Compare Indiana's accelerated BSN programs by cost, format, duration, and NCLEX outcomes — all in one place.
Can you become a registered nurse in Indiana in just 12 to 18 months if you already hold a bachelor’s degree? Accelerated BSN programs make it possible. These second-degree pathways compress nursing education into an intensive timeline, combining coursework, skills labs, and clinical rotations at Indiana hospitals.
With a 5% nursing workforce deficit projected in 2026, healthcare employers across Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend are actively recruiting new RNs. Indiana’s ABSN options span campus, hybrid, and limited-online formats, but every program includes in-person clinical training arranged at major health systems.
Below, you’ll find ranked programs, cost comparisons, and admission requirements. Most tracks require full-time commitment and discourage outside employment, so securing finances in advance is critical.
This quick-reference table outlines key details about accelerated BSN programs in Indiana, from typical length and format to licensure and compact status. Use it to get oriented before exploring individual programs.
| Factor | What to Know in Indiana |
|---|---|
| Typical Program Length | 12 to 18 months, depending on the school and curriculum intensity. |
| Common Formats | Campus-based, hybrid, and limited online coursework; all require in-person labs and clinical rotations. |
| Prior Degree Required? | Usually a non-nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. |
| Common Prerequisites | Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, and Psychology; specific courses vary by program. |
| Major ABSN Markets | Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and other metro areas. |
| State Board of Nursing | Indiana State Board of Nursing, under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. |
| NCLEX Data Source | National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and the Indiana State Board of Nursing. |
| NLC Compact Status | Indiana is an active Nurse Licensure Compact state as of 2026. |
| Multistate License Eligibility | Available only if Indiana is your primary state of residence and you meet all compact requirements. |
| Relocation Rules | If you move to another compact state, apply for licensure in the new primary state of residence within the required timeframe. |
Indiana offers a mix of public and private accelerated BSN options for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. The programs below emphasize campus or hybrid formats, with several tied directly to major healthcare employers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville. Use the comparison cards to weigh cost, academic structure, and clinical placement fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | Degree holders seeking research-university nursing training | |
Purdue University's accelerated BSN is a four-semester, 59-credit campus pathway in West Lafayette for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. The curriculum covers pathopharmacology, health assessment, population health, and nursing practice foundations, with an emphasis on clinical leadership and evidence-based care. Federal data shows an institution-wide graduation rate around 83% and average net price near $14,600; median earnings years after entry are about $72,424 with median debt near $19,500 among aided students. CCNE accredited
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| #2 | Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, IN | ~$19,000/yr (est.) | Second-degree seekers needing prominent clinical sites | |
Valparaiso University offers a 15-month, 67-credit accelerated BSN for transfer students and second-degree seekers. The program stands out for clinical placements at Mayo Clinic and Northwestern Medicine, along with a reported 97% licensure pass rate. Institution-wide, about 70% of undergraduates graduate, and the average net price is approximately $18,578; median earnings years after entry are near $63,191 with median debt around $26,942. CCNE accredited
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| #3 | University of Evansville | Evansville, IN | $18,000/yr (est. net price) | Hybrid learners prioritizing simulation and clinical hours | |
University of Evansville's accelerated BSN is a 16-month, 64-credit hybrid pathway for students who already have a bachelor's degree. It combines classroom theory with simulation labs and clinical rotations at Ascension St. Vincent and Deaconess, and reports a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate. Overall graduation at the university is about 64%, with an average net price near $18,499; median earnings years after entry are roughly $53,770 and median debt about $24,606. ACEN accredited
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| #4 | Marian University | Indianapolis, IN | $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | ||
Marian University's accelerated BSN in Indianapolis is a 16-month hybrid program with asynchronous online coursework and on-site labs. Clinical rotations are delivered through a formal partnership with Ascension St. Vincent, and the university runs three annual cohorts in January, May, and August. The institution reports an overall graduation rate around 67% and average net price near $24,018; typical earnings years after entry are about $58,759 with median debt near $27,000. CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Huntington University | Huntington, IN | ~$19,000/yr (est.) | ||
Huntington University's accelerated BSN is a 13-month, full-time campus program for students with a prior bachelor's degree. It is delivered in partnership with Indiana Tech and Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, with clinical rotations at Parkview and a tuition-coverage pathway that can include guaranteed employment. Overall, about 64% of undergraduates at the university graduate, and the average net price is near $19,310; median earnings years after entry are around $46,672 with median debt about $25,576. CCNE accredited
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| #6 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Ball State University's accelerated second baccalaureate is a 19-month, on-campus pathway in Muncie for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. The cohort-based program reports a 94% NCLEX pass rate and includes high-fidelity simulation labs and small class sizes. About 62% of undergraduates at the university graduate overall, with an average net price near $14,940; median earnings years after entry are roughly $51,833 and median debt about $23,250. ACEN accredited
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| #7 | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | $11,000 – $35,000/yr (est.) | ||
Indiana University-Indianapolis offers a four-semester, full-time second-degree accelerated BSN at its Indianapolis campus, with a shared pathway option at IU Fort Wayne. Admission requires a prior bachelor's degree, a 2.7 overall GPA, and a 3.0 GPA in nursing prerequisites. Institution-wide, about 54% of undergraduates graduate, and the average net price is approximately $11,668; median earnings years after entry are near $55,198 with median debt around $20,000. ACEN accredited
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| #8 | University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | $22,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
University of Indianapolis offers a 15-month, 56-credit in-person ABSN that starts each summer. The program requires a permanent Indiana address, uses a 1:1 clinical placement model, and includes 570 clinical hours across hospitals, community settings, and simulation labs. The university reports an overall graduation rate around 56% and average net price near $21,602; median earnings years after entry are about $53,610 with median debt near $26,864. CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Anderson University | Anderson, IN | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | ||
Anderson University's accelerated BSN is a five-semester hybrid program for prior bachelor's degree holders, with a mix of face-to-face and online coursework. The program includes clinical rotations at Community Hospital and St. Vincent, and uses a holistic admissions process with recommendations and an interview. Overall, about 54% of undergraduates at the university graduate, and the average net price is near $25,021; median earnings years after entry are roughly $48,899 with median debt around $27,000. ACEN accredited
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| #10 | Manchester University | North Manchester, IN | ~$19,000/yr (est.) | ||
Manchester University's accelerated BSN is a 16-month, 65-credit campus program in North Manchester with clinical placements in Fort Wayne. The program reports 100% first-time NCLEX pass rates and 100% job placement within two months, and offers a Parkview Health partnership with tuition forgiveness. Institution-wide, about 46% of undergraduates graduate, with an average net price near $18,805; median earnings years after entry are about $51,504 and median debt near $26,854. CCNE accredited
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No accelerated BSN programs in Indiana are fully online, but several schools now offer hybrid tracks that blend remote coursework with required in-person lab and clinical experiences. Understanding what “hybrid” means before enrolling can save you a costly mistake.
The data shows four Indiana nursing programs classified as hybrid: Marian University in Indianapolis, University of Evansville, Anderson University, and Vincennes University. In practice, hybrid typically means nursing theory classes are delivered asynchronously online, while skills labs, simulation exercises, and all clinical rotations happen on campus or at approved healthcare sites in Indiana.
Any program claiming to be a fully online ABSN should be viewed with extreme skepticism. Indiana Board of Nursing regulations and CCNE/ACEN accreditation standards mandate in-person skills validation and supervised clinical hours. No school in Indiana, or elsewhere, can deliver a licensure-eligible prelicensure BSN entirely remotely. Even hybrid programs require you to physically attend lab intensives on campus and travel to assigned clinical sites.
Most Indiana hybrid ABSN programs expect students to live within commuting distance of the school’s clinical partners. If you reside outside Indiana, you may need to relocate for the duration of the program. Some schools may help arrange clinical placements closer to your home if you live in Indiana, but out-of-state requests are rarely accommodated.
Because Indiana’s hybrid ABSN options are limited, career changers may also consider nationally available hybrid programs in neighboring states like Illinois or Ohio that often accept Indiana residents. However, those programs still require on-site labs and clinical rotations, so proximity and licensing requirements should be carefully weighed. Always confirm with the program where clinicals will occur before you commit.
Prospective ABSN students in Indiana can tap into a variety of scholarships to lower their education costs. The table below lists nursing scholarships from state organizations, universities, and national programs that accept applications from Indiana residents. Always verify current details with the funding source, as amounts and deadlines change.
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Center for Nursing Scholarship (Purdue Global) | $909 (2025-2026) | Indiana residency, commit to work in Indiana post-graduation, GPA at least 3.0; apply through participating school | N/A |
| IU School of Nursing Scholarships | $500-$10,000 | Varies; multiple scholarships for IU nursing students | mid-December to Feb 1 and Sept 1 to mid-September |
| St. Elizabeth School of Nursing Scholarships | Total pool $264,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Indiana Health Care Foundation Scholarship | $1,000-$5,000 | N/A | N/A |
| HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship | Tuition, fees, education costs, monthly stipend | Service commitment in a critical shortage facility | Closed for 2026 cycle (notification Sept 30, 2026) |
| AACN NurseThink Scholarship | $5,000 | N/A | Offered twice a year; see AACN website |
Gaining admission to an accelerated BSN program in Indiana requires careful planning, as each school sets its own standards for prior degrees, grades, and prerequisites. Applicants who understand these requirements early can avoid last-minute surprises and build a competitive application.
Every ABSN program in Indiana is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The degree can be in any field, from biology to business, because the accelerated curriculum builds nursing knowledge on top of existing general education. Admissions teams typically verify degree conferral before a student can start nursing courses, so incomplete transcripts or degrees in progress at the application deadline may delay or disqualify an application. A few schools, such as the University of Indianapolis, also require applicants to have a permanent Indiana address, a factor worth confirming if you plan to relocate for the program.1
ABSN programs look at both cumulative and prerequisite GPAs, and the minimums vary across Indiana.
Nearly all ABSN programs in Indiana require a common set of science and social science courses completed with a grade of C or better. Some schools will not accept prerequisites older than five to seven years, particularly for the sciences, so review each program's recency policies before applying.
Indiana ABSN programs run on different calendars, so timing your application correctly is critical.
Because requirements shift between admission cycles, always verify the most current criteria on each nursing program's official website. Contacting an admissions counselor early, ideally twelve months before you hope to start, can clarify prerequisite equivalencies, deadline exceptions, and how to strengthen your application.
In 2025, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for some Indiana ABSN programs reached 100%1, far exceeding the national first-time average of 87.6%2. Although that figure sets a high bar, it's important to note that many nursing schools report pass rate data for all BSN graduates, not separately for their accelerated cohorts. This section breaks down what Indiana NCLEX data shows and what else to consider when evaluating graduate outcomes.
The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2025 was 87.6%2, a slight increase from prior years. Several Indiana nursing schools with ABSN tracks posted results well above that benchmark. University of Southern Indiana announced a 100% pass rate for its December 2025 nursing graduates1, and Indiana Wesleyan University also reported a 100% NCLEX pass rate for its program3. Indiana University School of Nursing, which offers an accelerated BSN option, recorded an 88.3% first-time pass rate in 2023, right in line with the most recent national figure.
Other schools with ABSN programs show a wider spread. Ball State University saw an 84.2% first-time rate (2023), Indiana State University 81.3%, and Goshen College 73.9%. Huntington University posted 70.5% for the same reporting period. These rates come from Indiana Professional Licensing Agency summaries4, which group all BSN and diploma graduates together. That means a perfect score at one school may reflect strong outcomes across both traditional and accelerated students, while a lower figure does not necessarily mean an ABSN-track problem.
Passing the NCLEX is the gateway to licensure, but not the full picture of how graduates fare. The most recent federal College Scorecard data does not yet break out program-level earnings or employment percentages for these specific accelerated tracks. When aggregated institutional data is available, it groups all baccalaureate graduates, which can mask the experience of second-degree nursing students.
Where figures are reported, early-career employment rates among BSN graduates in Indiana tend to be high, reflecting strong demand for registered nurses. However, median earnings data at the ABSN-program level is not published, so prospective students should ask each school directly for its graduate placement rates, average starting salaries, and the percentage of alumni working in Indiana healthcare settings within 6, 12 months of graduation. Some programs may also share first-year NCLEX pass rates broken out specifically for their accelerated cohorts, information that provides a clearer benchmark than school-wide averages.
Most pass rate data available publicly covers multiple years and all prelicensure BSN pathways. A school that reports 100% for one graduating class may have a smaller ABSN cohort, while a larger traditional BSN group can pull a composite rate down or up. Additionally, NCSBN and state board reports often lag by one to two years. When comparing figures, check whether the statistic is a first-time pass rate (which matters most for new graduates) and which calendar year or testing cycle it covers. Asking a program directly for the most recent ABSN-specific NCLEX results and graduate employment survey data will give you the most useful comparison points for your decision.
Indiana's largest healthcare employers anchor clinical training across the state, and your placement experience will vary by region. The four major clinical metros host the majority of pre-licensure rotations.
Not all clinical sites sit inside city limits. Students in ABSN programs may be assigned to community hospitals, critical access facilities, or primary care clinics in towns well outside major metros. These rural rotations can add significant commuting time and sometimes demand temporary housing arrangements. Discuss your tolerance for travel with the program coordinator early, because site assignments often depend on available preceptors and facility capacity, not personal preference.
Most ABSN programs in Indiana take responsibility for organizing clinical placements. The school's clinical coordination team matches students with partner facilities that have active affiliation agreements, ensuring that preceptors and units are approved for student training. In rare cases, a program may ask students to help identify a potential site, especially for a specialty rotation, but self-secured placements are the exception rather than the rule. Confirm each program's policy during the interview process so you understand exactly what support you will receive for securing the required clinical hours.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Indiana faced a 5% nursing workforce deficit in 2026, intensifying the urgent need for new registered nurses across the state.
Looking for quick answers about accelerated BSN programs in Indiana? We've compiled the most common questions to help you navigate your options, from program lengths and costs to licensure details. Read on for straightforward guidance tailored to Indiana's nursing education landscape.
