Most Affordable Nursing Degrees in Indiana

Vincennes University (VU) receives its institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Undergraduate nursing programs are additionally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and administered by the Department of Nursing (DON) in the College of Health Sciences and Human Performance (CHSHP). The university has the distinction of being the first college in the state of Indiana, as well as one of the first two year colleges in the U.S., and was founded by a (future) U.S. President, William Henry Harrison. In addition to the main campus, there is a second campus and three learning centers in the state.

VU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with one entry/ completion path: a BSN online completion program for post-RN licensure nursing students who have an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• RN to BSN (Completion program)

This is a 100% online program, with faculty available on-campus as necessary, to advise students. RN-BSN graduate job placement rates were 100%, 100%, 90% in AY (Academic Year) 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively. Graduates of this program have found nursing employment in the areas of acute care, community health centers, long-term care, public health.

Credit requirements for this BSN degree is 120. Incoming students will already have some of the credits completed, so the remainder of the program will be upper division coursework, plus any incomplete requirements, if applicable.

Sample courses include:

• Professional Nursing
• Health Care Policy
• Physical Assessment
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology

Campus or HQ: Vincennes, Indiana.

Indiana University-East (IUE) is a member of the public Indiana University System. It is accredited at the institution level by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Undergraduate nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (under review at time of writing) and delivered by the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. IUE has previously appeared here on CollegeChoice as a top 50 pick for online RN to BSN nursing programs. Other ranking awards include appearances on lists published by U.S. News & World Report (most connected campus), Victory Media (Military Friendly (r) School) and others, including for topical lists.

IUE offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with two entry/ completion paths. One track is a traditional program for new nursing students without licensure. The other track is an upper-division completion program for currently licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) holding an associate’s degree in nursing.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (traditional)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN

This BSN program helps students build the necessary knowledge and skills for career roles in nursing, including in acute care, community health centers, home care, long-term care and more. Traditional track students are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. RN track students build on existing nursing skills and get transfer credit for previously completed work. IUE’s first-time NCLEX-RN test pass rates range from 73.4% to 94.6% for 2007 to 2015. Job placement 0-6 months after graduation ranges from 90.24% to 94% for 2014-2016.

IUE’s BSN degree requires a minimum 120 credits for graduation and must be completed in a maximum of six years. Traditional track students take a minimum of four years to complete the program, with summer semesters being an option. The RN track requires 65 credits of upper division online nursing classes, including three clinicals that can be conducted local to the student, and a capstone. Classes meet once per week for five semesters. Students have a choice of IU campuses of where to take any remaining general education courses.

Sample courses include:

• Developmental Issues and Health
• Intro to the Discipline of Nursing: Theory, Practice, Research
• Health and Wellness
• Comprehensive Health Assessment
• Science and Technology of Nursing

Campus or HQ: Richmond, Indiana.

Indiana University-Kokomo (IUK) is a member of the public Indiana University System. Institutional accreditation is granted by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. IUK has previously appeared here at CollegeChoice, including for a top 50 spot for online bachelor of nursing programs. Other college rankings earned by IUK include placement on lists published by U.S. News & World Report (best regional campuses: Midwest) and Princeton Review (business).

IUK offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with two entry/ completion paths. One track is for new pre-licensure nursing students, while the other is a completion program for licensed RNs (Registered Nurses) with an associate’s degree in nursing.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Built in recent years, the St. Joseph Clinical Simulation Center provides students with the resources to develop skills through hands-on experience with “human simulators.” Together with coursework, pre-licensure students are prepared for the NCLEX-RN professional nursing licensing exam, post-graduation. IUK’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2015 was 94.8%, and 100% of graduates found employment. RN students build on existing nursing skills. Both programs also prepare for advanced nursing studies, such as an MSN degree.

Students will complete a total of 120 credits for this BSN, for either track, including granted prior learning credits. Pre-licensure track students complete pre-nursing courses in freshman year, and start nursing courses in sophomore year. RN track studies consist of 33 credits of nursing courses, other requirements and previously completed course work in an associate’s or diploma program. RN courses can be taken in hybrid format or entirely online.

Sample courses include:

• Science and Technology of Nursing
• Alterations in Neuro-Psychological Health
• Alterations in Health
• The Developing Family and Child
• Restorative Health Related to Multi-System Failures

Campus or HQ: Kokomo, Indiana.

Indiana University-Southeast (IUS) is a member of the public Indiana University System. It receives institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Undergraduate nursing programs are delivered by the School of Nursing and are additionally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). IUS enjoys several ranking spots on topical college review lists from publishers such as Princeton Review, BusinessWeek, U.S. News & World Report. The university has also ranked in military and student-faculty ratio categories.

IUS offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with two entry/ completion paths. The first track is for pre-licensure nursing students. The second track is for current Registered Nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (traditional)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

This BSN program prepares students for a number of professional nursing roles, including leadership and management. Note that admission priority to the traditional track’s is given to students who have completed at least 51% (16 credits) of pre-nursing / prerequisite courses. Some of these courses (up to nine credits) can be taken online, if available. The RN track can be completed within a year, and students have the choice of an on-campus or online option. (The latter is available through all eight School of Nursing campuses in the Indiana University system.) The program’s curriculum incorporates practicums and clinical experiences. Both traditional and RN track students have access to learning resources, including: low and high fidelity simulation; Adult Simulation Lab; Pediatric Simulation Lab; and recorded sessions for later review and critique by peers and faculty.

IUS’ BSN requirements for graduation is 120 credits. Traditional track students complete a year of pre-nursing courses before taking any nursing courses. RN students take 33 credits of nursing credits and any outstanding requirements. Up to 34 credits for basic nursing courses are awarded after the first Fall semesters. RN track semesters have two terms of 7-8 weeks, allowing students to complete two course in each, for a total of four per semester.

Sample courses include:

• Introduction to Discipline of Nursing
• Comp. Health Assessment
• Developmental Issues in Nursing
• Science and Tech of Nursing
• Dev. Family and Child

Campus or HQ: New Albany, Indiana.

Indiana University-Northwest (IUN) is a member of the public Indiana University System. It gets institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Undergraduate nursing programs are presented by the School of Nursing (SON), within the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), and are additionally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). IUN enjoys ranking spots on several college review lists, including some published by U.S. News & World Report (ethnically and economically diverse Master’s schools: Midwest), Victory Media (Military Friendly (r) School), and others.

IUN offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with three entry/ completion paths. One track is for new pre-licensure nursing students with no prior bachelor’s degree. Another track is for pre-licensure students with a non-nursing BA or BS. The third track is a completion program for currently licensed RNs (Registered Nurses) holding an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BA/BS to BSN – 2nd degree)

This BSN program prepares students for a variety of nursing roles, as well as for taking an advanced nursing degree, such as an MSN. Skills gained include critical thinking and cultural sensitivity, amongst others. Traditional and 2nd degree track students are readied for taking the NCLEX-RN licensing exam after graduation, which is a requirement for professional nursing practice in the United States. Potential areas of healthcare in which SON grads have found employment include acute and long-term care facilities, community health centers and more. Leadership roles are also a possibility, particularly for RN track graduates, who build upon existing nursing skills and work experience.

The BSN program requires a total of 120 credits for graduation. Traditional track students can choose a 4- or 5-year study plan, which consists of 56 credits of General Education courses, including non-nursing STEM courses. Both traditional and 2nd degree tracks require completion of pre-nursing courses before admission to the major. RN track online is designed for timelines of 12, 18 or 24 months (for nursing courses only), with 8-week long courses. Students can choose on-campus or online studies.

Sample courses include:

• Mental Health Concepts Lifespan
• Nursing Research and EPB
• Childbearing Families
• Topics in Contemporary Nursing
• Science/ Tech of Nursing

Campus or HQ: Gary, Indiana.

Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB) is a member of the public Indiana University System, and receives its institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The School of Nursing (SON) in the Vera Z. Dwyer College of Health Sciences offers undergraduate nursing programs, which are additionally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university has received a number of ranking spots in topical college review lists published by organizations such as Bloomberg Businessweek, Princeton Review, and others.

IUSB offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with two entry/ completion paths. New pre-licensure nursing students enroll in one track, while currently-licensed Registered Nurses enroll in the degree completion track. A third option, a 2nd Degree BSN, is currently suspended.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Entry-Level/ EL)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

Students in the EL track develop the skills and knowledge for a generalist nursing role, as well as getting prepared to write the NCLEX-RN professional licensing exam. RN track students build upon existing skills. Graduates of both programs may be interested in IUSB’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as follow up studies.

IUSB’s BSN degree requires 120 credits for graduation. EL track admission requires the completion of prerequisites, amongst other criteria. After admission, there are 63 credits of major and elective courses to be completed. The RN track is available either on-campus or online and consists of 33 credits of nursing courses (11), plus other requirements. The on-campus option is part-time, with a timeline of five semesters (two courses per, eight weeks each). Discuss the full-time on-campus option with an academic advisor. The online version can be completed in one year full-time (12 credits/ four courses per semester), while part-time is two years in duration.

Sample courses include:

• Health Policy
• Comprehensive Nursing Health Assessment
• Gerontological Nursing
• Informatics
• Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan

Campus or HQ: South Bend, Indiana.

University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a member of the public Indiana University System. It receives institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Undergraduate nursing programs are offered through the College of Nursing and Health Professions, which have additional accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). USI’s graduate nursing program ranked #21 in the country for 2017 according to a “Best Online Programs” college review list published by U.S. News & World Report. This is a consistent rise in position for three consecutive years, and the lists are determined through a combination of data and survey responses (from nursing academics and professionals.

USI offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with two entry/ completion paths. One track is designed for new nursing students with no RN license. The other track is for licensed RNs with an associate’s degree in nursing.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN

This BSN program prepares students for generalist roles in nursing, providing care to both individuals and groups, including families, in different healthcare settings. Upon graduation, traditional track students are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN professional licensing exam. RN track students add to the skills they already have, from work experience and prior coursework. Clinical experiences take at clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, etc., and include interaction with patients in critical care, emergency room, maternity, pediatrics and many more.

USI’s BSN program requires a total of 120 credits for graduation. Traditional track students take one year of pre-nursing courses before starting primarily nursing courses in semester three. RN track students take 30 credits of online nursing courses, plus any outstanding support course requirements. They are granted 36 credits for prior nursing coursework and licensure. This track has six entry points yearly, and classes are seven weeks each.

Sample courses include:

• Health Assessment for Registered Nurses
• Population Health and Professional Nursing Practice
• Nursing Informatics
• Care Coordination in Professional Nursing Practice
• Application of Evidence Based Practice

Campus or HQ: Evansville, Indiana.

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) is one of several campuses born of the collaboration of two highly-respected institutions: Indiana University System and Purdue University System. Institutional accreditation is provided by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The Department of Nursing (DON) offers undergraduate nursing programs, which are additionally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university has earned ranking spots on various college review lists, some of which include: Victory Media (Military Friendly (r) School); U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs for Veterans; online bachelor’s programs; graduate nursing).

IPFW offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with one entry/ completion path: a track for new nursing students (pre-licensure). A second track, the Streamlined RN to BS with a Major in Nursing, is currently closed to admissions. However, students with credits in an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited RN nursing program may be eligible for entry into the PL (pre-licensure) track. Students having an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) may also be eligible.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nursing

In addition to classroom learning, BSN Students have access to a Nursing Skills Lab and a Simulation Center. The latter offers mannequins simulating human patients, providing students with a means to apply clinical reasoning. Overall, the program prepares students for professional nursing roles in different healthcare environments, after successful completion of the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, which they are eligible to write after graduation.

The BSN program at IPFW requires 122 credits for graduation. Students must complete 15-33 credits of pre-nursing courses to be eligible for consideration into the BSN program. Some nursing and non-nursing courses are available in summer semesters, and select nursing courses may be available online, giving students a variety of study plan options. Part-time option possible, upon approval by an academic advisor.

Sample courses include:

• Advanced Health Assessment
• Medical–Surgical Nursing of Adults
• Clinical Pathophysiology
• Statistics and Data Management in Healthcare
• Introduction Healthcare Informatics

Campus or HQ: Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Indiana State University (ISU) is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Undergraduate nursing programs are additionally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and collectively offered through two baccalaureate departments in the School of Nursing (SON), which itself is part of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). Awards earned by ISU include ranking spots on lists published by Forbes (#1 civic engagement; Best Bang for the Buck: Midwest; America’s Top Colleges: quality and value, public, research, etc.), tree campus (Tree Campus USA), Princeton Review (Best Midwestern Colleges; Green Colleges), Washington Monthly (top 3 for community service).

ISU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with four entry/ completion paths. Two tracks are for new pre-licensure nursing -first and second bachelor’s degree. A third track is for currently licensed Registered Nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing. The fourth track is for LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) seeking both RN status and a BSN.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• BSN (Traditional 4 Year Campus Track)
• BSN (Accelerated 2nd Degree Track)
• LPN to BSN
• RN to BSN

RN students build upon existing skills, which may lead to advanced roles in their careers. Pre-licensure tracks (traditional, 2nd degree, LPN) graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN professional licensing exam in order to gain certification for professional nursing work. The first-time NCLEX exam pass rates for program graduates in 2015 ranged between 84.1-100%, for the different BSN tracks (combined average: 86.5%, compared to the national average for 2015 of 84.53%). The job placement rate for all tracks for 2015 was 100%. Careers for graduates cover a range of professional nursing roles in different healthcare environments and include positions of leadership.

Traditional track students need to complete 59 credits of nursing courses (including clinicals) at all levels and 31 credits of required cognate courses, in addition to general education requirements. Second degree track students take 57 credits of nursing and 25 credits of cognate courses and other requirements. LPN track students choose between full- or part-time studies consisting of Web-based course work plus local clinical experiences (no on-campus presence necessary) totaling 39 credits in the major, 25 credits in support courses. Finally, RN track students need to complete 27 credits of nursing courses (8), plus any outstanding support credits – full- or part-time.

Sample courses include:

• Comprehensive Health Assessment for Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Informatics
• Research/ Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice
• Community Health Nursing
• Nursing Leadership

Campus or HQ: Terre Haute, Indiana.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a jointly run institution that is part of both the Indiana University System and Purdue University System. Institutional accreditation for all of its programs comes from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Undergraduate nursing programs are offered through the School of Nursing (SON), and are additionally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The SON is highly funded by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and ranks #24 in the country for such funding. The MSN and DNP graduate nursing programs both ranked #1 in the state for Graduate Schools (2017), in a list published by U.S. News & World Report.

IUPUI offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with three entry/ completion paths. Two tracks are for pre-licensure nursing students, with one for first-time undergraduates and the other for those who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The third is a degree completion track for current RN license holders who have completed an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing.

Degrees and concentrations offered at this school include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional Track)
• RN to BSN (Degree Completion, online))
• Accelerated Second Degree BSN

The traditional track curriculum prepares students for caregiving roles to patients and their families, as well as opportunities in leadership. RN track curriculum includes experience in acute care, home care, community centers, long-term care and more. Both tracks also prepare students for graduate nursing studies such as a master’s degree, should they decide to go that route.

The BSN degree at IUPUI requires 120 credits for graduation. Traditional track students take a typical four years/ eight semesters. The 2nd Degree track takes five semesters/ 21 months (after general education requirements) and consists of 72 credits in the major. Credit is granted for some prior non-nursing coursework. RN track includes 36 credits of nursing courses (6- and 8-week sessions) and takes 12, 18 or 24 months (after general education courses). RN track students will received up to 34 credits towards previous nursing coursework/ licensure.

Sample courses include:

• Data Analysis in Clinical Practice and Health Care Research
• Nursing Research
• Nursing Research
• Informatics
• Applied Healthcare Ethics

Campus or HQ: Indianapolis, Indiana.