Online Nursing Degrees

Kaplan University Review: Online Nursing DegreeGo to Site | Back to Chart

Kaplan University is one of the oldest institutions reviewed and was originally founded in 1937. Since then it has grown to become an educational juggernaut, offering everything from test preparation classes (think SAT prep and the Bar Review) to higher education degrees. With over 40,000 students enrolled in their online degree programs, Kaplan's educational assets have not suffered. 90% of enrolled students and alumni recommend Kaplan, the highest percentage of any university we've reviewed.

Kaplan offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nursing. A BS in Nursing requires a current certification as a Registered Nurse and the completion of 91 credit units. If you have taken classes elsewhere prior to enrolling, up to 75% of those units may be transferable to Kaplan University.

The MS in Nursing degree provides for two distinct areas of specialization - Nurse Administrator or Nurse Educator. Each of these areas focus on the skills and knowledge required to advance your nursing career in that niche. Both areas of specialization are taught by practicing professionals with doctoral degrees.

Kaplan also has an accelerated RN to MSN program. This program is oriented to RNs who are interested in earning both a BSN and a MSN. A combination of undergraduate and more advanced graduate-level courses, the RN to MSN option is a convenient route to earning a master's degree in nursing. It begins with a series of undergraduate courses designed to build a foundation and then moves on to graduate-level course based on a student's prior level of education.

Kaplan is known for its advanced approach to online learning and utilizes a full arsenal of interactive technologies to educate its students. As a Kaplan enrollee you can take advantage of resources such as remote library access, dedicated advisors and student message boards. Kaplan also offers one of the largest web based research centers we've encountered with over 325, 000 volumes, 20,000 periodicals and other research materials available to their students.

We believe Kaplan's generous credit transfer program, high satisfaction rating and broad array of both BSN and MSN degrees make it a good choice for existing RNs looking to advance their career.

Western Governors University Review: Online Nursing DegreeGo to Site | Back to Chart

Western Governors University, or WGU, offers an excellent program for registered nurses (RN) that are interested in furthering their careers by earning a Bachelors degree in Nursing. The program is particularly attractive for those students with existing credits or real world RN experience because of the school's generous transfer credit policy.

If you are not yet certified as a RN, WGU also offers a BS in Nursing (prelicensure) program that will prepare you to sit for the nation NCLEX licensing exam while you study to complete your BS in Nursing. The program is a mix of online coursework and in-hospital clinical experience. This special program is available on a state-by-state basis, please contact WGU for the particulars.

The WGU tuition structure is quite unique. Rather than paying for individual credit units, students pay a fixed fee per six-month term. Students can take as many or as few self-directed classes as they like during that six-month term which means that you can really complete your nursing degree at your own pace. WGU estimates that the average student with little or no transfer credit and at least 20 hours per week to dedicate to classes and studying should complete their degree in three terms or eighteen months. Those students with an associate degree including some related transfer credits should be able to complete a BS in Nursing in two terms or less. There are 120 credits required for graduation, so the cost per unit will vary from student to student based off of the number of credits they will be transferring as well as the speed at which they complete the outstanding unit requirements.

Federal financial aid and various loans and grants are available to students of Western Governors University. The loan application process is handled online making it simple to get started. WGU also offers extensive financing benefits for Veterans, active duty military personnel and spouses through the GI Bill and other programs.

Overall, we believe that WGU offers an excellent program for both students who want to become RNs and existing RNs that are looking for the opportunity to advance their career by attaining an advanced degree. We believe that the relatively low cost of tuition and generous credit transfer policy make this an excellent program for most students.

Walden University Review: Online Nursing DegreeGo to Site | Back to Chart

In addition to its 35 year operating history, Walden University is part of the Laureate International Universities network, which encompasses 58 campuses and a large online learning program that collectively serves over 270,000 students.

Walden University is focused on fostering "scholar-practitioners", or graduates that not only have the academic knowledge to succeed in their chose field, but also the hands on experience to do so. This learning technique is particularly effective in the case of the school's nursing degree programs.

A BS, Nursing degree (BSN) requires a previous RN certification and 180 total credit units. Walden is one of the more expensive nursing degree programs we have reviewed. Although, those students with existing academic credits and who appreciate Walden's real world approach to learning may be able to save some money by transferring their previous coursework credit. Up to 135 of these credits may be transferred from previous qualified academic credit but a minimum of 45 credits must be completed with Walden.

Walden offers 2 tracks for achieving a MS, Nursing (MSN). The first is for RNs entering the program with a BSN. The second is for RNs with a hospital diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing, or bachelor's degree (other than BSN). The BSN track requires 41 credit units and a specialized program of study. The RN track requires 65 credit units and a specialized program of study.

Like most of the online universities we have reviewed, Walden offers an extensive number of funding options. This ranges from assistance with securing federal financing and grants to scholarship programs. Walden offers current and prospective students access to financial advisors to assist in the process of selecting the right financial options.

Walden is a good option for those looking to complete a BSN or MSN, particularly for those students who connect with the unique "scholar-practitioner" focus.

Colorado Technical University Review: Online Nursing DegreeGo to Site | Back to Chart

Colorado Technical University is one of the oldest consistently operating distance learning programs and has become a leader in online education over the last decade. CTU offers a online bachelors degree in nursing. The school is unique in that they also offer a Licenced Practical Nursing (LPN) training program, although this is only available in campus locations.

The BS, Nursing from CTU requires 180 credit units that can be completed at the student's own self-direct pace. The university reports that some nursing students are able to complete their degree in as few as fifteen months. While this may not be representative of the time required to complete a degree by an average nursing student, it does show the power of online learning options that allow students to earn a degree on their on schedule.

CTU is moderately priced. The school offers extensive financial aid and financial aid assistance for current and prospective students that can help fray some of the associated costs. This includes federal and private scholarship programs as well as programs for active duty or former military and their families.

Colorado Technical University is a good option for existing registered nurses who would like to take the next step in their nursing career.

South University Review: Online Nursing DegreeGo to Site | Back to Chart

South University has over 100 years of history and five offline campuses in addition to their online programs.

South features a "real-world" curriculum with courses that directly relate to skills you'll need in the nursing profession. Their RN to BSN program is oriented towards existing RNs who'd like to advance their career. Students can gain expertise in a variety of niches, including palliative care, alternative nursing and gerontological nursing. Students can also benefit from smaller online classes designed for approximately 15 students.

The MSN program is for NPs who have already earned their BSN. It features 2 separate specializations: Nurse Educator or Adult Health Nurse Practitioner. South University also offers an accelerated RN to MSN online program for those students who want to expedite their graduate degree. This program combines the curriculums of the RN to BSN degree and the MSN degree. Once a student has worked their way through the BSN portion of the program they have the opportunity to focus a Nurse Educator or Adult Health Nurse Practitioner specialization.

South offers a variety of financial aid programs to members of the military including active duty, reserve, veteran and spouses of active duty. Additionally, the application fee for these military personnel is waived. South may accept military experience and training as university credit towards your degree. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The bottom line is that South University is a good choice for Nurse Practitioners who would appreciate a smaller class size and are interested in advancing both their "real world" skill sets and their career. South also offers a wide spectrum of financial aid for military personnel and may accept military experience as a credit towards your degree.

Liberty University Review: Online Nursing DegreeGo to Site | Back to Chart

Liberty University is a Christian Evangelical university that was founded by Dr. Jerry Falwell almost 40 years ago. LU's focus is on creating “Champions for Christ� and is a great option for those students looking for a high quality nursing degree program from a university that with strong conviction to its values system.

Like many of the BS, Nursing programs we have reviewed, LU's program is tailored towards current RNs looking to advance their career by attaining a bachelor's degree. The school also offers a Master degree in Nursing which is a nice option for online learners who may want to obtain an additional advanced degree.

The BS, Nursing program requires a total of 120 credit units. While transfer credits for previous qualifying academic work are accepted, at least 50% of the credits towards a nursing degree must be completed through LU. Qualifying military personnel or their spouses can receive a discounted credit unit rates. LU also offers a number of other discounts and fee reductions for active duty or former military personnel. According to Liberty University, about 95% of students receive some form of tuition assistance or scholarship. As such, Liberty has extensive financing options available and staff available to assist current and potential students with finding the right options.

We believe that Liberty University is a good option for students that are looking for a nursing degree program that is consistent with their belief system and values. It is also a particularly good option for military personnel given the extensive tuition assistance programs available.