A degree in nursing can boost a registered nurse’s career. RN to BSN programs help nurses advance in their profession and earnings. Working nurses already face challenges in their career. Going back to school is a big decision, and one you shouldn’t take lightly. But for a nurse, it means an even bigger sacrifice. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice hours and pay to enter a BSN degree program. Affordable and flexible options are out there. In this article, we profile the top 50 affordable online RN to BSN programs in the United States.
Online RN to BSN Methodology
We reviewed over 185 colleges and universities with online RN to BSN degree programs. We narrowed our search by selecting schools that had received regional accreditation. From this pool, we narrowed our search further by selecting schools and programs that cost less than $25,000/year. We collected tuition prices from the most recent data published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. We also included schools or programs that had received rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed our schools in order of raw affordability. Read on to find the top 50 best affordable online RN to BSN programs.
#50 – Concordia University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,400
Concordia University is a good school for online programs in nursing. It offers an affordable online RN to BSN that helps registered nurses leverage their nursing career. The online nursing program consists of 36 credits. Each course and credit hour move at a fast pace, lasting seven weeks. Students take courses that prepare them for an advanced nursing role. Some of the required courses cover topics like:
- Community health
- Ethics and decision-making in professional nursing practice
- Evidence-based practice
- Leadership and management in nursing
To graduate, students must earn a minimum C grade in all nursing classes in the online programs. Concordia ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #66 in best universities in the Midwest and #54 in best value schools. Its programs in nursing rank #413 in the country.
#49 – Allen College
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Waterloo, Iowa
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,008
Allen College is a good school for an RN to BSN online program. It offers online students with an RN license an opportunity to earn a BSN. The BSN online program gives students a strong nursing foundation. It prepares them for a career as a registered nurse in leadership roles. Students learn about the different challenges nurses face. They also learn how to provide quality care. In this program, students take courses that cover many different topics. Some required courses cover:
- Community and public health nursing
- Health policy and ethics
- Introduction to nursing research
- Nursing informatics
The school’s RN to BSN programs rank #413 in the country by U.S. News.
#48 – Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
RN to BSN Online
Omaha, Nebraska
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,883
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health offers CCNE-accredited nurse programs. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing by studying full- or part-time. The program teaches registered nurses about the different leadership roles in the field. RNs can advance their career by earning this degree. The program offers courses that explore different topics in nursing. Each course runs five weeks followed by a one-week break before the next course starts. Online RN to BSN students take courses like:
- Community health nursing
- Nursing assessment for RNs
- Principles of research
#47 – Pennsylvania State University
Online BS in Nursing
University Park, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,054
Penn State offers affordable nursing programs for registered nurses. You can earn an online BSN if you have an active RN license. The online program consists of 120 credits. It has received CCNE accreditation, which is the gold standard for accredited nurse programs from the Colleges and Schools Commission. To make each credit hour affordable, the school offers financial aid awards. Students in RN to BSN programs take many different courses that introduce them to advanced nursing topics. These courses include:
- Family and community health concepts
- Introduction to nursing research
- Nursing care of children and adolescents
- Nursing care of the elderly
- Transition and the professional nurse role
Penn State ranks with U.S. News as the 77th best national university. Its nursing program ranks 39th in the country.
#46 – Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Online RN to BSN
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,012
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is one of the top online colleges for aspiring nurses wanting a career in the health industry. It offers a BSN online program for students with an RN nursing license. The BSN takes as little as 12 months to complete. It also allows up to 90 transfer credits. Louisiana State Board of Nursing accredits the program. Its courses cover advanced topics typical of RN to BSN program requirements. Students take courses like:
- Evidence-based nursing
- Healthcare policy
- Leadership principles in nursing
- Professional concepts in nursing
Admission requirements include an active and unencumbered registered nurse licensure. You should also have a diploma or associate degree from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited institution.
#45 – Clarkson College
Online RN to BSN
Omaha, Nebraska
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,880
Clarkson College offers affordable RN to BSN online programs. Individuals with an associate degree can qualify for admission to Clarkson’s BSN programs. The program prepares students for careers in nursing education and other leadership nursing roles. The BSN can also lead to an MSN degree. In the nursing program, students take different courses that prepare them for work in the field. Courses cover topics like:
- Biomedical ethics in health care
- Human development
- Nutrition science
- Population health for the RN to BSN theory
Upon completion of the required courses, students can earn a graduate degree in nursing.
#44 – Adventist University of Health Sciences
Online RN to BSN
Orlando, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,400
Adventist University of Health Sciences offers nursing programs for students seeking an online degree. Current Florida registered nurses can earn a BSN degree online at an affordable price. The accredited program is for nurses who want to work while earning a bachelor’s degree. The program teaches students about nursing management. It also introduces them to research and nursing informatics. Students in the RN to BSN programs take advanced nurse courses such as:
- Applied health assessment and promotion for RNs
- Community nursing for RNs
- Physical assessment validation
#43 – George Mason University
Online RN to BSN
Fairfax, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,401
George Mason University is a good school for a cheap online RN to BSN degree. It offers 100% online nursing education for those who want to leverage their current RN license. The program consists of 120 credit hours. Each course runs seven weeks in length. The online education and core nurse courses prepare students for a professional career in the healthcare industry. The nurse school offers courses such as:
- Biomedical ethics
- Research in nursing
- Vulnerable populations
To keep tuition costs low, qualifying students can receive federal student aid in the form of grants and scholarships. By the time students embark on their professional career, they won’t have debt accumulated from student loans. The BSN at GMU is more affordable than most RN to BSN programs and bachelor’s degrees.
#42 – Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Online RN to BSN
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,290
Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers some of the cheapest RN to BSN online programs. Registered nurses can advance their career by earning this accredited degree. The program offers both full- and part-time completion options. Both programs allow RN to BSN students to complete their classes online. Courses in the BSN program cover topics designed to provide advanced nursing knowledge. These nursing classes include:
- Caring health practices for the older adult
- Caring practices within the leadership role
- Conceptual foundations of nursing
- Ethical issues
- Research and evidence-based practice
Mount Carmel’s nursing school and programs rank with U.S. News and World Report.
#41 – Ohio State University
Online RN to BSN
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,485
Ohio State University offers accredited online nursing programs. The BSN online program is open to registered nurses who want to increase their nursing education. The online programs in nursing, including the BSN, have received full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The BSN is open to students seeking full-time or part-time study. Courses cover introductory and advanced topics in nursing. These include:
- Cultural competence in healthcare
- Foundations and contemporary issues for RNs
- Inter-professional concepts
- Nursing and health sciences
To keep the nursing education affordable, the school offers financial aid options to qualifying students. From scholarships to grants, students receive financial aid that helps cut tuition costs and fees. This makes OSU one of the cheapest RN to BSN online schools.
#40 – University of Missouri
Online BS in Nursing
Columbia, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,981
University of Missouri offers bachelor’s degree programs in nursing accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The BS in Nursing is available online. The nursing program consists of 120 credits. You can transfer up to 30 of those credits from an accredited school. The BSN gives you the practical skills you need for clinical management of patients. Nursing students also cover relevant topics in their courses. These include subjects like:
- Communication and computer skills in nursing
- Nursing ethics and law
- Nursing issues and management
- Nursing theory and research
U.S. News ranks the school among top national universities. It ranks #80 in best value schools, making it one of the cheapest RN to BSN program findings on our list.
#39 – The University of Alabama
Online RN to BSN
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,940
The University of Alabama offers an affordable BSN online program with two tracks of study. You can earn an online RN to BSN or an RN to BSN to MSN degree. In this program, students take a series of courses that prepare them for advanced roles in nursing. Courses teach you about human anatomy and physiology. They also cover human growth and development. More advanced courses cover ethics and statistics in nursing. To get accepted to one of the online programs, students must have a GPA of at least 2.0 in all science courses. They must hold an unencumbered RN license and ACEN-accredited associate degree. UA ranks with U.S. News as the 137th top national university. Its nursing school and programs rank #39 in the country.
#38 – Radford University
Online RN to BSN
Radford, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,916
At Radford University, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing online. The affordable BSN programs have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This credential means courses and curriculum uphold high nursing standards. In this program, nursing students take a series of courses that prepare them for a career in nursing. Courses cover both foundational and advanced topics in leadership, ethics, and assessment. To qualify for admission, nursing students must have an active RN license and associate degree or diploma in nursing. GPA requirements must also be met. But once admitted, you can earn one of the cheapest online RN to BSN degrees. What makes tuitions costs low are the financial aid options and minimal online learning fees.
#37 – The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Wise, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,498
University of Virginia College at Wise offers online BSN programs. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as part of the pre-licensure program. Students enrolled in the RN to BSN program take classes taught by experienced professionals. These industry experts cover topics such as:
- Applied pharmacology of the RN
- Health promotion in rural Appalachia
- Leadership and management in nursing
- Transition to professional nurse practice
UVA Wise ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Its current rankings include #12-#18 in top public schools.
#36 – University of Nebraska Medical Center
RN to BSN Programs
Omaha, Nebraska
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,340
University of Nebraska Medical Center is a good school for an accredited degree in nursing. It offers an RN to BSN program for working nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The bachelor’s degree covers contemporary nursing topics. It covers both foundational and advanced studies. Nursing education courses cover topics like:
- Health promotion
- Leadership in healthcare delivery
- Nursing interventions and healthcare outcomes
- Population-centered care
U.S. News the school among top online colleges for future healthcare providers. It is also affordable, offering federal student aid programs to qualifying students.
#35 – University of Northern Colorado
Online RN to BSN
Greeley, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,332
University of Northern Colorado offers a BSN program for working registered nurses. The program allows nurses to earn a BSN in 20 months. The BSN online program mirrors the program delivered on campus. It consists of 30 credit hours for the nursing major. BSN students take several required courses that focus on relevant nursing topics. These include:
- Current issues in health care
- Nursing concepts across the lifespan
- Professional nurse concepts
- Research in nursing
You can cut costs for each credit hour by applying for federal financial aid. Without aid each credit hour costs $513. But financial aid helps reduce the cost, making it a most affordable RN to BSN program.
#34 – Western Kentucky University
Online RN to BSN
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,112
Western Kentucky University is an accredited school for nursing. It has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). It offers an RN to BSN program online. In the BSN program, online students complete courses and clinical practice hours. They study topics taught by healthcare providers and professional nurses in the healthcare industry. If you have a valid RN license, you can take your credentials to the next level by earning a nursing bachelor’s degree. The program teaches you about the concepts of disease process. You also study health promotion and health concepts in public health. WKU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its rankings include #172 in nursing.
#33 – North Dakota State University
RN to BSN Programs
Fargo, North Dakota
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,992
North Dakota State University is an affordable school for a degree in nursing. It offers online programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The RN to BSN program is for experienced RNs who want to enhance their education and improve their skills. Many of the BSN programs at NDSU are online. They cover industry practice and relevant topics for today’s nurse. Courses include:
- Chronicity throughout the lifespan
- Inter-professional health care practice
- Transcultural nursing care
Once you complete the required courses, you take part in two clinicals. You can complete the clinicals near your geographic location.
#32 – University of Louisiana
Online RN to BSN
Lafayette, Louisiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,382
University of Louisiana is a good school for some of the cheapest online RN to BSN programs. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing online to help leverage your registered nurse credentials. The BSN program consists of 30 credit hours. BSN students can finish their degree in 12 months, depending on credit hour transfer credit. The courses you take cover topics such as:
- Health and physical assessment
- Nursing in disaster
- Nursing with diverse populations
Financial aid awarded by the school helps offset the cost of each credit hour. Eligible RN to BSN students can qualify for scholarships and grants. The financial aid awarded helps make UL one of the most affordable schools for collegiate nursing education.
#31 – University of Iowa
RN to BSN Program Online
Iowa City, Iowa
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,353
University of Iowa offers an affordable BSN program online. The program is open to practicing RNs with active licensure. The RN to BSN program consists online classes and a 16-week semester where you complete a practicum course. You must complete the practicum within 100 miles of your residing address. But before the practicum, your courses completed online prepare you for clinical hours. These courses cover topics such as:
- Community nursing
- Healthcare finance
- Introduction to human genetics
- Patient safety
- Professionalism in nursing
UI ranks with U.S. News as a top institution. Both undergraduate and graduate nurse programs have earned rankings.
#30 – Oklahoma State University
Online Bachelor of Science Nursing
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,234
Oklahoma State University offers RN to BSN programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The RN to BSN program is for registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree. BSN programs like this one offer full- and part-time completion options. Students take online courses and complete a practicum. They also provide work experience in the field. It is this experience that prepares them for a career or graduate school. Some of the online classes offered in the BSN program include:
- Cultural considerations in health care
- Health issues in gerontology
- Trends and issues in nursing
The school ranks with major publications like U.S. News as a top national school for RN to BSN programs.
#29 – University of Southern Indiana
Online Bachelor of Science Nursing
Evansville, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,210
University of Southern Indiana offers collegiate nursing education and online programs. Qualifying students can go from an RN to BSN while studying online. The online programs in nursing (BSN) consist of 30 credit hours. Nursing students can earn their degree in 14 months. The program prepares students for careers in education, leadership, and management nursing roles. While enrolled in the BSN programs, students take advanced nursing practice courses. Classes cover topics about assessment, care, and practice. Students learn how to face challenges as today’s RN. They also learn what it takes to work in important nursing leader roles. USI ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its current rankings include #66 in best regional Midwest and #21 in best value schools. Nursing students at USI can complete the RN BSN online program at an affordable cost.
#28 – University of Texas
RN to BSN Online
Tyler, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,855
University of Texas Tyler offers degrees that help working nurses (RNs) leverage their career. Through the BSN programs, you can add to your existing nurse credentials. In the BSN programs, students at UT Tyler learn how to work in nurse management and leadership positions. They study professional development for the RN and learn how to handle issues that arise in the profession. They also learn what it takes to be a good nurse working in today’s challenging environment. But there’s more to the nursing studies than leadership. You also cover pathophysiology and nursing techniques. Most students earn their bachelor’s degree in 12 months, but you can work at your own pace. UT Tyler is a top public school. Its nurse degree programs rank #112 in the country.
#27 – Eastern Kentucky University
Online RN to Bachelor of Science Nursing
Richmond, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,844
Eastern Kentucky University is a good school for a nursing education. It offers an online registered nurse to BSN program. If you have an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing you can qualify for admission. The program consists of 25-28 credit hours to finish the BSN. You take a series of fast-paced nursing classes that run eight weeks in length. Following the accelerated path, you can finish the degree in 12 months. Most students take two years to finish the degree. Courses cover relevant nursing topics. In the RN to BSN program, you take courses like:
- Complex client care
- Nursing science and research
- Perspectives in professional nursing
The BSN program offered at EKU has received accreditation from the Collegiate Colleges and Schools Commission. It also ranks with U.S. News.
#26 – Texas A & M University
RN to BSN Online
Corpus Christi, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,748
Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi is a good school for a BSN program accredited by the Collegiate Nursing Education. It offers an RN to BSN program you can complete online. If you have an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing, you can qualify for admission to the RN to BSN program. You take courses online that prepare you with practical skills and training. You take courses in family nursing and nurse educator. You also learn about nursing as a research consumer and the issues faced in this unique profession. Students interested in ongoing education can qualify for entry into the MSN and RN to MSN bridge programs. There is also a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree offered. The college ranks with U.S. News as a top public school and national university. The BSN and other nurse programs also rank #153 in the country.
#25 – University of Tennessee
Online BSN Program
Memphis, Tennessee
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,696
University of Tennessee offers an affordable BSN program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program prepares RNs for careers in nursing leadership roles. The RN to BSN program is available on a full-time or part-time basis. You can finish the degree in 12-17 months, depending on transfer credits. Classes cover many advanced nursing topics, from pathophysiology to transition to the nursing profession. Students in this nursing program also learn about nursing and health science and research. UT stands out among affordable RN to BSN programs because of its financial aid offerings. Qualifying students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants.
#24 – University of Arkansas
Online Bachelor of Science Nursing
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,656
University of Arkansas is a good school for CCNE-accredited BSN programs. The school offers a BSN in nursing online for working RNs. The program consists of 29 credit hours for the nursing major. You can cut tuition costs and time by transferring credits from qualified schools. You can also cut costs through financial aid awards offered by the school. Most students take three semesters to complete the BSN program. Students take courses and complete 75 clinical hours. Once they finish, they become eligible for advanced nursing roles. You can also qualify for graduate school, where you can pursue your MSN degree.
#23 – University of Southern Mississippi
RN to BSN Program Online
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,450
University of Southern Mississippi is a good school for an affordable collegiate nursing education. It offers BSN programs online for working RNs. The RN to BSN program is open to RNs with an active license. In this nursing program, you take a series of core nursing courses that prepare you for work in the career. You learn topics that cover nursing pharmacology and conditions. You also study different concepts in nursing and how today’s nurse faces challenges. Electives cover sociology and how to understand society through the eyes of a nurse. Graduates of the nursing program get equipped for advanced roles in the field. You can also go to grad school and earn an MSN degree after the BSN program offered at USM. The accredited nursing program and school rank with U.S. News.
#22 – Troy University
RN to BSN Program Online
Troy, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,312
Troy University is an affordable school for BSN programs. It offers an RN to BSN program online for RNs seeking a bachelor’s in nursing degree. For over 40 years, Troy has offered BSN programs accredited by the ACEN. The BSN programs have also received approval from the Alabama Board of Nursing. This means the program meets the highest standards in the industry. RN to BSN students take online classes that cover relevant topics. Courses include:
- Advanced nursing theory
- Professional nursing
- Research methodology
RN to BSN students also study informatics and assessment techniques. And if you’re interested in attending grad school, the program can prepare you for MSN program admission.
#21 – West Texas A & M University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online
Canyon, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,101
West Texas A&M University is an affordable college for online programs in nursing. Its per credit hour cost is less than most schools. It offers CCNE-accredited BSN programs online approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Board of Nursing. In this program, most students take a series of classes that cover relevant nursing topics. You learn about issues in health care delivery and nursing decisions for populations. You also study how nurses can become leaders in the industry. From electives to required courses, you can learn what it takes to be a good nurse in today’s time. Once you graduate, you can choose to advance in your career or return to school for a master’s nursing degree (MSN). The program prepares those who want to return to school with the knowledge needed to succeed. If you have an active RN license issued in Texas, you can qualify for admission. West Texas is a ranked college. With U.S. News, its current rankings include #32 in best value schools.
#20 – Southeast Missouri State University
Online RN to BSN
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,015
Southeast Missouri State University is a good school for a nurse program. You can earn a CCNE-accredited degree that will help you advance in your nursing career. The RN to BSN online is for nurses licensed in:
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- Illinois
- Missouri
In this program, students learn about the nursing profession, from framework to practice. They also study holistic assessment approaches for all ages of patients. You study pediatric and gerontological nursing. You also cover adolescent and young adult health. U.S. News and World Report ranks SMSU #26 in top public schools. Its nursing school and programs also rank.
#19 – Georgia College & State University
Online Bachelor of Science Nursing
Milledgeville, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,974
Georgia College & State University is an affordable school for an RN to BSN program. It offers a BS in Nursing degree online for registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing. BSN programs at GCSU take about three semesters to complete. The program consists of 120 credits. It helps prepare students for entry into MSN programs. It also helps them advance their current nursing careers. Online nurse courses cover relevant industry topics. You take classes like:
- Community and population based care
- Lead and management in nursing
- Legal and ethical aspects of professional nurses
- Survey of health science information
The university ranks with U.S. News for top nurse programs and best value schools.
#18 – Minot State University
Bachelor of Science Nursing Online
Minot, North Dakota
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,508
Minot State University is a good school for nurse programs. It offers an RN to BSN online program. In this flexible and affordable program, you can take classes on a part-time or full-time basis. But to qualify for admission, you must have an active, unencumbered U.S. nursing license. Required classes in the BSN online programs at Minot cover topics like:
- Issues of healthcare regulation and professional practices
- Quality and risk factors in nursing
- Theory and research
MSU has received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. It is a top regional and best value school.
#17 – McNeese State University
Online Bachelor of Science Nursing
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,440
McNeese State University is an affordable school for working nurses looking to earn a BSN online. It offers an affordable RN to BSN program for RNs with an active license. In this program, you cover advanced topics in nursing practice. You study the leadership role of an RN and learn skills you need to work in management. You also cover topics about the ethical and legal side of nursing. Courses also dig into the psychology of human development and wellness promotion across the lifespan. To stay in the program, nursing students must maintain a satisfactory GPA in the required classes. McNeese State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Current rankings for this school include #42 in top public schools. The nurse programs also rank in the top 300.
#16 – Mississippi University for Women
RN to BSN Online
Columbus, Mississippi
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,866
Mississippi University for Women is an affordable school for RN to BSN programs. Its per credit hour cost is less than most schools. You can earn a degree online in the advanced placement BSN program. The online programs are for licensed RNs seeking a bachelor’s degree that can help them advance in their career. In this program, you take courses from professors who teach on campus. They deliver the same curriculum you find in the traditional degree. Classes cover topics such as:
- Advanced nursing concepts for the professional nurse
- Community health
- Complex health alterations or threats to health
- Theory and research in nursing
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school. Rankings include #10 in top public schools and #4 in best value.
#15 – Henderson State University
RN to BSN Program Online
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,560
Henderson State University is a good school for an online nursing program. The school offers an RN to BSN program for RNs with a current license and cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. The nursing program covers topics necessary for today’s nurses. You study leadership principles and how to manage nursing teams. You also cover healthcare research and learn techniques in health assessment. You learn how to serve the needs of the community and provide resources to the public. While the nursing program does prepare you for a nursing career, you can also use it as an educational foundation for grad school. Some students with this degree go on to get their MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice. Because of the low tuition and per credit hour cost, Henderson is one of the most affordable schools on our list.
#14 – Appalachian State University
RN to BSN Program Online
Boone, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,450
Appalachian State University offers a most affordable RN to BSN online degree for qualifying students. If you have an RN license, you can qualify for admission to get your BSN. The program consists of 124 credits. You can complete each credit hour part-time. The schedule makes it convenient for working nurses. In this program, you learn about the different concepts in advanced nursing. You cover nurse care of communities and older adults. You also learn about leadership. Your courses help you know how to manage a team of healthcare professionals, such as nurses, nursing assistants, and techs. But it won’t take you four years to earn your bachelor’s degree at Appalachian State University. This program can take 12 months with eligible transfer credits. This means you can cut per credit hour costs by a large amount.
#13 – East Carolina University
RN to BSN Online
Greenville, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,325
East Carolina University is a good school for RNs seeking mobility in their career. The school offers an RN to BSN for nurses who have received licensure. For admission to the program, there is no placement exams. With an active license, you can jump right into the program. You can also finish the degree in four semesters, making it one of the fastest programs on our list. To meet requirements, students must complete a series of courses and electives. In these classes, you cover topics like:
- Community health
- Nursing finance and leadership
- Nursing in a global society
- Professional communication in nursing
Near the end of the program, students complete a capstone experience. The experience gives nurses hands-on training and skills they can take back into the workforce. ECU ranks with U.S. News. Its nursing (BSN and RN) programs rank #67 in the country.
#12 – University of North Carolina
RN to BSN Online
Wilmington, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,238
At University of North Carolina Wilmington, RNs can earn a bachelor’s degree that will help advance their career. The RN to BSN online degree can help you move into management or leadership roles. Students take different courses that cover unique nursing topics. You study everything from leadership and management in nursing to gerontological nursing and end of life care. You also cover research topics and study assessment in health science. UNC Wilmington is a best value school, according to U.S. News. Its per credit hour cost is less than most universities. Its online programs in nursing also rank #153 in the country, making it a top choice for affordable nursing schooling.
#11 – Florida International University
RN to BSN Online
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565
Florida International University is a good school for students seeking BSN programs. It offers BSN online programs for RNs with an unencumbered Florida RN license awarded through the Florida college system. The program consists of 120 credit hours. Students can enroll on a part- or full-time basis. To earn the degree, you must complete a series of nursing classes, both foundational and advanced. These courses cover topics like:
- Community health nursing
- Nursing in global health care systems
- Leadership concepts and issues
During the last year of the program, students complete a senior clinical practicum. It is the practicum that provides hands-on experience you can use to leverage your career. Florida International University ranks with U.S. News as a best value school. Its nursing degrees rank #112 in the country.
#10 – University of South Florida
RN to BSN Online Degree
Tampa, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,410
University of South Florida is a good school for an affordable RN to bachelor’s in nursing degree. It offers RN to BSN programs for RNs with active, unencumbered licenses. The online programs take five part-time semesters to complete. You can also finish your degree by completing three full-time semesters. The program requires that you take courses and complete workshops and a practicum. Core nursing courses cover contemporary nursing topics such as:
- Community health
- Healthcare leadership and management
- Information technology skills for nurses
- Nursing as a profession
The RN to BSN programs also prepare you for admission to an MSN program, PhD, or DNP.
#9 – University of North Florida
RN-BSN Online
Jacksonville, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,389
University of North Florida is a good school for an affordable online programs in nursing. It offers an RN-BSN program that accepts transfer credits. With credits transferred from an associate degree RN program or local community colleges, you can earn your BSN in 12 months at UNF. This cuts the per credit hour cost more than other schools. The program is for RNs with active licenses to practice nursing. In the program, students take a series of online core courses. They also take electives that allow them to dig deeper into nursing topics. Courses cover topics such as:
- Concepts of the professional nurse
- Ethical and legal concepts in healthcare and nursing
- Intro to nursing science
- Perspectives in chronicity
UNF ranks with U.S. News as a top public school. Its RN to BSN programs rank #206 in the country.
#8 – University of Central Florida
Online Bachelor of Science Nursing
Orlando, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,368
University of Central Florida offers affordable online programs in nursing for RNs with an active license. Its RN to BSN programs are CCNE-accredited (Colleges and Schools Commission). The Central Florida online RN to BSN program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework. Depending on each credit hour you complete, you can earn your degree in three semesters. You can also take up to 10 semesters to complete requirements. The courses you take for this program follow the same format as the program on campus. Courses teach you how to work in leadership as a nurse. They also prepare you to continue your education in an MSN or PhD program for nurse scientists. This is one of the few online programs out there in nursing that give you a strong enough foundation for a doctoral program. UCF ranks with U.S. News as a top school with affordable online programs.
#7 – Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online
Boca Raton, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,879
Florida Atlantic University is a good school for nursing online programs. It offers an RN to BSN track for licensed registered nurses with degrees or diplomas from ACEN-accredited schools (colleges and schools commission). The affordable RN to BSN degree is online. The professors who teach in the program also teach on campus. Students take courses that their on-campus peers take. These courses cover topics such as:
- Creating healing environments
- Nurse research
- Populations health in nursing situations
- Professional development – leader and coordinator of caring environments
Near the end of the program, students complete a nursing practicum in their geographic location. The FAU online programs in nursing rank with U.S. News. The school is affordable and offers plenty of financial aid options for qualifying students. FAU’s per credit hour cost is less than most universities.
#6 – Brigham Young University
RN to BSN Online
Rexburg, Idaho
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,536
Brigham Young University Idaho offers online programs for RNs who want to take their schooling and career to the next level. You can earn a BSN online if you have an active license and desire to improve your knowledge in health and healing. Students can jump into the program throughout the year. The rolling admission helps students continue working while attending school. The program takes about three to six semesters to complete. Courses cover topics from foundational to advanced nursing concepts. You learn about community nursing and health and wellness in the aging adult. You also cover research and pathophysiology.
#5 – Western Carolina University
RN to BSN Program Online
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,453
Western Carolina University is a good school for part-time nursing students. It offers an RN to BSN program you can complete online. The program is open to active RNs who want to advance in their career. In these BSN programs, students complete 24 credit hours online. They study relevant nursing topics that include:
- Advanced health assessment
- Community health
- Nurse leadership
- Nursing critical application
- Professional transitions in nursing
Not only do students complete coursework in the online programs, but they also partake in community practicums. Practicums give students hands-on experience and training they can use on the job. Western Carolina University ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Its rankings include #172 in nursing.
#4 – University of Florida
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online
Gainesville, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,876
University of Florida offers affordable online programs in nursing approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The online programs have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This is the highest standard nursing online programs can receive. Courses cover curriculum and clinical requirements. The clinical component takes place in the student’s local community. Classes cover many different nursing topics, such as:
- Health care policies and development
- Health care systems
- Wellness promotion and illness prevention strategies
UCF is a top-ranked national university. U.S. News ranks it #5 in top public schools and #22 in nursing.
#3 – Great Basin College
RN to BSN Online
Elko, Nevada
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,773
Great Basin College offers accredited online programs in nursing. You can take your existing RN degree and license and advance to a BSN. The online programs are open to RN students with an associate degree who want to continue their nursing education. The online programs in nursing have received approval from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Degrees are available on a part-time or full-time basis. Students take a series of classes that help prepare them for advanced roles in nursing and healthcare. These courses cover topics like:
- Diversity and healthcare policy in rural environments
- Information systems
- Introduction to statistics
- Management theory
- Quality management
#2 – State College of Florida
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online (RN-BSN)
Bradenton, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,074
State College of Florida offers online programs in nursing. For RNs who want to advance in their education, the online RN-BSN program can help. The program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It consists of 120 credit hours. Its per credit hour cost is less than most colleges. Students take courses that cover relevant nursing topics for today’s nurse. These courses include:
- Dimensions of professional nurse practice
- Ethical and legal issues in health care
- Labor statistics in nursing
- Leadership and management in nursing
- Physical appraisal
State College of Florida ranks with U.S. News as a top regional school in the South.
#1 – Sentara College of Health Sciences
RN to BSN Online
Chesapeake, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition/Fees: $2,828
Sentara College offers the most affordable online programs in nursing on our list. The online programs are open to licensed registered nurses who want to earn a BSN degree. If you have a current, unencumbered RN license, you can qualify for admission to the online RN to BSN program. If you don’t have an associate’s degree, there is another pathway you can follow to earn the BSN degree. Through this path, you must complete 25 credit hours of general education prerequisite courses. Courses cover topics in microbiology and nutrition. They also cover anatomy and physiology coursework and laboratories. Sentara is the most affordable school on our list for online programs in nursing.
Other Schools for Consideration
These schools also offer online RN to BSN and other online programs in nursing for consideration.
- College of Coastal Georgia
- Mexico Highlands University
- Northwest Florida State College
- Petersburg College (St. Petersburg College)
- Texas Rio Grande Valley College
- Western New Mexico University
BDP Staff May 2023 Related Resources:
Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) Degrees Online: Small Colleges
30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Degrees from Private Colleges
20 Most Affordable Master’s In Nursing Education Online Degree Programs
Ultimate Guide to Nursing & Healthcare Degrees and Careers