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Compare RN-to-BSN Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare RN-to-BSN Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare RN-to-BSN Programs
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Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2025
Compare RN-to-BSN Programs
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Current registered nurses (RNs) who want to increase their job opportunities and earning potential may want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree. This degree qualifies students to become nurse educators, health policy nurses, nurse recruiters, nurse informaticists, forensic nurses, clinical research nurses, nurse health coaches, and more. They can find work outside of nursing as well, with possible occupations such as legal consultant, healthcare marketing consultant, and fitness coach. A BSN also paves the way for a Master of Science in nursing (MSN), which opens up even more career opportunities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for registered nurses is $86,070, while nurse practitioners earn $129,480. And according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average yearly tuition for an undergraduate program is $7,998 at public universities and $34,923 at private institutions. It generally takes one to two years of full-time study to complete an RN-to-BSN program.

How to Choose an Online RN-to-BSN Degree Program

Choose your area of study

Since those with a BSN are qualified to work in many different fields, students planning to take this degree should consider what career they plan to pursue after graduation. Many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular area of nursing practice, such as psychiatric mental health, pain management, informatics, preoperative nursing, critical care, or dialysis. Additionally, you’ll almost certainly be required to do an on-site clinical experience, so check to see what opportunities are available in your area.

Research schools and programs

You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Look for RN-to-BSN programs that have also been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). These programmatic accrediting organizations have particularly high standards for nursing education.

While you’re compiling details about the academic aspects of various programs, take note of these factors as well:

  • What is the cost of the program? Before you get too far into researching a program, check the cost of tuition. It’s probably not a good fit if it’s outside your budget range. Remember to weigh the cost against academics and other factors on this list; the least expensive option isn’t always the best.
  • Where is the school located? Although you’ll be studying online, you may still have access to on-campus services, events, and amenities, including fitness centers, libraries, student clubs, job fairs, sporting events, and more. Living near your school can make it easier to take advantage of these perks. Additionally, your program may include in-person requirements like labs or practicums, requiring you to visit campus. Therefore, you may want to consider a school’s location when choosing a program.

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Students who apply for this degree should already have an associate degree in nursing and an active, unencumbered nursing license. It may be necessary to have a valid license in the state where the university is located.

Most schools have a minimum GPA requirement, but this varies from school to school. Transcripts are typically required. You may also be asked to submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement, scores from an aptitude test such as the HESI A2, and a resume demonstrating your nursing work experience.

Be sure to check the deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documents. Some schools offer rolling admissions, while others only accept new students during one or more dates throughout the year. Applicants whose native language isn’t English will need to submit test scores showing proficiency in English. Since admissions requirements vary, check the school’s website or talk to an admissions counselor for details.

Select your program

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.

To determine eligibility for federal student loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many institutions use the information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility for scholarships. Students should also explore other scholarship avenues, including community and religious organizations, nonprofits, and businesses. Many schools offer payment plans that allow students to spread tuition payments out over the term, as well as military discounts for veterans and active-duty service members.

Enrolling in a flexible online program can make it easier for students to work full- or part-time, which can help subsidize education costs. In many cases, employers may offer tuition assistance benefits to help students pay for school.

Best 50 Accredited Online RN-to-BSN Degree Programs

Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs badge
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University of Central Florida
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University of Arkansas
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Florida International University
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CUNY School of Professional Studies
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Ohio State University
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Arizona State University
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Sam Houston State University
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UMass Amherst
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University of North Florida
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Fort Hays State University
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West Texas A&M University
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Georgia Southern University
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Southeast Missouri State University
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University of Illinois Chicago
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New England Institute of Technology
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University of Oklahoma
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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Northern Arizona University
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Indiana University
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Loyola University Chicago
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Herzing University
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Lamar University
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University of Cincinnati
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University of Missouri - St. Louis
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Ohio University
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University of North Alabama
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Lehman College
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University of Providence
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Western Governors University
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University of West Florida
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University of Florida
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University of Southern Indiana
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California State University Dominguez Hills
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Bluefield University
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Cedar Crest College
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New Mexico Highlands University
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The University of Texas Permian Basin
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Liberty University
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Fayetteville State University
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California State University, Stanislaus
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Purdue University Northwest
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Texas A&M University-Central Texas
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Drexel University
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PennState World Campus
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Southern New Hampshire University
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Old Dominion University
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University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
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King University
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Northwestern College
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Kent State University

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How we rank schools

This list features some of the best online RN-to-BSN programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by professional organizations dedicated to quality nursing education like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online RN-to-BSN programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

What Can You Expect from an Online RN-to-BSN Degree Program?

An RN-to-BSN program is a completion program for registered nurses who have a diploma or associate degree in nursing from an accredited college and would like to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from previous postsecondary education, allowing them to earn their bachelor’s degree faster than they would in a traditional program. Those with only a high school diploma are not eligible. The program covers research, health promotion, patient care technology, and safety and quality within the healthcare system. It is a way for registered nurses to advance their careers and a stepping stone to earning an MSN.

Potential courses you’ll take in an online RN-to-BSN degree program

  • Care of children and adolescents. This course teaches students how to provide healthcare to children and adolescents in clinical settings. They learn about healthcare issues and diagnoses that are common among children today and how to manage them.
  • Population health. Students learn how to meet the growing challenges of healthcare delivery and management. The course examines how healthcare professionals can better understand the populations they serve and how to achieve meaningful health outcomes for those populations.
  • Legal and ethical issues in clinical practice. This course examines the core ethical principles that nurses must adhere to. Students learn what legal challenges and ethical dilemmas they might encounter and what appropriate actions to take.
  • Information technology skills for nurses. Because the development and delivery of healthcare services are inextricably tied to information technology, nurses must be trained to use technology appropriately. This course gives students the basic skills to navigate IT as they advance their careers.

What Can I Do With an Online RN-to-BSN Degree?

Career outlook

Earning a BSN degree can help registered nurses advance into more specialized roles within the healthcare field. This degree also increases earning potential, as nurses with bachelor’s degrees can command higher salaries than those with a diploma or associate degree.

Many RN-to-BSN degree programs offer students the opportunity to choose a concentration and hone their skills in a particular area of practice. Specialization options include neonatal, pediatric, or geriatric care, psychiatric nursing, oncology, cardiology, and trauma.

A common path for BSN students is pursuing a master’s degree to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), also known as a nurse practitioner. These individuals have a greater scope of practice than RNs, including the ability to diagnose medical issues and prescribe medication. They can also pursue specializations in anesthesiology or midwifery.

  • Registered nurses — Work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists to provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
    • Median annual salary: $86,070
    • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
    • New jobs projected: 193,100 per year
  • Health education specialists — Teach people about behaviors that promote wellness, including developing strategies to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
    • Median annual salary: $62,860
    • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
    • New jobs projected: 6,600 per year
  • Nurse practitioners — In addition to standard nursing tasks, this role often involves providing primary or specialty healthcare, with the scope of practice varying from state to state.
    • Median annual salary: $129,480
    • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 38%
    • New jobs projected: 29,200 per year

Online RN-to-BSN Degree Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to an online RN-to-BSN degree program?

Most schools accept applications electronically via their website, but applications can also be submitted through the mail. Instead of filling out a different application for each university, many schools accept the Common Application, allowing you to apply to multiple institutions simultaneously. Check deadlines and make sure everything is submitted on time. It’s also always good to speak with an admissions counselor before applying.

How much does an online RN-to-BSN degree cost?

The cost of an online RN-to-BSN program will vary based on factors like whether the school you’re attending is public or private. While private schools are more expensive in most cases, it’s worth noting that public schools tend to charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students. Additional expenses include technology and software needed for online study, supplies, and books.

How long does it take to earn an RN-to-BSN degree online?

A bachelor’s degree requires about 120 credits, but students with an associate degree already may have credits that can be applied toward their bachelor’s. Most RN-to-BSN programs require 30-45 credits, and students can complete the degree in one or two years.

Is an online RN-to-BSN degree worth it?

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S., with an estimated 1.8 million job openings expected annually through the next decade. Earning a BSN degree can help RNs stay competitive and command higher salaries when seeking opportunities. The American Nurses Association reports that the average annual salary for nurses with a BSN is $92,000, compared to $75,000 for those with an ADN.

While all BSN degree programs include an in-person component to fulfill clinical rotation requirements, completing the coursework for this program online can make it more accessible, especially for RNs who work while in school.

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