These days, traditional nonprofit universities are working hard to get their Nursing programs online. These universities have a great reputation for academic excellence that should attract even the most discerning student. Many of them are well-established state universities that have been around for a hundred years or more. By moving their prestigious Nursing offerings onto the World Wide Web, they are helping people train to address the shortage of qualified nurses throughout the United States. Nursing skills are in high demand, and distance learning may be the most convenient way to join this important field!
Let’s look at 25 top options from non profit universities.
#1 Georgetown University
Georgetown University was founded in 1789 and is one of the oldest religious universities in the U.S., being the oldest Jesuit and Catholic university. The campus is located in Washington’s Georgetown neighborhood. It was among the first universities in the U.S. to offer fully accredited nursing programs online.
Campus: Most programs available online. On campus programs also available
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, with nursing program accreditation from numerous other institutions including The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs
Per Credit Hour: Bachelors: $1,845 per credit for Nursing programs; Graduate: $1,756 per credit hour for Nursing programs
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program, with some programs averaging around two years for completion
On Campus Requirements: No
Nursing Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse-Midwifery Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology
School Site: Georgetown University
#2 University of Cincinnati
One program. Six specialties. Endless possibilities. The UC Master of Nursing Degree is all about options. What kind of nurse leader do you want to be? With UC, you will find a program that’s perfect for you. Whether you are changing careers, advancing your career, or enhancing your skills. UC also proudly offers a full suite of on-campus programs.
Campus: Most programs available online. On campus programs also available
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges plus specific accreditation on a per-degree basis by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and others
Per Credit Hour: Varies by program. Inquire.
GRE Required: Yes
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program and transfer credits. Minimum four semesters for most programs. More advanced programs may be longer
On Campus Requirements: No
Nursing Programs: Multiple programs, including Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN to Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing standalone, and Master of Science in Applied Psychology
School Site: University of Cincinnati
#3 Penn State University
Established 1855, Penn State University is a “public ivy” university in University Park, Pennsylvania. Its total enrollment is over 94,000 at 24 different campuses. It offers degrees at all levels, with more than 150 total concentrations.
Campus: Most programs available online. On campus programs also available
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Per Credit Hour: Fees vary based upon the number of credit hours that the student has already completed in the program. 59 or fewer total credits leads to a $518 per credit hour charge. The fee increases to $559 once students hold 60 credits or more
GRE Required: Recommended, but not required
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program and transfer credits. Minimum four semesters for most programs. More advanced programs may be longer
On Campus Requirements: No
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, including accelerated RN-to-BSN option
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#4 Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore, Maryland was founded in 1876 and is one of the most famous medical research universities in the world. It has five campuses, including three international campuses, and total enrollment of more than 20,000.
Campus: Three graduate programs available online, plus a certificate and specialization program. Larger selection of programs on campus
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, plus specialized accreditations for many medical programs
Per Credit Hour: $1,416 per credit hour for master’s degree programs. Standalone coursework and certificate programs can vary
GRE Required: Expected for admission to most programs
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies based on program. Most programs take a minimum of two years (four semesters) to complete
On Campus Requirements: None for most programs
Programs: Master’s programs available online include Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Systems Management, and a dual program featuring courses from both of these programs. Nurse Educator Certificate and Applied Health Informatics courses are also available online
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#4 Western Governors University
Western Governors University is an innovative, competency-focused university founded in 1997. It has over 40,000 students, many of them online, and provides 55 degree programs at bachelor, master, and post-baccalaureate levels.
Campus: Eight different programs available online. Affiliated campuses exist in five states, but most programs are available completely online
Type: Non Profit.
Accreditation: Holds regional accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Nursing Education Program holds distinct accreditation from CCNE, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Per Credit Hour: For most programs, WGU has an innovative flat fee structure. Tuition per six months is $2,890. Tuition may be higher for master’s-level programs on a program-by-program basis
GRE Required: WGU’s programs are competency-based and do not generally require the GRE
Minimum Time Commitment: Time commitment at WGU is based upon the student’s self-study and progress. Most programs can be finished in a minimum of two years or a maximum of four to five
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Eight separate nursing programs including B.S. in Nursing, B.S. in Health Informatics, and master’s degree options like M.S. in Nursing Education, M.S. in Nursing Leadership and Management, and MBA Healthcare Management
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#6 Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University in New Orleans is a private, Jesuit-founded university started 1904 which shares its name with several other institutions. With 5,000 students, it offers an 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio. It has five separate colleges.
Campus: Programs are available both fully online, on campus, and in a blended format
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Nursing programs accredited by CCNE, with a nursing school that was one of the first to achieve such accreditation in Illinois
Per Credit Hour: Varies by program between $818 per credit hour and $506 per credit hour
GRE Required: Not required
Minimum Time Commitment: Most programs can be completed in two years. Some accelerated programs may be more brief based upon the student’s existing coursework or experience
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Online programs include Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, MSN Bridge, and Doctor of Nurse Practice. Online programs are also available in other disciplines
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#7 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Third-largest university in Wisconsin. Founded 1871, its enrollment is over 13,000. It has 76 degree programs and features an urban campus with 50 buildings. It is served by more than 300 faculty.
Campus: Programs are available online or at the university’s Wisconsin campus
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Nursing program is fully accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing via the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The university as a whole holds regional accreditation
Per Credit Hour: Both in-state and out-of-state tuition totals $14,500 per semester
GRE Required: For selected graduate programs only
Minimum Time Commitment: Twelve months for bachelor’s program. Graduate programs vary.
On Campus Requirements: Three on-campus visits are required. There is an orientation weekend, a “boot camp” and lab lasting two weeks, and a capstone project that takes place in the final week of the year
Programs: Accelerated Bachelor’s to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN to MSN, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Graduate Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#8 Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university based in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona. It has four campuses and provides bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees across sixteen different colleges. It was established 1885 and is a space grant university.
Campus: Programs are available entirely online. On-campus options may be available for Arizona in-state students
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: The North Central Association provides the university’s general accreditation. The Arizona State Board of Nursing, in conjunction with national organizations, accredits each nursing program
Per Credit Hour: $523 per credit hour regardless of residency status
GRE Required: Recommended for master’s degree students
Minimum Time Commitment: Fifteen to eighteen months
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Online programs include undergraduate RN and BSN as well as Master of Healthcare Innovation, Master of Science in Clinical Research Management, and Master of Science in Nurse Education
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#9 Liberty University
Liberty University is one of the world’s largest Evangelical Christian institutions of higher learning. Its online enrollment is well over 80,000. It is strongly associated with its long-time President Rev. Jerry Falwell.
Campus: Programs are available fully online, with additional options at the university’s Lynchburg, Virginia campus
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Liberty has held Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation since 1980. Its nursing education is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Per Credit Hour: $340 for online students regardless of residency status
GRE Required: Not required
Minimum Time Commitment: As little as three semesters for students with significant credit transfers. Most students require about two years of study, which is accelerated due to Liberty’s unique format
On Campus Requirements: Optional intensives are available in some courses
Programs: RN to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing, and MSN concentrations in Nursing Administration or Nurse Educator
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#10 Medical University of South Carolina
A public institution, Medical University of South Carolina opened in 1824. It is one of the oldest medical training universities in the United States and the first to be established in the Deep South.
Campus: Online with on-campus options available
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: The university’s online programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. It was recently re-accredited with commendations. Individual programs may hold accreditation from their governing body
Per Credit Hour: Varies significantly by program, student seniority, and credit hour. See tuition link for details
GRE Required: Required for some programs
Minimum Time Commitment: Including on-campus requirements, many programs can be completed in about two years. Transfer credit may also be considered
On Campus Requirements: Some advanced graduate programs may require an intensive, major project, lab, or residency on campus
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Ph.D. or Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#11 University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas at Arlington is a state university formed 1895 and spent much of its early history as a military school. Over the last several years, it has grown rapidly and become the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System.
Campus: Five Nursing programs available online
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Per Credit Hour: Ranges from $168 to $350
GRE Required: GRE required for applicants with GPA below 3.0. Must meet minimum scores.
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program, but provides instruction in an accelerated format separate from the traditional semester schedule. Most programs can be completed within 20 months
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Three bachelor’s programs including RN to BSN, BSN, and Professional Nursing Pathways. Master’s degrees include Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Master of Science in Nursing Education
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#12 University of South Alabama
University of South Alabama is a public institution created by legislative act in 1963. It hosts one of only two state-sponsored medical schools in Alabama. 15,000 students are supported by the work of nearly 1,000 staff and has a $2 billion local economic impact.
Campus: Programs are available online and on campus
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Features Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation for its bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Nursing
Per Credit Hour: Varies between $292 and $584 depending on residency status
GRE Required: Required for some programs
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies significantly by program
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Online Master of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-master’s DNP. Other programs, including bachelor’s programs in Nursing, are available on campus
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#13 Thomas Edison State College
Thomas Edison State College opened its doors in 1972. In recognition of the importance of its namesake, it focuses on providing programs for self-directed learners.
Campus: Online programs backed by urban campus in Trenton, New Jersey
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: All nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, also known as ACEN
Per Credit Hour: $395 for state residents; $476 for non-state residents
GRE Required: No.
Minimum Time Commitment: Programs are self-paced and most can be completed within two years
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: RN to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator, Master of Science in Nursing/Nursing Informatics, and Master of Science Nursing/Nursing Administration
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#14 Utica College
Utica College was initially an extension of the University of Syracuse developed in the thirties. It became independent in 1946 and now offers graduate and undergraduate degrees, opening the latter programs for the first time in 2011.
Campus: Programs available entirely online
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Specific programs may also have accreditation and licensing from relevant professional bodies
Per Credit Hour: $425 per credit hour plus applicable fees on a per-course basis
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: RN to BSN accelerated program can be completed entirely online in four years or less
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing accelerated degree
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#15 Rio Salado College
Opened to students in 1978, Rio Salado College has a history as one of the Maricopa Community Colleges of Arizona. It initiated online programs in 1996 and has become a major innovator in the field.
Campus: Online with affiliate campuses throughout Arizona
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Rio Salado is accredited with the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association, a recognized regional accrediting body
Per Credit Hour: Ranges from $81 per credit hour to $334 per credit hour depending on student’s residency status
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies according to need
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Rio Salado provides pre-requisite and co-requisite online courses to help students accelerate their progress at a variety of affiliated nursing programs around the state, including online programs
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#16 Benedictine University
Benedictine University was set up in 1887 by monks of the Benedictine Order. It has a combined enrollment over 7,000 and offers over 50 undergraduate programs as well as a select assortment of master’s and Ph.D. degrees.
Campus: Online, backed by Chicago-area campus
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by NCA, the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $590, with discounts possible for military personnel
GRE Required: No GRE is required, but students must meet a minimum GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Online Master=s in Nursing including Nurse Executive and Nurse Educator concentrations
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#17 University of Wyoming
University of Wyoming is the flagship institution of the Wyoming public university system, set up in 1886. Hosting more than 14,000 total students in Laramie, Wyoming and around the U.S., it provides dozens of distance learning programs.
Campus: Online and on campus options
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
Per Credit Hour: Varies by program and residency status. See tuition link for details
GRE Required: Recommended for some programs
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program. Some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as two years with prior nursing experience
On Campus Requirements: Online programs require students to attend orientation on campus.
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BRAND Accelerated Bachelor’s Program, RN to BSN, Master of Science in Nurse Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#18 Simmons College
Simmons College is a women’s college inaugurated 1899. Male students are welcome at the graduate level. The total enrollment is nearly 5,000 across six colleges and two campuses, one academic and one residential.
Campus: Online with some programs available on campus
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Commission for Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, initially accredited 1929
Per Credit Hour: $1,198 regardless of residency status
GRE Required: Recommended for some programs
Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
On Campus Requirements: Some programs may require on-campus orientation or lab.
Programs: Online Master of Science for Registered Nurses including RN to MS, BSN to MS, and undergraduate B.S. in Nursing and BSN to MS accelerated plans
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#19 Indiana University / Purdue University at Indianapolis
Indiana University / Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a partnership between the above-named universities, which provides certifications and degrees from both. Its graduate and professional enrollment is the largest in Indiana.
Campus: Indiana University features the largest online nursing degree program in the state
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Nursing programs are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation and others. IUPUI holds regional accreditation from the Learning Commission, part of the North Central Association, which it has held since 1970
Per Credit Hour: Varies by program and residency status, with undergraduate residents paying $247.90 per credit hour and non-residents paying $860 per credit hour
GRE Required: Recommended for certain advanced programs
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program, with bachelor’s and master’s degree programs taking as little as two years depending upon prior coursework and experience
On Campus Requirements: There are no campus requirements
Programs: RN to BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, RN to MSN, and a full selection of graduate certifications and post-master’s options
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#20 California State University Dominguez Hills
California State University Dominguez Hills is a 1960 addition to the California state university system. It provides more than 150 degree options, but does not offer doctoral degrees. It has nearly 14,000 students and 700 professors.
Campus: Online, affiliated with traditional campus
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Board of Registered Nursing, and overall accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Per Credit Hour: Approximately $254 per credit hour for state residents, higher fees for non-residents
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: Completion is possible in two years or less with appropriate transfer credit
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, accelerated
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#21 Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University was originally the 1914 Denver Bible Institute. A private, interdenominational Christian institution, it confers degrees in nearly 50 subjects. Graduate and undergraduate students are represented in its enrollment of more than 5,000.
Campus: Online, associated with brick and mortar campus
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Nursing programs are accredited by CCNE, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The University as a whole is accredited by the North Central Association.
Per Credit Hour: Approximately $686 per credit hour, plus fees
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: Accelerated format allows for 27-month completion
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#22 University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois at Chicago was first founded in 1858 and attained its current name and status in 1982. It is the largest university in greater Chicago, with nearly 30,000 total students. It has 15 different colleges.
Campus: Online extension of the flagship public university
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: UIC is fully, regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Its nursing programs also hold relevant professional accreditation by industry associations, including the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Per Credit Hour: $762 for most online programs regardless of residency. Additional fees may apply for graduate programs
GRE Required: Recommended for some program options
Minimum Time Commitment: Minimum of two years with specifics varying by program
On Campus Requirements: Students must attend class on campus on two to three occasions per semester depending upon the requirements of specific classes
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Philosophy
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#23 Duke University
Duke University was founded 1838 by an alliance of Methodists and Quakers. It has more than 11,000 academic and administrative personnel, assisting nearly 15,000 students across three campuses.
Campus: Fully online programs offered by well-known private research university
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Nursing programs accredited by Association on Collegiate Nursing Education. Duke as a whole accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $1,111 undergraduate, $1,425 graduate
GRE Required: Expected for some programs
Minimum Time Commitment: Most programs take approximately two and a half years to complete
On Campus Requirements: Each online program requires a three-day in-person orientation. Some specialized, advanced courses may require up to three on-campus meetings per semester
Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing. Four Nurse Practitioner specializations provided by distance learning
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#24 Excelsior College
With five schools and degree offerings at the graduate and undergraduate levels, Excelsior College was initiated by New York State’s Board of Regents in 1971. In 2001, it shifted its focus to providing online degrees. It serves more than 36,000 students, most undergraduates.
Campus: Online only
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Middle Association of Colleges and Schools, with oversight provided for nursing programs by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Also recognized by the National League for Nursing
Per Credit Hour: $425 to $565 depending on program level
GRE Required: Not required
Minimum Time Commitment: Depends on program level. Most programs can be completed within two and a half years of ongoing study
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Offerings include associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees such as Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, RN to BS, RN to MS, and Master of Science in Nursing
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
#25 University of South Dakota
USD has the distinction of having been founded before the state of South Dakota, in 1862. It is the home of the state’s sole school for the practice of medicine. It has more than 10,000 students distributed throughout seven colleges.
Campus: Online with “face to face” support
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Professional programs hold relevant industry-level accreditation
Per Credit Hour: For undergraduates such as students in the Nursing programs, tuition is $267.60/hour for South Dakota residents, $288.30/hour for Minnesota residents, and $336.80 for all others
GRE Required: Not required
Minimum Time Commitment: Many programs may be finished within two years if student enrolls with prior skills, training, or credits. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year degree
On Campus Requirements: None
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN, Associate of Science in Nursing
School Site: Tuition | Financial Aid
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