Best Online Associate Degree in Nursing Programs of 2025
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Online associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs offer a pathway to registered nurse (RN) careers. You can pursue an associate degree if you are a new nursing student or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) seeking an educational upgrade.
This associate in nursing program guide offers practical information on accreditation, curricula, costs, and professional paths. Explore details on associate degrees in nursing, including available career pathways 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
Why Enroll in an Online 2-Year Nursing Program?
- An associate degree in nursing can lead to various careers in healthcare, many of which are in high demand.
- You can help people and make a positive difference in patients’ lives every day.
- Online ADN programs typically offer flexibility for working students.
- An online ADN program qualifies you to take the NCLEX and become an RN.
- You’ll still need to complete clinical experiences on campus or at approved local sites.
- An ADN program allows you to earn your degree — and start your career — in even less time than a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.
- Online programs are often more affordable than on-campus programs.
Did You Know…
Schools introduced ADN programs after World War II to address the post-war 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 or ineligible for jobs, licensure, financial aid, and the graduate or doctoral program of your choice.
Accrediting bodies are independent organizations that evaluate schools and their programs. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education award accreditation to nursing schools. These accreditors must receive recognition from the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
What Will You Learn in an Online ADN Program?
Online ADN programs prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN and earn licensure as a registered nurse. 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’ 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 will likely 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)
- Delivery format (traditional, online, or hybrid)
- Credit requirements
- On- or off-campus housing
Scholarships, grants, and other non-repayable financial aid for nursing students can also reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
If you already hold an LPN license, consider the advantages of LPN-to-ADN programs. LPN-to-ADN programs use an accelerated structure and award academic credit for your existing nursing knowledge. They offer a path to faster, more efficient degree completion, allowing you to save money on your education costs and boost your earning potential more quickly.
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 to Become a Registered Nurse
You can follow these steps to become an RN:
- Complete the prerequisites for your nursing program.
- Earn an ADN or BSN degree.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN.
- Get a state nursing license.
- Gain nursing experience.
To become an RN, you can attend an ADN or BSN program. An ADN provides the fastest pathway to the RN workforce. Students with bachelor’s degrees in majors other than nursing can enroll in accelerated BSNs, which allow them to transfer previously earned credits.
Once you’re an experienced nurse, you can become certified to demonstrate your expertise in particular specialties. Some years of experience are required before you apply for many certifications. Some employers will even pay for your certification.
Some 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)
Be sure to research how to become an RN in your state, as the requirements may vary.
How Much Money Can You Make With an ADN?
Once you have an ADN, you can pursue work as a registered nurse to begin seeing a return on your investment. According to September 2024 Payscale data, working professionals with ADNs earn an average of $77,000 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 a 6% employment growth rate for registered nurses from 2023-2033, which is faster than the average rate for all occupations in this period.
Factors that can influence your earning power as an RN include your years of nursing experience, certifications, the city or region where you live, and the state of the broader economy.
| Job | Average Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Travel Nurse | $40 |
| Oncology Nurse | $37 |
| Psychiatric Nurse | $36 |
| Emergency Room Nurse | $36 |
| Hospice Nurse | $36 |
| Long-Term Care Nurse | $33 |
| Pediatric Nurse | $32 |
| Critical Care Nurse | $36 |
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
Is an associate degree in nursing the same as an RN?
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is an educational program, while “RN” refers to a license and job title. An ADN prepares you to become an RN. Completing an ADN doesn’t automatically make you an RN, however. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for state licensure to work as an RN.
Is it better to earn your ADN online or on campus?
Employers value both online and on-campus ADNs. As long as the program is accredited, both delivery methods will have the same basic curricula and educational quality. An online program may be more affordable and can offer a more flexible schedule for working professionals. On-campus programs can provide benefits like direct peer-to-peer interaction and easier access to clinical placements.
How many clinical hours do ADN programs require?
These requirements typically fall in the range of about 400-800 hours. Schools usually develop their clinical hour requirements to match the standards used by their state’s nurse licensing boards. Research the state-level requirements attached to the type of nursing license you plan to seek before enrolling in your educational program.
How long is an associate degree in nursing?
An ADN typically takes two years of full-time enrollment to complete. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field or an LPN license and choose an accelerated program, you can graduate in about a year. You may also opt to attend school part-time, which extends your graduation timeline.
Is an associate degree in nursing worth it?
An ADN can be worthwhile for quickly entering the nursing profession and earning a nursing salary. Online RN-to-BSN programs are often tailored to working nurses’ busy schedules, allowing them to increase their marketability and earn BSNs after accumulating some experience as RNs. However, with the push towards BSN-prepared nurses as a sign of nursing excellence, New York and 25% of employers require nurses to hold BSNs.
