There's a critical nursing shortage in the United States with an estimated half million nurses retiring from the profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that nearly 2,955,200 million nurses will be needed between 2016-26 to meet the need for nurses. In 2010, The Institute of Medicine recommended that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) be the standard degree for the profession and suggesting that 80% of BSN trained nurses needed by 2020. Where does that leave the many nurses holding a 2-3 year nursing diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing? Not to worry. Universities and colleges have developed online RN/ADN to BSN (typically known as RN to BSN) programs which will help currently working nurses earn their BSN.
25 Most Affordable RN/ADN to BSN Online Degree Programs
While there are numerous RN to BSN programs available, Best Medical Degrees has researched several online programs to help you identify the right program for you.
Four-year bachelor's degrees normally require 120 or more credit hours. RN to BSN online degrees are designed to reduce the overall credit hours needed by accepting coursework completed toward an Associate Degree in Nursing or nursing diploma from an accredited institution. This allows students to possibly complete a BSN in 1-2 years. Programs may require clinical experiences (conducted in the student's home community) or capstone projects for completion. Not all school programs are accepted in all states, and you should verify your choice meets the requirements of your state's licensing board. This ranking reports only the credit hours required in core nursing courses in an RN-BSN program and not General Education courses required.
Eligible students may also qualify for financial assistance by applying to by filing for Nurses Educational Funds or Federal Financial Aid.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the salary range for a BSN between $60,300-$75,900 with a median salary of $70,000. BSN trained nurses will see a rapid job growth rate of 15% with employment opportunities found in acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, government agencies, etc.
Methodology
There are several things to consider when deciding on an online nursing program. Best Medical Degrees has searched the following factors in creating this ranking: 1) length of the program and tuition costs per credit hour (excluding additional school fees), 2) accreditation from a Department of Education recognized agency, primarily, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 3) school reviews from U.S. News and World Report and 4) programs must be available online (some may be hybrid, requiring minimum campus participation.) This ranking lists the number of nursing courses credit hours required only. Students needing General Education courses will need more time and coursework.
1. Western Carolina University
The RN to BSN degree from Western Carolina University (WCU) may be completed in four semesters, with 60 prerequisite hours in General Education studies. Applicants should have an Associate of Art/Associate of Science degree or an Associate Applied Science nursing degree. This program is CCNE accredited and developed for licensed and working nurses. U.S. News and World Report ranks WCU as having the Best Online Bachelor's Programs, Best College for Veterans, and Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $54 (North Carolina Resident); $189 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Professional Transitions in Nursing, Clinical Update for RNs, Community Health Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Research, Two Practicum Rotations, etc.
Program Website: Western Carolina University
2. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers what the school calls a Post-Licensure RN-BSN online program. Admission requires students have an Associate of Arts degree from a Florida institution or a bachelor degree from any accredited institution, a valid and current nursing license and completion of eight nursing prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, psychology, etc.). The program is CCNE accredited and UCF rates as a Top Public Schools, Most Innovative Schools, Top Public Schools, and Best Online Bachelor's Programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 30
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $105
Curriculum Snapshot: Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice, Health Care Issues, Policy, and Economics, Nursing Research, Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Dimensions of Professional Practice, Leadership, Management, and Role Development, Community & Public Health Practicum for RNs, etc.
Program Website: University of Central Florida
3. Appalachian State University
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the RN to BSN online program by Appalachian State University. Currently working nurses with an ADN or diploma from an accredited institution who apply must also hold an active, unencumbered nursing license in North Carolina or one of the compact states. The program requires specific core courses and lower-division courses which may be satisfied by transfer hours from an accredited institution. Appalachian State is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a Regional Universities South, Most Innovative Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value Schools, Best Online Bachelor's Programs and Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $143 (North Carolina Resident); $644 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Informatics, Health Assessment, Nursing Care of Older Adults, Nursing Care of Communities, Nursing Leadership and Management, Concepts of Professional Nursing, Nursing Research, etc.
Program Website: Appalachian State University
4. East Carolina University
East Carolina University (ECU) offers an online RN to BSN designed for nurses currently licensed and working. This degree requires prerequisite, general education courses prior to taking upper division nursing education courses. ECU's College of Nursing is accredited by the CCNE and is recognized as one of the Best Online Bachelor's Programs and considered a Top Public School by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $150 (North Carolina Resident); $700 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Research, Clinical Scholarship, and Evidence-Based Practice, Critical Thinking
to Facilitate Role Transition: RN to BSN, Community Health Nursing, Professional Communication in Nursing, Nursing in a Global Society, Nursing Leadership and Finance, RN to BSN Practice Experience Capstone, etc.
Program Website: East Carolina University
5. Oklahoma State University
This is a relatively new online RN to BSN degree offered by Oklahoma State University and is accredited by the CCNE. Students with an ADN or RN diploma are granted 30 hours of Advanced Standing Credit of General Education coursework toward the prerequisites of the RN to BSN. A current, unrestricted nursing license and transcript from an accredited institution offering an ADN or Nursing Diploma are required for admission. Oklahoma State University is acknowledged by U.S. News and World Report as a National Universities and Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 32 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $179 (Oklahoma Resident); $696 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Issues in Gerontology, Principles of Epidemiology, Health Assessment, Community Health and Wellness, Global and Public Health, Theoretical & Conceptual Foundations of Nursing, Trends and Issues in Nursing, Nursing Research and Evidenced Based Practice, Capstone Course, etc.
Program Website: Oklahoma State University
6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
This online RN to BSN program is accredited by the CCNE and applicants must provide results for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN ® exam), an unrestricted nursing license void of stipulations, completion of General Education prerequisite courses from Texas Tech or an accredited institution (with a grade of "C" or better). The program does not require clinical practices but does have a field experience component which may be completed in the student's home community. Texas Tech is ranked as U.S. News and World Report for its Best Online Bachelor's Programs, National Universities, and Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $200 (Texas Resident); $615 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Incorporation of Evidence into Practice, Healthcare Information Technology, Foundations of Nursing Knowledge, Evaluating Risk in Healthcare, Health Intervention Design, Integrating BSN Concepts, Community and Public Health Nursing Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics, Management & Leadership: Bedside to Boardroom, etc.
Program Website: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
7. Georgia Southern University
Applicants to the Georgia Southern University (GSU) CCNE accredited program must be currently working nurses. Admissions also requires students have either an associate's or nursing degree from an accredited institution. Applicants must have a Georgia issued nursing license. Offered online, the program utilizes both synchronous and asynchronous formats with an an on-campus orientation is required. GSU is ranked as a Best Online Bachelor's Program by U.S. News and World Report as well as recognized in the publication's National Universities ranking.
Program Length: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $204
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Assessment, Conceptual Basis of Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Complimentary Therapeutic Modalities, Critical Inquiry, Nursing Research, Complex Nursing Concepts, Nursing Leadership, etc.
Program Website: Georgia Southern University
8. Fort Hays State University
This online program can be completed in 3 semesters, depending on previous college credit. Accredited by the CCNE, this program also offers up to 36 credit hours for Advanced Standing Credit for RNs who successfully pass NCLEX-RN national exam. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Fort Hays State University as having a Best Online Bachelor's Program.
Program Length: 66 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $218
Curriculum Snapshot: Professional Roles for the RN, Informatics for the RN, Community-Focused Care for the RN, Trends Facing Healthcare, Healthcare Policy & Cost for the RN, Leadership & Management for the RN, Quality Improvement Practicum, Health Promotion
Program Website: Fort Hays State University
9. Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University (CSU) offers a completely online RN to BSN or a blended approach utilizing online and on-campus participation. Applicants must hold a current nursing license, completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better, as well as application to CSU and the School of Nursing. Prerequisites include Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, English, Psychology, and Statistics. U.S. News and World Report ranks CSU as having one of the Best Online Bachelor's Programs.
Program Length: 27 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $240 (Ohio Resident); $243 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Computer Competency, Nursing Research, Gerontological Nursing, Leadership/Management, Issues and Trends, Theory & Professional Practice, Community as Client, Community as a Client Clinical (group project), Role Practicum, etc.
Program Website: Cleveland State University
10. Ohio University
Ohio University (OU) has an online RN to BSN degree which the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and have an associate or diploma degree in nursing. Courses required in Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Writing and Rhetoric, Introduction to Nutrition, Introduction to Sociology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, and General Psychology. Applicants must hold an unrestricted nursing license. The program is limited, at the time of this ranking, states from which it may admit students. Information on the qualifying states may be reviewed here. Ohio University ranks in the Top Public Schools, National Universities, and Best Online Bachelor's Program from U. S. News and World Report.
Length of Program: 31 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $240 (Ohio Resident); $243 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Professional Nursing Practice, Family Nursing, Health Assessment and Promotion, Gerontologic Nursing Care, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Nursing Excellence, Leadership in Nursing, Diversity, Community Health Nursing, etc.
Program Website: Ohio University
11. University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas School of Nursing's RN to BSN program is accredited by CCNE and, depending on transfer credits, may be completed in 12 months. Admission to this program involves the applicant having a free and unencumbered nursing license and a graduate of a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) program (non-NLNAC students are considered on an individual basis). The school offers a generous transfer policy and allows up to 41 credit hours for prior education. UCA has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report for having a Best Online Bachelor's Programs, Top Public Schools, Regional Universities South and Best Colleges for Veterans.
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $285
Curriculum Snapshot: RN to BSN Transitions, Nursing Informatics, Research & Evidence-Based Practice, Health Policy & Professional Issues in Nursing, Pathophysiology Clinical Applications for RNs, Nursing Leadership & Management for RNs, etc.
Program Website: University of Central Arkansas
12. SUNY Delhi
Delhi is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and offers an online, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited RN-BSN program. Applicants to this program must be a graduate of an accredited associate degree institution with a minimum of 60 credit hours, possess an unencumbered nursing license, and one year of nursing practice, among other requirements. U.S. News and World Report ranks SUNY Delhi as having one of the Best Online Bachelor's Programs, Best Value School, Top Public Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans. Practicum experiences under a preceptor are conducted in the student's home area.
Program Length: 61 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $286 (New York Resident); $343 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Orientation to Online BSN, Statistics & Research Methods, Ethics in Health Care, Pathophysiology, Leadership & Management, Health Assessment, Epidemiology, Health Care Policy, Principles of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Population and Community Health Nursing, Senior Practicum, etc.
Program Website: SUNY Delphi
13. University of Southern Indiana
CCNE accredited, the University of Southern Indiana (USI) has an online RN-BSN degree which may be completed in as few as 14 months. Admission to this program requires a diploma RN or associate degree, employment or access to a healthcare facility (for specific coursework) and an unencumbered nursing license. USI provides acceptance of unlimited credits from community colleges or universities. U.S. News and World Report rates USI as offering Best Online Bachelor's Programs.
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $297
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Assessment for Registered Nurses, Nursing Informatics, Population Health, and Professional Nursing Practice, Population-Focused Care for Registered Nurses, Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare Organizations, Clinical Synthesis, Application of Evidence-Based Practice, etc.
Program Website: University of Southern Indiana
14. University of Louisiana-Lafayette
This online RN to BSN degree may be completed in a few as one year and holds CCNE accreditation. The university is recognized as a National Universities and Best Online Bachelor's Programs by U.S. News and World Report. General Education corequisite courses are also required but the program accepts appropriate transfer credits to satisfy this requirement. Applicants must demonstrate graduation from an ACEN or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited ADN or diploma RN degrees. Admission also requires an active, unencumbered nursing license.
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $316
Curriculum Snapshot: Community Health Nursing with Diverse Populations, Nursing in a Disaster for RN to BSN, Orientation for RN to BSN, Trends in Genetics and Genomics, Health and Physical Assessment, Evidence-Based Practice for RN to BSN, Nursing Leadership and Management for RN to BSNs, Capstone Project, etc.
Program Website: University of Louisiana Lafayette
15. The University of Kansas
The University of Kansas (UK) School of Nursing through the KU Medical Center has an online RN-BSN program which is accredited by CCNE. The university is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value Schools, and Top Public Schools. Admission to the RN-BSN program requires 60 credit hours in prerequisite General Education courses (which may be transferred from other accredited institutions). Applicants must also have an unencumbered nursing license. State authorization information may be verified here.
Program Length: 30-35 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $342
Curriculum Snapshot: Pathophysiology for the Practicing Nurse, Client Assessment for the Practicing Nurse, Pharmacology for the Practicing Nurse, Developing the Baccalaureate Nurse Role, Nursing Research in an Evidence-Based Practice Setting, Population Based Health Care for the Practicing Nurse, Using Technology to Enhance Client Safety, Nursing Practice Within the Healthcare Organization, Navigating Influences of Healthcare Macro Environment, Senior Project, etc.
Program Website: The University of Kansas
16. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University's (ODU) RN to BSN online program holds accreditation from the CCNE, and U.S. News and World Report ranks ODU as having one of its Best Online Bachelor's Programs, National Universities, and Top Public Schools. As students go through the curriculum, ODU awards 33 advanced placement credits for Clinical Nursing Concepts coursework. Residents of Washington state are ineligible for this program.
Program Length:
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $352 (Virginia Resident); $389 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Leadership, Ethics, Law, Economics, and Health Policy, Community Health Nursing, Health Assessment, Role Development for Baccalaureate Nurse as Educator, Principle of Practice: Research as Foundation for Practice, Clinical Nursing Concepts, etc.
Program Website: Old Dominion University
17. University of Tennessee Chattanooga
This is a BSN degree which may be completed within 16 months (longer if General Education courses are needed) and is designed so that currently working nurses may continue to work while earning their BSN. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) is accredited by CCNE and is considered one of U.S. News and World Report's Top Public Schools, Best Value Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans. Students are required to attend an on-campus orientation.
Program Length: 24 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $359 (Tennessee Resident); $770 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Conceptual Thinking, Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Nursing Research, Community Health Nursing, Professional Nursing in the Health Care System, The Individual in Professional Practice, and a Culminating Senior Experience
Program Website: University of Tennessee Chattanooga
18. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
This program is offered 100% online and holds Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation. There are no clinical experiences required but, instead, students have a project practicum conducted in the student's home community. Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited nursing institution and applicable transfer hours are accepted by Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU). Students are expected to maintain an active, unencumbered nursing license during the length of this program. OPSU is a U.S. News and World Report Regional Colleges West.
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $373
Curriculum Snapshot: Pharmacotherapeutics, Nursing Research, Health Assessment/Health Promotion, The Science of Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Nursing in Rural America, Professional Practice Seminar
Program Website: Oklahoma Panhandle State University
19. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers a flexible, online RN to BSN program which may be completed in 9,12, or 24 months, depending on full time or part-time enrollment status. A current, unencumbered Registered Nursing license is required for admission to this Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program. Please note, this program is not eligible to accept students from New York, Tennessee, Oregon, Louisiana, Washington state Massachusetts, and District of Columbia. The University of Cincinnati has consistently received recognition from U.S. News and World Report as one of its National Universities, Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 57 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $389 (Ohio Resident); $503 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: General Education Courses: English, Microbiology, Psychology or Sociology, History, etc., Transition to Baccalaureate Education, Learning with Technology, Nursing Informatics, Scientific Basis for Evidence-Based Practice, Gerontology for Nurses, Scientific Basis for Evidence-Based Practice, Nurse as Professional Leader & Manager, Focus on Community, Health Issues of Vulnerable & Marginalized Population, Capstone Experiences
Program Website: University of Cincinnati
20. The University of Iowa
This online RN to BSN degree is accredited by CCNE and may be completed in a little over a year. Prerequisite courses are required and may be taken at an accredited community college or university and evaluated for credit transfers. The RN to BSN program requires a community and public health practicum (CPH) experience which, for Iowa residents, may be completed in the student's home community. Non-residents have the option of completing a 16-week practicum in Iowa or a practicum in Swaziland Africa (travel expenses to be paid by the student). U.S. News and World Report rates The University of Iowa as a National Universities, Top Public Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, and Best Value Schools.
Program Length: 32 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $429
Curriculum Snapshot: Healthcare Finance, Professionalism & Patient Safety, Research, Introduction to Human Genetics, Pathology, Community & Public Health Nursing, Leadership & Professional Engagement with Project, etc.
Program Website: The University of Iowa
21. Eastern Kentucky University
Application to Eastern Kentucky University's online BSN program requires an ADN and an unrestricted nursing license. General Education credits may be awarded based on the student's Associate Degree, nursing experience and NCLEX licensure. No on-campus attendance is required, and clinical experiences may be completed in the student's home community. The program is accredited by the CCNE, and U.S. News and World Report ranks EKU as one of its 25 Best Online Bachelor's Programs.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $460; $250 Active Duty Military
Curriculum Snapshot: Perspectives in Professional Nursing, Nursing Research, Health Assessment for the RN, Complex Client Care, Perspectives in Professional Nursing, RN Public Health Nursing, Leadership and Management, Complex Health Systems Clinical, RN Public Health Nursing Clinical, etc.
Program Website: Eastern Kentucky University
22. Drexel University
Drexel University's online RN to BSN degree is accredited by the CCNE and requires an Associates Degree in Nursing or nursing diploma for admission. Official transcripts must show 60 semester hours in prerequisite coursework, the details of which are shown on the school's website. Drexel University has a generous 135 credit hours transfer policy towards the RN to BSN degree. The school has an accelerated program option which allows students to complete the final 9 nursing courses in 12 months. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted nursing license.
Program Length: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $465
Curriculum Snapshot: Critical Issues in Nursing, Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice, Genetics and Genomics: Application to Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Transformational Leadership, Issues in Aging and Longevity, Population Health: Local and Global, Senior Capstone in Nursing, etc.
Program Website: Drexel University
23. George Mason University
George Mason University has an online RN to BSN Pathway program which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is designed for currently working RNs who have either an associate's degree or nursing diploma. The school accepts transfer credits for many prerequisites and/or General Education courses from regionally accredited community colleges. The program requires prerequisite work in Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, Biomedical Ethics, and Microbiology. U.S. News and World Report cites the university in its Best Value Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, Top Public Schools and Most Innovative Schools.
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $510 (Virginia Resident); $1,487 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Concepts in Professional Nursing as a Discipline, Community Health and Epidemiology, Comprehensive Health Assessment, Vulnerable Populations, Introduction to Nursing Informatics, Leadership and Management of Health Care, Research in Nursing, etc.
Program Website: George Mason Unversity
24. Clarkson College
This online program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the Department of Nursing's online graduate program has been ranked in the top 100 of U.S. News and World Report's best programs. This degree is designed for associate or nursing diploma nurses and requires certain General Education prerequisites. A current, unrestricted nursing license is required along with ACT or SAT scores, as well as other admission documentation.
Program Length: 34 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $537
Curriculum Snapshot: Evidence-Based Inquiry in Healthcare for the RN-BSN/MSN Student, Health Care Core Course (which includes studies in Health Care Ethics, Patient Engagement, Medicine, and Mass Media, A Cultural History of the Healing Arts, Abnormal Psychology, etc.) Statistics, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology: Current Practices, Concepts of Professional Practice for the RN to BSN/MSN, Evidence-Based Inquiry in Healthcare for the RN-BSN/MSN Student, Capstone/Practicum for the RN to BSN/MSN, etc.
Program Website: Clarkson College
25. University of Massachusetts-Amherst
UMass-Amherst has an online RN to BSN degree accredited by the CCNE. Licensed and practicing RNs receive 30 credit hours for their work experience in addition to coursework. 60-credit hours in non-nursing prerequisites are required for admission which, for ADN, may include transfer hours from previous study. U.S. News and World Report ranks UMASSAmherst in its top 20 of Best Online Bachelor's Programs, and the university also ranks in the publication's Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $585
Curriculum Snapshot: Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness, Nursing Care of Families, Writing in Nursing Ethics, Vulnerable and Underserved Populations, Community Health Nursing, Introduction to Nursing Research, Introduction to Health Informatics, Physical Assessment
Program Website: UMassAmherst