You work as a nurse and have a pretty demanding schedule. You come home after a long shift. However, you push through and further your education because you believe there are practical reasons to.
You will have more career advancement options. You will have a higher earning potential. You will have the ability to make a greater difference.
With your current schedule, how can you possibly manage to fit school into it?
Working nurses have the option of attending online nursing programs. In 2026, accredited nursing degrees will be offered by flexible universities. They will offer programs at times and locations convenient to the students, and so will online nursing degrees.
When you finish this guide, you will know:
– The best accredited online nursing programs for 2026
– The most flexible online nursing programs (with no scheduled classes!)
– The costs of programs and tuition rates (with WGU’s low-rate tuition)
– The types of nursing programs you can attend (RN-BSN, MSN (Educ. Leadership, Informatics), and DNP)
– How to select a program based on your career objectives
Also see: Medical Administrative Assistant Salary US 2026: Hourly, Monthly & Entry-Level Pay by State
Why select an online nursing program in 2026?
Flexibility That Works for Shift Workers
Traditional nursing programs required frequent scheduled in person attendance. This was impossible for those with a 12-hour schedule. This challenge was no longer an issue with the introduction of online programs.
For example, Western Governors University (WGU), offers programs with no scheduled login time. Because of this you can study as little as at 2 AM after your shift, or on your commute.
The programs preach flexibility and have built this attribute into their core values.
Accreditation That Employers Trust
The trusted online programs are accredited by the CCNE. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. the gold standard for nursing education. Every program featured in this guide is CCNE-accredited, meaning your degree will be respected by employers and recognized for licensure.
Significant Cost Savings
Online programs are often dramatically more affordable than on-campus alternatives:
| Institution | Tuition Model | Cost |
| WGU | Flat-rate per 6-month term | 4,210−6,955 per term (unlimited courses!) |
| Drexel University | Per credit | $1,169 per credit (10% online discount) |
| University of West Georgia | Per credit (no out-of-state fee for online) | Affordable public university rates |
WGU students pay about half the tuition of the national average and graduate with approximately half the debt .
Top Accredited Online Nursing Programs for 2026
Program Comparison at a Glance
| University | Program Type | Ranking / Recognition | Key Flexibility Feature |
| WGU | RN-BSN, MSN (multiple tracks) | Respected, accredited | No set class times; self-paced |
| UNC Chapel Hill | MSN in Health Care Leadership & Administration | #3 in Nation (U.S. News 2026) | Asynchronous + synchronous; part-time options |
| UIC | RN to BSN Online | #3 in Nation (U.S. News 2026) | Fully online for working RNs |
| Carson-Newman | MSN-FNP | Princeton Review Best Online 2026 | Flexible schedule for work-life balance |
| Northwestern State (LA) | MSN | Princeton Review Best Online 2026 | Designed for working nurses |
| Drexel University | MSN (undeclared option) | U.S. News-ranked | Choose concentration after core courses |
| University of West Georgia | MSN (Education or Leadership) | #22 U.S. News 2026 | 100% online; part-time plan available |
| Ferris State | MSN (Education, Informatics, Admin) | CCNE-accredited | Fully online |
| MSOE | MSN-PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health) | CCNE-accredited | Online format for busy professionals |
| Hawaii Pacific | MSN to DNP | CCNE-accredited | Asynchronous courses; complete in 20 months |
Detailed Program Reviews
1. Western Governors University (WGU) – Most Flexible & Affordable
Best for: Nurses who want maximum flexibility and low cost
WGU is a pioneer in competency-based online education. Instead of sitting through lectures at set times, you progress by demonstrating mastery of the material. If you already know a topic, you can test out and move on.
Key Features:
- No fixed class times – study whenever and wherever you want
- Flat-rate tuition – pay per 6-month term, not per course. Complete as many courses as you can in that time
- Multiple degree options – RN-BSN, MSN in Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership, or Nursing Informatics
- $3,000 New Year Scholarship available for 2026
Admission Requirements:
- Active unencumbered RN license (for RN-BSN and MSN programs)
Tuition (effective September 1, 2025):
- RN-BSN: $4,210 per 6-month term
- MSN programs:
- 4,995−
- 4,995−6,955 per 6-month term
- Plus $200 per-term Resource Fee (includes e-textbooks)
Accreditation: CCNE
2. UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing – Best for Nursing Leadership
Best for: Nurses aiming for executive leadership or administration roles
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s online Health Care Leadership and Administration (HCLA) program tied for #3 in the nation for Best Online Master’s Programs in Nursing Administration and Leadership by U.S. News & World Report in 2026 .
Key Features:
- Offered at both MSN and DNP degree levels
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Blends asynchronous and synchronous coursework
- Tailored clinical placements
- On-campus immersion experiences
Why It Stands Out: UNC is the highest-ranked public school of nursing in this category. Graduates are prepared to lead with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and improve health outcomes .
Application Deadline: February 10, 2026 (for MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate programs)
Accreditation: CCNE
3. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) – Best RN to BSN Online
Best for: Registered nurses completing their bachelor’s degree
UIC’s online RN to BSN program was ranked #3 in the United States for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report .
Key Features:
- Fully online format designed for working nurses
- Allows licensed RNs to earn a BSN while continuing to work
- Part of UIC’s nationally recognized online offerings
Program Director’s Note: Gloria E. Barrera, director of the program, notes: “The growing complexity of health care demands a highly educated nursing workforce. We are proud to be recognized once again as a leader in offering a fully online, high-quality RN to BSN pathway.”
4. Carson-Newman University – Best MSN-FNP Program
Best for: Nurses becoming Family Nurse Practitioners
Carson-Newman University’s online Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program was named one of the nation’s best by The Princeton Review in its 2026 Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs listing .
Key Features:
- Designed for nurses looking to advance to advanced practice
- Prepares graduates to be holistic and confident FNPs
- Flexible schedule supporting work-life balance
Additional Recognition: Also ranked #2 in the state among private universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2026, behind only Vanderbilt University .
5. Northwestern State University (Louisiana) – Best Faculty Support
Best for: Working nurses who want strong mentorship while learning online
Northwestern State University of Louisiana was included on The Princeton Review’s list of Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2026, with recognition specifically for its flexibility for working nurses and faculty support .
Why It Stands Out: The program emphasizes that flexible graduate nursing education doesn’t have to mean “distant.” Faculty stay engaged, know students’ goals, and provide meaningful support .
2025 Achievement: 107 students graduated from the program and started working as advanced practice nurses .
Also see: Free Online CPR Certification 2026: Accredited Courses Accepted in the USA
6. Drexel University – Most Flexible MSN Path
Best for: Nurses unsure which MSN concentration to choose
Drexel University offers a unique undeclared MSN option that allows you to take the five core MSN courses before selecting your concentration .
Key Features:
- Fully online with highly interactive learning methods
- Consistently ranked among the best online MSN programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Three-year tuition lock for those who complete within three years
- Four concentrations available after core courses:
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Leadership in Health Systems Management
- Nursing Education
- Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare
Program Structure: Organized into four 10-week quarters per year (vs. traditional two semesters), allowing you to take more courses in a shorter time period .
Tuition (2025-2026): 1,169 per credit (101,298) + $125 annual online program fee .
Accreditation: CCNE
7. University of West Georgia – Most Affordable Public Option
Best for: Budget-conscious nurses seeking a quality public university education
The University of West Georgia’s Tanner Health School of Nursing ranks #22 in the nation for “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report (2026) .
Key Features:
- 100% online coursework
- Role options in Education or Health Systems Leadership
- Part-time plan of study available (8 semesters)
- Full-time option completed in 5 semesters
- No out-of-state tuition for online courses – all students pay the same rate
Program Length: 35-38 credit hours
Method of Delivery: 100% online, including orientation
Cost Savings: Beyond tuition, online learning eliminates gas costs, childcare expenses, and allows you to maintain employment while studying .
8. Ferris State University – Best for Nursing Informatics
Best for: Nurses interested in the intersection of healthcare and technology
Ferris State University offers a fully online MSN with three distinct concentrations to meet the complex needs of the healthcare delivery system .
Concentrations:
- Nursing Education (addresses the nurse educator shortage)
- Nursing Informatics (growing need for nurses in technology roles)
- Nursing Administration
Admission Requirements:
- BSN with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Active RN licensure
- Recommended: 2 years of clinical nursing experience
- Letter of intent (1-2 pages)
- Two professional references
- Professional resume/CV
Program Outcomes: Graduates demonstrate collaborative leadership, evidence-based practice, and the ability to navigate care across health systems .
Accreditation: CCNE
9. Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) – Best for Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Best for: Nurses pursuing specialization in mental health
MSOE offers an online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program designed for students interested in providing holistic care to clients with mental or behavioral health challenges .
Key Features:
- Designed for BSN-prepared nurses
- 630 practicum hours completed in the program
- Complete in 2 years (full-time)
- Graduates eligible for ANCC national certification exam as PMHNP
- Also eligible for holistic nursing credentialing examination
What You’ll Learn: Integration of best practices in client care, from prescribing to implementation of psychotherapies in treatment plans.
Accreditation: CCNE and endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation
10. Hawaii Pacific University – Best for MSN to DNP
Best for: MSN-prepared nurses ready for the highest level of clinical practice
Hawaii Pacific University offers an online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for experienced nurses who want to lead health system transformation .
Key Features:
- Complete in as few as 20 months
- Flexible online delivery with asynchronous courses
- One-on-one faculty mentorship for scholarly projects
- Cohort-based learning with experienced peers
- Transfer up to 12 credits
Admission Requirements:
- MSN from accredited program with national NP certification
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Active, unencumbered RN and APRN licenses
- Completion of Statistics and Research/EBP course
Application Deadline for Fall 2026: August 14, 2026
Fall Start Date: August 31, 2026
Accreditation: CCNE
Types of Online Nursing Programs Explained
RN to BSN (Bachelor’s)
What It Is: A degree-completion program for licensed registered nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing.
Who It’s For: RNs who want to advance their careers, qualify for leadership roles, or prepare for graduate education.
Typical Length: 1-2 years (depending on transfer credits)
Top Pick: University of Illinois Chicago (#3 in nation)
MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
What It Is: Graduate-level education for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced roles.
Common Concentrations:
- Nursing Education – Prepare the next generation of nurses
- Nursing Leadership/Administration – Manage units, departments, or health systems
- Nursing Informatics – Bridge clinical practice and technology
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Provide primary care across the lifespan
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) – Specialize in mental health care
Typical Length: 2-3 years (full-time); part-time options available
Top Picks: Carson-Newman (FNP) , UNC Chapel Hill (Leadership #3) , MSOE (PMHNP)
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
What It Is: The highest level of clinical nursing practice. Focuses on translating evidence into practice, leading quality improvement, and shaping health systems.
Who It’s For: MSN-prepared nurses who want executive leadership roles or the highest level of clinical expertise.
Typical Length: 20 months – 3 years (post-MSN)
Top Pick: Hawaii Pacific University (20 months, asynchronous)
How to Choose the Right Online Nursing Program
Step 1: Verify Accreditation
This is non-negotiable. Ensure the program is accredited by one of these bodies:
- CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) – most common for online programs
- ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
- NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)
Why it matters: Without proper accreditation, your degree may not be recognized for licensure, certification, or by employers.
Step 2: Understand the Flexibility Model
| Flexibility Type | What It Means | Best For |
| Asynchronous | No set class times; complete work on your schedule | Night shift workers, unpredictable schedules |
| Synchronous | Live online classes at specific times | Those who thrive on structure |
| Blended | Mix of asynchronous + synchronous + occasional on-campus | Those who want flexibility but also connection |
| Self-paced (competency-based) | Progress by demonstrating mastery; no set course schedule | Fast learners, experienced nurses |
Step 3: Consider Cost and Financial Aid
Compare:
- Per-credit tuition vs. flat-rate per term
- Additional fees (technology, resource, clinical placement)
- Out-of-state tuition policies (many waive for online students)
- Scholarship availability (WGU offers $3,000 New Year Scholarship)
Step 4: Evaluate Clinical Placement Support
For NP and leadership programs, clinical hours are required. Ask:
- Does the program help find clinical placements?
- Are placements available near your location?
- What is the total number of practicum hours? (MSOE PMHNP: 630 hours)
Step 5: Check Admission Requirements
Common requirements across programs:
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- BSN degree with minimum GPA (often 3.0)
- Clinical experience (2 years recommended for MSN)
- Letters of recommendation
- Letter of intent/personal statement
Strategies for Success in Online Nursing Programs
1. Find a Study Spot
Designate a part of your home where you can study. Let your brain know where that is with consistency.
2. Make Time for Family & Friends
Your family and friends must know you’re going back to school. This is also the time to make them aware of your new schedule and priorities.
3. Take Opportunities to Enhance Your Nursing Skills
Leverage your real-world nursing experience. This helps you with your online coursework and enhances everyone’s learning experience.
4. Connect & Network with Your Online Nursing Faculty
Many online nursing schools encourage you to connect with your faculty. They are always happy to help you succeed.
5. Online Learning is Flexible, Not Irregular
Making a commitment to online learning does not mean that you must study at odd hours. Find a rhythm that matches your working capacity, and stick to it.
6. Plan for Clinical Hours Early
If your program requires practicum hours, start thinking about potential sites and preceptors before the coursework even begins.
Conclusion:
The barriers to starting an advanced nursing degree are almost gone. Take advantage of accredited, affordable online options to help you advance your nursing career!
Quick Reference: Best Programs by Goal
| If You Want… | Top Choice |
| Maximum flexibility + lowest cost | WGU (no set class times, flat-rate tuition) |
| A top-ranked RN to BSN | University of Illinois Chicago (#3 in nation) |
| A career in nursing leadership | UNC Chapel Hill (#3 in nation for Admin/Leadership) |
| To become a Family Nurse Practitioner | Carson-Newman (Princeton Review Best Online) |
| To become a Psychiatric NP | Milwaukee School of Engineering (CCNE-accredited) |
| An MSN with time to choose your path | Drexel (undeclared option with core courses first) |
| The highest level of clinical practice (DNP) | Hawaii Pacific University (asynchronous, 20 months) |
| An affordable public university option | University of West Georgia (no out-of-state online fees) |
Also see: Best Free Checking Accounts in the USA (2026): No Minimum Balance, No Monthly Fees