelerated BSNs in one year (three consecutive semesters).
Example: Anderson University – Accelerated BSN
- Cost: $670/credit
- Length: 60-62 credit hours (5 semesters)
- Mode: Hybrid
Master’s and Doctoral Degree Programs
Graduate and post-graduate nursing degrees are for nurses looking for additional responsibility, higher salaries, and specialized learning. They can take anywhere from one semester (graduate certificate) to 3-4 years (DNP). These programs include graduate certificates, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a PhD in Nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced degree for registered nurses seeking to enhance their clinical, leadership, or educational skills, and often leads to increased responsibility. An MSN also provides nurses with the opportunity to specialize and become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or nurse leaders. MSNs typically take 1-2 years to complete.
Example: Elmhurst University – Online Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing
- Cost: $845/credit (roughly $60,000)
- Length: 71 credits (20 months)
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral nursing programs are for individuals who already possess MSNs. DNP and PhD doctoral programs lead toward different types of careers. A DNP prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare settings and is considered a nursing practice degree. The PhD in nursing is a research degree that helps students advance knowledge and theories in the field to inform nursing practice.
Example: University of Indianapolis – DNP
- Cost: $806/credit
- Length: 30-62 credits (2-4 years, depending on previous education level)
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Going a step beyond earning a master’s degree, graduate certificates help develop specialized knowledge in a particular area of the field without needing to earn an entire degree. Popular post-graduate certificates include adult gerontology, family nurse practitioner, healthcare informatics, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Example: University of Indianapolis – Nurse Leader Graduate Certificate
- Cost: $530/credit
- Length: 9 credits (one semester)
- Mode: Online
Nursing Bridge Programs
Bridge programs are designed to help students reach the next level of nursing faster than they would traditionally. These programs include LPN to RN, LPN to BSN, RN to MSN, direct-entry MSN, and BSN to DNP. These programs give college credit for prior learning and experience and can take anywhere from one to four years, depending on the chosen path.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Designed for students who have licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) credentials, LVN-to-RN and LVN-to-BSN programs are for individuals who want to become registered nurses as quickly as possible. These online programs give students credit for prior learning and experience and provide the clinical skills and hands-on knowledge needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Example: Indiana State University – LPN/LVN to BSN
- Cost: $9,900 – $11,600/year depending on number of credits taken
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Online
RN to BSN
For students who already possess a diploma or associate degree in nursing, the RN-to-BSN program helps students complete enough credits to earn their bachelor’s degrees in nursing. They are often available entirely online, and those who already have experience working as registered nurses can typically complete these programs in as few as 12 months.
Example: Indiana University – RN to BSN
- Cost: $350/credit
- Length: 18-24 months
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
If you’re looking to move right through both the BSN and MSN degrees in one program, look for RN-to-MSN programs. These programs usually take three years to complete and are for registered nurses who already have diplomas or associate degrees in nursing. Your credentials must come from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited school, and you’ll need an unencumbered RN license in Indiana to be accepted into the program.
Example: Ball State University – MSN
- Cost: $6,000/semester (based on a 12-credit semester class load)
- Length: 50-58 credit hours (about 2-3 years)
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
The transition from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a crucial step for those seeking to influence healthcare at the most impactful level. The right BSN to DNP bridge program can set the stage for this ultimate career leap, blending advanced clinical expertise with leadership skills.
Example: Indiana State University – BSN-DNP Online
- Cost: $46-$601/credit, depending on residency status
- Length: 2-3 years
- Mode: Online
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs are for non-nursing majors and are designed for career changers and other individuals who have a bachelor’s degree but no prior nursing experience. These programs provide a straight path to becoming a professional nurse while awarding an advanced degree at the same time. Online direct-entry MSN programs offer an additional level of flexibility and convenience not usually available with traditional fully on-campus programs.
Example: Herzing University – Online MSN Direct Entry
- Cost: $50,000 – $70,000 total, depending on the amount of credits transferred
- Length: 20-24 months
- Mode: Online
Nursing Requirements in Indiana
To become a registered nurse in Indiana, you’ll need to apply through the Indiana State Board of Nursing to be officially recognized. This governmental agency enforces all state laws related to nursing education, practice, and licensure in the state. The following step-by-step guide details the requirements for becoming a first-time RN in Indiana.
1 – Earn Your Nursing Degree (with Proper Accreditation)
The first step toward RN licensure is completing a state-approved nursing degree from an accredited institution. To become an RN, you’ll need to complete a diploma, ADN or BSN program. Whichever you choose, you’ll need to ensure it’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring your program meets a high standard of quality. These programs often include online or in-person coursework along with hands-on clinical experiences.
2 – Initiate the State Licensure Process
At this point, states usually have students register for the NCLEX-RN exam, but in Indiana, you need to first visit the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) to submit an application for licensure and pay for a criminal background check. Be prepared to pay the $50 fee and submit a high school diploma or equivalent and proof that you completed an approved nursing program. This application determines your eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
3 – Complete the NCLEX Exam with Success
Note that the NCLEX-RN exam is a nationwide test, so a passing score is valid in Indiana and all other states in the U.S. The NCLEX-RN exam is a computerized, pass-fail test comprising four main subject areas: safe and effective care environments, psychosocial integrity, health promotion and maintenance, and physiological integrity. You’ll receive anywhere from 74-145 questions, including 15 pre-test questions.
When you pass the test, a copy of your license will be sent digitally to your registered email address.
4 – Ensure Ongoing Licensure
Indiana RN licenses expire on October 31st of odd-numbered years. Licenses that are expired for 18 months or less can be renewed online with a $50 fee. There are no continuing education requirements for RNs in Indiana as of February 2025, though students hoping to keep up on the latest developments in nursing may benefit from seeking out continuing education credits through the American Nurses Association.
5 – Obtain Certifications in Specific Disciplines (Optional)
Becoming licensed in Indiana as a registered nurse doesn’t have to be the end of the road. There are many nurses who decide to pursue graduate degrees or specialty certificates to learn more about specific healthcare areas. You can receive certifications in areas such as ambulatory care, nurse practitioner, gerontological nursing, pain management, pediatric nursing, and so many more. You can find these certifications on the American Nurses Credentialing Center website.
Overview of Career & Salary Trends for Registered Nurses in Indiana
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $63,720 | $80,740 | $103,820 |
| Bloomington, IN | $63,060 | $78,320 | $100,360 |
| Columbus, IN | $60,620 | $76,160 | $95,390 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $62,580 | $81,450 | $136,300 |
| Evansville, IN | $59,490 | $79,040 | $100,080 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $63,780 | $77,690 | $97,740 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $66,340 | $81,310 | $105,480 |
| Kokomo, IN | $62,620 | $84,880 | $105,160 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $64,600 | $77,340 | $96,710 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $62,090 | $79,470 | $97,760 |
| Muncie, IN | $63,010 | $77,970 | $98,720 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $63,720 | $85,660 | $136,430 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $63,010 | $79,140 | $96,600 |
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 |
| Indiana | 67,390 | 71,020 | 3,630 | 5.40% | 4,090 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Today’s Best Online Nursing Programs in Indiana
Choosing the best nursing program for you can be difficult, which is why we researched, analyzed, and evaluated every nursing school in Indiana. We’ve ranked them based on a variety of factors, including accreditation, tuition cost, student-to-faculty ratios, and more. Click the methodology pop-up above for a more detailed look at how we ranked them, and see which schools stand out below.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,239 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected IU Indianapolis
- Indiana University School of Nursing offers an accelerated second-degree BSN track for individuals with a prior bachelor’s degree, enabling faster entry into nursing careers.
- The IU School of Nursing features world-leading simulation centers that provide hands-on clinical experience in both trauma rooms and rural clinics.
- As the first U.S. school designated a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in two categories, IU demonstrates exceptional faculty expertise and pedagogical innovation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,239 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, INProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,124 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Southern Indiana
- The University of Southern Indiana Nursing program offers personalized faculty attention from award-winning instructors with extensive clinical and classroom experience, enhancing academic and career success.
- USI provides numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options aimed at making nursing education more affordable and accessible for students.
- The program ensures high-quality clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings, preparing students for professional nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,124 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 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
- Saint Francis University's Nursing program offers a BSN Second Degree Track with a 100% first-time pass rate and small clinical groups (1-8 faculty-student ratio) for personalized learning.
- Students gain over 900 hours of supervised clinical and community nursing experience in diverse real-world healthcare settings, enhancing practical skills and professional readiness.
- The program features a state-of-the-art Health Science Experiential Learning Commons with advanced simulation suites, including mock emergency and intensive care rooms, for immersive hands-on training.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $19,379 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,875 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ball State University
- Ball State University's RN to BSN program offers flexible three- or six-semester options that accommodate full-time or part-time study schedules, fitting the busy lives of working nurses.
- The program allows students to complete all 180 clinical hours locally in their current healthcare settings, providing practical exposure while eliminating the need for travel to campus for clinical placements.
- Students transferring from Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University can begin the BSN program with junior status, often transferring at least 30 credits, which accelerates degree completion and reduces tuition costs.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,875 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $22,844 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Anderson University
- Anderson University’s School of Nursing features the only cadaver lab in South Carolina dedicated exclusively to nursing students, providing unparalleled hands-on anatomical learning.
- The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program enables adults with previous college credit to earn a BSN in as little as 15 months, fast-tracking entry into nursing careers.
- All nursing faculty are actively working nurses, ensuring students learn current clinical best practices from experienced professionals who integrate teaching with real-world nursing.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $22,844 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, INProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,205 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- The Nursing program offers a highly flexible online format that allows paramedics to remain employed while completing their BSN degree, accommodating varied work schedules with minimal required campus visits.
- Students complete clinical experiences locally with approved preceptors in their home area, creating opportunities for clinical placements that can lead directly to employment in nearby nursing departments.
- The program benefits from strong community partnerships, such as a $250,000 gift from Union Health Systems, supporting program expansion and increasing cohort sizes, reflecting employer investment and potential job network advantages.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,205 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, INProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $23,068 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Indianapolis
- UIndy’s Nursing program boasts an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support for each nursing student.
- The program offers consistently higher-than-national-average NCLEX pass rates, reflecting strong preparation and academic excellence.
- Working nurses benefit from a hybrid MSN format with dedicated assistance securing clinical placements in central Indiana.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $23,068 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $30,595 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Evansville
- The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (A-BSN) program at the University of Evansville allows students with a prior bachelor's degree to complete their BSN in as little as 16 months, enabling a rapid career transition into nursing.
- This program directly addresses the local nursing shortage in partnership with major healthcare employers like Deaconess Healthcare and Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, increasing graduate demand and clinical placement opportunities.
- University of Evansville nursing graduates have a national-average or higher NCLEX pass rate, and 100% are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months, demonstrating strong job placement outcomes.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $30,595 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,831 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Indiana University-Southeast
- The IU Southeast RN to BSN program offers accelerated completion options, allowing students to graduate in as little as 12 months through an innovative curriculum designed for busy nurses.
- Students benefit from a statewide consortium of eight IU School of Nursing campuses, providing access to expert faculty who are both experienced clinicians and skilled teachers, maximizing learning resources and networking opportunities.
- The program recognizes and awards credit for prior learning—including military service, volunteer experience, and non-credit training—enabling nurses to complete their BSN degree more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,831 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $8,075 Avg. Aid Amount
- 83% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Purdue University
- Purdue's Nursing program offers a direct-admit undergraduate track with extensive hands-on learning using state-of-the-art simulators and diverse clinical placements enhancing real-world readiness.
- The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program features a collaborative environment with interdisciplinary internships and flexible study options, allowing part-time study while maintaining professional employment.
- Students benefit from strategic leadership opportunities within nurse-managed clinics and partnerships with regional healthcare facilities, supporting clinical leadership experience and career advancement.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $8,075 Avg. Aid Amount
- 83% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 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
Keep Learning
CNA Classes Online in Indiana: Review & Compare Top Programs
Online Nursing Schools in IN: Learning About Top Programs
Online Resources & Scholarships for CNA Students | EduMed.org
