For students seeking a flexible and accessible way to earn their nursing degree, researching the best accelerated online nursing degree programs is an excellent place to start. Graduates with a BSN can pursue careers as registered nurses, with a median salary of $86,070. Those completing an MSN have additional career opportunities, such as nurse practitioners with a median salary of $129,480 or nurse administrators with a median salary of $110,680.
By enrolling in an accelerated program, you’ll be on a fast track to these careers, with BSN programs often completed in just 12 to 18 months and MSN programs in 18 months to two years.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best Accelerated Online Nursing degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 23 Accredited Accelerated Online Nursing Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Emory University
Intelligent Score: 99.44In-state: $53,070
Out-of-state: $53,070
In-state: $43,800
Out-of-state: $43,800
SAT: 1380-1530
ACT: 31-34
$1,706
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
48
Methodist College
Intelligent Score: 98.9In-state: $46,274
Out-of-state: $46,274
In-state: $49,826
Out-of-state: $49,826
SAT: 980 or higher
ACT: 19 or higher
$677
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
120
Kent State University
Intelligent Score: 98.67In-state: $10,810
Out-of-state: $19,686
In-state: $11,766
Out-of-state: $11,766
SAT: 1020-1210
ACT: 20-26
$500
Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
120-122
Marian University
Intelligent Score: 98.46In-state: $36,000
Out-of-state: $36,000
In-state: $19,720
Out-of-state: $19,720
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$925
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
120
Northeastern University
Intelligent Score: 97.38In-state: $54,360
Out-of-state: $54,360
In-state: $25,264
Out-of-state: $25,264
SAT: 1410-1540
ACT: 33-35
$1,263
Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
67-71
Thomas Edison State University
Intelligent Score: 97.1In-state: $14,742
Out-of-state: $16,926
In-state: $22,623
Out-of-state: $22,623
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$311
Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
60
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Intelligent Score: 96.16In-state: $92,705
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $35,300
Out-of-state: $35,300
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
$1,261
Hybrid, On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
49
The University of Texas at Arlington
Intelligent Score: 94.79In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
$425
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
51
Elmhurst University
Intelligent Score: 94.08In-state: $38,354
Out-of-state: $38,354
In-state: $32,000
Out-of-state: $32,000
SAT: 980-1170
ACT: 20-26
$833
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
60
University of Wyoming
Intelligent Score: 93.80In-state: $3,480
Out-of-state: $14,472
In-state: $5,076
Out-of-state: $5,076
SAT: 1040-1240
ACT: 21-28
Resident: $199
Non-Resident: $359
Online, Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
55-58
Baylor University
Intelligent Score: 93.45In-state: $44,544
Out-of-state: $44,544
In-state: $33,408
Out-of-state: $33,408
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,098
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
62
University of Indianapolis
Intelligent Score: 92.95In-state: $30,888
Out-of-state: $30,888
In-state: $38,452
Out-of-state: $38,452
SAT: 960-1170
ACT: 18-25
$980
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
56
UMass Boston
Intelligent Score: 92.54In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$600
Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
52
Xavier University
Intelligent Score: 89.47In-state: $42,230
Out-of-state: $42,230
In-state: $12,060
Out-of-state: $12,060
SAT: 1060-1250
ACT: 22-28
$900
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
63
Marymount University
Intelligent Score: 87.81In-state: $33,200
Out-of-state: $33,200
In-state: $19,620
Out-of-state: $19,620
SAT: 970-1170
ACT: 20-28
$1,636
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
91-92
Rockhurst University
Intelligent Score: 85.3In-state: $38,800
Out-of-state: $38,800
In-state: $16,200
Out-of-state: $16,200
SAT: 1035-1225
ACT: 20-27
$783
Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
60
Olivet Nazarene University
Intelligent Score: 84.58In-state: $35,960
Out-of-state: $35,960
In-state: $13,393
Out-of-state: $13,393
SAT: 970-1190
ACT: 19-26
$785
Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
59
University of St. Thomas Houston
Intelligent Score: 83.52In-state: $46,348
Out-of-state: $46,348
In-state: $24,589
Out-of-state: $24,589
SAT: 1130-1340
ACT: 23-29
$1,100
Hybrid
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
58
How to Choose an Accelerated Online Nursing Program
Choose your area of study
Since nursing is a relatively broad field, choosing an area of study can help you tailor your education more closely to your interests and career goals. For BSN students, options like pediatrics, geriatrics, and oncology cater to those enthusiastic about specific populations. MSN students can specialize in areas such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator. These are ideal for those seeking high-level clinical roles or leadership in healthcare settings.
It’s often helpful to reflect on your strengths, alongside job market demands, to select a specialization that aligns best with your objectives and offers ample growth opportunities.
Research schools and programs
Once you have an intended specialization in mind, you can focus on researching schools and programs that’ll help you meet your career goals. Consider using the following questions to help guide your research:
- Is the program accredited?
- What is the program’s NCLEX pass rate or certification exam success rate?
- Are there any prerequisites or specific admission requirements?
- What is the format and duration of the program?
- Are there opportunities for hands-on clinical experience?
This information can be found on school websites, by speaking with an admissions counselor, or at a virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of programs in hand, you can begin test and application prep. Although the admissions process may vary depending on the program, most programs follow the standard criteria:
- Transcripts from previously attended institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- Relevant test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for grad)
Undergraduates should consider enrolling in SAT or ACT prep programs to improve their scores, while graduates should enroll in a GRE prep course if scores are required. These programs are specifically structured to produce performance-boosting results and can help give your application a competitive edge.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Take some time to revisit your initial research criteria and prioritize what’s most important to you, such as curriculum relevance, clinical opportunities, and faculty you’re excited to learn from. This is also an ideal time to reassess the total cost of attendance and compare it to financial aid offers – ensuring that your choice ultimately aligns best academically and financially.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To finance your degree, first file the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid. Next, apply for institutional and external scholarships, as this aid doesn’t need to be repaid and can significantly offset costs. If you’re seeking part-time work, consider exploring work-study or assistantship opportunities. When loans are necessary, be sure to opt for federal loans over private loans due to their lower interest rates and flexible repayment options – as this can help you bridge any financial gaps more affordably.
What Can You Expect From an Accelerated Online Nursing Program?
By enrolling in an accelerated online nursing program, you can expect an intensive and fast-paced curriculum designed to quickly transition students into nursing roles – regardless of degree level. For those seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), curricula cover foundational topics like anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. These programs require hands-on clinical practice and can typically be completed in two to three years.
For a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), students delve into advanced practice areas like leadership, research, and specialized nursing fields like family nurse practitioner, midwifery, or anesthetics. These curricula often include courses on healthcare policy, high-level clinical skills, and evidence-based practice. Completion times for this degree usually range from 18 months to two years.
Potential courses you’ll take in an accelerated online nursing program
- Anatomy and Physiology: This fundamental course covers the structure and function of the human body, providing essential knowledge of the body’s systems. Students will learn about the interplay between different organs and how they work together to maintain health.
- Pharmacology: In this course, students study the principles of drug action, the therapeutic uses of different medications, and the potential side effects. Understanding pharmacology is crucial for safe medication administration and patient education.
- Health Assessment: This upper-level course focuses on developing advanced clinical assessment skills. Participants learn to conduct comprehensive physical exams, interpret diagnostic tests, and create effective care plans for complex patient cases.
- Nursing Leadership and Management: This course, typically offered in MSN programs, prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare settings by covering topics like organizational behavior, strategic planning, and effective communication. Students learn to manage healthcare teams, improve patient outcomes, and navigate the complexities of healthcare systems.
What Can I Do With a Nursing Degree?
With a nursing degree, you can pursue various in-demand roles that offer lucrative salaries and job security. You can work as an RN at the BSN level in hospitals and clinics. With an MSN, you can advance to roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse administrator, providing opportunities for leadership and specialized practice.
Career outlook
- Registered Nurse — RNs provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor patient health, and collaborate with healthcare teams to develop and implement care plans. This high-demand field offers entry-level roles for those with a BSN, providing a solid foundation for career growth.
- Median annual salary: $86,070
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 193,100
- Nurse Practitioner — Nurse practitioners offer advanced clinical care, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient treatment plans. These opportunities become available with an MSN and often allow NPs to specialize in areas like family practice, pediatrics, or acute care.
- Median annual salary: $129,480
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 38%
- New jobs projected: 29,200
- Nurse Administrator — Nurse administrators oversee nursing staff, manage healthcare operations, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. These roles can be versatile and differ in scope, ranging from managing a single department to overseeing multiple facilities.
- Median annual salary: $110,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 28%
- New jobs projected: 54,700
Accelerated Online Nursing Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs condense the traditional curriculum into a shorter time frame through intensive, fast-paced coursework. Both accelerated BSN and MSN programs maintain rigorous academic standards, requiring students to manage a heavier workload and often study year-round. Check out our page, which delves into this further, to learn more about the pros and cons of accelerated programs and decide if a fast-track option is best for you.
How long does it take to earn an accelerated online nursing degree?
Obtaining an accelerated online nursing degree takes 12 to 18 months for a BSN, with some programs offering options that can be completed in less than a year. Similarly, an accelerated MSN takes 18 months to two years, with some programs that can be completed in less time.
For MSN programs, completion timelines can vary significantly due to differing credit requirements — so it’s imperative to evaluate these requirements before enrolling, as this will impact your program length.
How much does an accelerated online nursing degree cost?
The average annual cost of tuition is $14,688 for undergraduate degrees and $20,513 for graduate degrees. However, it’s important to note that tuition is only one part of the cost. You’ll also want to budget for additional expenses, such as technology fees, textbooks, course materials, and potential travel costs for in-person clinicals.