10 Cheapest Online Nursing Degrees with High NCLEX Success
Honestly; Pursuing a nursing degree is a smart decision, but it shouldn’t require a fortune. Aspiring nurses and career-changers are searching for the most affordable path to licensure without sacrificing educational quality or their chance of passing the crucial National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This guide spotlights 10 top cheapest online nursing degrees that consistently demonstrate high NCLEX success, ensuring you receive an exceptional return on your investment.
Understanding Online Nursing Degrees and NCLEX Success
An online nursing degree provides the theoretical coursework via digital platforms, offering flexibility for those with work or family commitments. However, it is not an entirely remote endeavor; all programmes require in-person clinical practicums to develop hands-on skills. As you know, The ultimate benchmark of any programme’s effectiveness is its graduates’ performance on the NCLEX. This standardized exam tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for the safe and effective practice of entry-level nursing. Consequently, a programme’s published NCLEX pass rate is a direct reflection of its curriculum rigour and student support.
Why NCLEX Pass Rates Matter More Than Just “Cheap Tuition”
Choosing a nursing programme based solely on having the cheapest tuition can be a costly mistake. The true cost of a degree includes factors beyond the price per credit. A programme with a low pass rate may lead to repeated exam attempts, additional preparatory courses, delayed employment, and potentially, the need to retake coursework. thus, Investing in a programme with a proven track record of high NCLEX success is wise, ensures that your time and money translate directly into the competency and confidence needed to pass the NCLEX and become the nurse of your dream.
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Key Factors to Evaluate in the Cheapest Online Nursing Degrees
When shortlisting affordable programmes, your evaluation must be comprehensive. Scrutinise the following elements with as much care as you would review the cost spreadsheet.
Accreditation and State Board Approval
- Institutional Accreditation: Ensure the institution is regionally accredited (e.g., by the Higher Learning Commission). This is essential for federal financial aid and credit transfer.
- Programmatic Accreditation: The nursing programme itself must hold accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This is a non-negotiable requirement for licensure, employer recognition, and future graduate study.
- State Authorization: The online programme must be authorised to enrol students in your state of residence. Furthermore, it must meet the educational requirements of your state’s Board of Nursing for licensure eligibility.
Types of Affordable Online Nursing Programmes
Your starting point determines the most cost-effective path start by looking into these five nursing programs: ADN, BSN, RN‑to‑BSN, ABSN, MSN.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Often the quickest and least expensive route to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Increasingly the industry standard, often offered as an online completion programme for those with an ADN.
- RN-to-BSN: A specifically designed, affordable online pathway for current RNs holding an ADN to earn their bachelor’s degree.
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN): For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field; faster but often more intensive.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): For advanced practice roles; many affordable online options exist for BSN-prepared nurses.
Admission Requirements
These programmes are ideal for self-motivated, disciplined individuals. Common requirements include prerequisite coursework (e.g., anatomy, microbiology), a minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher), TEAS or HESI exam scores, and a clear background check. The RN-to-BSN and some MSN tracks are particularly well-suited for working nurses seeking flexible advancement.
Cost Breakdown
Always look beyond advertised per-credit costs. Calculate the total programme cost, including:
- Technology or distance learning fees
- Lab kit or simulation fees
- Opportunity Costs and Lost Income
- Background check and immunization tracking costs
- Proctored exam fees
- Clinical course and placement fees (if applicable)
- Graduation and transcript fees
- Books, Resources, and Supplies
- Examination and Licensing Fees
Tip: Make sure to explore all Tuition, Hidden Fees, and Total Programme Value
Support for NCLEX Preparation in Online Nursing Programmes
Top programmes integrate NCLEX preparation throughout the curriculum. Look for resources like:
- Access to commercial question banks (e.g., UWorld, Kaplan)
- Dedicated NCLEX review courses prior to graduation
- Curriculum built around the NCLEX test plan
- Predictive exit exams that assess readiness
Clinical and Simulation Requirements
Understand how clinical placements are handled. Some programmes assist in arranging placements within your community, while others require you to find your own preceptors and sites; which happens to be a potentially difficult and time-consuming task. Also, inquire about how simulation requirements are met, whether through in-person intensives on campus or through partnered local facilities.
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10 Cheapest Online Nursing Degrees with High NCLEX Success (Quick List)
The following programmes have been selected based on a combination of affordable total cost (often under £20,000), CCNE or ACEN accreditation, and a history of strong first-time NCLEX pass rates (typically above 90%). All offer significant online components.
- University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – Online RN-to-BSN
- University of Central Florida (UCF) – Online RN-to-BSN
- Western Governors University (WGU) – Online BSN (Prelicensure) and RN-to-BSN
- Florida International University (FIU) – Online RN-to-BSN
- Allen College – Online RN-to-BSN
- University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) – Online RN-to-BSN
- Ohio University – Online RN-to-BSN
- Chamberlain University – Online RN-to-BSN (with multi-campus clinical support)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Online RN-to-BSN
- Aspen University – Online RN-to-MSN (for those seeking an advanced degree pathway)
Detailed Profiles of the 10 Featured Cheapest Online Nursing Degrees
| University | Estimated Total Cost | Program Length / Credits | NCLEX Data / Student Outcomes | Key Features & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) | Data not available in search results | 32 nursing credits; Can be completed in two semesters full-time | Data not available in search results | CCNE-accredited; Full-time and part-time options; Designed to enhance existing nursing skills. |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) | $6,368.40 (in-state for 30 credits @ $212.28/credit) | 30 credits; Can be completed in as few as 3 semesters | Data not available in search results | CCNE-accredited; Simplified application for licensed RNs; Option to take up to 9 graduate credits toward an MSN/DNP. |
| Western Governors University (WGU) | $5,325 per 6-month term (flat-rate, competency-based) | Competency-based; Designed to be completed in 1 year | Data not available in search results | Competency-based model allows acceleration; 23 total courses; Students can transfer up to 90 credits. |
| Florida International University (FIU) | Data not available in search results | Data not available in search results | Data not available in search results | No specific program data found in this search. |
| Allen College | Data not available in search results | Hybrid BSN: Six semesters (24-month, part-time) online with limited immersions | NCLEX pass rates “consistently exceed state and national averages” | Hybrid track offers online classes with on-campus immersions; Clinicals arranged in Iowa; Requires residency in Iowa for hybrid program. |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) | Data not available in search results | Data not available in search results | Data not available in search results | No specific program data found in this search. |
| Ohio University | Data not available in search results | 31 nursing credits | Data not available in search results | Recently refreshed curriculum aligned with new AACN Essentials; Includes new informatics/safety course; Expands community health and leadership clinical hours. |
| Chamberlain University | Data not available in search results | Data not available in search results | Data not available in search results | CCNE-accredited for its BSN program. |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Data not available in search results | Data not available in search results | Data not available in search results | Online bachelor’s programs ranked #49 nationally (U.S. News, 2023); Online MSN ranked #10 nationally. |
| Aspen University | $25,395 (tuition) + fees; $415/month payment plan available | 4 years; 19 courses (7 undergrad, 12 graduate) | Data not available in search results | RN-to-MSN Bridge (students do not earn a separate BSN); CCNE-accredited; Five specializations (e.g., Administration, Nursing Education); 120-hour practicum per specialty. |
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Red Flags to Avoid with “Too Cheap” Online Nursing Programmes
- Lack of CCNE/ACEN Accreditation: This is the biggest red flag and will block your path to licensure.
- Vague or Unpublished NCLEX Pass Rates: Reputable programmes are transparent about their outcomes.
- Pressure to Enrol Immediately: Ethical programmes encourage informed decisions.
- You Must Find Your Own Clinical Placements without any support from the school.
- Excessive “Miscellaneous” Fees that drastically inflate the total cost beyond the advertised tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Remember, the true goal isn’t to find just the cheapest online nursing degrees, but to identify programs that offer the best long-term value for your nursing career. This means prioritizing accredited programs that transparently report strong NCLEX pass rates and provide substantial support for clinical placements and exam preparation. By applying these focused criteria, you can confidently select an affordable program that doesn’t compromise on quality, effectively investing in a solid foundation for passing the NCLEX and launching a successful, sustainable career in healthcare. Your path to becoming a proficient nurse starts with choosing the right educational partner.