which online nursing programs are good for me?

Yes. If you’re looking for an online nursing program, I can narrow this down pretty well—but the best choice depends heavily on where you are starting.

Since you appear to be in Michigan, I checked the current Michigan Board of Nursing list. Michigan requires RN applicants to graduate from an approved RN education program, so I’d prioritize programs that are explicitly approved and have a solid NCLEX pathway.

A few programs I'd put on your shortlist

• Ferris State University — especially worth looking at if you already have an RN and want an online BSN/MSN pathway. Michigan's Office of Nursing Programs recently highlighted Ferris's online nursing programs as highly ranked nationally.
• Davenport University — Michigan-approved BSN program with multiple Michigan locations and online options worth investigating.
• Baker College — a potentially good option if flexibility and multiple Michigan locations are important to you.
• Chamberlain University — offers nursing education in Michigan and can be attractive if you need a more flexible/private-school format.
• Eastern Michigan University — a public university option worth considering, particularly if cost matters.
• Wayne State University — particularly interesting if you're in the Detroit area and want a traditional university nursing program.
• University of Michigan–Flint — another strong public-university option in Michigan.
• Madonna University — Michigan-approved BSN program with locations in Livonia/Southfield.
• Oakland University — another established Michigan public university nursing option.

These schools appear on Michigan's current approved baccalaureate nursing-program list.

But there's an important catch

If you aren't already an RN, an "online nursing program" usually isn't completely online. Nursing programs require hands-on labs and clinical experiences, so you'll generally need to attend some activities in person.

If you already have an ADN/RN, that's a different situation: an online RN-to-BSN can be much more convenient, and I'd approach your choices very differently.

If you're starting from scratch, we should also compare ADN vs. BSN rather than assuming you need a four-year online BSN.

Tell me these 5 things

1. Do you already have an RN license? (yes/no)
2. What is your highest education? (high school, some college, associate, bachelor's, etc.)
3. Do you want RN, BSN, LPN, or eventually NP?
4. How much do you want to spend? Roughly: under $10k / $10–25k / $25k+
5. Do you need it to be mostly online because of work/family?

Then I can give you a personalized top 5, including estimated cost, length, admission requirements, how much is actually online, and which ones I'd avoid.

If you already have an ADN/RN, that's a different situation: an online RN-to-BSN can be much more convenient, and I'd approach your choices very differently.

If you're starting from scratch, we should also compare ADN vs. BSN rather than assuming you need a four-year online BSN.

Tell me these 5 things

1. Do you already have an RN license? (yes/no)
2. What is your highest education? (high school, some college, associate, bachelor's, etc.)
3. Do you want RN, BSN, LPN, or eventually NP?
4. How much do you want to spend? Roughly: under $10k / $10–25k / $25k+
5. Do you need it to be mostly online because of work/family?

Then I can give you a personalized top 5, including estimated cost, length, admission requirements, how much is actually online, and which ones I'd avoid.

To figure out which online nursing program fits you, it helps to narrow down your current education level and career goals, as top-ranked options vary significantly by degree type. Leading institutions like The Ohio State University and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) consistently rank at the top for undergraduate and RN-to-BSN completion, while powerhouse institutions like Duke University School of Nursing lead in specialized online master's tracks.

Top-tier online options categorized by path include:

• RN to BSN Programs (Degree Completion):
  • University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) – Highly ranked for flexibility and student engagement.
  • Purdue University Global – Known for working adult-friendly pacing and career-focused tracks.
  • Sacred Heart University – Frequently recommended for robust CCNE-accredited online support.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) & Advanced Practice:
  • Duke University – Exceptional for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Administration, and Psychiatric-Mental Health tracks.
  • The Ohio State University – Frequently tops national rankings for overall online graduate nursing rigor and faculty credentials.
  • Drexel University – Offers fast-paced, customizable online graduate tracks.

To help narrow down the best specific match for you, tell me:

• What level of nursing education are you looking for (RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, or Nurse Practitioner specialty)?
• Are you looking for 100% online or programs that allow local clinical placements?
• Do you prefer in-state tuition or maximum scheduling flexibility?

Absolutely. I can help you narrow this down rather than just giving you a generic list.

Since nursing programs differ a lot depending on whether you're starting from scratch, already an LPN/RN, or already have a bachelor's degree, the best program for you depends mainly on your current education and your goal.

If you're in the Illinois area, Illinois IDFPR maintains the state's approved nursing-education programs, so I'd prioritize programs that clearly lead to Illinois RN licensure and have appropriate accreditation.

Tell me these 5 things

1. What education do you have now?

• High school/GED
• Some college
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• LPN/LVN
• Already an RN

2. What do you want to become?

• LPN
• RN/ADN
• BSN
• Nurse practitioner/APRN
• Not sure yet

3. How important is 100% online?

• Must be online
• Mostly online is fine
• I can attend some in-person classes/clinicals

4. What's your approximate budget?

• Under $10k
• $10–20k
• $20–40k
• Flexible

5. Do you need to keep working while you're in school?

Once you answer those, I can give you a shortlist of 5–8 specific programs, comparing tuition, length, admission requirements, online vs. clinical requirements, accreditation, NCLEX considerations, and whether they're a good fit for your situation.

To find the right online nursing program for you, it helps to look at top-tier institutions recognized for flexibility, strong clinical placement support, and specialized tracks . According to recent U.S. News & World Report Best Online Nursing Programs , some of the leading nationally ranked options include:

• The Ohio State University - Frequently ranked #1 overall for online nursing programs, offering robust bachelor's and graduate flexibility.
• Duke University - Excellent for advanced degrees, ranking at the top for online Master's programs, Family Nurse Practitioner tracks, and leadership/education specialties.
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) - Renowned for having one of the nation's best online RN-to-BSN degree completion programs.
• Herzing University - A flexible, accredited private non-profit choice offering streamlined RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN pathways.
• South University - Noted for user-friendly tech platforms and diverse graduate specializations.

To help me narrow down the best specific fit for you, tell me:

• What is your current education level / license (e.g., LPN, RN with ADN, or looking for entry-level)?
• What degree level are you targeting (RN-to-BSN, MSN, or a Post-Graduate Certificate)?
• Do you have a specific career specialty in mind (e.g., FNP, Administration, Informatics, Education)?

I can help you narrow this down, but the “best” online nursing program depends a lot on where you are starting and what you want to become. A good program for a working RN is very different from a program for someone who has never been a nurse.

Here are some strong options by situation:

If you are already an RN (ADN/associate degree) and want a BSN

Good online RN-to-BSN choices:

• Western Governors University — Often considered a strong value option because of its competency-based format and flexibility for working nurses. Its RN-to-BSN program is CCNE-accredited.
• University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing — A well-known academic nursing program with an online RN-to-BSN pathway.
• Southern New Hampshire University — Known for flexible online education options, including RN-to-BSN pathways.
• University of South Florida College of Nursing — Offers online nursing advancement options, including RN-to-BSN programs.

If you want to become a nurse practitioner or advance your career (MSN/DNP)

Consider:

• Duke University School of Nursing — Strong reputation for graduate nursing education and advanced practice programs.
• University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation — A large online MSN provider with multiple nursing specialties.
• Walden University — Offers online RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and APRN pathways; best suited for nurses already licensed as RNs.
• Frontier Nursing University — Known for distance education focused on advanced practice nursing.

If you are starting from zero (not an RN yet)

Be careful: a program called “online nursing” is not always a fully online path to becoming an RN. Entry-level nursing programs require in-person labs and clinical experiences even if lectures are online.

You may want:

• An accelerated BSN (if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field)
• A hybrid ADN/BSN program with local clinicals
• A traditional nursing program at a nearby college

What I would look for before enrolling

1. Accreditation

• Look for CCNE or ACEN accreditation.

2. Clinical placement support

• Ask: “Who finds my clinical site—the school or me?”

3. NCLEX outcomes (for pre-licensure programs)

• A program should clearly publish NCLEX-RN pass rates.

4. State approval

• Make sure the program is approved for your state’s nursing licensure requirements.

5. Total cost

• Some private online nursing schools are convenient but much more expensive than public universities.

To recommend programs that actually fit you, tell me:

1. Are you already an RN/LPN, or starting from scratch?
2. What state do you live in?
3. Do you want RN, BSN, nurse practitioner, CRNA, nurse educator, or something else?
4. Do you need it to be 100% online, or can you attend occasional in-person labs/clinicals?

To figure out which online nursing program is the best fit for you, it helps to narrow down your current education level and career goals. Online nursing pathways generally fall into a few distinct categories, and top-tier institutions excel in different areas according to rankings from sources like U.S. News & World Report's Online Nursing Rankings.

Common Online Nursing Pathways

• RN to BSN: Designed for registered nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) looking to advance their education. Programs like Purdue University Northwest offer flexible, accelerated online formats for working nurses.
• RN to MSN / BSN to MSN: For nurses wanting to move into leadership, education, or advanced practice. Institutions like The Ohio State University and Duke University feature top-rated graduate tracks, though clinical hours must still be completed locally.
• MSN / Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner: Focused on specializations like Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), informatics, or administration. Schools like Herzing University offer tailored online and hybrid options designed around professional schedules.

To help me narrow down the best specific programs for you, please let me know:

• Your current credential or degree (e.g., LPN, ADN/RN, BSN)
• Your career goal (e.g., BSN completion, Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Administration)
• Your state of residence (since state board regulations and clinical placements affect eligibility)

To figure out which online nursing program is the best fit for you, it helps to look at top-tier institutions recognized for academic excellence, flexibility, and strong national accreditation (such as the CCNE or ACEN). Top programs frequently featured on rankings like U.S. News & World Report Best Online Nursing Programs include:

• The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) – Frequently ranked #1 overall for online nursing, offering robust graduate and completion pathways with stellar faculty support.
• Duke University (Durham, NC) – Renowned for top-tier graduate nursing education and innovation in hybrid/online delivery.
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) – Highly ranked for its online bachelor's and RN-to-SN completion pathways, tailored specifically for working nurses.
• University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) – Noted for strong student services, technology integration, and flexible online formatting.
• Herzing University – A flexible private institution option known for accessible online RN-to-BSN and MSN pathways geared toward working professionals.

To help me narrow down the exact right program for you, please let me know:

• What is your current education level / license (e.g., LPN, RN with ADN, or looking for entry-level)?
• Which degree path are you aiming for (RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, or Nurse Educator/FNP)?
• Do you need a 100% online program or is a hybrid (some clinicals/campus visits) okay?

Absolutely. Since you're in Texas, I’d narrow the choices based on where you are starting from—because the best online nursing program is very different if you’re not yet an RN versus if you already have an ADN/RN license.

Texas is also important because the Texas Board of Nursing requires pre-licensure programs to have the appropriate approval, while RN-to-BSN programs are post-licensure and treated differently.

If you're already an RN/ADN

My first programs to investigate would be:

• Western Governors University (WGU) — particularly attractive if you want a flexible, competency-based online RN-to-BSN. Texas lists WGU's nursing program as fully approved and CCNE accredited, with an online RN-to-BSN track.
• Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi — has an RN-to-BSN option with online didactic coursework and CCNE accreditation.
• Other Texas public universities — often worth considering if you want a traditional university name on your BSN and potentially lower tuition than private schools.

There are currently 700+ RN-to-BSN programs nationally, with more than 600 at least partially online, so you have quite a few legitimate options.

If you're NOT an RN yet

Be careful with programs advertised as "100% online nursing degrees." Pre-licensure nursing cannot simply be completed online because you need hands-on labs, simulation, and clinical experience. Texas requires appropriate approval for pre-licensure programs.

In that situation, I'd look at:

• Online/hybrid ADN → RN programs
• Hybrid BSN → RN programs
• A local community-college nursing program combined with an online BSN completion later

I can narrow this down to the best 3–5 for you

Tell me these four things:

1. Are you already an RN/LVN, or starting from scratch?
2. Highest education completed (high school, some college, associate's, bachelor's, etc.)
3. Do you want 100% online, or are you okay with in-person clinicals/labs?
4. Your approximate budget — e.g. under $10k, $10–20k, or "as cheap as possible."

Then I can compare the best programs for you on tuition, length, admission requirements, accreditation, clinical requirements, and how flexible they are, and give you a ranked shortlist.

To find the best online nursing program for your specific goals, it helps to look at top-ranked, accredited institutions known for flexibility, strong student support, and specialized tracks.

Top-rated online nursing programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report Best Online Nursing Programs include:

• The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) – Consistently ranked at the top for overall online master's nursing excellence and robust student tech/services.
• Duke University (Durham, NC) – Highly praised for specialty tracks, ranking #1 for online Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education master's programs.
• Ohio University (Athens, OH) – Noted as a premier public option with highly rated asynchronous online RN-to-BSN and MSN paths.
• Herzing University – Frequently featured on platforms like OnlineU for flexible, career-focused online RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN options with strong graduate satisfaction.

To help me narrow down which specific program fits you best, tell me:

• What is your current education level / license (e.g., LPN, RN with an ADN, or looking to enter nursing)?
• What degree level are you targeting (RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP)?
• Do you prefer asynchronous classes (flexibility on your own time) or synchronous (set live class times)?

Yes — I can narrow this down quite a bit. Since you’re in the Memphis area, there are several good online/hybrid nursing options in Tennessee, but the best one depends heavily on where you are starting.

If you’re already an RN

My first places to look would be:

• University of Memphis — RN-to-BSN: Probably the most obvious local choice. It is online, CCNE-accredited, and specifically designed for RNs who already have an ADN/diploma.
• Tennessee State University — RN-to-BSN: A relatively affordable online option with a roughly one-year completion path.
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville — RN-to-BSN: 100% online, with eight-week courses and a possible one-year completion timeline.
• Austin Peay State University — RN-to-BSN: Online, CCNE-accredited, with multiple start dates and the possibility of finishing in about a year.
• Tennessee Tech — RN-to-BSN: Another public-university online option for ADN/ASN-prepared RNs.

The University of Memphis stands out to me if you want to stay local and keep costs/logistics reasonable. Its RN-to-BSN is specifically described as flexible and online, and it is accredited by CCNE and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

If you're NOT an RN yet

That's a different situation. An online RN-to-BSN won't get you your initial RN license. You'd generally be looking at an ADN, traditional BSN, or accelerated BSN program with in-person labs/clinical experiences. Nursing education can't realistically be completed entirely online because of the hands-on clinical requirements.

Tennessee's Board of Nursing specifically regulates and approves nursing programs, including distance/online programs.

I can find the best 3 for you

Tell me these 4 things:

1. Are you already an RN? If yes, ADN, diploma, or something else?
2. Do you already have a bachelor's degree in another subject?
3. What is your approximate GPA?
4. What matters most: lowest cost, fastest completion, easiest admission, fully online, or getting into a good hospital job?

Once you give me those, I can compare the best online nursing programs for your specific situation, including tuition, length, admission requirements, accreditation, clinical requirements, and which I'd pick for you.