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.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online ADN Programs
Panola College
Carthage, TX- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 $86,070 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.
