Affordable RN to BSN Programs Online
After earning a registered nursing (RN) license, the last thing you might consider is returning for your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. However, earning a BSN is crucial for many nurses to increase their earnings and job potential.
This guide will discuss some of the top affordable RN to BSN programs geared toward working professionals. In fact, many of these degrees are so cheap that employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement may cover the entire program.
But don’t worry, affordable doesn’t mean these programs are any less credible. Continue reading to learn how to take your career to the next level with cheap RN to BSN programs.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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About Affordable RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN bridge programs are for nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSN-trained nurses have a professional advantage over ADN nurses, making these programs extremely popular. Nurses with a BSN earn higher salaries and are more likely to advance their careers.
These programs allow RNs to complete a BSN degree in the shortest amount of time. RN to BSN program costs vary greatly depending on the program and whether it’s online or in-person. However, there are plenty of affordable options available.
RN to BSN bridge programs build upon the knowledge nurses gain throughout their practical training and clinical experience. These degree paths focus on critical thinking, nursing research, public health, and management.
Top Affordable RN to BSN Online Programs
We've ranked the top 10 most affordable RN to BSN programs for nurses in 2024 based on criteria such as NCLEX pass rate, tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation.
>> Related: Easiest RN to BSN Programs
Florida International University (FIU) offers the most affordable options for RNs looking to earn a BSN degree. After completing the program, students can advance into a graduate nursing degree program at FIU.
Despite its ultra-low price tag, students will find the program vigorous and academically challenging. The program consistently ranks as one of the best and most affordable in the nation.
- Tuition Per Credit
- Resident: $235.57
- Nonresident: $648.87
- Application Deadlines
- First-Year: November 12th
- Transfer: December 2nd
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (855) 449-2381
- Email: onlineprograms@fiu.edu
Texas A&M International offers one of the cheapest RN to BSN online programs, making it extremely popular for RNs. The university offers six flexible start dates throughout the year. Students must have a 2.5 GPA in previous degree coursework and a valid RN license to be eligible for the program.
The program primarily focuses on leadership and management skills. However, students also learn about epidemiological principles by assessing healthcare status, resources, and needs with community groups.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (844) 872-8712
This program, while extremely affordable, is also very flexible. Students have the option of completing the program at their own pace in 3 to 6 semesters.
Students meet with an advisor during enrollment to determine which course plan is best for their educational goals. Although students may switch to another completion track, it's ideal to consider the best path at the start of enrollment.
- Application Deadlines
- Fall: July 1sdt
- Spring: November 1st
- Summer: April 15th
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (561) 297-3627
- Email: dhawthorne@health.fau.edu
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Seminole State College of Florida offers one of the cheapest online RN to BSN programs, making it quite convenient for working nurses.
The instructors at this university are all real-world practitioners. They can relate to students while utilizing their knowledge to connect bedside nursing experience to leadership and management.
- University Application Deadlines
- Fall: February 13th
- Spring: May 26th
- Summer: November 13th
- Nursing Application Deadlines
- Fall: May 17th
- Spring: August 30th
- Summer: January 17th
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (407) 708-2106
- Email: bachelordegrees@seminolestate.edu
Students can attend FSU's cheap RN to BSN online, which means they don't get to experience the beauty of the college's campus. They do, however, get access to Fayetteville State's extremely low tuition. This 32-credit program features nine upper-level nursing courses that are eight weeks long.
Unfortunately, FSU does not offer nursing-specific scholarships. So, prospective students should research general scholarships to help pay for this RN to BSN program. However, with the exceptionally low tuition, this path is affordable.
- Tuition Per Credit
- Resident: $41.67
- Nonresident: $208.34
- Program Length
- Full Time: 2.5 Semesters
- Part Time: 5 Semesters
- Application Deadlines
- Fall: July 1st
- Spring:December 1st
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (910) 672-1371
- Email: admissions@uncfsu.edu
This affordable RN to BSN bridge program has 11 courses that focus on leadership, ethics, and research for ADN nurses. North Carolina A&T already offers low tuition to in and out-of-state students. But, they also give military families in-state tuition rates no matter where they reside.
- Tuition Per Credit
- Resident: $120
- Nonresident: $581
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (336) 285-3582
- Email: lhlatham@ncat.edu
RN to BSN bridge students can complete courses at Grand Canyon University School of Nursing 100% online. However, they may choose from online classes and evening programs to suit their needs and schedules.
Most students complete this affordable RN to BSN program in 14 months. But, depending on the number of credits transferred, some may complete the core class in as little as 12 months. Speaking to an academic advisor about your transfer credit options is essential.
Something unique to GCU is that students can also enroll in a fast-track RN to MSN program, which they can complete in as few as 30 months.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- School Type: Private
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (855) GCU-LOPE
RN to BSN students at the University of Central Florida can complete the 30-credit hour program in three semesters full-time. They may also go at their own pace, attending the program for up to ten semesters or five years. UCF also allows students to take nine credit hours of graduate-level courses to apply toward an MSN degree.
- Tuition Per Credit
- Resident:
- Nonresident:
- Application Deadlines
- Fall: May 1st
- Spring: November 1st
- Summer: March 1st
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (855) 903-8576
- Email: ucfnurse@ucf.edu
The BSN bridge program at the University of Phoenix is perfect for nurses with or without an ADN degree. In fact, students without an ADN can complete the program in 2.5 years and transfer up to 40 credits.
Although the school already has a low tuition, most students are eligible for scholarships up to $3K starting with the first course.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- School Type: Private
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (844) 937-8679
- Email: Online Contact Form
This program is unique because it offers rolling admission, which allows students to apply and start whenever is most convenient. Herzing BSN classes last 8 weeks each, and students can finish the degree in as little as one year.
Students can also take master's degree classes while completing this affordable online RN to BSN program. This option allows them to save time and money if they plan on pursuing a graduate education.
Interestingly, the program at Herzing University does not have traditional clinicals like other RN to BSN bridge programs. Instead, there is just a 45-hour community health project that satisfies the clinical requirement.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- School Type: Private
- Contact Information
- Phone Number: (800) 596-0724
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
FAQs About Affordable RN to BSN Programs
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