Top Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs for 2025
Choosing the right Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can be overwhelming. To help you find the perfect choice for you, Nurse.org has ranked the top traditional BSN programs for 2025.
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.
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
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
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
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
Top 10 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs for 2025
Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.
|
School |
Tuition |
Program Length |
Accreditation |
|
New York University |
$1,916 per credit hour |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
University of California - Los Angeles |
$19,473 - $53,673 per year |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
Villanova University |
$66,838 per year |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
$92,288 per year |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
Emory University |
$29,960 per semester |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
University of California - Irvine |
$17,105 - $49,679 per year |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
Duke University |
$66,326 per year |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
Fairfield University |
$77,440 per year |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
Georgetown University |
$33,912 per semester |
4 years |
CCNE |
|
University of Washington |
$4,325 - $14,403 per quarter |
2 years |
CCNE |
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing offers a traditional four-year BSN program requiring students to complete 128 credits, combining 44 credits of liberal arts courses, 20 credits of science and prerequisite courses, and 64 credits of nursing core and clinical courses.
- Application Deadline:
- Early Decision 1: November 1st
- Early Decision 2: January 1st
- Regular: January 5th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (212) 998-5300
Unlike other programs, UCLA accepts students directly into the nursing program during their freshman year. There are a handful of openings for transfer students during the junior year. The BSN program is considered a UCLA-certified capstone major. Each student plans and implements a clinically based Scholarly Project designed to improve the system of care provided to patients and their families.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $19,473.36 per year
- Non-Resident: $53,673.36 per year
- Application Deadline: November 30th
- Contact Info:
- Email Address: sonsaff@sonnet.ucla.edu
Villanova University, located outside of Philadelphia, offers BSN students access to some of the best hospitals in the country for clinical rotations. Nursing students can seamlessly minor in global health. Many students even study abroad at the University of Manchester in England.
- Application Deadline: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (610) 519-5633
- Email Address: nursing.recruitment@villanova.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.
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
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
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
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
This Ivy League program offers students an unparalleled education and access to top clinical sites in Philadelphia. Despite the already rigorous nursing curriculum, students are highly encouraged to consider a minor, dual degree, or even submatriculation into a master's level program.
- Application Deadline:
- Early: November 1st
- Regular: January 5th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (215) 898-4271
- Email Address: admissions@nursing.upenn.edu
Besides being one of the best in the country, Emory University's BSN program is also highly affordable, and a significant number of students are awarded scholarships each year. Impressively, 100% of pre-licensure graduates had job offers three months post-graduation.
- Application Deadline:
- Round 1: August 1st
- Round 2: October 1st
- Round 3: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (404) 727-7980
- Email Address: nursingquestions@emory.edu
The Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing at UCI offers students endless resources. BSN students have access to immersive high-tech simulations and hands-on clinical practice at UCI Medical Center, and the program cultivates students to become leaders in their community.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $17,105 per year
- Non-Resident: $49,679 per year
- Application Deadline: November 30th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (949) 824-1514
Duke advertises their BSN program as having limitless possibilities and reimagining nursing. Throughout the program, students have access to the Center for Nursing Research, which is helping propel the nursing profession forward.
- Application Deadline:
- Early: November 1st
- Regular: January 2nd
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (919) 684-3786
$77,440 per year
A small liberal arts college in Connecticut, Fairfield University has a reputation for turning students into future leaders of nursing. Continually ranked as one of the best in the country, Fairfield is partnered with countless healthcare systems to give students access to a wide range of clinical experiences.
- Application Deadline:
- Early 1: November 1st
- Early 2: November 15th
- Regular: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (203) 254-4100
- Email Address: admis@fairfield.edu
$33,912 per semester
The traditional four-year BSN program at Georgetown University gives students over 800 hours of clinical, lab, simulation, and experiential hours. This, in combination with didactic coursework, allows students to excel post-graduation. Additionally, students have access to numerous diverse healthcare systems in the Washington, D.C. region.
- Application Deadline:
- Early: November 1st
- Regular: January 10th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (202) 687-6949
- Email Address: bsnadmissions@georgetown.edu
UW offers a prelicensure two-year professional program to students interested in becoming nurses. There is a state-of-the-art simulation center where students will practice their skills and students also complete over 1,000 clinical hours throughout the course of the program.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $4,325 per quarter
- Non-Resident: $14,403 per quarter
- Application Deadline: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (206) 543-2100
- Email Address: sknursing@uw.edu
- Online Options Available? No
What to Expect in a BSN Program
BSN programs are what most consider the “traditional college experience”. Students live on campus and commute to local hospitals for in-person clinical experiences.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements will vary depending on the program and the University. Some nursing schools will require a separate application to the nursing program. So what does this mean? You could be accepted to the university but not the nursing program. Keep that in mind when applying.
Specific admission requirements include,
- High school diploma or GRE
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- Personal interview
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Classes & Coursework
Students enrolled in traditional BSN programs are required to take a variety of general education courses such as biology, chemistry, writing, statistics, etc. Some BSN programs require general education courses to be completed first while others will start nursing courses immediately during freshman year.
Specific nursing courses include,
- Professional Nursing Practice
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Reasoning: Health Assessment
- Ethical Issues and Decision-Making
- Health Assessment: History and Physical
- Pathophysiology
- Pediatric Nursing
- Obstetrics and Women's Health Nursing
- Adult-Gerontology Nursing
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
How to Choose a BSN Program
Choosing a BSN program can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of programs. Because most students live on campus or locally throughout the program, it is important to consider what is important to you. Do you want to live close to your family? Do you want a big college experience?
The most important factor is ensuring that whatever program you consider is nationally accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation ensures that all nursing programs focus on the same standards and criteria across all nursing programs.
After choosing programs that are nationally accredited, other factors to consider include,
- Tuition (Private vs. in-state)
- Online vs. in-person
- Attrition rate
- NCLEX pass rate
- Student-to-faculty ratio
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.
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
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
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
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
