Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs: Reviewing Low-Cost Schools
Learn about low-cost accredited online RN programs that work with your budget. Let EduMed show you affordable options from quality institutions, and share innovative ways to reduce tuition, fees, and material costs. Read out about financial aid, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement, and more.
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Profiles of Affordable Online Nursing Programs
When choosing an online nursing program, affordability is often the deciding factor. Beyond tuition, students should consider multiple costs in mind, including:
- Required fees, supplies, and textbooks
- Travel for clinicals
- Potential loss of income if reducing work hours
To support budget-conscious students, we’ve highlighted three online nursing programs that balance quality education with lower costs. Each profile offers insight into what makes these programs affordable and serves as a helpful starting point as you compare other schools.
University of Cincinnati
The online RN to BSN program from the University of Cincinnati is designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers. Offered with flexible scheduling, the program allows you to complete your degree at your own pace while gaining practical experience.
Coursework focuses on leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, positioning you for a variety of jobs in healthcare.
Tuition and Fees:
RN to BSN
- $7,336 per semester, resident
- $7,516 per semester, non-resident
MSN (Tuition calculated by specialty and residency status)
- $45,585, residents and $46,350, non-residents for Family Nurse Practitioner specialty (includes general and campus life fees)
Financial Aid:
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
- Provides five-year loans of up to $35,000 per year to cover tuition, fees, books, and other education expenses. Up to 85% of the loan and interest can be canceled if the recipient works as a full-time nursing faculty member at an accredited nursing school.
Nursing Student Loans
- Students offered a Nursing Student Loan can use this program to fund their education. They must complete the appropriate master promissory note and associated paperwork.
Scholarships
- Helene Fuld Health Trust Scholarship, offered twice a year to current and incoming Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN students.
- GIA award, open to current students at the beginning of each spring semester.
State of Ohio scholarships
- Available to incoming first-year students in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) academic programs.
Payment plans
- Payment plans allow students to spread tuition and fee payments across a semester.
Additional Costs:
- Administrative Distance Learning Fee: $275 per quarter
- Bloodborne Pathogen Insurance: $37 per year
- Online Learning Fee: $57 per credit, capped at $563 per semester for the Post-MSN Certificate Program
- Stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, Analog wristwatch with a second hand, and UC scrubs and shoes.
The Ohio State University
At Ohio State, you can pursue online nursing programs, including an online master’s in nursing, which prepare you for diverse healthcare careers. Combining rigorous online coursework with clinical training, these accredited programs offer quality education, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
Tuition and Fees:
- $507.50 per credit hour (25% lower during summer semester)
Financial Aid:
- Grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study
Additional Costs:
Application fees
- $60 (RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Education programs)
Equipment and supplies
- $150–$250 for equipment, such as a stethoscope
- $350 for a personal mobile device
- $150 for two sets of scrubs
- $35 for a white lab jacket
Other costs
- $228 Nursing Distance Learning Fee in place of the Learning Technology Fee
- $100 university Distance Learning Fee
- $62 background check fee
- $1,200 “Readiness Test” fee for first-year students
- $575 nursing insurance fee for midwifery students per year
Maryville University
Maryville University offers a variety of online nursing programs, including RN to BSN, MSN with various specializations, Post-Master’s NP certificates, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Designed for working nurses, these CCNE-accredited programs offer 100% online coursework and flexible scheduling. Maryville also provides financial aid options to help students manage costs.
Tuition and Fees:
- $16,200–$69,600, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- $35,383–$43,150, Master of Science in Nursing
- $61,456–$69,223, Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP)
- $17,709–$37,14, Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Financial Aid:
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines need-based aid
- The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $18,384 in Fall 2022
- The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $14,641
Additional Costs:
Technology fees
- $425 per semester (online bachelor’s programs)
- 725 per semester (online master’s and doctorate programs
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Comparing Cost: Campus vs. Online Nursing Programs
Choosing between online and on-campus nursing programs often comes down to convenience and cost. While tuition may be similar, additional expenses can vary:
- Online programs: Save on commuting, parking, and housing, but may include technology or support fees.
- On-campus programs: May have higher costs for transportation, meals, and housing, but offer more face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty.
The most affordable option depends on your priorities. Compare tuition, fees, and living costs carefully to determine which format best fits your budget and lifestyle.
How to Lower the Cost of Your Online Nursing Degree
Maintain Part-Time Employment
- Begin Your Search Early: Review funding options as soon as you can.
- Explore Everything: Look for scholarships from various sources (professional organizations, foundations, schools).
- Target Your Search: Focus on scholarships that match your background.
- Apply Strong: Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and write compelling essays.
- Meet Deadlines: Submit everything on time.
Maintain Part-Time Employment
- Part-time Work Helps with Costs: Even a few hours each week can make a difference in your budget.
- Flexible Work is Key: Find a job that accommodates your school schedule.
- Gain Experience: Consider CNA or home health aide roles for relevant experience.
- Other Options: Explore online tutoring or freelance work to use your skills.
Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement
- Check for Employer Tuition Programs: See if your company offers tuition reimbursement or assistance.
- Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs: Employer programs can significantly lower your personal expenses.
- Contact HR for Details: Inquire about program specifics like eligible expenses and GPA requirements.
- Explore Payment Options: Some employers offer upfront payments or direct billing to your school.
Utilize Discounts for Nursing Students
- Many Discounts Exist: Nursing students can find numerous discounts on essential items.
- Wide Range of Products: Discounts are available on technology, software, medical supplies, scrubs, and more.
- Check with Your School: Your school may offer exclusive discounts for nursing students.
- Professional Organizations: Nursing organizations often partner with companies to provide discounts to members.
- Retailers and Brands: Many retailers and brands offer student discounts with a valid ID.
Ranking the Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs
EduMed’s data science and editorial teams have worked together to rank today’s most affordable online nursing programs. The ranking leans on key factors such as tuition, fees, student outcomes, and availability of financial aid. Each qualifying school and program represents a solid combination of quality, flexibility, and affordability for aspiring nursing students. For a detailed description of our method, click the “About the Ranking” button.
# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
Colby-Sawyer College’s MSN program offers three tracks: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education, and Nursing Management & Executive Leadership. Designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs, it prepares graduates for advanced roles in healthcare or academic settings. Courses are asynchronous online with clinical experiences completed locally. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and competitively priced at $600 per credit.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $37,454 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Colby-Sawyer College
- The MSN program offers a Rural Health Careers Scholarship providing eligible students up to $5,000 in tuition support if employed at a rural healthcare facility in New Hampshire.
- Nursing courses are delivered in an asynchronous online 8-week format, designed to accommodate adult learners with current nursing experience, allowing flexible study schedules.
- The program includes a Clinical Nurse Leader capstone requiring 180 hours in a clinical environment, emphasizing hands-on leadership, clinical outcomes management, and quality improvement projects.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $37,454 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Kent State University’s Nursing program offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion track designed for registered nurses seeking advanced education. It includes required coursework in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and a professional practice capstone. The curriculum integrates diversity, writing-intensive, and experiential learning components, totaling 120 credit hours, including transfer credits and general education prerequisites. Academic advising supports course planning and degree completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kent State University at Kent
- Kent State’s online RN-to-BSN program offers 100% online flexible scheduling with individualized academic advising for part-time and full-time students.
- The Accelerated 15-month BSN track includes clinical experiences at top healthcare systems such as Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
- Kent State provides access to leading-edge simulation technology integrated throughout nursing courses, enhancing clinical skills development.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $7,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Union University’s RN-BSN program enables registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with 61 hours of general education and 27 hours of nursing courses. It awards 37 nursing credits after completing NUR 419 and requires 30 hours at Union for degree completion. The program is accredited and approved by nursing authorities and includes courses in research, leadership, and health assessment.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $24,006 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Union University
- The University of Utah's RN to BSN program offers personalized academic advising and direct admission pathways that eliminate competitive stress, enabling streamlined progression for eligible students.
- Students benefit from extensive interprofessional training alongside future doctors and pharmacists within a leading medical center, enhancing clinical readiness and teamwork skills.
- The College of Nursing provides diverse clinical experiences across multiple specialties and settings, including hospitals and community health, to ensure comprehensive hands-on nursing practice.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $24,006 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Madonna University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, leadership, and healthcare policy. It prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage acute and chronic conditions across diverse adult populations. The curriculum includes a DNP project and clinical practice with 600 patient care hours, fostering readiness for certification and leadership roles in healthcare delivery, education, or administration.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $16,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Madonna University
- Madonna University’s Nursing DNP program offers a blended course delivery format, combining online, hybrid, and on-campus classes, allowing flexible learning tailored to student needs.
- Students complete 600 clinical hours with hands-on skill development in diverse outpatient settings, ensuring high-quality practical experience and clinical readiness.
- The program enables graduates to obtain certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Commission or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and gain Nurse Practitioner specialty certification by the State of Michigan concurrent with MSN completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $16,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Salem State University’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Education prepares nurses with a BSN for roles in nursing education. The program requires completion of four courses including curriculum development, teaching and learning in nursing, and field experience. Admission requires an RN license, a BSN from an accredited program, and an interview with the program coordinator. Recent experience in nursing research and statistics is recommended.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $3,543 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Salem State University
- The Nursing Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate at Salem State offers a guided Plan of Study tailored individually with a program coordinator, ensuring personalized academic support and progress monitoring.
- The program requires an active Massachusetts RN license for admission, aligning credential requirements with regional professional standards to facilitate local clinical and teaching opportunities.
- Application is accepted on a rolling basis with a modest $50 non-refundable fee, providing flexible enrollment timing and an accessible application process for working RNs.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $3,543 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Truman State University’s Nursing program offers a comprehensive curriculum integrating biological sciences, ethics, and developmental psychology to prepare students for clinical practice. It includes courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and nutrition, alongside formative clinical skills like assessment and fundamentals. Students complete a broad liberal arts education and must maintain a cumulative nursing GPA of 2.5 or above.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $8,735 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Truman State University
- Truman State’s Nursing program offers an accelerated BSN option that allows students with a prior degree to complete their nursing degree in just 15 months.
- The program provides wide-ranging clinical experiences through partnerships with local hospitals and schools, enhancing practical learning opportunities.
- Nursing students benefit from a direct-entry option enabling them to begin nursing coursework starting in their freshman year, integrating theory and practice early.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $8,735 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
7
7
Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, TN 34% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
100% Students w/ Aid
The BSN to DNP program at Southern Adventist University offers a fast-tracked path to a doctoral degree for registered nurses with a bachelor’s in nursing, requiring at least two years (4,000 hours) of nursing experience before DNP practicum. It includes a primary emphasis of choice plus a secondary emphasis or electives, totaling 77 credit hours. Several emphases, including Nurse Educator and Lifestyle Medicine, are fully online, while others blend online and limited face-to-face classes. Annual DNP seminars alternate between on-campus and online.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $9,922 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southern Adventist University
- Southern University’s BS-to-DNP program offers an accelerated pathway that reduces time to degree completion for qualified students.
- The program provides extensive clinical practicum experiences (500 required hours) designed with faculty advisors to integrate advanced DNP competencies practically.
- Students benefit from faculty expertise focused on leadership and evidence-based practice to prepare them for executive roles in clinical nursing and healthcare innovation.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $9,922 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
8
8
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR 69% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
97% Students w/ Aid
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers an RN-to-BSN program that builds on foundational nursing knowledge and liberal arts, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership, healthcare policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Key competencies include clinical reasoning, therapeutic communication, information technology application, and ethical decision-making to prepare graduates for diverse healthcare roles focused on safe, culturally sensitive, and quality care delivery.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,974 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- The UAPB Nursing program offers two distinct tracks—Pre-licensure and RN-to-BSN—with flexible hybrid options designed for working nurses seeking career advancement while maintaining employment.
- Students benefit from affordable tuition rates and cost-effective training at a historically black college, reducing financial burdens without compromising the quality of clinical and leadership education.
- The program emphasizes leadership development, clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy knowledge, preparing graduates for high-quality patient care and advanced nursing roles.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,974 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Trinity Christian College’s nursing program prepares academically and clinically excellent generalist nurses with a Christian perspective, emphasizing hands-on experience and diverse clinical opportunities. It features a state-of-the-art simulation lab, a 100% NCLEX pass rate, and strong graduate employment. The program integrates early health assessment coursework with clinical practice and offers a supportive faculty committed to student success in a holistic care approach.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $24,711 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Trinity Christian College
- The Nursing program provides hands-on clinical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic through in-person patient care with full PPE, ensuring students gain real-world nursing skills despite pandemic challenges.
- The program is led by dedicated faculty, notably Department Chair Tina Decker, who actively secured clinical opportunities for students to prepare them fully for their nursing careers.
- Students benefit from close faculty support and a personalized learning environment where staff truly care for student success and readiness for the nursing profession.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $24,711 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
College of Saint Mary’s RN to BSN hybrid program allows completion in as little as two semesters by attending nursing courses one day a week. Designed for working professionals, it requires 128 total credit hours, combining transfer and CSM credits. The curriculum builds on prior nursing degrees, supported by advanced clinical and simulation labs. The program is fully accredited by ACEN and ranked among the nation’s best hybrid RN-BSN programs.
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's RN to BSN Hybrid Program allows students to complete the degree in as little as two semesters by attending one-day-a-week hybrid classes, ideal for working professionals.
- The program features state-of-the-art Clinical Nursing and Simulation Labs with advanced technology, including medium and high fidelity patient simulators and automated medication dispensing systems.
- College of Saint Mary is nationally recognized for nursing education, ranked among the best-value nursing colleges and named No. 2 Best College for Nursing in Nebraska, enhancing career prospects and credibility.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $15,852 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
X
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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