Best Online Nursing Programs in Florida (2026 Guide)
Last updated: April 2026 · Program details and tuition rates are subject to change.
If you're looking for affordable online nursing education, Florida is hard to beat. The Sunshine State is home to some of the cheapest accredited online RN-to-BSN programs in the entire country — with several programs coming in under $5,000 total tuition for Florida residents.
Between the state's massive healthcare industry, participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact, and dozens of accredited online options, Florida is one of the best states in the U.S. to earn your nursing degree online.
Why Choose an Online Nursing Program in Florida?
Lowest RN-to-BSN Costs in the Nation
Multiple programs under $5,000 total tuition for FL residents.
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) State
Your Florida RN license works in 40+ other states.
Booming Healthcare Market
Florida's aging population drives massive nursing demand, with 15%+ projected job growth.
No State Income Tax
Your nursing salary goes further in Florida than in most other states.
Dozens of Accredited Options
From the University of Florida to state colleges, there's a program for every level.
Top Online Nursing Programs in Florida
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Online RN-to-BSN
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- Timeline: 3 semesters (full-time) or 5+ semesters (part-time)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.18%
- Accepts out-of-state RNs: Yes (Florida is a Compact state)
- Accreditation: CCNE
UCF's nursing program is backed by extensive scholarship opportunities and highly-rated graduate programs. The large College of Nursing also means strong networking and career support.
University of Florida (UF)
Online RN-to-BSN
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.30%
- In-state tuition: Among the lowest in Florida via UF Online
- Total cost: Under $5,000 for FL residents (tuition + fees)
- Requirement: Active Florida RN license or NLC enhanced licensure
- Accreditation: CCNE
UF Online offers extraordinarily low tuition rates for Florida residents and produces one of the largest BSN graduating classes in the state. Note: UF Online can only accept students with an active Florida RN license or NLC compact licensure.
Florida International University (FIU)
Online RN-to-BSN
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- Timeline: 3 semesters (full-time) or 4+ semesters (part-time)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.93%
- Accepts out-of-state RNs: No (Florida RNs only)
- Accreditation: CCNE
FIU's program is particularly strong for South Florida nurses, with direct connections to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale healthcare market.
University of West Florida (UWF)
Online RN-to-BSN
- Credits: 32 credit hours
- Timeline: 3 semesters (full-time) or 4–5 semesters (part-time)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 85.29%
- Accepts out-of-state RNs: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
UWF offers a flexible option that accepts out-of-state students, making it a strong choice for nurses in nearby Alabama or Georgia looking for Florida's low in-state-equivalent pricing.
Cheapest Online Nursing Programs in Florida
Florida is genuinely the most affordable state for online RN-to-BSN education. Here are the top budget-friendly options for Florida residents:
Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC)
— Under $4,500 totalACENBest for Florida residents looking for rock-bottom pricing
University of Florida
— Under $5,000 (FL residents)NCLEX 97.30%CCNEExtraordinarily low tuition through UF Online
Florida Gateway College
— Slightly above UF Online pricingNCLEX 97.83%ACEN31 credit hours; upper division rate plus distance learning fee
Santa Fe College
— Comparable to Florida GatewayNCLEX 91.18%Out-of-state students pay significantly more
Northwest Florida State College
— Competitive in-state pricing100% online; best for Northwest Florida residents
💡 Key Insight
If you're an out-of-state student considering an online RN-to-BSN, establishing Florida residency first could save you $10,000–$20,000 on tuition.
How Much Do Online Nursing Programs Cost in Florida?
| Program Type | FL Resident | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Online RN-to-BSN | $4,000–$12,000 | $12,000–$25,000 |
| Online BSN (Pre-Licensure) | $15,000–$30,000 | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Online MSN | $12,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$45,000 |
Admission Requirements
GPA
2.5–3.0 minimum
Licensure
Active, unencumbered RN license (for RN-to-BSN programs)
Prerequisites
Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, English Composition
Entrance Exams
Varies — some require TEAS, many Florida state colleges do not
Clinical Hours
Some programs require local clinical placements
Application Materials
Official transcripts, nursing license verification
Florida Nursing Job Market
$75,330
Avg. RN Salary/year
15%+
Job growth through 2032
#1
Largest 65+ population
4 metros
Highest demand areas
Major Healthcare Employers
Top Metro Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest online nursing program in Florida?
Lake-Sumter State College offers an online RN-to-BSN for under $4,500 total. The University of Florida and Florida Gateway College are close behind at under $5,000 for Florida residents.
Can out-of-state students attend Florida online nursing programs?
Some programs accept out-of-state students (UCF, UWF) while others require a Florida RN license (UF, FIU). Since Florida is an NLC state, nurses with compact licenses from other member states may qualify.
How long does an online RN-to-BSN take in Florida?
Most programs take 3 semesters (about 12–15 months) full-time or 4–5 semesters part-time.
Is it worth getting a BSN if I already have my RN?
Yes. Florida hospitals are increasingly requiring or strongly preferring BSN-prepared nurses. Magnet-designated hospitals require at least 80% of their nursing staff to hold a BSN. A BSN also opens the door to leadership positions and graduate education.
Do Florida online nursing programs require clinical hours?
Most online RN-to-BSN programs include minimal clinical or practicum requirements that can be completed in your local community. Pre-licensure BSN programs require substantial in-person clinical hours.
Last updated: April 2026. Program details and tuition rates are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the school.
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