Best Online Associate Degree in Nursing Programs of 2025
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An associate degree in nursing (ADN) prepares you to become a registered nurse (RN). This path is open to both new nursing students and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
Explore our guide to online ADN programs, which covers accreditation, curricula, costs, and career opportunities. You’ll find details on nursing degrees and a ranked list of top programs.
Top 10 Online ADN Programs
Panola College
Carthage, TX- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
At Panola College, you can earn an associate degree in nursing through a nontraditional format combining online didactic coursework, face-to-face labs, and clinical experience. This program helps licensed vocational nurses meet the educational requirements to become registered nurses in Texas.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 60
- Cost per Credit: $33
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Complete your course of study in 12 months, starting in the summer.
- Choose to attend your clinical hours on weekdays or nights.
- Prepare to take the NCLEX-RN, which 94% of program grads pass.
Know Before You Apply
- You must live within a 70-mile radius of Carthage, Texas, to enroll.
- You need to have taken all prerequisites and received minimum scores on the program admissions test.
- In-State$792
- Out-of-state$792
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,386
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Davidson-Davie Community College
- Thomasville, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Located in Thomason, North Carolina, Davison-Davie Community College offers an LPN-to-ADN educational pathway for LPNs who are currently employed. This one-year program combines virtual courses with asynchronous online learning and on-site clinical experiences in Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, or Iredell counties.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 66
- Cost per Credit: $76
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Complete your ADN in two semesters.
- Participate in weekly clinical rotations.
- Take advantage of an average starting salary of $59,580-$64,760 for North Carolina nurses.
Know Before You Apply
- You must have worked 3,328 hours as an LPN in North Carolina or a state within the compact agreement.
- You need to complete seven general education courses with a grade of C or better before applying.
- In-State$2,054
- Out-of-state$7,698
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,921
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
- Batesville, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is a technical college incorporated into the University of Arkansas system. The school offers an online LPN-to-RN associate degree track for future nurses who aspire to provide direct patient care.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 67
- Cost per Credit: $87-$103 (residents); $127 (nonresidents)
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Receive nine credits for your practical nursing training.
- Develop both practical and theoretical nursing knowledge through six core nursing classes.
- Utilize both clinical experience and simulations in your hands-on nursing training.
Know Before You Apply
- You must have completed anatomy and physiology I and II and the corresponding labs to apply.
- You need a GPA of 2.0 or better to enroll in this program.
- In-State$2,256
- Out-of-state$2,880
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate45%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,008
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Hutchinson Community College
- Hutchinson, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Located in northeast Kansas, Hutchinson Community College provides an online bridge program for paramedics or LPNs to become registered nurses. This program requires three semesters of study after you have completed the prerequisites.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 69
- Cost per Credit: $128 (residents); $159 (nonresidents)
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Take advantage of one of two online RN-to-BSN opportunities through Hutchinson's articulation agreements.
- Receive up to 12 credits for prior learning.
- Enjoy a distinctive course in role transition from student to nurse.
Know Before You Apply
- The school gives added weight to applications from Reno County residents.
- You must have completed eight prerequisite courses before enrolling in the nursing program.
- In-State$2,850
- Out-of-state$3,780
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,960
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Seminole State College
- Seminole, OK
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
A public community college located east of Oklahoma City, Seminole State College offers 13 online degree programs, including an LPN-to-RN pathway that takes three semesters to complete. Students attend didactic classes online and participate in clinical rotations at Seminole area hospitals.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 70
- Cost per Credit: $161 (residents); $372 (nonresidents)
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Graduate in 10-18 months, depending on how much general education credit you transfer.
- Complete clinical rotations on nights or weekends.
- Take all nursing courses online, and take general education courses online or on campus.
Know Before You Apply
- Seminole State accepts just 10 applicants into this program per year.
- You should hear within 30-45 days of application if you have been accepted.
- Only 60% of the 2021 cohort passed the NCLEX-RN.
- In-State$3,122
- Out-of-state$11,447
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled1,551
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
- Granite Falls, MN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Minnesota West Community & Technical College offers an online ADN for students who can complete their clinical hours at healthcare facilities in southwest Minnesota. Graduates can seamlessly transition to a bachelor's program in nursing at Southwest Minnesota State University.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
- Cost per Credit: $248
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Complete the nursing curriculum in one year or the full program in five semesters.
- Begin general education courses anytime.
- Enjoy an above-average NCLEX-RN pass rate for Minnesota schools.
Know Before You Apply
- You must be an LPN to apply for the degree program.
- You can only begin nursing courses in the fall semester.
- In-State$5,848
- Out-of-state$11,300
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,352
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Bristol Community College
- Fall River, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Located in Fall River, Massachusetts, Bristol Community College offers a hybrid LPN-to-RN bridge program for Massachusetts or Rhode Island students. You take courses online and complete exams, labs, and clinical experiences in person. Graduates can transfer to a bachelor's program in Massachusetts through MassTransfer.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 69-70
- Cost per Credit: $280 (resident) or $486 (nonresident)
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Prepare for the NCLEX-RN, which 92% of Bristol students pass — the same rate as the state average.
- Perform clinical hours during the day, at night, or on the weekends.
- Transfer nursing credits from other institutions.
Know Before You Apply
- You must hold a practical nursing license to apply.
- This school offers priority to applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in pre-admission courses.
- In-State$576
- Out-of-state$5,520
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,822
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Allegany College of Maryland
- Cumberland, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Applicants from 17 states can enroll in the online LPN-to-RN program at Allegany College of Maryland. Students outside of Maryland must organize their clinical hours at an approved site in their home state with an appropriate preceptor who is an experienced RN overseeing your work.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 70
- Cost per Credit: $136-$288 (residents); $392 (nonresidents)
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Enroll in a nursing transition bridge course in the summer before your program begins.
- Receive strong preparation for the NCLEX-RN, which 97% of Allegany students pass, a rate higher than the national average.
- Qualify for state licensure in one of 47 states or Washington, D.C.
Know Before You Apply
- You must attend 3-4 synchronous meetings each semester.
- Applicants from South Carolina must score at least 900 on the entrance exam.
- In-State$7,860
- Out-of-state$10,200
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,578
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Midway University
- Midway, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Located between Lexington and Frankfort, Kentucky, Midway University recently launched a hybrid program leading to an associate degree in nursing in 16 months. Midway accepts applicants new to the nursing profession along with currently licensed practical nurses.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
- Cost per Credit: $395-$1,415
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Gain the knowledge needed to take the NCLEX-RN, which 86.3% of Midway students pass.
- Transfer up to nine credits if you graduated from an LPN program in the last five years.
- Take advantage of Midway's RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN programs after graduation.
Know Before You Apply
- Midway holds clinical hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
- You need a minimum high school GPA of 2.8 to apply to the ADN program.
- In-State$24,500
- Out-of-state$24,500
- In-State$7,200
- Out-of-state$7,200
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled1,881
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Lower Columbia College
- Longview, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Located in Longview, Washington, Lower Columbia College offers an LPN-to-RN e-learning associate degree program that can help prepare graduates to serve as registered nurses and qualify as senior-level students in one of nine BSN programs throughout the state.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 135
- Cost per Credit: $140 (residents); $185-$341 (nonresidents)
- Programmatic Accreditation: ACEN
Program Highlights
- Complete the program in four quarters after finishing all prerequisites.
- Take in-person clinical courses over the summer.
- All nursing students begin their program coursework with a nursing success course, which serves as orientation to the program and field.
Know Before You Apply
- You must hold a practical nursing license in Oregon or Washington.
- You need at least 1,000 hours of documented work as an LPN in the last five years.
- In-State$4,261
- Out-of-state$5,523
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,435
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Can I Earn My ADN Online?
Online ADN programs combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. This format is often available to LPNs (known as licensed vocational nurses [LVNs] in Texas and California). These LPN-to-RN programs are designed for LPNs seeking to advance their nursing skills and become RNs.
Online options can be harder to find if you’re new to nursing. However, non-nurses can explore more options by considering local, in-person ADN programs to pursue their RN careers.
Why Enroll in an Online ADN Program?
- Jumpstart or advance your nursing career faster than you would with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
- Balance work and school through the flexibility of online coursework.
- Complete clinical experiences on campus or at approved local sites.
- Save money on program costs compared to in-person nursing students.
- Prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and become an RN.
Did You Know…
Schools introduced ADN programs after World War II to address the postwar nursing shortage.
Does Accreditation Matter for ADN Programs?
It is critical to attend an accredited nursing school. The risks of attending an unaccredited school include being rejected from or ineligible for jobs, licensure, financial aid, and future graduate programs.
Accrediting bodies are independent organizations that evaluate schools and their programs. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits associate-level nursing programs.
What Will You Learn in an Online ADN Program?
Online ADN programs prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN and earn licensure as an RN. Core coursework typically covers nursing principles and fundamental subjects like pharmacology and microbiology. You’ll also get to practice your nursing skills through hands-on clinical training.
In addition, you’ll learn to examine medical records, track symptoms, and administer medications.
Common Courses in ADN Programs
- Aging and chronic illness
- Anatomy and physiology
- Developmental psychology
- Foundations of nursing
- Maternal and pediatric nursing care
- Mental health nursing
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Health assessment
- Pharmacology
How Much Does an Associate Degree in Nursing Cost?
According to 2020 data from the NCES’s National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the average annual cost of an associate degree in health professions is $13,335. Part-time students can expect to pay less, on average, than full-time students due to lower credit loads. However, part-time students take longer to finish their programs. Other factors that can affect the cost of an ADN include:
- Institution type (public or private)
- Residency status (in state versus out of state)
- Program format (traditional, online, and/or accelerated)
- Credit requirements
- Housing (on or off campus)
Scholarships, grants, and other non-repayable financial aid for nursing students can also reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Most online nursing programs require some in-person learning through hands-on clinical training and practicums, so be sure to factor in any associated travel costs. Finally, each ADN graduate must pay $200 to take the NCLEX-RN, in addition to state licensure application fees, which can range from $40-$300, depending on your state.
How Much Money Can You Make With an ADN?
Once you’ve earned your ADN and state nursing license, you can begin pursuing work as an RN. According to January 2025 Payscale data, working professionals with ADNs earn an average of $79,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for RNs is $93,600 but does not differentiate between nurses with BSNs and those with ADNs.
While some employers may pay BSNs more or may only hire BSNs, you can generally command a good salary with an ADN. In terms of jobs, the BLS projects 6% employment growth for RNs from 2023-2033, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in this period.
Factors that can influence your earning power as an RN include your years of nursing experience, the city or region in which you work, the state of the broader economy, and what certifications you hold. Common nursing certifications include:
- Critical care registered nurse (CCRN)
- Certified pediatric nurse (CPN)
- Certified emergency nurse (CEN)
- Oncology certified nurse (OCN)
- Certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurse (CWOCN)
Q&A With Real Registered Nurses
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing?
“I always had an affinity for science, but more specifically for anatomy and physiology. I also loved working with my hands and craved to be active while working, instead of being stagnant.”
“I’ve always had a passion for helping others, but the older population are some of my favorite people to spend time with. … Few people realize that their bodies operate much differently as seniors — and I don’t mean just on a physical level. Nursing allowed me to explore those intricacies and allowed me to feel like I was giving back to my community through elderly care.”
Q: What is something that surprised you about the field of nursing?
“Most professionals don’t mention how close nurses are with our patients. We spend the most time at their bedsides, nurturing a trusting rapport with those in need. Spending all this time with patients often makes nurses more empathetic to patient care than other healthcare professionals because it affords us deeper insight into the patient as a whole being.”
“I was surprised by the emotional toll that my field took on my body. … You become fully engrossed in your patients’ lives, both their trials and tribulations, while you are taking care of them. You feel internally rewarded with improvements and grief when your patient declines.”
Q: What is your biggest piece of advice to students considering becoming RNs?
“Like all careers, some people are suited for [nursing] and others are not. That said, embrace the mental trials and emotional lessons that nursing forces you into, because I wholeheartedly believe that you are a more well-rounded person due to you taking care of someone in some of the worst days of their life.”
“Be sure that you have a passion for nursing. … Back-to-back night shifts and difficult patient care in the early days can make it challenging to see the reward in your profession. As with any career, your journey will be more enjoyable if your heart is all in.”
Frequently Asked Questions About ADN Programs
An associate degree in nursing qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN and become an RN. In addition to bedside nursing, an ADN qualifies you to work in clinics, surgical centers, patient education, patient care coordination, and more healthcare settings. Some of these roles are in high demand and allow you to improve patient care and support healthcare teams.
