Top 10 Cheapest BSN Programs for 2026
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) isn’t always attainable because of the overall cost. A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can be very expensive, but it doesn't have to be. There are many affordable BSN programs available, regardless of scholarships and financial aid. To help you choose the right undergraduate nursing program, we've ranked the top 10 cheapest BSN programs for 2026.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
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
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
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Cheapest BSN Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| University of Hawai’i at Manoa | $480 - $1,398 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | $241 - $841 per credit hour | 4 years | ACEN |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock | $334 - $645 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| University of Florida, Gainesville | $212.74 - $1,029.53 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| University of Iowa | $550 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| University of Maine | $424 - $1,229 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| University of South Alabama | $423 - $846 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| Salem State University | $455.04 - $3,525 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
| Florida State University at Jacksonville | $12,586 total | 4 years | ACEN |
| University of Texas at Arlington | $425 per credit hour | 15 months | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
The BSN program at UH Manoa remains extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of roughly 3%–4%. Hawaii residents receive priority admission. Currently, residents make up 78% of the undergraduate nursing program.
Program Highlights
- UH Manoa is the only doctoral/research university-intensive institution in Hawaii.
- U.S. News and World Report Magazine ranked the school #86 for undergraduate programs in 2024.
- The school achieved a NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100% for first-time test takers in 2023.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $480 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,398 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: January 19th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (808) 956-8523
Why We Picked This School
Although the main program is in Anchorage, students can access a growing number of sites throughout Alaska. These locations include Kodiak, Sitka, Fairbanks, Homer, and Juneau.
Program Highlights
- Students utilize medical references for in-depth nursing research in the official Alaska Medical Library.
- Nursing students have access to free tutoring services.
- UAA offers the only traditional BSN program in Alaska.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Complete the School of Nursing entrance exam
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official high school transcripts
- Proof of health insurance
- Physical examination
- Drug screen and background check
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $241 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $841 per credit hour
- Application Deadline
- Fall: July 15th
- Spring: November 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (907) 786-4550
- Email Address: nursing@alaska.edu
Why We Picked This School
UAMS holds numerous awards and accolades, making it one of the top affordable BSN programs. The college features a Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Nursing. The NCLEX-RN pass rate consistently exceeds the national average. In 2024, first-time test takers achieved an impressive 87% pass rate.
Program Highlights
- U.S. News & World Report ranked this BSN program 67th in the country.
- The school sits in the only academic health science center in Arkansas.
- The College of Nursing maintains partnerships with magnet clinical rotation centers focused on aging, cancer, and maternity.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- TEAS examination
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $334 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $645 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: March 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (501) 686-7000
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
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
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
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Why We Picked This School
UF serves as the flagship institution in Florida. Students gain experience at world-class teaching hospitals through UF Health and UF Health Jacksonville. High-achieving students can also access the university honors program.
Program Highlights
- U.S. News & World Report ranks this the top BSN program in Florida and among the top 20 nationally.
- Over 80% of graduates pursue a graduate degree three years after graduation.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Meet communication and computation requirements
- Meet foreign language study/proficiency requirements (two sequential secondary school courses, 8-10 semester hours of post-secondary study, documentation of equivalent proficiency)
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $212.74 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,029.53 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: September 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (352) 273-6400
- Email Address: conweb@health.ufl.edu
Why We Picked This School
Iowa offers one of the most competitive and cheapest BSN programs in the state. The school accepts only 84 students per cohort. The program has maintained a spot among the top 10 undergraduate nursing programs for five consecutive years.
Program Highlights
- U.S. News & World Report ranks this as the #8 Best BSN program.
- The school also earns high rankings for its DNP tracks in Nurse Anesthesia, Adult Gerontology, and Pediatrics.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline: November 3rd
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (319) 335-7018
- Email Address: collegeofnursing@uiowa.edu
Why We Picked This School
The University of Maine offers a unique study-abroad feature during the third semester. Most nursing programs do not provide this opportunity, making it a distinct choice for students with international interests.
Program Highlights
- BSN students maintain a 95% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate.
- The Peer Support Program provides tutoring for over 10 nursing courses.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 3.3
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- 3 years of Math and 4 years of Science
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $424 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,229 per credit hour
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: March 1st
- Spring: January 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (207) 581-2592
- Email Address: nursing@maine.edu
Why We Picked This School
USA sits in a manufacturing city that houses the region's only Level 1 trauma center and regional burn center. BSN students complete clinical rotations at USA Health University Hospital. The program also provides access to the Children’s & Women’s Hospital for specialized rotations.
Program Highlights
- More than 90% of BSN graduates find employment immediately.
- Students complete some rotations at the Mitchell Cancer Institute.
- The university offers over 115 degree programs.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $423 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $846 per credit hour
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: July 15th
- Spring: December 1st
- Summer: May 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (251) 445-9400
- Email Address: conbsn@southalabama.edu
Why We Picked This School
Salem State is the largest state university in Massachusetts and sits conveniently near Boston. The location provides students with access to top-tier hospitals for their clinical rotations.
Program Highlights
- Roughly 50% of undergraduate students attend for free through scholarships and grants.
- Undergraduate classes maintain a 12:1 faculty-to-student ratio.
- U.S. News ranks the school #23 for Social Mobility.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- TEAS test version 6.0 or 7.0
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $455.04 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $3,525 per credit hour
- Application Deadline:
- Early Action: November 15th
- Final: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (978) 542-6200
- Email Address: admissions@salemstate.edu
Why We Picked This School
The program is the first FSCJ program to offer the Global Scholars Distinction, a research-based approach to internationalizing education through globally focused coursework as well as campus and community-based learning activities and experiences, to its students.
Program Highlights
- 68% of the 2022–2023 cohort completed the program on time.
- 100% of recent graduates reported full employment in nursing.
- 100% of 2022-2023 graduates reported satisfaction in the BSN program.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: June 1st
- Spring: October 1st
- Summer: February 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (904) 646-2300
- Email Address: NursingBSN@fscj.edu
Why We Picked This School
UTA offers an accelerated program with courses ranging from 5 to 14 weeks. This BSN track requires a minimum of 24 community college transfer credits for eligibility. This requirement makes the program ideal for students who earned college credit while in high school.
Program Highlights
- Graduation and NCLEX-RN pass rate metrics exceed 90%.
- The school holds the Texas Tier One designation for excellence in research.
- Ranked #1 public college in the nation in nursing.
Requirements
- Proof of high school graduation, GED/IGCSE, or a copy of a high school diploma
- A minimum of 24 transferable credit hours for eligibility in the Accelerated Online (AO) track
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- A grade of C+ or higher in high school laboratory Biology and Chemistry
- Successful completion of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment for enrollment clearance
- A grade of C+ in Algebra I and either Geometry, Algebra II, or Calculus
- Standardized testing scores, either the SAT or the ACT
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay/statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: January 15th
- Spring: June 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 489-2810
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
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
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
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
What to Expect in a BSN Program
BSN programs are traditional four-year tracks that offer a “typical” college experience. Some programs integrate nursing classes immediately, but usually the first two years focus on general education courses like math, English, and sciences. Then, nursing courses and clinical rotations begin during the third and fourth years.
FAQs
Additional Resources
- Easiest Nursing Schools to Get Into
- Best Nursing Schools in the US
- Top No-Entrance Exam Nursing Schools
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