If you’re searching for the cheapest accredited online nursing degrees, it’s important to understand that choosing a nursing degree online involves much more than just cost. It’s a huge career decision that demands solid research and consideration of your long-term career and academic ambitions.
The healthcare sector is vast and evolving rapidly in 2025, with online education playing a major role in opening up flexible learning pathways for aspiring nurses worldwide. Whether you’re aiming for a specialist role or keeping doors open for postgraduate options like an MSN or DNP, your choice of degree must be aligned with these goals from the outset.
Let’s explore the key aspects to consider when choosing the best nursing degree online in 2025.
1. Degree Specialty
The nursing profession offers a wide range of specialties, from pediatrics and oncology to mental health and geriatric care. It’s critical to identify which specialty you want to pursue, as every institution designs its curricula to support specific career tracks.
When evaluating programs, ask yourself: Will this degree support my target nursing specialty? And if you plan to pursue further studies, will it be recognized for postgraduate qualifications like an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice?
For learners keen on foundational nursing programs, some platforms like Coursera and edX now partner with accredited universities to offer pre-nursing essentials and healthcare fundamentals online — ideal stepping stones before committing to a specialty.
2. Duration
Program duration remains a vital consideration. A standard BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program online typically takes up to four years, while accelerated options and RN-to-BSN bridge programs can cut that time in half.
Some accredited platforms now offer fast-track options like 1 year nursing program online tracks designed for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) seeking to upgrade qualifications quickly. Keep in mind, however, these programs often come with intense coursework and clinical requirements, so you’ll need to assess whether this pace suits your life and work commitments.
3. Cost
Cost remains one of the biggest deciding factors when selecting an online nursing degree. Ideally, your search should start by identifying inexpensive nursing schools offering accredited online programs within your budget.
While tuition varies widely, community colleges and public universities tend to be more affordable than private institutions. Well-regarded options like University of the People (UoPeople) have gained attention for offering tuition-free online degrees (with low assessment fees), making them a solid contender for cost-conscious students.
When your preferred program is out of financial reach, be proactive about exploring nursing scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance programs. Many platforms, including Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, also offer supplementary healthcare and nursing-related certifications that can enhance your skills without breaking the bank.
4. Institution Credibility
Never compromise on accreditation. In 2025, accreditation matters more than ever — not only does it validate the quality of education you’re receiving, but it also directly impacts your eligibility for licensure and employment opportunities.
A degree from an accredited institution ensures that your qualifications will be recognized in the job market and makes it easier to transfer credits if needed. Look for schools approved by regional accrediting bodies or national nursing education organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Platforms like Coursera and edX now partner exclusively with accredited universities for their degree programs, giving students an additional layer of assurance.
How Much Does an Online Nursing Degree Cost?
This is one of the most important questions anyone considering a nursing degree online should ask upfront. The cost factor can heavily influence your decision, especially when navigating between various specialties and pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN) or advancing your credentials.
In 2025, with the growing flexibility of online learning, tuition ranges have diversified. Factors like institution type (public, private, non-profit), program format (accelerated or standard pace), and included resources like clinical placement services all affect the final cost.
Before narrowing your choices, work out the exact nursing specialty you want to pursue and then consider the financial implications carefully. Regardless of your ambitions, affordability will determine what’s realistically achievable — unless, of course, you qualify for scholarships or tuition aid programs.
Average Tuition Costs for Accredited Online Nursing Degrees
Today, students can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $450 per credit hour for online RN-to-BSN programs, depending on the institution. Community colleges and public universities typically charge on the lower end, while private, for-profit schools tend to sit at the higher end.
For example, University of the People (UoPeople) continues to be one of the most affordable accredited online options worldwide, offering tuition-free degree programs with nominal assessment fees — around $2,400 total for a bachelor’s degree. This makes it a solid choice for students needing to manage costs without compromising accreditation.
Many universities now offer degree completion options for working nurses, such as Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Capella University, both of which provide flexible, accredited online nursing programs tailored to adult learners and professionals.
If you’re not yet ready to enroll in a full degree, several platforms now offer Online pre nursing programs through Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn. These provide essential prerequisites like anatomy, biology, and human physiology, often at lower costs or with financial aid options — an excellent way to reduce your total degree expense.
What Does It Cost to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)?
For those starting from scratch, becoming a registered nurse involves completing an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a diploma program, or a full bachelor’s degree. The cost varies by pathway:
Cost to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Additional costs to consider include clinical fees, textbooks, technology fees, licensing exam fees, and clinical placement arrangements.
Saving on Nursing Education
To minimize expenses, prospective nurses should explore community colleges for their initial RN qualifications and then pursue online RN-to-BSN options with cost-effective providers like Walden University, SNHU, or Capella University.
Another increasingly popular route is to complete general education and science prerequisites through Online pre nursing programs available on eLearning platforms.
Not only do these programs offer accredited, transferable credits, but they often allow you to study at your own pace, helping you save both time and money before committing to a full nursing degree.
FAQs
What is the cheapest online nursing program?
In 2025, University of the People (UoPeople) remains one of the most affordable accredited online nursing programs globally. It offers a tuition-free structure with minimal course assessment fees, making it a top choice for budget-conscious students.
Which is the cheapest university to study nursing?
For fully accredited, low-cost education, UoPeople, selected community colleges, and state universities offering online degrees through platforms like Coursera and edX are consistently among the most affordable. These institutions also provide pathways to recognized RN licensure.
Which school of nursing is the cheapest?
When factoring in both tuition and associated fees, UoPeople and local community colleges continue to lead for affordability, especially when compared to private universities and for-profit colleges.
Where is it cheapest to study nursing?
Your most cost-effective options often lie in public community colleges, particularly if you reside in the same state as the college. Online alternatives like SNHU, Walden University, and Capella University offer budget-friendly RN-to-BSN programs ideal for working professionals.
Can I do a nursing course online?
Yes. Many accredited institutions and platforms like Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, and UoPeople offer online nursing degrees, bridge programs, and prerequisite courses. Some programs are entirely online, while others offer blended learning with local clinical placements.
What is the easiest nursing degree to get?
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is often considered the quickest and most straightforward path to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Many community colleges and online schools offer ADN programs with minimal prerequisites.
What is the lowest certificate in nursing?
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential is typically the lowest certificate in the nursing field. It usually requires only a few weeks of study and basic clinical training, available both online and in-person.
What is the shortest nursing program?
The 1 year nursing program online or accelerated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and ADN programs can often be completed within 12 to 18 months. Several universities and vocational schools now offer these fast-track, accredited online programs, ideal for those eager to enter the workforce quickly.
Can I study nursing at 40 years?
Absolutely. Nursing is one of the most accessible fields for adult learners. Many students enter nursing programs in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Online options, flexible schedules, and accelerated tracks make it feasible to begin or change your career at any age.
What is the lowest degree for nursing?
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the lowest formal degree qualification that qualifies a student to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Many students later progress to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master’s in Nursing (MSN) through online bridge programs.
Inexpensive Nursing School Options
If affordability is a top priority, look beyond traditional private universities. Community colleges, state university extensions, and tuition-free online schools like UoPeople offer respected, accredited programs at a fraction of the cost.
Similarly, online RN-to-BSN bridge degrees from SNHU, Walden University, Capella University, and edX partners give working nurses a practical, affordable route to career advancement.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a nursing degree online comes down to three things:
Key 3 Factors For Choosing a nursing degree online
Whether you’re after a 1 year nursing program online, a pre-nursing foundation, or an affordable BSN, today’s eLearning market offers a range of inexpensive nursing school options to suit your situation.
Take time to research, compare tuition rates, NCLEX pass rates, and course flexibility. Don’t hesitate to explore financial aid, scholarships, or free open courses through platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn before making a final commitment.
Good luck with your studies and future career in nursing!