New York is one of the highest-paying states for nurses in the country, and online nursing programs have made nursing education more accessible than ever for New Yorkers who work, raise families, or live far from urban nursing schools. From online RN-to-BSN completion programs to fully online MSN and DNP tracks, there are strong options for New York nurses at every stage of their career.
Types of Online Nursing Programs in New York
- Online LPN (hybrid): Theory online, in-person clinicals. Available through SUNY community colleges and private schools statewide.
- Online RN-to-BSN: Fully online completion for licensed RNs. Available through SUNY, CUNY, and multiple national programs that serve NY students.
- Online BSN (pre-licensure): Hybrid — online coursework with in-person clinicals. Available at select NY institutions.
- Online MSN: Fully online master's programs for NP, nursing education, and administration tracks. Available through Stony Brook University, University at Buffalo, and major national programs.
- Online DNP: Practice doctorate for advanced practice nurses. Strong options at SUNY Downstate, Stony Brook, and others.
Top Online Nursing Programs in New York
- Stony Brook University: Strong online RN-to-BSN and MSN programs. CCNE-accredited. Respected by NY employers.
- University at Buffalo: Online MSN with FNP track. Well-regarded in upstate NY market.
- SUNY Delhi: Affordable online RN-to-BSN. Community college-level cost with university degree outcome.
- Columbia University: Graduate nursing programs, some with online components. Top-ranked nationally.
- Excelsior University: Online RN-to-BSN. Widely accepted in NY. Note: Some states have restrictions on Excelsior's pre-licensure programs. Verify before enrolling.
How to Pay for Online Nursing in New York
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 per year for eligible undergraduate students.
- NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): New York's state grant for eligible NY residents. Among the most generous state grant programs in the country.
- Excelsior/EOP programs: Educational Opportunity Program grants for eligible NY residents.
- Employer reimbursement: NYC Health + Hospitals, Northwell Health, and Mount Sinai all offer significant tuition assistance for continuing education.
Nursing Salaries in New York
- Entry-level RN: Approximately $65,000 per year (varies widely: NYC vs. upstate)
- Mid-career RN: Approximately $85,000 per year statewide; NYC $100,000+
- Experienced RN: $105,000+ in NYC metro
- Nurse Practitioner: Average $130,000 per year in New York State
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a nursing degree completely online in New York?
RN-to-BSN and MSN programs can be completed fully online. Pre-licensure programs (LPN, ADN, BSN) require in-person clinical hours and cannot be completed fully online. All programs require an in-person NCLEX exam.
What is NYS TAP and can it cover online nursing school?
New York State's Tuition Assistance Program provides grants to eligible NY residents attending approved NY institutions. It can cover online programs at approved SUNY and CUNY schools. Program eligibility requirements apply.
How much do nurses make in New York City?
RNs in New York City earn some of the highest nursing wages in the country. Mid-career NYC nurses typically earn $95,000-$110,000 per year, and experienced nurses and NPs can earn significantly more, particularly at unionized hospitals where NYSNA contracts protect wages.
Is New York a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No. As of this writing, New York is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. New York RNs who wish to practice in other states must obtain a separate license in each state.
What is NYSNA and how does it affect nursing in NY?
NYSNA is the New York State Nurses Association, the union representing tens of thousands of New York nurses. NYSNA-negotiated contracts typically result in significantly higher wages, better staffing ratios, and stronger benefits than comparable non-union nursing positions in New York.
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