Overview of RN to BSN Degrees
A nursing diploma course or an associate’s degree must be completed to become an RN(Registered Nurse). Although working as an RN gives you clinical experience, obtaining an online RN-to-BSN degree expands your education and positions you to take on a leadership position in the industry. Your ability to carefully evaluate patients’ health and provide required care and medication is enhanced by having a BSN. Most RN-to-BSN students enrolled in online programmes can keep their jobs while pursuing their degrees.
Why go from RN to BSN degree?
Going for an RN to BSN degree helps your profile to stay competitive. A study by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing states that more than 77% of employers prefer to hire Registered Nurses(RNs) with at least a bachelor’s degree.
An RN to BSN degree helps nurses qualify for better opportunities and salaries. Nurses with an RN degree have a median pay of $77,600 as per the Bureau of Labour Statistics; however, if the nurses have an RN to BSN degree under their belt, their salary increases to $91,000 annually. A BSN degree allows nurses to pursue graduate studies and become nurse practitioners. As per the Bureau of Labour Statistics, nurse practitioners take home an annual salary of $123,780.
Admission Requirements for an RN to BSN Degree
Each institution has requirements for admission to its online RN-to-BSN programmes, although many are comparable. For instance, the majority call for either an ADN or a nursing diploma. Some colleges demand that your former programme maintain its National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission certification. Additionally, a criterion of a minimum GPA of 2.5 exists. You must have a valid nursing licence and work experience to be accepted.
Accreditation in RN to BSN Programs
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), a significant accrediting body for nursing programmes, offers accreditation for numerous levels of nursing education, including associate, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. A nursing programme must meet or exceed established quality education standards to achieve ACEN accreditation. Another accrediting body is the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which only recognises bachelor’s and master’s programs.
If the nursing programme you want to enrol in is not accredited, ensure that the university has either regional or national accreditation.
Is an online RN to BSN worth it?
An online RN to BSN may be the answer to your professional goals, your desire to enhance your nursing skills, or to qualify for positions you most desire. It can be a good option for registered nurses who want to advance their education and career opportunities without attending campus classes. The reasons for going for an RN to BSN are better described in the flowchart below.
How do I choose a Good Online RN to BSN Program?
When choosing an online RN to BSN program, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
1.Accreditation: Make sure a reputable accrediting body accredits the program, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
2.Curriculum: Ensure that the program curriculum aligns with your career goals and includes a good balance of theoretical and practical coursework.
3.Faculty: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty teaching in the program.
4.Cost: Compare the cost of tuition and fees for different programs to find one that fits your budget.
5.Financial Aid: Check if the program offers financial aid or scholarship options.
15 Cheapest RN to BSN Degrees
#1 University of Central Florida
Program: Online RN to BSN
Tuition: $105.07 per credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Ranks #4 in top Public Universities in Florida.
Financial Aid: Available with 94% of the students receiving the aid.
The 100% online program has 30 credit hours and can be completed in one year. Applications to the program are accepted three times a year with summer, fall or spring start dates. The course provides a strong foundation for advancement into leadership positions and graduate studies.
#2 Catawba College
Program: RN to BSN Nursing
Tuition: $199 per credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financial Aid: Available with 99% of the students receiving the aid.
The program aims to prepare competent, diverse nursing professionals to meet the healthcare needs of a culturally diverse society. You can take up two courses at a time, but to make oneself eligible for maximum financial aid programs, take up four or more courses per semester.
#3 Appalachian State University
Program: Online RN to BSN
Tuition: $203 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission. Ranks as #3 in top Public Universities in North Carolina.
Financial Aid: Available with 75% of the students receiving the aid.
The program offers working RNs the potential to advance in their careers and meet the rising needs of the modern healthcare industry flexibly and affordably. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in as little as one year, depending on the number of courses taken. Applications to the program are accepted in the fall and spring of the calendar year.
#4 Fort Hays State University
Program: Online RN to BSN
Tuition: $227 per credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 96% of the students receiving the aid
The program aims to expand the knowledge and skills in critical thinking for leadership roles. The degree program is open for admission in all three semesters and can be completed in as few as three semesters.
#5 University of Texas Arlington
Program: RN to BSN Online
Tuition: $257 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Ranks #9 in top Public Universities in Texas.
Financial Aid: Available with 91% of the students receiving the aid.
The 35-credit hour program can be completed in as few as nine months, and applications to the program are accepted in the fall and spring of each calendar year. The students of the course learn to implement globally focussed and culturally appropriate disease prevention and health promotion strategies.
#6 University of Utah
Program: RN to BSN
Tuition: $260 per credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Financial Aid: Available with 89% of the students receiving the aid.
The program helps registered nurses gain clinical and leadership skills to take their careers to the next level. The program is open for admission in all three fall, spring or summer semesters. The students are required to complete their clinical capstone in the fourth semester.
#7 Grand Canyon University
Program: RN to BSN
Tuition: $340 per credit hour
Accreditation & Ranking: Program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The College ranks #3 in Best Colleges in Arizona.
Financial Aid: Available with 100% of the students receiving the aid.
The RN-BSN curriculum is designed to suit adult RN learners’ needs and make the most of the skills that working RNs already have. In as short as 12 months, you can acquire a BSN by transferring up to 90 credits. Through online discussions, GCU’s online courses allow you to study whenever it suits your schedule while maintaining a close relationship with your peers and instructor.
#8 Walden University
Program: RN to BSN
Tuition: $343 per credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 100% of the students receiving the aid.
The School of Nursing teaching faculty at Walden all hold doctoral degrees, and the school’s online nursing programmes adhere to strict criteria for academic quality and integrity. With various degree completion choices available, the student can select a bachelor’s in a nursing course that fits their hectic, erratic schedule.
#9 University of Wyoming
Program: RN to BSN
Tuition: $401 per credit hour
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and Higher Learning Commission accredits the college.
Financial Aid: Available with 97% of the students receiving the aid.
The program is designed for AD or diploma-educated RN who are willing to further their professional education. Depending on course availability, the 30-credit hour course can be completed in one calendar year.
#10 University of South Alabama
Program: Online RN to BSN
Tuition: $408 per credit hour (in-state);$816 per credit hour(out of state)
Accreditation and Ranking: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The college Ranks #6 in Best Colleges in Alabama.
Financial Aid: Available with 96% of the students receiving the aid.
59 semester hours are required as part of the RN-to-BSN Prerequisites. The program enables graduates to provide better patient care, critique and apply research to clinical settings. Throughout the course, you will be challenged while exploring relevant topics related to professional nursing issues of today.
#11 The University of Oklahoma
Program: RN to BSN Online
Tuition: $ 420 per credit hour(in-state);$938 per credit hour(out-of-state).
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 72% of the students receiving the aid.
In 2019, Best College Reviews rated this online bachelor’s degree program as the best in the nation. It is possible to complete the program in as little as nine months and on a part-time basis. The program ends with a capstone course with two courses with clinical components in which students complete clinical assignments per their schedule in appropriate locations.
#12 The University of Wisconsin- Madison
Program: RN to BSN
Tuition: $452 per credit hour
Accreditation & Ranking: Program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The college ranks #1 in Best colleges in Wisconsin.
Financial Aid: Available with 64% of the students receiving the aid.
The program comprises 30 credits that can be completed within 18-30 months. RN-to-BSN .Students at the university can begin the program while still completing their ADN. Those in the third or fourth semester of their associate program are eligible to apply to take classes as a “special student.”
#13 Arizona State University
Program: Online RN to BSN
Tuition: $474 per credit hour
Accreditation & Ranking: Program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college ranks #1 in Best Colleges in Arizona.
Financial Aid: Available with 60% of the students receiving the aid.
While preparing you to meet future healthcare challenges, the program will give you the skills to provide patient care in various settings confidently. The program ensures you gain your degree from a respected and accredited institution while empowering you to leverage your existing knowledge and experience to expand your nursing competencies.
#14 Purdue University Global
Program: Online RN to BSN
Tuition: $4,062 per term
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 93% of the students receiving the aid.
The program helps the students expand their knowledge and skills to offer better patient care and fulfil their nursing goals. Depending on the student’s choice, the course can be completed in two study tracks.
#15 Capella University
Program: RN to BSN
Tuition: $6,590- $13,180 for FlexPath
Accreditation: The program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 100% of the students receiving the aid.
The program is designed for working nurses willing to leverage their experience to broaden their scope of practice in diverse healthcare environments. The program has two streams, FlexPath and GuidedPath. Flexpath allows you to take the coursework at your speed. 90% of the nurses coming to Capella for the program choose FlexPath as it enables you to set your deadlines with the program being completed in 9 months and under $10,000.
How much salary can I earn with an online RN BSN degree?
If you are RN, then an RN to BSN degree will help you in a great way to bridge your education to a bachelor’s in Nursing. According to the Bureau of labour statistics(BLS), the registered nurse makes an average of $77,600. The field has a job growth of 6% from 2021 to, 2031which is as fast as the average for all occupations. However, completing a BSN degree can optimise your earning potential and advance your career.
This table shows the various job profile in the nursing field along with their salary.
| Job Profile | Salary in $ |
| Registered Nurse(RN) | 77,600 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 84,320 |
| Nurse Midwife (CNM) | 114,210 |
| Nurse Practitioners (NP) | 123,780 |
It’s important to consider why you’re returning to school before researching your options for an online RN to BSN program. Knowing your “Why?” will help keep you motivated and on track as you work toward achieving a BSN. It may be expanding your job horizons, providing more for your family, or finding personal fulfilment.
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