Online Nursing Schools in NJ: Browsing Top Programs
Whether you are a new high school graduate or hold multiple nursing degrees, New Jersey is full of opportunities to further your nursing education. You have the opportunity to study fully or partly online with online and hybrid nursing programs, which can be convenient and help you save time and money as you earn your qualifications. Read on to look at the different online nursing programs in New Jersey to see if one might be a fit for you.
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Understanding Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Even if you know you want to pursue a hybrid or fully online nursing program in New Jersey, you still have major decisions to make. You’ll have to consider everything from the type of program to your budget for tuition, to whether you want an entirely online program or a hybrid format. Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you will take some classes and/or labs on campus or at a different site for clinical rotations even as an online student, which many New Jersey nursing schools require. Below, you’ll find the wide variety of online and hybrid nursing degrees in New Jersey, supplemented by information and example programs to help you get started in your research.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
For recent high school graduates and those looking for a career change to the medical field, undergraduate nursing programs are the best place to start in your nursing education. These can include both degrees and certificate programs. Below are the different types of undergraduate nursing programs offered in New Jersey:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified nursing assistants, known as CNAs, assist physicians and nurses in patient care. This often includes helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, eating, and movement, as well as taking vital signs and administering medicine. CNA programs can often be completed in one year or less, helping you to become a CNA quickly and conveniently.
Example: Rowan College of South Jersey
- Cost: $200/credit
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree in nursing offers a quick and relatively inexpensive introduction to the nursing profession. Usually lasting two years, ADN programs cover general education and foundational nursing topics. Students also gain hands-on clinical experience. You can register to take the NCLEX-RN exam two months before graduation.
Example: Ocean County College
- Cost: $189/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
RNs with a bachelor’s degree typically earn more and have broader career options compared to RNs with an ADN. Usually requiring four years to complete, BSN degrees use traditional coursework and hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for a nursing career. Graduates can pursue RN licensure per the requirements of their state, and many students make the transition into advanced degree programs.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,044/credit
- Length: 4 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Suppose you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated discipline but are interested in a nursing career. In that case, online accelerated BSN programs offer a practical way to earn your nursing degree and licensure. Having previously completed general education requirements, these programs focus solely on nursing topics and allow you to graduate within 18-24 months.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,044/credit
- Length: 15 Months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, you might be ready for a graduate nursing degree. These online and hybrid graduate and postgraduate nursing programs are ideal for trained nurses looking to advance into leadership roles or further specialize within nursing more broadly.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
If you already hold a BSN, an MSN program typically takes around 18 months to complete. Plus, many MSN programs admit students with an unrelated bachelor’s degree and no prior nursing experience. These programs usually take about three years to complete. Common specializations include family practitioner, gerontology, and clinical nursing leadership.
Example: Montclair State University
- Cost: $10,296/semester
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs are designed for professional nurses studying to practice at the top of their field. This track typically takes three to four years to complete. A PhD in nursing is mainly for students focused on research, academia, and policy. An online PhD program in nursing usually takes four to six years.
Example: Rutgers University
- Cost: $1,082/credit
- Length: 3-4 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
For students who completed MSNs, post-graduate certificates allow them to focus on a specific nursing topic. Common post-graduate certificates include nursing leadership, nurse education, health policy, pediatric primary care, and women’s health. Post-graduate certificates are often a helpful tool for students interested in leadership positions.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,235/credit
- Length: 1 Year
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs
If you’ve already earned some nursing credentials but want to take the next step towards another qualification, nursing bridge programs can help you utilize your credentials to save time and finish your next degree faster. Take a look at bridge degree programs available at all academic levels.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
If you’ve already become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and know that the nursing profession is for you, earning an RN or BSN is a practical way to enhance your career options and increase your pay. LPN to RN nursing programs in New Jersey typically take 12-24 months; LPN to BSN programs typically take 24-36 months.
Example: Brookdale Community College
- Cost: $158/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs in New Jersey support working nurses who have ADN degrees. This academic track builds on the knowledge and skills accumulated in previous academic work, allowing you to gain specialized knowledge and additional clinical experience. Offered with part-time and full-time options, this degree is often completed in as few as 12 months.
Example: Montclair State University
- Cost: $14,790/semester
- Length: Varies (self-paced and accelerated learning available)
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
After earning an ADN degree and RN licensure, an RN to MSN bridge degree program is a great way to boost your professional options and increase your pay. This academic track allows you to bypass a BSN degree’s traditional requirements, enabling you to secure an MSN more quickly than if you earned the degrees separately. These programs take 30-36 months to complete.
Example: William Paterson University
- Cost: $26,058.05
- Length: 18 Months
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
If you’re done with your BSN and know that you want to earn a doctorate as soon as possible, a BSN to DNP program might be a good fit. These accelerated professional doctorate programs allow you to go directly from your bachelor’s to earn your DNP as quickly as possible.
Example: William Paterson University
- Cost: $851.9/credit
- Length: 3 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
While traditional MSN programs are designed for BSN holders, direct-entry MSN programs are a little different in that they’re open to all students who hold a bachelor’s degree, even for those in non-nursing studies. These programs are ideal for those looking for a career change into nursing after finishing a degree in a different field.
Example: Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Cost: $1,235/credit
- Length: 2 Years
- Mode: Online/Hybrid
New Jersey Licensing Information & Requirements for Registered Nurses
Finishing your degree is only one portion of becoming a registered nurse in New Jersey. Because nursing comes with so many responsibilities, the process of becoming a nurse is fairly thorough. Here is a step-by-step overview of what it takes to become a New Jersey nurse:
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
First things first: completing your state-approved nursing program not only prepares you with the skills needed when entering the field, but the best nursing programs in New Jersey make sure you’re ready to ace your NCLEX-RN exam. It’s important to make sure that you choose a program that has both regional accreditation for the school as a whole, and programmatic accreditation for the nursing program specifically.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
You will have studied for the NCLEX as part of your program, and likely independently as well by employing some essential study skills. Once you have received your ATT, schedule a time for the NCLEX-RN exam and review essential testing materials. If you need special ADA accommodations, submit a letter from your physician with the diagnosis and diagnosis code, a letter from your program laying out accommodations offered, and a personal letter describing what assistance is needed during testing.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
After passing your NCLEX, it’s time to apply for your New Jersey nursing license. Requirements for nursing licensure vary from state to state, and in New Jersey, you’ll need to apply through the New Jersey Board of Nursing, which is a division of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. They will also handle the process of transferring your out-of-state nursing license, if applicable. Full details of the licensure process and requirements are available on their website.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX and are a licensed nurse in New Jersey, remember that New Jersey RNs must renew their licenses every two years. Continuing education requirements play a significant role in keeping you up-to-date with trends in the field. You must complete 30 continuing education credits throughout your two-year licensure period, including one contact hour of continuing education focusing on alternatives to opioids for treating and managing pain.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Even once you’ve attained and maintained your license for a few years, you may want additional certification. These can include finding a nursing specialization, such as nurse leadership, nursing education, healthcare informatics, and more. To attain specialized qualifications and be eligible to apply for relevant jobs, you may need to go back to school for a diploma, certificate, or advanced degree, although this will depend on the specialization in question.
Career & Salary Potential for New Jersey’s Registered Nurses
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $81,670 | $102,730 | $130,540 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $78,820 | $99,680 | $117,750 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $80,790 | $97,640 | $120,390 |
| Vineland, NJ | $79,720 | $99,340 | $119,360 |
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 |
| New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking New Jersey’s Best Online Nursing Programs
While the “best” online nursing program in New Jersey will be highly dependent on your personal circumstances, the rankings below take multiple factors into account based on data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). While the full details can be viewed in the methodology tab, the ranking system considers availability and ease of online learning, student services and resources, tuition and financial aid opportunities, and graduation rates and time to completion. Here is EduMed’s ranking of the top online nursing programs in New Jersey:
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $23,655 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Felician University
- Felician University's ABSN program offers a 20% tuition discount through the EdAssist program for full-time employees at participating employers, making it financially attractive for working students.
- The program features an accelerated completion option, allowing students with a previous bachelor’s degree or 60+ college credits to finish the nursing degree in as little as 16 months online or 18 months on-ground.
- Felician University automatically considers all admitted international nursing students for substantial academic scholarships, ranging from $4,000 to $20,000 based on qualifications, enhancing affordability and access for global learners.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $23,655 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $9,371 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rutgers University-Camden
- The Rutgers School of Nursing RN to BS program allows students to complete most coursework online asynchronously, offering flexible scheduling ideal for working nurses aiming to advance their education quickly, with program completion possible in as little as one year full-time.
- Students can transfer up to 60 credits from an accredited associate’s degree or diploma nursing program, including 33 credits awarded upon passing the NCLEX, significantly reducing time and cost to earn a BSN degree.
- The program offers an option to earn 12 graduate credits toward an advanced nursing degree while completing the RN to BSN, accelerating professional development and future academic progress.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $9,371 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $6,370 Avg. Aid Amount
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stockton University
- Stockton University’s Nursing program offers an accelerated second-degree BSN option with spring start cohorts, allowing faster completion for career changers.
- The program includes dedicated clinical preceptorships with faculty guidance, fostering hands-on experiential learning and professional accountability.
- Stockton embraces a competency-based curriculum aligned with AACN Essentials, integrating advanced clinical judgment, ethics, and inclusive care for well-rounded nurse preparation.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $6,370 Avg. Aid Amount
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $7,451 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rowan University
- Rowan University's RN to BSN program offers an online format designed for minimal interruption to work or personal life, enabling flexible part-time completion.
- The program awards 30 nursing credits upon matriculation for graduates of accredited associate degree or diploma nursing programs, facilitating accelerated progress toward the BSN.
- Students receive six graduate credits as part of the curriculum, providing a direct pathway if they plan to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $7,451 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $21,981 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rider University
- Rider University’s Online RN-BSN program requires no separate clinical hours, integrating clinical experiences into coursework for added flexibility and convenience.
- The program offers multiple start dates per year allowing students to begin on a schedule that best fits their lives.
- Students benefit from an accelerated format enabling completion part-time in as few as five semesters.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $21,981 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $21,434 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Georgian Court University
- Georgian Court University's Nursing program offers real-world clinical placements and networking opportunities through its partnership with the Hackensack Meridian health network, providing access to cutting-edge health technology and diverse clinical settings.
- The program emphasizes development of strong collaboration, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills alongside rigorous academic coursework, preparing students comprehensively for success as registered nurses.
- Georgian Court University is investing in a new, state-of-the-art center for nursing and health studies to expand training capacity and meet the nationwide shortage of nurses, demonstrating commitment to innovative educational facilities and growth.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $21,434 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJProgram Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $10,408 Avg. Aid Amount
- 84% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Rutgers School of Nursing offers a unique 2+2 BSN program at Blackwood, NJ, allowing students to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing in just two years after prerequisite coursework, the only program of its kind in New Jersey.
- Students train in state-of-the-art, high-fidelity simulation labs that provide realistic patient care scenarios, enhancing clinical judgment, teamwork, and communication skills before clinical rotations in top New Jersey health care settings.
- The School of Nursing includes distinguished, globally recognized faculty who lead collaborative research and are highly published, ensuring students learn from experts advancing nursing science and evidence-based healthcare.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $10,408 Avg. Aid Amount
- 84% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $25,197 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Peter’s University
- Saint Peter's Nursing program offers a Dedicated Education Unit model that pairs students one-on-two with staff nurse mentors for enhanced clinical learning in diverse specialty units.
- The program provides access to continuous professional development including ongoing training with cutting-edge simulation technology covered by the university and clinical educators.
- Students benefit from an accelerated nursing track allowing completion of the BSN degree in as little as 15 months, facilitating faster entry into the workforce.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $25,197 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $22,722 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Caldwell University
- Caldwell University’s RN to BSN program offers a substantial tuition discount of 57.5%, reducing per-credit cost to $545, making it highly affordable for licensed registered nurses seeking degree advancement.
- The Nursing program integrates advanced simulation opportunities through collaboration with the Healthcare Foundation of NJ, enhancing clinical skills in realistic, state-of-the-art environments.
- Students benefit from accelerated, flexible learning options including 7-week modules that allow BSN completion in as few as 12 months, accommodating working professionals’ schedules.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $22,722 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $7,416 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected William Paterson University of New Jersey
- William Paterson University’s Nursing program offers a fully online RN to BSN degree with affordable pay-by-the-course tuition that includes nursing course fees, providing flexible and cost-effective education options.
- The program benefits from strong clinical partnerships with Atlantic Health System, offering students frequent, hands-on clinical experiences at major health facilities like Morristown and Overlook hospitals.
- Its School of Nursing has six patient simulation labs featuring lifelike mannequins, allowing students to develop practical skills and communication techniques in realistic, controlled environments.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $7,416 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 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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