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.

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

1. Florida International University 

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:
  • In-state: $235.57 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $648.87 per credit hour
• Program Length: 1 year (3 semesters)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Application Deadline: April 3rd and November 4th
• Contact Info: (855) 449-2381
• Online Options Available? Yes 

2. Texas A&M International University 

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.

• Tuition: $8,995
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Application Deadline: Varies based on the start date
• Contact Info: (844) 872-8712
• Online Options Available? Yes 

3. Florida Atlantic University

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.

• Tuition: $719.84 per credit hour
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Application Deadline: Varies based on the start date
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (561) 297-3627
  • Email: dhawthorne@health.fau.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 

4. Seminole State College of Florida

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.

• Tuition: $3,597
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Application Deadline: Varies based on the start date (August, January, May)
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (407) 404-6081 
  • Email: bachelordegrees@seminolestate.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 

5. Fayetteville State University

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 truly affordable for anyone.

• Tuition:
  • In-state: $41.67 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $208.34 per credit hour
• Program Length: 
  • Full-time: 2.5 semesters
  • Part-time: 5 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: July 1st and December 1st
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (910) 672-1371 
  • Email: admissions@uncfsu.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes

6. North Carolina A&T State University

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:
  • In-state: $120 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $581 per credit hour
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: November 1st and February 1st
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (336) 285-3582
  • Email: lhlatham@ncat.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 

7. Grand Canyon University*

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. 

• Tuition: $340 per credit hour
• Program Length: 14 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Info: (855) GCU-LOPE
• Online Options Available? Yes 

8. University of Central Florida 

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: $179.19 per credit hour
• Program Length: 14 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: March 1st, July 1st, and November 1st 
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (855) 903-8576
  • Email: ucfnurse@ucf.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes

9. University of Phoenix

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.

• Tuition: $350 per credit hour
• Program Length: 14 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (844) 937-8679
  • Email: Online Contact Form
• Online Options Available? Yes 

10. Herzing University

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. 

• Tuition: $415 per credit hour
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Info: (800) 596-0724
• Online Options Available? Yes

FAQs About Affordable RN to BSN Programs

• What is the cheapest RN to BSN? 

  • The cheapest RN to BSN program is Fayetteville State University, with an in-state tuition of $41.67 per credit hour.

• Do hospitals pay for RN to BSNs?

  • It is very common for hospitals and other healthcare institutions to pay nurses to complete their BSN degree. Some employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement only covers part of the program cost; most require a work-service commitment. Your company’s HR department can shed further light on how much they cover.

• How much do RN-BSN programs cost?

  • RN to BSN programs can cost as little as $5,000 but can be $20,000 or more, depending on the school.

• How Long are RN to BSN Programs?

  • Full-time RN to BSN students can complete most programs in 12 months to 2 years, depending on the school. However, accelerated 6-month RN to BSN programs are available to students who wish to earn a BSN faster. Though fast, these programs are highly concentrated, challenging, and time-consuming.

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