Nursing is one of the most highly-respected and highly-valued career paths in the professional sphere. Whether you’re looking to pursue a position assisting the elderly, working in nursing administration, saving lives in an ER, aiding in medical research and advancement, or anything in between, your desire to become a registered nurse is one to be admired. Below we’ve compiled a list of the best cheap nursing schools’ degree options to help you gain the skills and certification necessary to do your registered nursing job well.
These convenient online programs are offered through reputable and affordable online rn schools, making it simpler and easier to transform your nursing dreams into a reality.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online nursing degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2023.
2024 Most Affordable Online Nursing Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| # 1 | Tallahassee Community College | $3,809 |
| # 2 | Florida SouthWestern State College | $7,950 |
| # 3 | Great Basin College | $8,467 |
| # 4 | East Georgia State College | $8,969 |
| # 5 | The University of Texas at El Paso | $9,000 |
| # 6 | Clayton State University | $11,663 |
| # 7 | Georgia Southwestern State University | $11,831 |
| # 8 | Broward College | $12,351 |
| # 9 | Columbus State University | $12,385 |
| # 10 | University of South Carolina-Aiken | $12,387 |
| # 11 | Albany State University | $13,520 |
| # 12 | Southern Utah University | $13,578 |
| # 13 | Washburn University | $14,339 |
| # 14 | Georgia Southern University | $15,571 |
| # 15 | Montana Technological University | $15,814 |
| # 16 | Metropolitan State University | $16,044 |
| # 17 | University of Arkansas | $16,507 |
| # 18 | University of West Georgia | $16,588 |
| # 19 | Fitchburg State University | $16,806 |
| # 20 | Cleveland State University | $16,943 |
| # 21 | Tarleton State University | $20,307 |
| # 22 | Southeastern University | $26,640 |
| # 23 | Hampton University | $26,824 |
| # 24 | University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | $26,859 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Nursing Degrees
1. Tallahassee Community College
Average Net Price: $4,136
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Tallahassee Community College (TCC) offers a CCNE-accredited online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, preparing students for registered nursing careers.
This four-year, 120 credit online BSN program comprises general education, nursing science, and clinical courses. While general education covers English, math, and sciences, nursing classes provide anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology knowledge. Clinical courses enable real-world nursing skills practice.
TCC designed its online BSN for flexibility and convenience, enabling students to progress at their own pace through part-time or full-time options with varied start dates.
Admission requires a high school diploma and prerequisite coursework in college algebra, anatomy/physiology I/II, microbiology, and statistics.
With renowned CCNE accreditation and a flexible online format, TCC empowers students to earn their BSN efficiently on their schedule. The program provides robust nursing knowledge and skills to launch a registered nursing career.
2. Great Basin College
Average Net Price: $7,758
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Spanning two online nursing degrees, Great Basin College (GBC) furnishes pathways for aspiring and established nurses.
The RN to BSN program enables associate-degree registered nurses to ascend with an advanced bachelor’s credential. This fully online curriculum unfolds in as little as two years part-time, augmenting leadership, management, research, and evidence-based practice skills. Nurses can also specialize in public health, mental health, or community health.
Meanwhile, the hybrid AAS nursing program ushers novices into the field through blended online theory and in-person clinical training. Coursework immerses students in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and hands-on practice across diverse healthcare settings.
Both ACEN-accredited programs qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN nursing licensure examination.
GBC propels nurse development through flexible, blended online nursing education grounded in a commitment to practice-ready excellence.
3. Florida SouthWestern State College
Average Net Price: $8,547
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) offers two online nursing degrees:
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
ASN
The ASN degree is a two-year program that prepares students to become licensed registered nurses (RNs). The program includes a mix of online and in-person courses, with clinical rotations completed at local hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
BSN
The program is offered entirely online and includes coursework in nursing leadership, research, and informatics.
Both of FSW’s online nursing degrees are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This means that graduates of the programs are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the ASN program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a pre-nursing program. To be admitted to the RN-to-BSN program, students must be licensed RNs with an associate’s degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing from an accredited program.
Financial Aid
FSW offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for college, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Students who are interested in financial aid should visit the FSW website or contact the financial aid office for more information.
4. East Georgia State College
Average Net Price: $8,696
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
At East Georgia State College (EGSC), two online nursing degrees propel students through emerging and established nursing careers:
Blending online coursework with clinical rotations, the two-year ASN program readies students for registered nursing practice. Graduates qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
Meanwhile, the online BSN program supplements coursework and clinicals with research opportunities, qualifying graduates to pursue advanced roles like nurse practitioner, educator, and researcher, in addition to registered nursing licensure.
By meeting rigorous standards, both ACEN-accredited EGSC nursing programs open doors for graduates to obtain licensure across all 50 states.
Whether launching or advancing a nursing career, EGSC empowers students through flexible, accredited online nursing programs fused with meaningful clinical and research experiences.
5. Clayton State University
Average Net Price: $10,635
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Clayton State University offers a variety of online nursing degrees, including:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Basic Licensure Track
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – RN Completion Track
- Double Bachelor Degrees in Nursing and Health Care Management
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The online BSN programs at Clayton State are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Basic Licensure Track
The BSN – Basic Licensure Track program is designed for students who have not yet completed a nursing degree. The program is four years long and includes a mix of online and in-person coursework. Students will learn about all aspects of nursing, from anatomy and physiology to pharmacology and pathophysiology. They will also complete clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – RN Completion Track
The BSN – RN Completion Track program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who want to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program is two years long and can be completed entirely online. Students will learn about advanced nursing concepts and skills, as well as the latest research in nursing practice.
Double Bachelor Degrees in Nursing and Health Care Management
The Double Bachelor Degrees in Nursing and Health Care Management program allows students to earn two bachelor’s degrees in four years. The program includes coursework in both nursing and health care management. Students will learn about the clinical and business aspects of healthcare delivery.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The MSN with a concentration in FNP program is designed for RNs who want to become family nurse practitioners. The program is two years long and can be completed entirely online. Students will learn about advanced nursing concepts and skills, as well as the latest research in family nurse practice.
6. The University of Texas at El Paso
Average Net Price: $10,798
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 100%
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers online nursing degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) RN to BSN Option
The RN to BSN online program at UTEP is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program is fully online and can be completed in as little as 2.5 semesters. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including nursing theory, research, and practice.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online Programs
UTEP offers online MSN programs in the following specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
The MSN programs are designed for RNs who want to advance their careers and become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The curriculum includes a mix of online coursework and clinical rotations.
Post-Master’s Certificates
UTEP also offers post-master’s certificates in the following nursing specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
The post-master’s certificates are designed for RNs who already have an MSN degree in a different nursing specialty and want to add another specialty to their scope of practice. The certificates can be completed in 1-2 years.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the program. For the RN to BSN program, applicants must be licensed RNs. For the MSN programs, applicants must have a BSN degree from an accredited nursing program.
7. University of South Carolina – Aiken
Average Net Price: $12,309
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 84%
The University of South Carolina – Aiken (USC Aiken) offers a 100% online RN to BSN program. This program is designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers and earn a baccalaureate degree. The program can be completed in as few as 12 months.
The USC Aiken online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This means that the program meets the high standards of nursing education set by the CCNE.
The curriculum for the USC Aiken online RN to BSN program covers a wide range of nursing topics, including:
- Ethical theory and the legal basis for nursing practice
- Assessment of the physical and psychosocial health status of individuals
- Theories of human development
- Nursing research
- Evidence-based nursing practice
- Leadership and management
The program also includes a 40-hour application-based preceptorship that students must complete in-person during their final term. The preceptorship gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the program to real-world nursing practice.
To be eligible for admission to the USC Aiken online RN to BSN program, students must have a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States or Canada. Students must also have completed an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma in nursing (DN) from an accredited program.
Once students are admitted to the program, they will have access to a variety of online resources, including:
- Online lectures and discussion forums
- Online library resources
Students will also have the opportunity to interact with their professors and classmates through online video conferencing and discussion forums.
8. Georgia Southwestern State University
Average Net Price: $12,567
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 86%
At Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), registered nurses can ascend professionally through a flexible CCNE-accredited 100% online RN to BSN program.
Unfolding in an eight-week fully online format, this pathway enables nurses to fit coursework and clinical requirements into busy lifestyles, with full-time or part-time options leading to completion in 1-2 years.
Expanding on existing competencies, GSW’s curriculum delves into advanced practice, leadership, evidence-based care, research methods, public health, and healthcare informatics. Nurses also fulfill 1000 clinical hours in preferred settings like hospitals, clinics, and schools.
Valued for its academic rigor, GSW’s online RN to BSN program empowers graduates to excel as advanced nursing professionals. The program’s high NCLEX-RN exam pass rate demonstrates its commitment to practice-ready nursing excellence.
Through flexible online access and robust knowledge building, GSW propels RN development to expand skills and opportunities.
9. Southern Utah University
Average Net Price: $13,095
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Southern Utah University (SUU) offers a variety of online nursing degrees, including:
- Accelerated RN to BSN (BSN): This program is designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) who want to complete their bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 15 months.
- HP to BSN: This program is designed for licensed health professionals (HPs) who want to complete their bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 24 months.
- MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration: This program is designed for active nurses who want to thrive as healthcare administrators. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 24 months.
- RN to MSN: This program is designed for licensed RNs who want to earn a master’s degree in nursing. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 24 months.
- MSN/MBA Dual Degree: This program allows students to earn a master’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in business administration in as little as 42 months.
All of SUU’s online nursing degrees are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
10. Columbus State University
Average Net Price: $13,697
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Columbus State University (CSU) offers two online nursing degrees: an RN-to-BSN and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
RN-to-BSN
The RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who want to advance their education and career. The program is completely online and can be completed in as little as two years. Students will learn about the latest nursing theories and research, as well as develop their leadership and management skills.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The MSN program is designed for nurses who want to specialize in a particular area of nursing practice or advance their careers into leadership or research roles. CSU offers three MSN concentrations: Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader, and Nurse Informaticist. The MSN program is also completely online and can be completed in as little as two years.
Both of CSU’s online nursing degrees are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
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