Demand remains high for qualified and caring nursing health professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic has further revealed the central role nurses play in administering quality, humane care, and the existential need for nurses in a strained medical field. Registered nurses (RNs) are regarded as the “support system” of the healthcare sector, providing quality care, and handling patient need.
Independently of the current health care situation, the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a high rate of growth in nursing jobs at 12% over the next several years. Nurses earn an excellent salary as well, bringing on average $73,000 per year.
Most RNs participate in accredited nursing programs to acquire an associate or degree and return to the university to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN opens greater opportunities for various nursing jobs. Because of current on-site learning restrictions, even in the context of ever-increasing need, there are reports of more students going to online formats and new teaching techniques–virtual clinical simulations and at-home practice kits–that allow for education to be delivered in a more seamless manner in non-traditional, online contexts.
Nurses who have obtained a BSN degree online are qualified to pursue leadership and administrative roles in medical and healthcare facilities and organizations. The best and most affordable online RN to BSN degree programs are designed to fit the needs of working nurses. They afford students the flexibility and convenience in finishing the entire program while working full-time. Earning a BSN is ideal for RNs who wish to advance their careers.
QUICK LINKS
- Most Affordable Schools for Online RN to BSN Degree Programs
- University of Central Florida’s Affordable Online RN to BSN Completion Degree Program
- Ohio University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
- Georgia Southern University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
- Sam Houston State University’s Affordable Online RN to BSN Degree
- New England Institute of Technology’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
- Minot State University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree
- CUNY School of Professional Studies’ Online Affordable RN to BSN
- Southeast Missouri State University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
- University of Arkansas’ Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
- West Texas A&M University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s Affordable Online RN to BSN
- Slippery Rock University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
- Lamar University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
- Fitchburg State University’s Affordable Online RN to BSN Degree
- Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
- Capella University’s Affordable RN to BSN Online Degree Program
- Wilmington University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
- Old Dominion University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
- Georgia College’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree
- Fort Hays State University’s Affordable Online RN to BSN Degree Program
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Additional Info: Top Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Programs, 20 Best Online Schools for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degrees and Top 20 Online Master’s of Nursing Degree Programs
Most Affordable Schools for Online RN to BSN Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: The lists OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has compiled were done so by researching publicly available data from various sources, but, mainly from our own methodology as stated below, in order to derive a useful tool for prospective students. Our editors have made use of the following criteria in deriving program rankings based on:
- Average affordability based on four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. offering online RN to BSN Degree Programs,
- Delivery of RN to BSN degree program, such as online distance learning format,
- Job placement opportunities,
- Proper Accreditation,
- Positive student reviews and low retention rates.
The following are 20 online schools that offer RN to BSN degree programs. The schools were chosen and ranked based on affordability, and as such we emphasize each program’s tuition per credit hour. To come up with up-to-date information, we gathered data primarily from the schools’ official websites.
University of Central Florida’s Affordable Online RN to BSN Completion Degree Program
Location: Orlando, Florida
The University of Central Florida offers a Post-Licensure RN to BSN Completion Program that enables students to work full-time as nurses while completing their coursework online. The part-time online BSN program, on the other hand, features flexible scheduling. Students may participate in the honors nursing program, where they can hold independent research. The 30-credit curriculum allows up to 29 credit hours to be awarded for previous coursework on BSN. Cost-conscious students may follow eligibility requirements to get access to affordable tuition and tuition waivers. Program tuition is at $179.19 per credit hour for in-state residents and $715.80 per credit hour for out-of-state residents. Applicants should at least have a 2.8 GPA in their previous coursework or degree program and an existing nursing license. The university is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Ohio University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
Location: Athens, Ohio
Ohio University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that can be completed in at least five weeks. The 120-credit coursework includes courses such as chemistry, developmental psychology, microbiology, and statistic courses, as well as core nursing classes. Students should complete at least 30 credits of coursework on campus. Interested applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and hold an associate degree in nursing or an active nursing license. Program tuition is $240 per credit hour for residents and $243 per credit hour for non-residents. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Georgia Southern University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
Location: Statesboro, Georgia
Georgia Southern University offers an online RN to BSN degree program ideal for students who have obtained an RN license in Georgia. The orientation is also a requirement for students to attend on campus. The program is based on the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Model for registered nurses who will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Once a student completes at least 6 hours of RN-BSN nursing courses, they are awarded 29 credit hours in the field of nursing. Students may be able to enjoy not only a flexible but also an affordable form of education through this degree program. Coursework includes Community Health Nursing, Health Assessment, and Nursing Leadership and Management. Program tuition is $182.13 per credit hour. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Sam Houston State University’s Affordable Online RN to BSN Degree
Location: Huntsville, Texas
Sam Houston State University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that combines on-campus and online learning formats. On-campus support is provided by the Woodlands Center of the university but classes are conducted online in a flexible format. Students are required to attend on-campus for at least three days every semester. The program is ideal for students who have earned a Texas RN license. Graduates become more prepared for career advancement and graduate-level nursing programs. The 30-hour coursework emphasizes patient advocacy, ethical accountability, and therapeutic communication. Program tuition is $349.43 per credit hour. The university has earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
New England Institute of Technology’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
Location: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
New England Institute of Technology offers an online RN to BSN degree program which is ideal for students with full-time nursing jobs. Through this program, students enhance their knowledge and skills in health care systems, decision-making processes, leadership, patient advocacy, and quality and safety that are all essential for career advancement and graduate-level study. Competent faculty members handle online classes and interactive, hands-on activities. The 67-quarter credit coursework includes topics like ethical issues in nursing, statistics, population health, and health assessment. The duration of the courses is ten weeks. Students may finish the program in 18 months in an eight-quarter curriculum. Program tuition is $230 per credit hour. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Minot State University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree
Location: Minot, North Dakota
Minot State University offers an online RN to BSN degree completion program, meant to be flexible and focused on students who are working full-time. It is expected that after graduation, an online RN to BSN will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to practice nursing effectively in healthcare settings. The 122-credit coursework is offered online, and the clinical course can be completed in communities. Students have two options in pursuing the course, as it can be through a two-semester or four-semester approach. Program tuition is $316.31 per credit hour. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
CUNY School of Professional Studies’ Online Affordable RN to BSN
Location: New York, New York
A very affordable online RN to BSN degree program is offered at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies. The program underscores competent professional enhancement and adaptation to the evolving global healthcare sector. The university honors prior learning and work experience credits which are assessed through student portfolio evaluation and examinations. Students are admitted into the program if they earn at least 90 prior learning credits, allowing them to complete the degree program at a more rapid pace and advance their careers. At CUNY, online RN-to-BSN students learn nursing informatics, care of culturally diverse populations, and global health and policy. Coursework topics include health assessment, leadership and management, nursing research, care of culturally diverse communities, global health and policy, and nursing informatics. Program tuition is $305 per credit hour. This academic institution is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Southeast Missouri State University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that aims to unify modern nursing theories and approaches with liberal arts courses. Credits can be earned from prior learning and work experience as well as previous education. The program is online, yet students may need to take on-campus courses upon getting approval from advisors. Coursework can be completed in 18 hours for one semester. Students may obtain and complete their required field experience within their residential area. Program tuition is $284 per credit hour. The university is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
University of Arkansas’ Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Another online RN to BSN degree program is offered at the University of Arkansas, and this is ideal for registered nurses who have completed at least 1,000 hours of prior work experience for two years. Transfer of credits from previous coursework is also allowed so that students may be able to complete the online program in 12 to 24 months. To be admitted into the program, applicants must have at least earned an associate degree and work experience, and they should be able to submit transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.8. The online program aims to teach students basic knowledge on topics like community health, health care policy, health promotion, informatics, and research. The program must also include at least 75 clinical hours of practicum. Program tuition is at least $252.28 per credit hour. The university is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
West Texas A&M University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
Location: Canyon, Texas
An online RN to BSN degree program which can also be completed in one to two years is also offered at West Texas A and M University. The flexible online program allows students to study at their own pace and complete it in one to two years. Competent advisors work closely with online students to assist them in complying with requirements for degree completion. Clinical experience requirements can be obtained through case studies, guided experiences, internships, and simulations. The coursework is designed to prepare graduates to pursue numerous nursing job opportunities or proceed with attending a graduate-level program in nursing. Program tuition is $50 per credit hour (See Tuition and Fees). Special tuition rebates can be applied for eligible residents of the state and out-of-state students. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s Affordable Online RN to BSN
Location: Clarion, Pennsylvania
Clarion University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that accepts life experience as credits. The program concentrates on establishing a strong foundation of knowledge and experience to enhance students’ professional skills, critical judgment, creative thinking, and personal development with the aim of advancing professional nursing strategies. Up to 90 previously earned credits from prior life experience are accepted through the Credit for Prior Learning Procedure and the College-Level Examination Program. Students can complete the entire program in three semesters through the new 7-and-a-half-week online format, provided that they have earned the maximum number of credits required for the program. Program tuition is $322.00 per credit hour. The university is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Slippery Rock University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
Location: Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University offers an online RN to BSN degree program ideal for those working full-time. The program aims to enhance critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills and equip students for effective collaborations in multidisciplinary practices, proper shifting of focus from individual care to community health. With the goal of improving professional communication and enhancing leadership skills, the program is asynchronous so that students may conveniently study their course materials in 7.5-week sessions. Slippery Rock is also one of the very first online accredited nursing programs that have scheduling options for easier and faster course completion. Online students are prepared for various careers in the field of nursing and for graduate study as well. Coursework topics include healthcare information systems, diversity, and evidence-based decision making. Program tuition is $322.00 per credit hour. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Lamar University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
Location: Beaumont, Texas
Lamar University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that allows students to pursue careers in various healthcare settings. The program curriculum has been designed for students who are employed full-time and seek to study at their own pace. Degree completion can be within a year and, thanks to its online learning format, students do not have to compromise their family or work obligations. The 30-credit hour coursework includes topics such as synthesis in professional nursing, care of communities, and evidence-based practice. Program tuition is $436 per credit hour. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Fitchburg State University’s Affordable Online RN to BSN Degree
Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Fitchburg State University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that teaches students the legal and ethical standards of nursing practice and the importance of education to excel in the profession. The program aims to give students the opportunity to gain sufficient knowledge and experience to pursue leadership roles in the field of nursing. The program curriculum is of a liberal arts core and features comprehensive nursing care. The 32-credit coursework includes Pediatric Nursing, End of Life Care, and Community Health Nursing. Graduates of the RN to BSN online program may enter a graduate-level study in nursing or become nursing instructors, staff nurses, and nurse managers. Program tuition is $437.71 per credit hour. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that is ideal for nurses who want to advance in their careers. Competent and well-experienced nursing professionals generally teach the courses. The degree program can be completed in six 8-week terms in a year. It aims to prepare students for graduate study, and the curriculum is based on the principles of practice encouraged by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Coursework includes topics such as diversity, pathophysiology, and patient assessment. Online students who wish to pursue a master’s degree may take the Advanced Pathway RN to MSN alternative. This option provides a smooth transition towards earning a graduate-level program in nursing. Program tuition is $320 per credit hour. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Capella University’s Affordable RN to BSN Online Degree Program
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Capella University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that makes for an excellent educational alternative. The university utilizes academic quarters with three-month completion time and a three-week break after each quarter. Students can take their core nursing classes in a flexible online format through the FlexPath alternative. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Wilmington University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Wilmington University offers an online RN to BSN degree program, which is ideal for students to acquire a solid foundation and comprehensive knowledge regarding modern nursing approaches and practices. The coursework has been customized for students to be able to obtain sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of nursing. The 120-credit coursework includes Lifespan Development, Holistic Health Assessment, and Global Health Care. The curriculum varies based on transfer credits, prior learning credits, and full-time or part-time status. Competent advisors help students plan and decide their course sequence. It is expected that after degree completion, graduates will work as generalists in the field. They may also pursue graduate-level programs that can lead to greater career opportunities. Program tuition is $346 per credit hour. The university has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Old Dominion University’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree Program
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Old Dominion University offers an online RN to BSN degree completion program designed and taught by competent nursing professionals and leaders. The curriculum concentrates on the development of students’ professional portfolios for them to be successfully hired as they pursue nursing careers. The coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to study at their own pace and finish the program while working as full-time practicing nurses. For full-time online students, the degree can be completed in three semesters. Tuition is $356 per credit hour. The university has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Georgia College’s Online Affordable RN to BSN Degree
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Georgia College features an online RN to BSN degree program that features a flexible study format for working students and students struggling with their schedules. There are online courses that require optional on-campus meetings but an elective laboratory course includes an on-campus attendance. All courses can be accomplished without on-campus visits. Coursework is also conducted in an asynchronous format, making it ideal for students who are busy with work or family. E-portfolios are required to help keep track of professional nurse development and career objectives. Completing the E-portfolio is equivalent to taking the pre-licensure BSN exit exam. The duration of the program is three semesters only, and graduates can be sure about landing stable jobs after program completion. The program also has an excellent track record in job placement. Tuition is $373 per credit hour. The academic institution is also accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Fort Hays State University’s Affordable Online RN to BSN Degree Program
Location: Hays, Kansas
Fort Hays State University offers an online RN to BSN degree program that provides registered nurses with an advanced standing credit so they can apply in the online BSN program. Registered Nurses qualify for Advanced Standing Credit towards their BSN degree and are granted up 36 credit hours after completing the National Council Licensure Examination for Nurses (NCLEX-RN) national exam. Coursework includes topics on health promotion, health care policy, and management for the advancement of nursing skills. Students are also required to complete a quality improvement practicum. Program tuition is $218.67 per credit hour plus additional charges. The online degree program, which can be completed in three semesters or less, presents students with scholarship opportunities. The university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the benefits of earning an Online RN (Registered Nurse) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Degree?
The advantage of earning an online RN to BSN degree program is that it allows students to acquire nursing experience at a more rapid pace. A BSN enables students to be prepared to work as an RN. For RNs who have earned an associate degree, nurses with a BSN have greater responsibilities, receive higher wages, and hold senior positions. Those who decide to get a BSN degree from an associate or diploma degree in nursing get better chances at career advancement in the healthcare sector.
What are the requirements for admission to an Online RN (Registered Nurse) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Degree program?
Those who wish to enroll in an online RN to BSN degree program should be holders of RN license without any limitations. Some schools require work experience related to the nursing field. A minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission.
How long does it take to complete an Online RN (Registered Nurse) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Degree program?
Earning an RN through an associate or diploma degree program takes about one or two years. Earning a BSN, on the other hand, takes three to four years. For those who have already received a certification as an RN, the online RN to BSN degree program can be completed in two years or less.