Most Popular Online ADN Programs 2025
Popular online ADN programs (Associate Degrees in Nursing) offer a streamlined route into the nursing profession. These two-year programs are designed to prepare students for RN licensure through the NCLEX-RN exam.
Key Takeaways:
- Weber State University ranks #1 for popularity, with 435 graduates from its AS in Practical to Registered Nursing.
- Baptist Health System School of Health Professions leads in student success, with a 90% graduation rate and the highest median salary among nursing students at $72,389.
Our rankings are based on the number of graduates in each online ADN program. For more details about our process, visit our methodology page here. We also spoke with two nursing professionals who offer insights on choosing between public and private ADN options, navigating online clinicals, and standing out in today’s healthcare job market.
Most Popular Online ADN Programs 2025
Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weber State University | 435 | $8,970 | $66,856 | 90% | |
Florida SouthWestern State College | 248 | $9,750 | $68,518 | N/A | |
Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | 203 | $14,675 | $82,201 | N/A | |
Allegany College of Maryland | 163 | $11,760 | $71,930 | 100% | |
Hinds Community College | 149 | $6,750 | $74,311 | N/A | |
Western Kentucky University | 96 | $16,530 | $66,983 | 94% | |
Northwest Technical College | 70 | $6,346 | $70,308 | N/A | |
Purdue Global | 67 | $11,130 | $66,234 | 74% | |
University of Arkansas Community College - Batesville | 43 | $3,810 | $76,176 | N/A | |
Midway University | 38 | $11,850 | $59,943 | 100% |
Most Popular Online ADN Programs 2025 - Program Details
- Graduates: 435
- Annual Tuition: $8,970
- Median Salary: $60,321
- Recommendation: 90%
Why we like them: WSU's nursing degree is the #1 most popular option, with 435 graduates last year. WSU offers a dual-licensure pathway uncommon in associate nursing programs. After your first year, you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN, allowing you to become a licensed practical nurse while still pursuing your RN credential.
- Graduates: 248
- Annual Tuition: $9,750
- Median Salary: $63,939
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: FSW's online ADN has a dual-schedule model, allowing you to select between traditional day classes and an evening/weekend blended option, both of which mix online coursework with required on-campus and clinical components. Additionally, FSW has a Gold Standard Statewide Articulation Agreement explicitly benefiting licensed practical nurses, guaranteeing a minimum block of 11 credits toward the degree for qualified LPNs.
- Graduates: 203
- Annual Tuition: $14,675
- Median Salary: $72,389
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: BHSSHP stands out for offering Texas’ longest-running associate degree nursing program, combining over a century of heritage with clinical rotations across major specialty divisions such as perioperative care, critical care, psychiatry, and community-based health. It also allows unlimited TEAS exam attempts.
- Graduates: 163
- Annual Tuition: $11,760
- Median Salary: $63,641
- Recommendation: 100%
Why we like them: ACM hosts a ladder-style program, offering several pathways such as LPN to RN online, Certified Medical Assistant to LPN or RN, and a Weekend Hybrid option. This enables you to progress from CNA/GNA to LPN and ultimately RN. Another unique feature is the extensive clinical exposure — approximately 1,400 hours at clinical sites over four semesters.
- Graduates: 149
- Annual Tuition: $6,750
- Median Salary: $64,929
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: HCC has two pathways for aspiring RNs, including a traditional route for new entrants and a Transition to RN option designed for LPNs, paramedics, or respiratory therapists. Additionally, the program’s ACEN accreditation and Mississippi Board approval strengthen its credibility, providing assurance that you receive industry-aligned preparation.
- Graduates: 96
- Annual Tuition: $16,530
- Median Salary: $59,210
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: A distinctive feature of WKU’s LPN to ASN program is its accelerated design, allowing you to advance your career in as little as one year. WKU incorporates challenge exams and awards credit for prior learning, enabling you to capitalize on existing knowledge and experience. WKU boasts a 95% recommendation rate based on student surveys we've collected.
- Graduates: 70
- Annual Tuition: $6,346
- Median Salary: $64,354
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: NTC has an LPN Step-In (Bridge PN to RN) program, designed as a hybrid, three-semester pathway starting each spring and leading to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam. It features continuous admission until capacity is reached. Notably, NTC does not accept nursing coursework from other institutions for transfer.
- Graduates: 67
- Annual Tuition: $11,130
- Median Salary: $58,039
- Recommendation: 74%
Why we like them: PG's nursing associate program features leadership-focused tracks such as the self-paced ExcelTrack® option for accelerated, competency-based progress. Notably, all PG nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the ASN is specifically approved in Iowa and Maine.
- Graduates: 43
- Annual Tuition: $3,810
- Median Salary: $68,060
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: UACCB's LPN to RN program allows students to receive nine credit hours in recognition of prior practical nursing education. The program structure, requiring only 58 credits for these students, provides a more accelerated route to degree completion for those already holding a practical nursing background.
- Graduates: 38
- Annual Tuition: $11,850
- Median Salary: $54,717
- Recommendation: 100%
Why we like them: MidwayU has three distinct pathways within its online ADN: a traditional daytime track, evening classes, and a newly introduced online/hybrid option designed for working adults or those requiring accelerated progression. The ADN program’s NCLEX pass rate is based on a 3-year average of 86.3%.
What Experts Say About Choosing the Right Online ADN Program
From waitlists and affordable online nursing degrees to clinical access and job readiness, two nursing professionals break down what prospective ADN students should consider.
Weighing Public vs. Private ADN Programs

Nurse Educator
"Having taught in a handful of ADN programs, the tension with selecting a program to officially enroll in is either time or cost.
Most private ADN programs do not have a wait list or a very short waiting time, whereas most state or public schools have limited enrollment and longer wait times (usually in the months to years).This delayed enrollment time can be difficult for a student to wait that long. The trade off is shorter to no wait times at private schools but the cost is usually 2-3x or more.
The pros to private schools is typically:
-
Flexibility
-
Ability to make changes per year or semester
-
A variety of enrollment options
-
Fast tracks
-
Quicker finish times
— but it all comes at a higher cost.
For public schools, the cost is usually significantly less but now you're dealing with the government running the program (think DMV but quicker and a bit perkier). The public programs will be cheaper but not offer a variety of programs and usually have traditional semesters.
I tend to gravitate towards the public programs and have been involved with both. I like the private schools for their flexibility but the price seems pretty high. I'd be willing to wait to pay less and take longer (and get a health care job in the process for experience).
Taking one's time, exploring both options, and being careful to not overspend to take out debt... can all lead to making a solid decision. Bottom line is this: Either way, the degree still earns an RN which is what North America, especially the USA needs now and what employers want for direct patient care."
How Online ADN Students Can Compete and Find Success

DNP, PMHNP-BC
"In my experience, the type of student who thrives in an online ADN program is the non-traditional student who values flexibility in learning and is self driven requiring little structure. Those students who are recent high school graduates that have been used to the structure of traditional learning tend to do far better in class rather than online learning.
The advice I would give to someone choosing between an online ADN and other nursing pathways would be to consider what the end goal is for them. In addition, they need to consider the standards of the institution they are considering employment with. Many facilities offer financial incentive for higher degrees or tuition reimbursement for time worked.
The advice I would give to online ADN students to make themselves more competitive in today’s healthcare job market is to make themselves visible during the clinical experience.
Depending on the program, online options may be more challenging when it comes time to finding clinical preceptors. It may be up to the individual student to facilitate their clinical experience. If you are in a hybrid program, the clinical options may already be established, lessening the burden of stress on the individual student in locating clinical preceptors.
The advice I would give to online ADN students to make themselves more competitive in today’s healthcare job market is to make themselves visible during the clinical experience. The more clinical experience they can get, the stronger the nurse they will be."
EXPERT TIP
"Students entering into a nursing program should choose a program that has been accredited. This process ensures that a program has meet specific educational standards for quality, curriculum, faculty, resources, and student outcomes."
Online ADN Degree
Students interested in earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) will find a number of well-respected online ADN degree programs offered through community colleges and four-year institutions. While online ADN programs consist largely of virtual instruction, students must complete a certain number of clinical experience hours in person.
Among the many topics covered in ADN programs are nursing foundations, behavioral health, pharmacology, adult and elderly healthcare, maternity, and childcare.
The fastest route youcan take to ultimately become a registered nurse (RN), an online ADN can lead to a number of professional opportunities across a variety of unique healthcare settings — including hospitals, home health, medical clinics, specialty clinics, and more.
Upon earning their degree, aspiring nurses must successfully achieve licensure by taking and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
To learn more about the field of nursing and what educational pathway is right for you, check out our Guide to Online Nursing Programs.
How Long Is an ADN Online Program?
While the amount of time required to complete an ADN program online varies from one institution to another, most programs typically take students between 18 and 24 months to complete.
That being said, the amount of time it takes to earn an ADN online can vary greatly from one student to another. Whereas some focus all of their time and energy on their academic endeavors, other students may have to balance school with personal and professional responsibilities. For instance, a student who works part time and has kids at home will likely take longer to complete the program.
What Can You Do With an Online ADN?
Students curious about what they can do with an online associate degree in nursing should become familiar with the industry and job market trends to better understand specific nursing occupations that may pique their interest.
Basically, there are three routes you can take:
1
Some students earn their online ADN and immediately enter the workforce upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
2
On the other hand, many students choose to earn different nursing certifications to boost their credentials and earnings.
3
Similarly, other students choose to continue their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) — or a higher degree — to increase their marketability.
Work environments are varied and can include emergency rooms, intensive or progressive care units, neonatal ICUs, operating rooms, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or physician’s offices, among other settings.
Alternatively, nurses less inclined to work directly with patients often pursue careers in which they can utilize their nursing skills by working for insurance companies; local, state, and federal government agencies; community health facilities; and a wide range of schools.
Graduates of an online ADN program can go on to pursue the following:
Registered Nurse
RNs enjoy career opportunities in a wide range of healthcare settings, such as community health centers, hospitals, and specialty clinics. RNs are trained to provide essential care to patients, the degree to which varies according to the setting.
Outpatient Care Center Nurse
Outpatient care centers have become increasingly prevalent in today’s healthcare environment. This type of nurse cares for individuals requiring visits to outpatient care centers for a wide range of medical procedures which do not require overnight care.
General Medical and Surgical Hospital Nurse
General medical and surgical hospital nurses assist doctors and surgeons in providing patients with medical care. They are often exposed to a vast array of medical experiences, resulting in a broader knowledge base than other types of nurses.
Home Healthcare Nurse
Compared to nurses working in clinics, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and related fields, home healthcare nurses provide patients with in-home medical care. These nurses often get to know their patients very well due to the one-on-one care provided.
Physician’s Office Nurse
Nurses employed in physician’s offices provide medical care to patients as directed by office physicians. They are often the first medical professionals a patient meets within a physician's office and they are typically involved in providing care to patients throughout their visit.
Specializations and Certificates
In addition to the aforementioned nursing occupations, ADN program graduates may pursue a variety of more specialized nursing jobs in functional areas — such as radiology, fitness, and nutrition, plastic surgery, labor and delivery, and dialysis care, to name a few.
While some online ADN graduates continue their nursing education at the bachelor’s ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s, or even doctoral level, others focus on earning one of many professional certifications, like a legal nurse consultant certification. Not only can certifications increase marketability, but they usually merit some degree of an increased mean-salary.
FAQs About Online ADN Degrees
What Is the Difference Between an Online ADN and an Online BSN?
An online ADN is a two-year associate degree, while an online BSN is a four-year bachelor’s degree. While graduates of either program typically qualify for the same entry-level positions, a BSN-prepared RN can also be eligible for more advanced positions and higher pay. An online ADN program, on the other hand, can be completed more quickly and requires less tuition.
Do Hospitals Hire Nurses with Associate Degrees?
Yes, hospitals hire nurses with associate degrees. Although, it is becoming increasingly common for employers to prefer BSN candidates. However, with such a dramatic labor shortage in the medical field, nursing professionals with any degree are still in demand — both in hospitals and in other healthcare practices.
Do Accelerated ADN Programs Exist?
Most online ADN programs take at least two years to complete when classes are taken full time. Those who hold an associate degree in nursing and wish to advance their career, however, can complete an accelerated RN to BSN program. This degree typically takes two additional years of study to complete.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
I'm still enrolled in Troy and so far I'm enjoying the classes. They are not exactly easy, and you have to work hard to make good grades. The teachers have always been nice and offered whatever assistance I've asked for. The instruction is informative, I've learned a lot from my classes, and I hope to learn much more.
Review Date: 10/7/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great choice when it came to my education, I chose chamberlain for my BSN 5 years ago and return for my MSN in 2023. Chamberlain pave the way for me to become a nurse and allowed me a chance when other school told me "NO". Not because of my grads but because of a entrance exam. After entering chamberlain i graduated with a 3.6 for my BSN and passed my NCLEX at 76 questions.
Review Date: 3/12/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall the school is very good. However, this past semester I had to take Anatomy I and while my professor is great and will meet online with me to help, the departmental structure of this class is terrible. I believe this semester is a new style of teaching for online courses in this subject. In the past they offered extra credit and would round the grade. This is no longer done. Since this is an excruciatingly difficult class I feel taking those options away is ludicrous. Over the Thanksgiving... Read More
Review Date: 12/7/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
PA STUDENTS!!! please check with the PA State Board of Nursing BEFORE taking nursing classes through Excelsior! I graduated 10/18/24. ALL of the students from PA and not approved to sit for our NCLEX! Excelsior is not providing the correct information to the board for us to be approved. There are more graduates after us being affected also.
Review Date: 1/9/2025
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Don't believe all the bad reviews out there!! I completed the LPN to RN program in 20 months and everything went smoothly. I honestly feel like the people who give this program bad reviews are just simply bad at following directions and are sore that they couldn't. I did this while working as a full-time LPN and raising 3 children. You can do it! Stay motivated and it will pay off!! Good luck!!
Review Date: 11/20/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The grading system is the worst I've ever seen in any college setting. The CPNE was thrown out, so the school have to make up for it some how. You will do hours upon hours of Prep-U quizzes which leaves little time for studying for exams. The 30+ quizzes you have to take is worth 1% of your grade, test are 30-50%, quizzes are 30%. That's just about an automatic fail if you fail a test. Books are over $2000 dollars and they expire.
Review Date: 6/20/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I almost feel like they don’t want people to graduate! The work load is absolutely ridiculous. Financial aid never called me to discuss anything, they just use payment pop-up screens over your login screen. I found that careless and DISCOURTESY to alert me in that manner that I have a balance, no matter how big or small. It’s a MONEY game with this school & now that they have changed their name to Universities I feel it to be undeserving. You teach yourself. So don’t waste time writing, copy and... Read More
Review Date: 10/5/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
UMA has opened so many doors for me, and my family! I am able to be present for all four of my daughters, and all of their school as well as extra curriculum activities, maintain a full time job, and still have time for me. I have wanted to go back to school for quite some time now. I've never made the leap into putting this dream in to action for fear of what it would take from my family. UMA has given me the chance to show my girls it CAN BE done! The support from UMA is more than I can place into... Read More
Review Date: 10/11/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I just want to say that I read some of these reviews and for people to say this school is a scam is RIDICULOUS! I mean the application process to get into the college is pretty spot on for what it requires of you to succeed! Yeah it's expensive but the end outweighed that for me. I did the test out option on the exams so I can't comment on their actual "online" courses. Yes I struggled with obtaining the right stuff to have my CPNE application approved. I suggest reading that WAY ahead of time and... Read More
Review Date: 1/29/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Fortis is a great school that birth amazing nurses. If you love small classrooms and fast pace learning this is the school to attend. I love the fact that you have a lot of hands on training and instructors that goes over and beyond to help you be the best version of your authentic self!
Review Date: 9/30/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school policies and programs aren’t flexible at all for working adults. They don’t care if you graduate or not. They just want your $25,000. If you want to be a nurse choose a different program. The professors are constantly changing test schedules at the last minute. Then if you don’t catch it you get a zero with no chance to make it up.
Review Date: 4/13/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I started at excelsior as an Lpn with 2 toddlers. I was able to complete all my classes online while working full time as a night nurse. Had baby #3 and just passed my CPNE first attempt! It's not impossible you just have to work and put in the efforts! Trust me! A mom of 3, full time night nurse and I was successful!
Review Date: 6/29/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am very disappointed in the lack of communication between the staff (not necessarily the instructors, I have no bad experience with the instructors at this point) and the students. I have found that no one wants to assist you if you have questions, emails will go unanswered, you ask questions of one person you are told to contact another and that person never responds. I would recommend seeking out other programs if they are available to you and meet your needs. The 2 programs that I decided against... Read More
Review Date: 7/15/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I see a lot of negative reviews on this school for the nursing program, but I on the other hand loved it. Because I travel a lot, it was great to be able to access my classes on my own time from my own computer. The key to this school (especially the nursing curriculum) is to definitely learn how to take the initiative to study and learn the lessons on your own. This is not to say you are literally on your own, as the classes provide you with all needed materials and information, you just have to... Read More
Review Date: 3/19/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Excelsior College have me the opportunity to earn my LPN to RN license without having to give up my career and family life. I did the online class option with cpne and much of it is self taught. If you put in the work and do not make excuses you will be successful. The CPNE was fair and to the point the videos and study material equipped me with everything I needed to be successful in my degree. Passed NCLEX on first try with no problem.
Review Date: 1/25/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Excelsior College provided a great way to get my education while balancing work life and home life. Although, it was challenging, the staff was always there to provide support and guidance when I needed it. I plan to go back soon and get my BSN and I am so excited.
Review Date: 2/23/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been enrolled for 4 1/2 years and it was a great experience for me. It allowed go to remember how to PUSH THROUGH. I just completed CPNE virtually and successfully passed. I had a lot of family struggles and hardship during those 4 1/2 years which allowed me to pick up where I left off after dealing with family deaths (sister, motherNlaw, brother’s and Father). I paid my annual fee and tested whenever I could which was convenient. The advisors were supportive. I failed the CPNE in person when... Read More
Review Date: 12/9/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Beal College provided me with a competitive and intense educational nursing program. I am pleased to have been successful with my NCLEX the first attempt, and walked out feeling confident in my knowledge and skills. I would highly recommend the Beal Nursing program to others that have been wanting to become a nurse, and enjoy a smaller, more individualized feeling from instructors. I was able to meet my lifelong goal of becoming a Registered Nurse in 20 months!
Review Date: 12/15/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school is awful from it's customer service to information it puts out. It seems like they have ONE phone tree for anything and everything you need. You wait on hold for absurd amounts of time (30 minutes to almost an hour). No one seems to know any answers to your questions and always pawn you off on another person or department. I originally began my admissions in June 2017, I couldn't start until spring 2018 because they lost my application, never processed my transcripts, and never bothered... Read More
Review Date: 3/26/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Excelsior College may seem like a time saving godsend but do not waste your time if you intend on pursuing an additional degree. There is a year plus waiting period for your final requirement and it's costly and I just found out that the A and P they offer does not transfer. You will have to take it again with a lab. There are also additional requirements for you to practice in most states other than New York and Washington and California will not even recognize your degree. I met my wife after I... Read More
Review Date: 4/6/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No