Top 10 Top Direct-Entry BSN Programs for 2026
Direct entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are a great option if you have a degree in another field but want to become a nurse. These direct admit nursing programs focus on nursing-specific courses and clinical rotations, helping you enter the field faster. We’ve ranked the best direct entry BSN nursing programs for 2026 to help you choose the right path.
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
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.
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
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Direct-Entry 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 |
| Holy Family University | $41,324 - $52,077 total | 14 - 22 months | CCNE |
| William Jewell University | $26,334 total | 12 months | CCNE |
| Baylor University | $68,100 total | 12 months | CCNE |
| Loyola University - Chicago | $69,080 total | 16 months | CCNE |
| Texas A&M University | $30,608 total | 15 months | CCNE |
| Florida Atlantic University | $16,264.40 - $47,277.40 total | 4 semesters | CCNE |
| Villanova University | $54,000 total | 14 - 23 months | CCNE |
| California State - Los Angeles | $695 per credit hour | 15 months | CCNE |
| Thomas Edison State University | $46,140 total | 15 months | CCNE |
| Marymount University | $82,472 total | 16 months | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
Holy Family offers an in-person and hybrid online direct admit nursing program. The hybrid pathway is shorter and allows students to complete didactic courses online. On the other hand, the in-person program holds classes two nights a week and clinical rotations on weekends.
Program Highlights
- Ranked as a Top 3 “Best Value” school in the Philadelphia area by Niche
- Recognized by University HQ as one of the Top 10 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in PA
- Earned a four-out-of-five star rating and national recognition from Money Magazine for its exceptional value and strong outcomes
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution
- Completed admission application
- Personal statement of goals
- One letter of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Minimum 2.75 GPA in required math and science prerequisite courses
Program Information
- Application Deadline: March 6th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (267) 341-3327
- Email Address: gradstudy@holyfamily.edu
Why We Picked This School
This program is one of the most affordable direct-entry BSN programs available through its partnership with Liberty Hospital. Students who commit to three years of employment at the hospital receive a significant tuition discount. The university recently added a hybrid accelerated BSN (ABSN) option that combines evening synchronous classes with monthly in-person clinicals.
Program Highlights
- Maintained a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate from 2023 through 2025 across all tracks
- Boasts an 85% pre-graduation employment rate, shooting up to 100% within three months of graduation
- Offers employment opportunities through strategic local healthcare partnerships
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Completed admission application
- Minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Grade of B- or better in all nursing prerequisites on the first attempt
- Current resume or CV
- One letter of recommendation
- Interview with a Nursing Department representative
Program Information
- Application Deadline: March 1st
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (816) 715-3982
- Email Address: foltza@william.jewell.edu
Why We Picked This School
Baylor’s direct entry BSN degree is fully online with just two campus visits throughout the entire program. Additionally, students must complete 720 hours of intensive, in-person clinical experience. This rigorous approach prepares second-degree nursing students for high-stakes healthcare environments in just one year.
Program Highlights
- Ranked among the top 5% of all Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Distance students achieved a 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate in 2023
- Best Value Schools ranked Baylor the #1 best nursing school in Texas in 2025
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any non-nursing discipline
- Completion of 52 prerequisite credits before the program start date
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on all prerequisite courses
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on all science-specific prerequisites
- HESI Exam scores of 80 or higher in both English and Math
- Current resume or CV
- Admissions interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline: September 15th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (888) 227-5901
- Email Address: admissions@onlinenursing.baylor.edu
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
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.
Our affordable, accelerated online nursing programs at St. Thomas University are designed to help you achieve your goals – equipping you with the resources and support you need to progress and succeed as a leader in nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Why We Picked This School
Loyola allows students to tailor their education by choosing between a traditional on-site experience or a hybrid model. Both tracks follow the same rigorous nursing school curriculum. The hybrid program combines online didactic lessons with hands-on clinical rotations at prominent Chicago healthcare facilities.
Program Highlights
- Ranked in the top 2% of undergraduate nursing programs nationwide
- Achieved a 93.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Personal statement
- Prerequisite completion form
- Two professional or academic letters of recommendation
- Current resume or CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Fall: July 1st
Spring: November 15th - Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (464) 220-9835
- Email Address: lurec@luc.edu
Why We Picked This School
Texas A&M offers a 15-month direct-entry BSN that combines face-to-face instruction with high-fidelity simulations and diverse clinical placements. This program is ideal for those seeking an accelerated career change, as it prepares non-nurses to take the NCLEX in just four semesters.
Program Highlights
- The distinguished faculty includes seven American Academy of Nursing Fellows
- Consistently reports a nearly perfect 99% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.3 GPA in nursing science courses
- Minimum 3.3 GPA in all nursing prerequisites
- Score of 75% or higher in each section of the HESI exam
- Completion of online verbal and written assessments via Kira Talent
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Fall: January 15th
Spring: August 1st - Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (979) 436-0110
- Email Address: nursingadmissions@tamu.edu
Why We Picked This School
Due to the popularity of its direct entry BSN nursing program, FAU recently expanded its offerings to the Davie campus. This expansion allows more students to access their high-quality nursing school curriculum and prepare for an impactful career change in a shorter timeframe.
Program Highlights
- Achieved a 94.12% NCLEX-RN pass rate at the Boca Raton campus in 2024
- Endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation, making graduates eligible for specialized certification
- Classified as an R1 Top-Tier Research University, it provides a robust environment for clinical experiences
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate work
- Personal interview
- Completed admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Tuition:
- In-State: $16,264.40
- Out-of-State: $47,277.40
- Application Deadline:
- Spring: July 31st
- Fall: February 5th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (561) 297-6261
- Email Address: nursing@health.fau.edu
Why We Picked This School
Villanova students can select between a 14-month and a 23-month direct admit nursing program. The 14-month path is fast-paced with limited breaks. It’s ideal for students who can focus on school to earn their degree quickly. The longer program is best for those who need to balance studies and clinical rotations with work or other responsibilities.
Program Highlights
- Honored by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education
- The Class of 2025 had a 98.9% job placement rate within six months of graduation
- Boasts a global network of over 10,000 nursing school graduates
Requirements
- Completed admission application
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- Current resume/CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Application Deadline: 14-Month Program:
First Deadline: September 15th
Second Deadline: December 15th
23-Month Program: March 15th - Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (610) 519-4500
- Email Address: Kristin.Barkdoll@villanova.edu
Why We Picked This School
Cal State LA is one of the most competitive direct-entry BSN nursing programs in California. The school admits roughly 40 students from a pool of over 200 applicants annually. Despite this exclusivity, this program remains a premier choice for students seeking an affordable and reputable ABSN on the West Coast.
Program Highlights
- Ranked number one in the U.S. for the upward mobility of its graduates
- Holds federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving, Minority-Serving, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution
- Features a massive alumni network of over 260,000 professionals
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Submission of current ATI TEAS Exam scores (70% or higher in all parts)
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Zoom interview with a faculty representative
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent highlighting professional goals
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Program Information
- Application Deadline: January 5th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (323) 343-3000
- Email Address: absn_advisement@calstatela.edu
Why We Picked This School
TESU provides one of the best direct-entry BSN nursing programs for those who prefer online didactic learning paired with local, in-person clinicals. A unique benefit of this program is that students can apply up to nine credits toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the university.
Program Highlights
- Maintains NCLEX-RN pass rates that exceed both state and national averages
- Features a high-tech Simulation and Skills Lab that mirrors real-world hospital environments
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred
- Completion of at least 60 undergraduate credit hours
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent
- ATI TEAS Exam scores (70% or better in each subcategory preferred)
- Current resume/CV
- Personal interview with nursing staff
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Winter: September 1st
- Spring: January 1st
- Fall: May 30th
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (609) 633-6460
- Email Address: nursing@tesu.edu
Why We Picked This School
Marymount is an excellent choice for schools with direct admit nursing programs due to its elite clinical placements. Students complete clinical rotations at some of the top hospitals in the area, including Inova, MedStar, Virginia Hospital Center, Sibley Memorial Hospital, and Children’s National Medical Center.
Program Highlights
- Recognized as Virginia’s only four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution
- Has an average five-year NCLEX pass rate of over 88% across all programs
- Ranked 15th in the nation for Campus Ethnic Diversity
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- One letter of recommendation
- Personal Essay/Statement of Intent (Topic: Inspiration for nursing studies)
- Official ATI-TEAS Exam scores
- Grade of C or better in all nursing prerequisites completed within the last 10 years
- Current resume/CV (optional)
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Spring: Last Friday in September
Fall: Last Friday in May - Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (703) 522-5600
What to Expect in a Direct-Entry BSN Program
Direct-entry BSN programs offer an accelerated path to becoming a registered nurse. Unlike traditional pathways, they factor your bachelor’s studies and pre-reqs into the general education requirements, allowing you to jump straight into the nursing school curriculum. From the start, you will gain hands-on clinical experience and complete condensed nursing courses designed specifically for second-degree nursing students. Most students find that the intensive nature of these programs requires a full-time commitment, but the reward is a significantly faster transition into your new career.
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
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.
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
FAQs
Additional Resources
- Best Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs 2026
- Top Online Nursing Programs for Non-Nurses | 2026
- Top 10 Online ABSN Programs | 2026
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