Did you know that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more than 1 million new nursing jobs will open up over the next decade? That’s because nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare; caring for patients, supporting doctors, and keeping hospitals running smoothly. While nursing is one of the most rewarding careers, the cost and time required to earn a degree can make it hard for many people to start or advance their journey.
Between rising tuition fees, busy work schedules, and family responsibilities, traditional nursing schools aren’t always a realistic option. That’s why online nursing programs have become such a game-changer. They make it possible to study from anywhere, learn at your own pace, and often at a much lower cost, without giving up quality or accreditation.
If you’re passionate about helping others and want to build a career in healthcare, finding the right program is key. The best affordable online nursing programs combine flexibility, quality education, and affordable tuition, helping you gain the skills and credentials to move forward confidently.
To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the most affordable online nursing programs that deliver real value without stretching your budget.
Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs
1. Western Carolina University (NC)
This is a “100% online” RN-to-BSN program built for working registered nurses. You finish in four semesters while keeping your job. Thanks to North Carolina’s NC Promise tuition plan, in-state students pay around US$2,800 total.
Out-of-state tuition is higher but still competitive. The program includes ~30 credit hours (24 online core nurse-specific, plus 6 upper-division electives). It’s very affordable, especially for in-state students.
2. University of Central Florida
UCF offers a BSN completion route for licensed RNs that can be done fully or almost fully online (some earlier prerequisites may be required in person or via approved partners). The per-credit tuition for Florida residents is about US$179.19, which makes the total cost for the RN-to-BSN portion relatively affordable compared to many programs.
Non-resident cost is higher. They’ve also removed or reduced some campus-based fees for online learners to keep the cost down.
3. Western Carolina University (RN to BSN, Fully Online)
Western Carolina University offers one of the most affordable online nursing programs in the U.S. Designed for registered nurses who want to earn their bachelor’s degree without leaving their jobs, the RN to BSN program can be completed entirely online in as little as four semesters.
It focuses on developing advanced nursing, leadership, and communication skills — all while allowing students to study at their own pace. Thanks to North Carolina’s NC Promise Tuition Plan, the total cost for in-state students is around $2,800, making it one of the cheapest accredited programs available.
Out-of-state students also enjoy competitive rates. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has a strong reputation for flexibility, quality, and career advancement support.
4. University of Wyoming
University of Wyoming offers a fully online RN to BSN program of 30 credit hours. You can go full-time or part-time, depending on your schedule. The program includes required practice experiences to build clinical judgment. For in-state students, the cost per credit hour is around US$166, while for out-of-state is higher (≈ US$345 per credit).
It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. If you take courses steadily, you might finish in about 1 year.
5. Florida International University (FIU)
FIU’s RN-to-BSN track is built with working nurses in mind. It includes online coursework in leadership, research, community health, culture-aware care, and evidence-based practice. The online format helps with schedule flexibility.
Cost is about US$228 per credit for many courses (for in-state students), though out-of-state rates are higher. FIU is accredited and known for diversity and rigor.
6. CUNY Lehman College
Lehman College in the CUNY system (New York) offers an RN-to-BSN program that can be completed in about 12 months (if prerequisites are satisfied). You’ll cover core nursing practice, leadership, and decision making.
The cost per credit is about US$305 for in-state learners. It’s fully accredited by the same national body that many top nursing schools are (CCNE).
7. Southern University A&M College (Louisiana)
Southern University offers a totally online RN-to-BSN, which you can finish in about one year via five 8-week sessions. It’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program is made to allow working RNs to keep their jobs while completing the degree.
If you’re only doing the nursing-specific courses, the cost is about US$10,000, though if you need additional general education prerequisites, that adds to the cost.
8. University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky offers a fully online RN-to-BSN path with 38 credits, all online and designed with accelerated eight-week courses. It’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The rate is US$220 per credit for all online learners, no matter the state of residence; that includes tuition, fees, textbooks, and student services. Good choice if you want predictability.
9. Texas A&M International University (TAMIU)
Texas A&M International University (in Laredo, Texas) has an online RN to BSN program aimed at helping working nurses upgrade to a bachelor’s degree. The program includes classes in leadership, community health, professional practice, and ethics, plus a practicum component.
It’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The full program is 32 credit hours and can be finished in as soon as 12 months if you move steadily. For Texas residents, the total cost is about US$8,995 (tuition + fees). Per credit, that’s roughly US$281.
10. Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho)
BYU-Idaho offers an online RN to BSN path for registered nurses. The program lets you build on your current RN license and prior credits. The costs are pretty affordable: the online tuition rate is about US$163 per credit. Additional costs include textbooks, possibly kit fees, or immunizations.
The program requires fulfilling the nursing courses plus general education requirements. Accreditation is solid
Nursing Jobs and Career Opportunities
If you’re wondering whether there’ll be enough jobs after earning your degree, the answer is a big yes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average for most other careers. That means roughly 193,000 nursing positions open up every single year across hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centers.
It doesn’t stop there. With healthcare constantly evolving, there’s a growing demand for nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and specialized nurses in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, and critical care. Many of these roles come with higher pay and more flexibility.
The best part? Completing an affordable online nursing program can help you qualify for these roles without piling up student debt. You can study while working, gain experience, and step into a career that’s both financially and personally rewarding.
Take a moment to explore the programs listed above and choose the one that fits your budget while still giving you the quality education and flexibility you need.