Are you in a nursing program and wondering if there are cheaper alternatives out there for you? Or maybe you’re ready to quit because you can’t afford your exact program.
Well, we did some research and found the 20 cheapest accelerated nursing programs in the world. You shouldn’t have to be broke or give up before starting your dream career.
Whichever accelerated nursing program you choose to study, the most important factor will always be your motivation.
The high cost of these programs can be problematic for many would-be students.
However, as with all things in life, there is an opportunity to find a good value if you know where to look.
And if your motivation is to find the cheapest accelerated nursing programs that still retain their quality, then this is the right blog for you.
The Cheapest Accelerated Nursing Programs in the World
You have a lot of options when you are considering cheap accelerated nursing programs — and after reviewing the list below, I think you will agree.
So, if you are ready to jump into your Accelerated Nursing career, take a look and see which one makes sense for you:
Barry University
- Location: Miami, Florida, United States
- Tuition: Tuition $7000/semester + $50 per credit/per
This accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program accepts your non-nursing university credits and puts them to work.
You can build on your existing academic experience with online courses, onsite labs, live simulations, and clinical rotations.
University of West Florida
- Location: Pensacola, Florida, United States
- Tuition: $22,578 for On-Campus while Off-Campus is $23,188
The Accelerated BSN to MSN program at the University of West Florida’s online curriculum combines professional skill development with clinical practice opportunities in students’ areas. UWF’s accelerated program.
UWF accepts up to 92 transfer credits and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for those who have previously completed an RN program and are ready to pursue advanced degrees.
Evidence-based coursework is offered at the BSN and MSN levels to prepare nurses for a broader scope of practice. Twelve hours of undergraduate coursework can be applied toward the master’s degree, allowing students to graduate more quickly and affordably.
Furthermore, a nursing education track is included in the MSN program.
Lamar University
- School: Dishman Department of Nursing.
- Location: Beaumont, Texas.
- Tuition: $9,829 total cost.
Lamar University is a great choice for students who want to study nursing, but don’t have time to waste in a traditional degree program.
Lamar’s accelerated nursing program allows students to complete their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in just two years.
The accelerated program has been around for a while, and it is one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs for you or anyone who’s looking.
Students can choose between three tracks: generalist, pediatric nurse practitioner, or family nurse practitioner.
The latter two are designed for students who want to work specifically with children or families as opposed to adults (although all tracks prepare graduates for leadership roles anywhere in the medical field).
Stony Brook University
- School: School of Nursing.
- Location: Stony Brook, New York.
- Tuition: $295 per credit hour.
Stony Brook University’s accelerated nursing program is designed to give you the tools you need to succeed as a nurse.
You’ll get a solid foundation in the sciences and clinical practice, plus the opportunity to earn your Master’s degree during your first year of study.
This is one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs that offer an innovative curriculum that combines traditional classroom and clinical training with online instruction.
In addition to gaining a firm grasp on the physical and biological sciences, you’ll learn how to think critically about health care issues and solve problems—both important skills for nurses who are expected to be leaders in their field.
You’ll also have opportunities for hands-on experience with real patients at more than 50 Stony Brook Medicine locations across Long Island and New York City.
University of Nevada
- School: Orvis School of Nursing.
- Location: Reno, Nevada.
- Tuition: $156.75 per credit hour.
The University of Nevada’s accelerated nursing program is a unique, innovative approach to preparing students for a career in the medical field.
The program is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are looking to enter the nursing field quickly.
Students will complete the program in just one year, rather than four or five years.
The accelerated program combines classroom learning with hands-on training at local hospitals, so you can get your degree and start working as quickly as possible.
If you want to get into this fast-paced, rewarding career sooner than most other nursing students, this is the perfect option for you.
University of Michigan – Flint
- School: School of Nursing.
- Location: Flint, Michigan.
- Tuition: $8,940.
The University of Michigan – Flint is a public university that offers one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs. The program is designed to get students through the program in just two years.
Students who enroll in this program are able to complete their coursework in two semesters per year and graduate after two years.
The accelerated nursing program at UM-Flint allows students to gain credit for work experience they have already gained while they were still in high school or while they were working as an adult.
The curriculum of this program includes biology, chemistry, algebra, trigonometry, writing, anatomy and physiology, psychology, microbiology, sociology, nutrition and metabolism, and other courses that are required by all nursing programs.
Drexel University
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Tuition: $13,803
Drexel’s 11-month Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) BSN program is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to complete their BSN in less time.
Its ACE program, one of the world’s shortest accelerated BSN curriculums, provides a unique, fast-paced environment that prepares students to thrive in any medical environment in as little as 11 months!
Northeastern Michigan College
- School: School of Nursing.
- Location: Traverse City, Michigan.
- Tuition: $9,472.
If you’re looking for an accelerated nursing program that’s just right, Northeastern Michigan College might be the place for you.
In this accelerated nursing program, you can complete the necessary coursework in just 13 months — and they will even help you get started with financial aid and scholarships that could save you a few hundreds of dollars and as such is listed as one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs you can find.
Their small classes mean that you’ll get personal attention from your professors, who are experts in their field.
They also provide hands-on training opportunities through clinical rotations at area hospitals, so that when it comes time to enter the workforce, you’ll be ready to go.
Indiana State University
- School: College of Health and Human Services.
- Location: Terra Haute, Indiana.
- Tuition: $9,472.
Indiana State University’s accelerated nursing program is designed to help you complete your bachelor’s degree in nursing in just 15 months.
You’ll be able to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and be ready for your first job as a registered nurse after completing this program.
This means you’ll graduate from ISU with two degrees: one in biology and one in nursing, both of which will open up a variety of career opportunities.
The accelerated nursing program at ISU is offered through the College of Health and Human Services and offers a strong foundation in science and liberal arts courses that prepare students for advanced studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.
The program also provides students with clinical experience so they can start their careers as nurses with valuable hands-on skills before they even graduate from college.
East Carolina University
- School: College of Nursing.
- Location: Greenville, North Carolina.
- Tuition: $185.50 per credit hour.
East Carolina University’s accelerated nursing program is designed for students who want to start their nursing careers as soon as possible. The school offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing in just 2 years.
The accelerated program consists of three semesters of didactic instruction and a clinical semester.
During the first year of the program, students take classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, microbiology, psychology, sociology, and medical terminology.
In addition to general education courses like English Composition II and Sociology of Family Life, students enrolled in this program must take two courses that focus on ethics: Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing Practice and Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice.
During the second year of study at ECU’s accelerated nursing program, students will complete their clinical training at UNC Hospitals or Vidant Medical Center.
During this phase of training, you’ll work with patients under the supervision of experienced nurses while developing your own clinical skills.
Samuel Merritt University
- School: School of Nursing.
- Location: Oakland, California.
- Tuition: $28,295.
SMU’s accelerated nursing program was designed to help students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another area of study or who have completed an associate degree at Merritt move directly into a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program.
It also provides a seamless transition from the traditional BSN program for other students who are just starting their nursing education in one year!
In addition to being fast-paced (three semesters), this program is also flexible: students can take classes on either campus or online, whichever works best for them.
They can also choose from one of two tracks—the general track that prepares students for all types of nursing careers or the surgical track that prepares them for specialty areas like surgery or neonatal intensive care.
Del Mar College
- School: School of Nursing and Health Professions.
- Location: Corpus Christi, Texas.
- Tuition: $4,029.
Del Mar College is a community college located in Corpus Christi, Texas. It offers a variety of programs, including an accelerated nursing program.
The accelerated nursing program at Del Mar College is designed to get students through their first two years of nursing school in just 12 months.
This means that after completing the program, students will be ready to move on to their third and fourth years of study at other universities where they can specialize in areas like obstetrics, pediatrics, or surgery.
The program is designed for students who are looking for a fast track into the field of nursing with minimal time spent on campus.
Del Mar College’s accelerated nursing program consists of two semesters: Fall and Spring; and each semester lasts 16 weeks (or eight months). Students must complete 36 credit hours during this time period—4 classes per semester for 16 weeks each—and these classes are taught by instructors from Del Mar College’s School of Nursing and Health Professions (SOHHP).
These instructors have extensive experience working as nurses themselves, so they know what it takes to get through a difficult course load quickly and efficiently.
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
- School: Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing.
- Location: Richmond, Virginia.
- Tuition: $12,000.
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing offers one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs that allow you to complete your bachelor’s degree in only two years.
Students in the program receive a solid foundation in the basics of nursing and then dive right into more advanced courses.
They’ll learn how to manage patient care, diagnose and treat patients, manage critical incidents, and more.
Every student has access to clinical experiences throughout their studies, which gives them hands-on training before they graduate.
When you graduate from Bon Secours’ accelerated nursing program, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs right away.
Brandman University | University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global)
- School: School of Nursing.
- Location: Irvine, California.
- Tuition: $29,496.
Brandman University has an accelerated nursing program that can help you get a degree in nursing much faster than you would at other schools.
The program is designed to allow students to complete the degree in just two years, and it’s ideal for those who want to enter the workforce quickly.
Students who enroll in the accelerated nursing program will have access to specialized courses that have been developed specifically for working professionals, as well as online courses that are designed with busy schedules in mind.
Youngstown State University
- School: Faculty of Nursing.
- Location: Youngstown, Ohio.
- Tuition: $10,530.
Youngstown State University’s accelerated nursing program is one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs and the most competitive in Ohio.
You’ll be part of a small cohort that takes classes together and receives individualized attention from faculty.
The program is designed for students who want to earn their BSN as quickly as possible in order to get into the workforce, or who want to pursue additional postgraduate education.
The accelerated nursing program at Youngstown State University is designed for students who have already earned an ASN (Associate Degree in Nursing).
If you’re interested in applying, contact your school’s admission office to learn more about the requirements for admission and financial aid eligibility.
University of Utah
- Location: South Jordan, Utah, United States
- Tuition: $10,253.06 for In-State Students, $15,018.22(Out-of-State Tuition)
This College of Nursing brings together and inspires scientists, educators, clinicians, staff, and students to design, lead, and achieve equitable improvements for everyone’s well-being.
Shaping the future of healthcare to be equitable—allowing everyone to experience life and death to the fullest.
Arkansas State University
- School: School of Nursing.
- Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas.
- Tuition: $18,020.
The accelerated nursing program at Arkansas State University gives you the opportunity to earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing faster than you thought possible.
You will be able to complete your bachelor’s degree in just two years, and you’ll get a jump-start on your career.
You’ll learn valuable skills that will help you take charge of situations in the workplace and make important decisions.
The accelerated nursing program at Arkansas State University is designed with your future success in mind. It’s a rigorous program that will give you the knowledge and experience necessary to become an effective nurse.
Asides from being among the cheapest accelerated nursing programs in USA, the program also offers:
- A full-time schedule that allows students to complete their coursework in two years instead of four.
- Small class sizes so instructors can provide personalized attention and support to each student.
- An extensive network of clinical partners that prepare students for real-world experiences during their time in the school.
You won’t get that in many places.
Baker College
- School: School of Nursing, College of Health Science.
- Location: Muskegon, Auburn Hills, Owosso campuses, Michigan.
- Tuition: $435 per credit.
Baker College’s accelerated nursing program is designed for students who want to get into the field of nursing faster than traditional programs allow.
It can be completed in as little as 15 months, and the program includes both online and on-the-ground classes.
Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, but they do not need any previous college credits.
South Dakota State University
- School: Department of Undergraduate Nursing.
- Location: Brookings, South Dakota.
- Tuition: $22,230.
South Dakota State University has an accelerated nursing program that can help you get your degree in as few as 16 months.
The program is designed to allow you to take classes at the same time, so you can focus on school and your family.
You’ll be able to complete all the courses required for your RN license in just one year, and then move on to degree-specific courses.
This allows you to start working sooner than if you were completing an associate’s degree before applying to a bachelor’s program.
The university even offers online classes, which are perfect for people who want to continue working while getting their bachelor’s degree.
And because the program is so fast-paced, it will only take two years total.
Central Methodist University
- School: Department of Nursing.
- Location: Fayette, Missouri.
- Tuition: $25,940.
Central Methodist University’s Accelerated BSN program is designed to help busy adults continue their education and transition into the nursing field.
The program is designed to be completed in 15 months, and you’ll be able to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing if you have an associate degree or 60 credit hours of coursework.
University of Wyoming
- Location: Laramie, Wyoming, United States
- Tuition: $15,903
This School of Nursing offers both an accelerated and a distance learning program. The program delivery enables Wyoming’s rural and isolated hospitals and agencies to “grow their own” BSN-prepared nurses without relocating the student (or the student’s families) to Laramie.
The 15-month summer-to-summer program includes online learning, hybrid classes, and hands-on clinical experiences. The intensive program emphasizes didactic and clinical nursing education. A motivated, independent, and self-disciplined learner is required for BRAND.
Bellarmine
- Location: Louisville, Kentucky
- Tuition: $44,520
The one-year accelerated second degree BSN program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who are interested in the rich and diverse experience that nursing provides.
This intensive 12-month program teaches students clinical skills as well as the theoretical knowledge required to assume the vital role of nursing in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Florida International University
- School: Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
- Location: Miami, Florida.
- Tuition: $12,540.
Florida International University’s accelerated nursing program is another one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs designed for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in another field and are interested in becoming nurses.
Each course is taught by a registered nurse and prepared by members of the nursing faculty.
The curriculum includes courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, psychology, and leadership ethics.
The program is designed to be completed within two years. Students who successfully complete the program will receive their BSN degree from Florida International University and their RN license from the Florida Board of Nursing.
Clarkson College
- School: School of Nursing.
- Location: Omaha, Nebraska.
- Tuition: $620 per credit hour.
Clarkson College is an accredited, private, not-for-profit school that offers an accelerated nursing program. The school has been recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for its excellence in nursing education.
The college offers a variety of degree options, including Associate’s degrees and Bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas in various fields of study. Clarkson College also offers accelerated nursing programs, which allow students to complete their undergraduate degree in two years or less by taking advantage of hybrid courses that combine online learning with on-campus instruction.
The accelerated nursing program at Clarkson College is designed to be completed in 27 months (two years). Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed registered nurses (RNs).
University of Massachusetts Amherst
- School: Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.
- Location: Hampshire County, Massachusetts.
- Tuition: $695 per credit.
The accelerated nursing program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in the field of nursing.
The program offers students a chance to explore the different areas of nursing and to determine which area they are most interested in pursuing.
The program is also designed to help prepare students for their careers as nurses by providing them with hands-on experience in various clinical settings.
Students will learn how to provide care for patients, how to manage their own personal health, and how to work effectively with other health care professionals.
The school offers a variety of programs that allow students to complete their degree requirements from home or online.
This allows them to work full time while attending classes part-time or full-time on campus at other UMass campuses or at community colleges throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
This program is not ideally one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs in the US, but compared to schools like UPenn for example, it qualifies as one of the best deals you can get.
University of North Florida
- School: College of Nursing.
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Tuition: $531 per credit.
The University of North Florida offers an accelerated nursing program for students who already have a degree in another field.
Students can enter the program after completing their baccalaureate degree, and the accelerated nursing program is designed to be completed in just two years.
If you are interested in taking advantage of these cheapest accelerated nursing programs, you should contact the school’s admissions department as soon as possible.
Madonna University
- Location: Livonia, Michigan
- Tuition: $53,583
This is yet another excellent two-year nursing degree program in the United States for international students. Madonna University created this Accelerated Nursing Program for students interested in a nursing career.
What’s great about this program is that it allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with an accelerated option in less than three years. Students will gain hands-on experience by working on campus with Madonna’s nursing faculty.
When you enroll in the Madonna University Accelerated Nursing Program, you will complete your Bachelor of Science degree in less than three years by taking on-campus and online courses.
Loyola University Chicago
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Tuition: $49,548.00
Loyola University Chicago’s Accelerated Nursing program is a demanding full-time program that will prepare you for a career as a registered nurse.
You’ll complete the coursework for an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in just two years (NCLEX-RN).
Creighton University
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Tuition: $18,024 per semester
Creighton University is an Omaha, Nebraska-based private, coeducational Jesuit university. The nursing accelerated program at the university allows students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months.
Instead of taking classes in multiple disciplines, students can concentrate on one.
The accelerated nursing program at Creighton University prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the healthcare field, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others.
Grand Canyon University
- Location: The program is offered in West Phoenix or Tucson satellite campus
- Tuition: $16,500 for both in-state and out-of-state students
Grand Canyon University’s accelerated nursing program allows students to become registered nurses in as little as 16 months.
This course is designed to accommodate the student’s schedule and allow them to complete the degree on their own time.
It was created by Grand Canyon University for working adults who want to return to school but don’t have the time or resources for a full-time program.
Adelphi University
- Location: Garden City, New York
- Tuition: $21,155 per semester
Adelphi University provides accelerated nursing programs in which students can take classes in the evenings and on weekends.
The accelerated program was created by the university for working professionals seeking a career change or a more flexible schedule.
This program allows students to complete their degree in as little as 14 months, depending on the number of credits they have earned prior to beginning the degree.
Felician University
- Location: Morris County, New Jersey
- Tuition: $65,065
Accelerated Nursing Program was developed by the University for students with a bachelor’s degree in any field who want to pursue a career in nursing. The good news is that you can finish the program in two years.
This Accelerated Nursing Program allows adult learners to complete their undergraduate degrees at a faster pace while continuing to work.
Students will attend classes on campus five days a week, Monday through Friday, and will take weekend classes if they are unable to attend weekday classes.
For students who already have an associate’s degree in nursing or another related field, the program also offers an RN-BSN Completion Option that can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
Truman State University
- Location: Kirksville, Missouri
- Tuition: $19,780
The Truman State University Accelerated Nursing Program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing in as little as three years.
This is another notable school that offers a two-year nursing degree program in the United States to international students.
For those who want to be well-prepared for their future careers, the Truman State University Accelerated Nursing Program is an excellent choice.
The program is shorter in duration than traditional four-year undergraduate and two-year graduate programs, giving students more time to pursue other interests or work before entering the workforce. Visit School.
Augustana University
- Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Tuition: $533 per credit hour
Augustana University’s Accelerated Nursing Program offers a flexible, career-focused educational experience. The program provides students with a convenient and accelerated way to earn their nursing degrees.
When you enroll as a student, you will have two years or less to complete the requirements. This includes obtaining their RN license and completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
West Virginia University
- Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
- Tuition: $5,868
West Virginia University’s accelerated nursing program prepares students for the nursing profession in 18 months. They divided the program’s curriculum into three semesters, with each semester containing three courses.
You must complete two semesters of general education classes, which are usually completed during your freshman and sophomore years of college.
The West Virginia University Accelerated Nursing Program provides an RN-BSN degree that can be completed in 18 months or an RN-MSN degree that can be completed in 36 months.
University of South Alabama
- Location: Mobile, Alabama
- Tuition: In District Students, $313/credit; In State Students, $313/credit; Out of State Students, $626/credit
The University of South Alabama Accelerated Nursing Program is a 15-month, full-time program for students who want to accelerate their nursing education.
This accelerated nursing program offers courses that can be completed in one year rather than two years, allowing students to graduate and begin working as a nurse sooner.
Leadership, management, healthcare ethics, healthcare economics, leadership development, and pediatrics are all part of the curriculum. Students will also be able to participate in clinical rotations at local hospitals.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re considering entering a nursing school but don’t have a lot of money, why not get a head start by getting into one of the cheapest accelerated nursing programs on our list?
Typically, accelerated nursing programs cost around $35,000 to $50,000 or more, annually.
But in this article, we have streamlined it to the 20 cheapest accelerated nursing programs in the USA that don’t compromise quality.
Consequently, surveys show that most nurses will stay in the field for more than 5 years, so it is more than enough time to recover the money spent to pay for the program.
On top of that, by studying and graduating faster, you can work sooner which means more money fast.
It is also helpful later on especially if you plan to study again in college for another degree or want to continue your professional growth by taking different courses and workshops.
This can save you even more money because your degrees would be completed one after another. What are your thoughts about these cheapest accelerated nursing programs?