Easiest Online RN-to-BSN Programs to Get Into

As a registered nurse (RN) with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can access significant growth opportunities and increase your earning potential with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Hundreds of accredited RN-to-BSN programs are available to help you accomplish that goal. But if you’re looking for an RN-to-BSN program that’s relatively easy to get into, this article is for you. We’ve compiled the RN-to-BSN programs with the highest acceptance rates to help you find the perfect program for you. 

RN-to-BSN Program Benefits

There are very real differences between the skills taught in an RN vs BSN program. ADN education focuses primarily on hands-on skills, while BSN programs build on foundational nursing theory. BSN curriculum also emphasizes evidence-based practice and healthcare policy.

A more in-depth education translates to 20% higher nursing salaries¹ and better job opportunities². RN-to-BSN programs help bridge the gap between an ADN and a BSN education quickly and easily. These programs allow nurses to continue working while completing their coursework.

11 Easiest RN-to-BSN Programs to Get Into

1. Western Governors University
2. Aspen University
3. Galen College of Nursing
4. Grand Canyon University
5. Mississippi University for Women
6. Baker University
7. Liberty University
8. University of Texas at Tyler
9. D’Youville University
10. Indiana Wesleyan University
11. Maryville University

In assembling this list, we’ve taken several factors into our ranking methodology. We only include accredited institutions to ensure that we exclusively reference degree programs that meet professional standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has accredited every school in this article.

We then looked at which programs offer the highest acceptance rates to find the RN-to-BSN programs that will be easiest to get into. 

1. Western Governors University

The BSN bridge program* at Western Governors University has a 100% acceptance rate, making it one of the easiest RN to BSN online programs to get into. In addition to an already low, flat-rate tuition, WGU offers every student a $2,500 scholarship. In 2022 alone, the university graduated 7,000 new BSN nurses. WGU also recently updated its program to align with the 2021 AACN Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education.

The university offers its RN to BSN program online, making it a great choice for working nurses who need flexibility. Upon application, students who have attended an accredited program may transfer up to 80 credits. The university will then evaluate their transcripts for an additional ten transfer credits. 

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Tuition: $4,085 per semester 
• Program Length: 24 months (23 courses)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Application Deadline: Rolling (Start dates the 1st of every month) 
• Contact Information: (866) 225-5948 
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Website*

>> Explore WGU's Online RN-BSN Program*

2. Aspen University 

Aspen University offers ADN or diploma-trained RNs the ability to earn a BSN entirely online. Aspen provides interactive, flexible, facilitated courses students can take on their own schedules. Despite the self-paced nature of the program, students are given 1:1 support from faculty and local nurse leaders who are specifically trained in online learning. 

Classes start every two weeks and are only eight weeks long. Students can complete the entire program in as little as 12 months. The school offers access to one-on-one support from nursing leaders and instructors.

• Acceptance rate: 100% 
• Tuition: $11,624 
• Program Length: One year (10 courses)
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling (Start dates every two weeks)
• Contact Information:
  • Phone number: (800) 373-7814
  • Email: enrollment@aspen.edu  
• Online Options Available? Yes  
• Website

3. Galen College of Nursing 

The RN to BSN program at Galen College of Nursing strives to meet the needs of working nurses. With only a few requirements, Galen offers an RN to BSN with the least prerequisites. This bridge is for ADN or diploma-trained RNs who attended an accredited nursing program and hold an active RN license. 

Coursework begins six times yearly in January, March, May, July, September, and October. Based on credit transfer, most students can complete the program in just one year. The BSN bridge includes on-demand, interactive content with 3D animations and video presentations to facilitate flexibility and enhance learning outcomes.

• Acceptance rate: 100% 
• Tuition: $424 per credit hour 
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling (Start dates every other month)
• Contact Information: 
  • Phone number: (844) 848-1515
  • Email: admissions@galencollege.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Website

>> Related: Top RN to BSN Online Programs

4. Grand Canyon University

RNs with an ADN can earn a  BSN degree in as little as 14 months at Grand Canyon University.  Students can transfer up to 90 credits before the start of the program. The 100% online program offers both asynchronous and synchronous communication. In order to be eligible for graduation, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at GCU. 

• Acceptance rate: 100% 
• Tuition: $340 per credit hour  
• Program Length: 14 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Information:
  • Phone number: (855) GCU-LOPE
• Online Options Available? Yes  
• Website

5. Mississippi University for Women 

Ranked as one of the best value programs in the South according to the U.S. News & World Report, Mississippi University for Women offers a fully online, accredited RN to BSN Advanced Placement program. Students may attend this bridge on a full or part-time schedule and complete it in 12 or 18 months, respectively.

Both options are fully online and have clinical time built into the program. Whether students attend the program full or part-time, the tuition is a flat rate of $10,000. There is no additional fee for out-of-state students.

• Acceptance rate: 99% 
• Tuition: $10,000 
• Program Length: 
  • Full time: 12 months 
  • Part-time: 18 months 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadlines: 
• Full-time: June 21st
• Part-time: April 26th
• Contact Information: 
  • Phone number: (662) 620-5380
  • Email: tupelo@muw.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Website

6. Baker University 

With a 12-month timeline and a 99% acceptance rate, Baker University offers one of the easiest RN-to-BSN programs online. Students in the Baker BSN bridge can take classes from anywhere and complete the required leadership capstone in their communities. Each term lasts eight weeks, allowing students to remain working full-time while completing the program in a timely manner. 

Students must complete an Associate's Degree in Nursing from an accredited program to become eligible for this ADN to BSN bridge. Classes begin in January, May, and August and include health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology coursework. However, students may be able to test out of some of these requirements.

• Acceptance rate: 99% 
• Tuition: $225 per credit hour 
• Program Length: One year
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Information: Marlene Eicher, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs 
  • Phone number: (785) 354-5873
  • Email: Marlene.eicher@bakerU.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Website

7. Liberty University 

Liberty University’s 100% online RN to BSN program allows nurses to transfer in up to 75% of their required 120 credit hours, including 39 for RN licensure. A unique aspect of the program at Liberty University is the ability to continue directly into the MSN program making it one of the quickest RN to MSN programs in the nation. In fact, nurses can earn their MSN in as little as 24 months. 

Liberty University delivers its courses through asynchronous, 8-week classes with eight start dates year-round, offering maximum flexibility. The school even provides all textbooks for free online, making it one of the easiest RN to BSN programs in the US.  

• Acceptance rate: 96% 
• Tuition: $330 per credit hour
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling (eight start dates per year)
• Contact Information: (888) 223-4614
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Website*

>> Explore Liberty's Online RN-BSN Program*

8. University of Texas at Tyler 

The same full-time nursing faculty teaching UT Tyler's traditional, on-campus BSN program also teaches its online RN-BSN path. Motivated students with associate's degrees and RN licenses can complete the program in as little as 12 months. However, they may also choose a more leisurely approach on a part-time schedule.

The university arranges clinical experience at student workplaces or sites in their community. Before starting this RN to BSN program, students must complete six prerequisite courses, including Intro to Psychology, Statistics, and Microbiology.

• Acceptance rate: 94% 
• Tuition: $9,895 
• Program Length: 12 months (30 credits)
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadlines: 
  • Fall semester: August 15th 
  • Spring semester: January 1st 
  • Summer semester: May 1st
• Contact Information: 
  • Phone number: (903) 566-7000 
  • Email: enroll@uttyler.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

9. D’Youville University 

D’Youville University’s Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. The online RN-to-BSN program is for current registered nurses with an ADN or nursing diploma who wish to earn a BSN degree. The program builds upon students' professional clinical experiences as well as foundational knowledge from previous education.

The program requires 122 credits for completion, with a minimum of 30 credits from D’Youville University. Students can complete the program in two years of full-time work.

• Acceptance rate: 92% 
• Tuition: $1,080 per credit hour 
• Program Length: 2 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Information: 
  • Phone Number: (716) 829-8000
  • Email:  contactus@dyc.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes  
• Website

10. Indiana Wesleyan University 

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a post-licensure BSN program in both a fully online format and an online/onsite hybrid. Students can complete either program in approximately 13 to 15 months. With multiple start dates throughout the year, a 92% acceptance rate, and flexible coursework, IWU offers one of the country's easiest RN to BSN programs. 

 The program includes seven required core courses that address the foundations of the nursing process and evidence-based practice. Additionally, BSN students choose two nursing electives in subjects ranging from Cross-Cultural Experience to Ethics to Complementary and Alternative Therapies.  

• Acceptance rate: 92% 
• Tuition: $455 per credit hour  
• Program Length: 4 terms (30 credits)
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Information: 
  • Phone number: (866) 498-4968
  • Email: iwuenroll@indwes.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes  
• Website

Next Steps

As a practicing RN, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is a worthwhile investment. Not only will you be able to compete for better job opportunities, but your advanced education may warrant a higher salary. And with fully online degree pathways at schools with high acceptance rates, going from RN to BSN has never been easier!

ADN nurses can choose from in-person, online, casual-paced, and accelerated 6-month RN to BSN programs to suit their needs and career goals. This list presents the RN to BSN programs with the highest acceptance rates. Many also offer online courses, as well as other benefits.

If you're seeking flexible distance learning options on a budget, check out our guide to the cheapest online RN to BSN programs.

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